Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Australian Reserve Bank has moved to hold the OCR steady at 4.1 percent following this afternoon's meeting. Interest rates started to drop in February - but the Central Bank opted to hold off on going further for the time being. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains what inspired the market to make this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 1 April 2025, Auckland is officially out of the running to host the next America's Cup. Hospitality's Steve Armitage is disappointed the Government has ruled out contributing financially. English teachers react to the new recommended reading list for secondary school students - and should Shakespeare be mandatory reading? Stories that sound like April fools jokes but aren't - $85,000 spent to find three skinks and two local boards in Christchurch at odds over a speedbump means they will only build the bump on one side of the road.   Plus, what have the Greens done now? 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, former Labour Minister Stuart Nash and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A lively debate is taking place in Christchurch, with local boards at odds over installing speed bumps. There will be a bump on one side of the road but not the other. Is this everything that is wrong with local councils? It's been revealed the Government will not fund the America's Cup returning to Auckland - meaning someone else will have to host in 2027. Is this the right move? The Ministry of Education has released the list of recommended reading for secondary students. Shakespeare will be mandatory. Do we think it's a good call? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brooke van Velden says she's fixing unclear laws - on landowner liability for accidents on their land.   The Workplace Relations Minister's announced changes to health and safety laws to make it clear the responsibility lies organisers of activities.  The landowners of Whakaari/White Island were prosecuted after the 2019 eruption. EMA workplace safety manager Paul Jarvie says many companies were hit hard during the eruption fallout - and there's been industry concerns ever since. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed pedestrian crossing's become a bit of a joke - after differing views were shared from two Christchurch community boards. The southbound lane of Deans Avenue, near Al Noor Mosque, has been approved for speed bumps - but not the lane heading north. It's the boundary between the Riccarton and Central City wards. Central City Councillor Jake McLellan's side will have a bump. He says it will look kooky - but it's better than nothing. "When you add a crossing but you don't actually do anything to make people safe while they're crossing, it can become quite dangerous." Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt agrees it's better than the status quo. "At the end of the day, it's actually a massive, massive win for the Deans Ave residents - and a massive win for the everyday users of Hagley Park." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised over a three-week mission to locate and re-home three native skinks, at a cost of $85,000. It involved clearing vegetation along State Highway Three near New Plymouth - and releasing one copper skink and two gold striped geckos at Everett Park Scenic Reserve. Auckland University conservation biologist James Russell says the money spent was a fraction of the total costs of work on the highway. He explained New Zealand is extremely bio-diverse - and gold-striped geckos are incredibly rare.  "It's just another species where we don't know what's happening - and if we don't look, it'll just disappear and be another blot on our record." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boss of Hospitality NZ says the Government's reasons for not backing an Auckland America's Cup bid don't stack up. Auckland Unlimited has confirmed the denial of funding has put it out of the running for 2027. The Prime Minister and Finance Minister say there are better uses for the money. Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Steve Armitage says the money wouldn't go into a black hole.  "Actually, the Government can help to bolster Government coffers through GST revenue - from the teams being here and established over a period of time. There's investment in technology, boat building, componentry, even before you get to the visitations." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby boss Mark Robinson is relieved a quick resolution has been found to the Ineos stand-off. The petrochemical giant and NZR have reached a settlement after the latter launched legal action following Ineos terminating the deal three years early. Robinson says he's satisfied with this decision. "We're pleased there's been a settlement reached, we've been pretty open from when we started communicating this, we believed we had a pretty strong position."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pati Māori won't attend a Privileges Committee hearing tomorrow - despite being summoned over a haka performed by MPs during reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year. Te Pati Māori says its request for a joint Party hearing was turned down, and its legal counsel isn't available. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why the party isn't playing by the rules. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Reserve Bank has kept its Official Cash Rate unchanged - as it waits for the impact of tariffs expected from Donald Trump tomorrow. New Zealand's Central Bank is still expected to drop our Official Cash Rate 25-basis points next week. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the uncertainty around the economy has created complications for the Central Bank. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's chances of hosting the 38th America's Cup defence in 2027 have sailed over the horizon without Government investment. Team New Zealand has responded with a statement, saying the syndicate completely understands as 'times are tough'. