Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A driver who scraped another car with his vehicle while leaving a bar carpark has had an insurer's decision to turn down his claim on the basis he had been drinking overturned. The claim was initially denied because the insurer said the driver was 'under the influence' - but he argued two handles of beer was hardly inebriated.  Barrister Chris Patterson says there's a lesson that can be taken from this. "If you've been wronged, then it's worth taking the insurance company on. If you know that the insurance company's on good grounds because the grounds they gave you are fair and you accept them - it's probably not worth taking them on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eden Park has triumphed in its battle to be Auckland's Council's preferred stadium - over building a new facility near the city's waterfront. The council has voted to endorse, in principle, the first stage of upgrading the park, with 17 in favour and two against with one abstention. Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says his team is delighted by the vote.  "We've had 125 years of history and tradition, we've had some of New Zealand's most memorable sporting moments - and this decision today is a special day in our history." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Access to timely primary and hospital healthcare has significantly deteriorated.  Health New Zealand's released a Clinical Quality and Safety Review - using data from the past decade. It reveals numbers of people waiting more than four months to see a specialist tripled between 2020 and 2023.  Chief clinical officer Richard Sullivan says Covid played a role and numbers are stabilising. But he says there's a long way to go. He also explained one target is 95 percent of patients waiting less than four months - but we're on about 60 percent, so improving that is a big focus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says she believes public service productivity has increased under her Government.   It's on track towards the goal of cutting $400 million off contractor and consultant spending - with a forecast it'll cut more than double that figure. The Public Service Minister says it's not a case of just shifting work onto public servants, because the service as whole shrank four percent in the year to June.  "Quite clearly, people are working better - but more people are focused, I think, on delivering better results for taxpayers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legislation to allow roadside drug testing has recently passed its third and final reading in Parliament - but concerns have been raised. Some fear that people using ADHD medication could be caught out by the new roadside drug tests carried out by police. AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says testing devices in Australia don't generally pick up on ADHD medication or medicinal cannabis - so it's possible people won't need to worry. "The law is also going to have a medical defence... so if you have a prescription and you're using it as prescribed, you shouldn't be looking at any fines or demerit points even if you did return a positive test."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An electricity substation fire in London that closed Heathrow Airport last week is no longer being treated as a criminal matter. Metropolitan Police have announced there's no evidence to suggest it's suspicious - after briefly bringing in counter-terrorism officers. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacks the findings of the investigation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KMD Brands, parent of Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz, has posted a $20 million half-year loss despite growing sales year-on-year, a result the company puts down to struggling consumer confidence and wholesale channels. However, the company believes the momentum is building, with Kathmandu’s sales continuing to improve despite the downturn. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revenue Minister Simon Watts this month unveiled plans to change the Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) regime to give some foreigners with illiquid investments offshore an additional, possibly more advantageous, way of paying tax. He said the Government would also consider exempting more Kiwis from the FIF rules, which incentivise domestic investment, but can be an administrative nightmare. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the current concerns - and explained why people are calling on the Government to go further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! World Athletics will introduce DNA tests for female track and field athletes to prove their sex. What do we make of that? Should the Olympics follow suit? Tauranga Council's coffee bill is sparking criticism - is it outrageous to have a nice coffee machine in the workplace?  Green MP Tamatha Paul is under fire over her criticisms of police - what do we think of this? Were her comments out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Torpedo7’s new owners have revealed a major shake-up to the outdoor sports gear retailer. Tahua Partners plan to close its stores in Rotorua and Auckland's Westgate, then convert 10 of the 16 remaining locations to a new offering called The Outlet. In a statement, it says Torpedo7 will continue to prioritise its online presence and its six flagship stores. Owner Roger Harper says there's a clear gap in the market - and outlet shopping is always popular. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals New Zealand businesses are losing billions of dollars a year as a result of unwell workers pushing through instead of taking time out to recover. In a new report by Umbrella Wellbeing, 'presenteeism' - when employees turn up to work while physically or mentally unwell - has been found to erode productivity and result in costly mistakes from staff. Umbrella Wellbeing Principal Psychologist Dougal Sutherland says 'presenteeism' creates significant costs for employers - but the data is difficult to track.  "It's very hard to count - but an estimate is that it's costing over $40 billion in lost productivity every year in New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 March 2025, reports claim Kiwi F1 driver Liam Lawson is about to be dropped by Red Bull - is that the end of his F1 career already?   Why a high school principal is telling parents they need to watch the new Netflix show "Adolescence". Outrage at Tauranga City Council for spending half a million dollars on new coffee machines for its staff. Plus, the Huddle debates Green MP Tamatha Paul's latest crazy idea on 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.