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's scepticism in the education sector over a newly proposed English curriculum. The Ministry of Education has released suggestions for year 7-to-13 studies - for consultation until June. Suggested texts include making Shakespeare compulsory for Years 12 and 13 - and all years reading books by New Zealand authors. English Teachers' Association President Pip Tinning says the draft feels like a 'tick-box', with little clarity on assessments. "I would hope that there's actually better consultation and working with the sector around that, because the lack of transparency with this curriculum should be concerning everyone." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have recently had 'productive negotiations' about the economic relationship between the UK and US.  The leaders have agreed to keep discussions going ahead of the US' much-anticipated tariffs update this week.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the UK will want to avoid any negative economic impacts that come with these tariffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Airport has cut its airline charges after the Commerce Commission found the airport’s forecast revenue was “excessive” and its targeted returns were unreasonably high. In June, the commission said Auckland Airport’s revenue and targeted returns exceeded what was reasonable, but the airport’s planned investment seemed appropriate. In its final report today, the regulator again said the airport’s forecast investment was within a reasonable range, but said its targeted returns were unreasonably high. BARNZ Executive Director Cath O'Brien explains how this happened. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is set to unveil a barrage of tariffs on April 2nd - and industry experts have voiced concerns. The day has been dubbed 'Liberation Day' by the President and his aides, and business experts and economists are worried it will cost jobs and create economic turmoil.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what could come out of this - and what risks it holds for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Winston Peters says the Government has signed off on the option of two new Interislander ferries that can carry cars, passengers and rail. It will all be much cheaper of course than the iRex project, but no actual contract has been signed yet. What do we think of this? There was a big fuss over the Greens' Benjamin Doyle and some posts he made on a private social media account. The posts included images of their child with bylines that appear to be sexualised references. Winston Peters is calling for an investigation - what do we make of this? President Donald Trump has indicated he's willing to run for a third term - should we take this seriously?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is hopeful she can bring more competition to the supermarket sector.  The Government's seeking advice on breaking up the duopoly, possibly separating their retail and wholesale arms. Nicola Willis says New Zealand currently has one of the least competitive grocery markets in the world - and Kiwis are paying more at the checkout as a result. "What I want to achieve is a properly competitive market, to put downward pressure on prices, to motivate innovation and to ensure that shoppers get more choices." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's asking people to dob in too many road cones at work sites. A telephone hotline is planned - for people to report excesses. It'll be manned and funded by WorkSafe. It's been announced at the same time as Health and Safety at Work Act changes, with a focus on reducing the load on smaller businesses. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has voiced support with this idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I reckon Nicola Willis is bluffing - she's having a laugh. She's not really going to take a sledge hammer to the supermarkets. She has threatened to do this, she's had consultants come and do some work on it, but she's not serious about doing it. There's two main reasons as to why not. One: Splitting up the brands like Pak N Save and New World form each other is a drastic action to take. It could affect hundreds of mum and dad-owned stores who run their own local supermarkets and form part of co-ops around the country. Then there's the problem of prices - the fact that co-ops like Foodstuffs exist means they can spread their costs around the country and make prices more even between the regions. What happens to the price of Pams biscuits at Pak N Save Kawerau if it's split from its brother and sister stores? Does it come down or go up?  If it goes up, so does Nicola's credibility. Splitting retail land  from wholesale also risks creating a middleman to go between the two, thus pushing prices up anyway. These are all arguments for why not. There are also arguments for these, but at this stage they're not specific, they're just - prices are too high, so we'd better do something. All that's before you even get political support for such a move - which wouldn't involve ACT - so it would need help from across the aisle. I think, in the end, the risks will be too great and the benefits not clear enough for Nicola to smash the supermarkets to smithereens. I also think she knows this and she's hoping the threat is enough to yield some results - and that it will go down well with the public, who are sick of paying through the nose for groceries every week at the checkout LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 31 March 2025, Rail Minister Winston Peters speaks to Ryan Bridge about the two new ferries he's got Cabinet to sign off on. Auckland Pride's Bhen Goodsir speaks about the controversy surrounding Green MP's Benjamin Doyle, and their use of sexualised terms next to images of their child on social media. Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Ryan she's not afraid to break up the supermarket duopoly if need be. Plus, All Black Damian McKenzie reflects on signing with the Chiefs until 2029 and why being in the All Blacks is more important than money. 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.

Auckland Pride has been quick to accuse Winston Peters of 'conspiratorial fear-mongering' following his criticisms of Green MP Benjamin Doyle. The Deputy Prime Minister has criticised historic Instagram posts by Doyle that included sexually suggestive captions. Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says Peters' constant attacks fan the flames of hate - with Doyle receiving death threats. Auckland Pride chair Bhen Goodsir says the language Doyle used was designed to connect with vulnerable communities.   "As I understand, this was just one photo and a whole reel of photos that Benjamin posted - and their role was to connect with communities. So what we're seeing here is the intersection of their work, their identity as a queer person, and their role as someone who's part of a family." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian McKenzie has turned down overseas offers to remain in New Zealand through until 2029. The All Blacks and Chiefs playmaker says there were offers to return to Japan on a full-time basis. But McKenzie says he still wanted to stick around and experience all the All Blacks had to offer. "There's no place like home either - in fact, the next two years are going to be a big couple of years for myself and both teams, so the option to stay in New Zealand was an easy one in the end." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian households are set to gain some federal help to cut down on their energy bills. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese aims to cut down the cost of household batteries to make electricity costs more manageable for Australian households. Australian correspondent Jake Battrick says these batteries are solar-powered - and cost households up to $10,000. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Damian McKenzie is singling out the 2029 tour by the British and Irish Lions to New Zealand as a major reason behind his re-signing with NZR. The Chiefs and All Blacks playmaker is the first player to ink a deal that incorporates the next Lions tour. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister-in-charge has promised Interislander's ferries are safe until our new ones arrive. The Government's announced specifications for two ships - rail enabled and larger than the current pair - for roll out by Christmas 2029. Picton's port infrastructure will be replaced, but money will be saved by modifications and refurbishment in Wellington. Previous plans were canned in 2023, after cost blowouts. Minister for Rail Winston Peters says KiwiRail's given him an overview of the existing ships. "They are very confident that these present utilities are going to be capable of going well past 2029." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small businesses will have less health and safety obligations under new reforms.  Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has revealed her first changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act.  She says small businesses will only need to manage risks relating to death or serious injury to reduce compliance costs.  BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says it will bring a sigh of relief from small businesses - who are able to just focus on their success. "Safety is still paramount, but what we're seeing here is a clarification of what the responsibilities are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is looking to boost competition in New Zealand's supermarket sector - with a final push to encourage new players to enter the market. Nicola Willis says any new retailers looking to enter would be given 'VIP treatment' from the Government, removing regulatory hurdles impeding its growth. Former Costco managing director Patrick Noone explains that international retailers have to deal with their own challenges when trying to enter the New Zealand market. "Real estate prices were a massive barrier - there's just not a lot of retail space available to be purchased or rented. So I think that's a huge barrier." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 28 March 2025, the Government's called in the Commerce Commission to deal with concerns with Wellington Water's management. How does the government feel about stomping up money for Auckland's Eden Park? Royal correspondent Juliet Rieden speaks to Ryan Bridge about King Charles' hospital admission after cancer treatment side effects. Plus, Ryan reveals his gardening faux pas and why someone tried to steal his lawnmower. 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.

The EU has put out a list of items necessary for being caught in military or cyberattacks. The Crisis Management Commissioner suggested 450 million people should stockpile three days’ worth of food, water, or other essentials in the case of these situations or natural disasters. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the recommendation and why the price of chocolate is rising. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has headed to Asia after fallout from war plans conversations being leaked through the Signal app.  The visit comes at a difficult time in US-Japanese relations after his boss, President Donald Trump, imposed tariffs on Japan.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the trip, BYD overtaking Tesla, and subsidies in China.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Watercare’s tunnel boring machine has completed a four-year journey, breaking through this morning. The development comes as Watercare has announced a $14 billion investment to renew ageing and failing pipes over the next decade. Meanwhile, Auckland water charges will rise by 7.2% from July as Watercare becomes financially independent. Incoming Watercare CEO Jamie Sinclair talks to Ryan Bridge about what the investment means. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB's Andrew Alderson and Crusaders commentator Nick Bewley join Ryan Bridge on the Huddle.  Auckland Council has voted to go ahead with Eden Park upgrades, but they're hanging out for money elsewhere. Will they get it? Liam Lawson has been dumped by Red Bull after two races. Has it been fair? The Huddle discuss it all.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles was hospitalised today after side effects related to his cancer treatment. The King has cancelled two days of engagements but is back at his residence in Clarence House.  Australian Women's Weekly Royal Correspondent Juliet Rieden talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the 2025 general election for 3 May. Housing costs and economic concerns are what voters will be bringing to the polls. National editor of The Australian Dennis Shanahan talks to Ryan Bridge about what's to come.