World Athletics has approved the introduction of cheek swabbing to determine if an athlete is biologically female. The global body's president Sebastian Coe says the decision is further evidence his organisation will protect the women's category in competition. The intention is to have the testing in place for September's world championships in Tokyo. Former Olympian and Otago University Emeritus Professor Dave Gerrard says the science behind the proposed tests is solid - and it's a reliable testing method. "It's used in common medical practice for genetic issues - and to determine the sex of individuals. So it's sound, and it is sound science."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga City Council has copped some backlash after accepting a five-year contract for coffee machines and coffee at a total cost of $470,000. This comes as the council proposed putting parking fees on boaties - sparking outrage from ratepayers. Tauranga Councillor Steve Morris understands why people are outraged by this. "Charity starts at home - and perhaps we could be charging 50 cents or even $1 per coffee from our council organisation to recoup the costs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says the Government is still fleshing out some sentencing details as new rules pass through Parliament.   Legislation passed today caps judges' sentence discounts at 40 percent.  It also encourages cumulative sentencing for offences done on bail, in custody, or on parole.  Minister Paul Goldsmith says it sends a bad signal if sentences aren't added together.  "We haven't gone so far as legislating that that should always happen every time at this stage, because it does have very, very significant impacts on our prison populations - and our ability to cope with it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has reportedly been dropped by his Red Bull team - just two races into the Formula One season. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claim Lawson will be swapped with Yuki Tsunoda for the next race in Japan. Motorsport expert Greg Murphy says meetings have taken place regarding the future of Red Bull's drivers - but no official release has been sent out yet. "Until there's an official Red Bull release, we'll just sit tight and wait and see. It sounds pretty drastic, to be fair - it's been a challenging start for Liam." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outrageous and 'a load of rubbish' are the Prime Minister's words to describe a Green MP's comments about police. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul spoke at an event last week, saying all beat police do is walk around - and throw away homeless people's items. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this makes the Greens look like a laughing stock. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says the Defence Secretary should be fired over texting war plans in a group chat. Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat where Pete Hegseth posted plans for attacks in Yemen - two hours beforehand. Jeffries says that threatened national security, and likely violated the law. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Trump has attempted to downplay the incident. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation about Liam Lawson's Red Bull future is picking up speed with the Formula One team reportedly dropping the New Zealander ahead of next week's Japanese Grand Prix. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf is claiming Racing Bulls driver Yuki Tsunoda is in line to replace Lawson. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix's new four-part crime drama Adolescence has generated acclaim and positive reviews - and it's sparked discussions about online radicalisation and toxic masculinity. The series deals with the fallout after a 13-year-old boy stabs a teenage girl to death - while addressing the factors that can warp young people's perspectives about the world around them. St Kevins College principal Jo Walshe says this series is an 'important' piece of art. "It's something that's going to stimulate an enormous amount of conversation, it's something that is probably going to get through to people in a way that's going to be a lot better than people like me standing up and telling families not to allow their young kids to have social media." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised to fix every pothole in Britain. In an earlier radio interview, Starmer announced plans to provide a 'record amount' of money to local authorities to fill 7 million potholes a year. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer promised to use AI and technology to speed this process up.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One former Special Trade Envoy has issued a warning to Kiwi primary exporters amid the escalating trade war. Mike Petersen has joined the chorus of international trade experts who say New Zealand will be caught in the crossfire between the US and China - and he's warning exporters to 'be ready to be nimble'. The Country host Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Export prices are sitting in a strong position - with cherries seeing a surge in overseas demand. New data shows cherry exports over the 2024/25 season reached 5.07m kg, up 33 percent from the prior season. Infometrics Principal Economist unpacked this data further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows a significant number of Kiwis are working past the retirement age. A new report from Stats NZ shows there are almost 200,000 New Zealanders aged 65 or older that are still in the workforce. This research also reveals at least 1200 Kiwis in their 90's are still working. Financial adviser Martin Hawes says many of these people will need the extra money - and plenty are just used to working. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 March 2025, Health New Zealand's Deputy Chief Executive Cath Cronin speaks to Ryan to explain why an 11 year old girl was mistakenly admitted to a mental health facility. Eden Park vs Quay Park stadium - council officials have had their say, and why taxpayers may have to pay for it. Plus - why your Lego or wine collection might be a seriously good investment. Plus, on the Huddle, Ali Jones defends making inquiries about mobility carparks in Christchurch. 