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand show ‘After the Party’ has been nominated for a BAFTA TV award in the UK. The show follows a high school teacher who accuses her husband of sexually abusing their daughter's friend, starring Robyn Malcolm and Scottish actor Peter Mullan. The shows director and producer Pete Salmon talks to Ryan Bridge about the nomination. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is calling in the Commerce Commission to help fix Wellington's water issues. This means Wellington Water will have to report details of its financial management to the Commerce Commission, and the commission will make sure that Wellington ratepayers aren't getting ripped off. How exactly are they going to do it? Local Government Minister Simon Watts talks to Ryan Bridge about the details. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is set to announce plans to encourage a third supermarket competitor on Sunday.  Senior Political Editor Barry Soper says this means the Government will outline the process they'll use to make it easier for a third party to start up in New Zealand.  Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the announcement and the Eden Park upgrade.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Government department has been hit in the US, as 10,000 jobs are to be cut in the Health Department.  This comes as 10,000 employees had already left or taken early retirement.  US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the cuts, a warning for staff cabinet staff using the signal app that leaked war plans, and how many parents are financially supporting their adult kids.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has officially been dropped by Red Bull.  The Kiwi driver has been replaced by Yuki Tsunoda after qualifying out of the top 10 in the seasons races so far.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joins the show, discussing why Liam Lawson wasn't given a fair shot, and Super Rugby round 7 this weekend. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ball is in the Government's court after Auckland council has decided to back an Eden Park upgrade over a waterfront stadium.  $100 million is needed from either the Government of the council.  Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest tariffs on auto imports could send the UK into a recession, according to experts. The US President says putting a 25 percent tariff in place would boost manufacturing - but this comes with risks for global supply chains. UK correspondent Enda Brady warns these tariffs could make the economy 'untenable' - and plunge the UK straight into a downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU chief economist Craig Rennie and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Eden Park has won the Auckland stadium battle, with Auckland Council overwhelmingly voted to endorse the Park as the city's main stadium over a new site near the waterfront. Do we agree with this? Has Tamatha Paul done damage to the Greens' election chances with her comments on the police? Or is she playing to her voters? Judith Collins has exceeded her target for consultant cuts, almost doubling the original cuts. Does this not prove the Government's point that there was plenty of fat to cut in the public service? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indian stock market is catching the attention of investors - and experts are claiming there's plenty of potential. The economy is also attracting positive attention - but one expert is warning there's a notable Achilles heel. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today was day two of the South Island Field Days event at Kirwee - and thousands of Kiwis turned up for the event. Today, the event was swarming with politicians - including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has recently announced he will be putting 25 percent tariffs on auto imports into the US. Trump explained this move would foster domestic manufacturing - but economists are concerned about the wider implications of this move. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks the outcomes of this - and warns more changes could come as the Trump administration is set to announce reciprocal tariffs in April. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Tamatha Paul has copped more criticism from her political peers. The Wellington Central MP's been under fire over comments she made last week criticising police beat patrols - and suggesting all they do is throw away homeless people's possessions. Tamatha Paul reiterated those claims in further interviews. She also claimed a woman was imprisoned for stealing $12 worth of items - and when questioned, could not verify whether what she was told was true or not. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is poised to call the country’s federal election as early as Friday, according to new reports. Speculation claims Albanese will make the move in an attempt to overshadow Peter Dutton’s budget speech. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's likely opposition leader Dutton will announce a cut in fuel taxes soon - but Albanese's announcement could overshadow it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 March 2025, Auckland Council has voted to back Eden Park as the city's main stadium. Eden Park boss Nick Sautner tells Ryan Bridge who should pay to develop the stadium. Public Service Minister Judith Collins is celebrating cutting almost twice as much consultant fat from the public service... but she's already indicating she wants even more public servants to lose their jobs. Can your car insurance company decline your claim if you've had a drink? A dispute tribunal has settled the question. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Tamatha Paul's police comments are going to hurt the Green vote - and is Craig Rennie going to run for Parliament in Wellington Central? 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 World Cricketers' Association has gone upstairs to the DRS in a bid for bilateral series to stay at the scheduling crease. The players' arm of the sport has interviewed dozens of stakeholders and concluded an annual calendar with assigned windows is required from 2028. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's made several housing announcements today - including allocating $100 million to be lent to developers for housing infrastructure on the outskirts of cities.   Minister Chris Bishop also confirms the Government will cut RMA red tape limiting development on new land.  He says the housing crisis is holding us back economically and socially. RMA lawyer Johanna King says these changes could work out for farmers - who can build extra spaces on their land without restrictions getting in the way. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.