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, Ali Jones from Red PR and Nick Leggett from Infrastructure New Zealand joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!   How do we feel about taxpayer funding of a new Auckland stadium? Can we afford this? New electorate boundaries have been drawn up by the electoral commission. What could this mean for prospective voters?  Ali Jones has been copping some backlash for suggesting there are too many disability car parks. She's on the defence - what do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report exploring the tech sector has raised concerns among experts. A new survey by Tech Beyond Gender found that over half of all female and gender diverse technology workers who took part in the study have contemplated leaving their positions - while a third considered leaving the sector altogether. Tech Beyond Gender founder Meena Satishkumar says many of them have experienced microaggressions in the workplace - and there's concerns about pay disparity. "More than 70 percent of them are dissatisfied with pay transparency - and more than half of them feel like they're not being paid fairly, with disparities particularly affecting technical and migrant professionals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's fears stricter regulation of event organisers could hurt smaller promoters most.  Three companies connected to Juicy Fest and Timeless Summer have gone into liquidation - with ticket holders yet to receive refunds.  Eccles Entertainment co-founder Brent Eccles is pushing to force ticketing companies to hold money until an event has ended.  But Lo-Fi Productions Managing Director Owen Evans says that leaves no wiggle room for the unexpected. "For us, the only time we struggle to pay people is either a knock-on effect from not being paid by other people - or things like the floods and Covid, where we had to dig into our own pockets to pay that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research shows investors looking for the best returns might be better off putting money into whisky or Lego, as opposed to the share market.  University of Auckland finance lecturer Gertjan Verdickt has released new research into alternative investments, including Lego, instruments, classic cars, wine, whisky and baseball cards. Verdickt says there's value in adding an additional component to a traditional investment portfolio. "Having something real, something tangible, is worth something. And it can produce additional returns on top of your normal portfolio."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence in the labour market is shrinking, according to new reports. The Westpac-McDermott Miller index shows employment confidence has reached its lowest level since mid-Covid - in September 2020. It fell in 4 out of 11 regions - including the biggest jobs market - Auckland. Westpac senior economist, Michael Gordon, says businesses are advertising fewer jobs. He explained some are just looking for more specialist roles and others are overstaffed after keeping workers through the downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland Councillor says he's leaning towards choosing an improved Eden Park to be Auckland's national stadium.  The other option is a new stadium at Quay Park.  Council staff say neither proposal is entirely feasible - relying on funding from the Council or the Government. Stadium Working Group chair Shane Henderson says Aucklanders want certainty - and they need to decide in Thursday's vote.  He says Eden Park's looking preferable.  "We can stage that development, the risk is a little bit more manageable. And honestly, looking at the report and the advice - they've got a few less issues out of the two." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feedback is being sought on a major shake-up of electorates. The Representation Commission is proposing replacing Wellington's Ōhāriu, Mana and Ōtaki, with new electorates, Kapiti and Kenepuru. A number of Auckland  boundary lines would be redrawn, including New Lynn, Kelston, Te Atatū - becoming Waitākere, Glendene and Rānui. Panmure-Otahuhu would become Ōtāhuhu. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the potential winners and losers from this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to hand down  the Albanese Government's newest Budget tonight. This is the last Budget ahead of the upcoming federal election in May - so the pressure's on for Labor to outline their policy agenda.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds outlines his predictions ahead of this evening's announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Captain Chris Wood expects the excitement of qualifying for next year's Football World Cup to be a slow burn for the All Whites. The win over New Caledonia in the Oceania final booked New Zealand a berth at the tournament for the third time in the team's history.  They're just the fifth team to qualify for the 48-team event so far - alongside co-hosts the USA, Canada and Mexico - and Japan. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ says it is investigating in depth as to how an 11-year-old girl was taken to a Hamilton mental health facility in a case of mistaken identity.  She was mis-identified as a 20 year old patient seen climbing Fairfield Bridge's railings - then cuffed and injected with antipsychotic drugs.  Health NZ Deputy Chief Executive Cath Cronin says they're deeply sorry and are working with the family.  She says there is much she can't reveal at present. "We need to really understand what's happened here - and I've got to wait for the review to get down into the absolute details of what's happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports have revealed power was available to keep London's Heathrow Airport open throughout the recent shutdown. Two other substations remained operational and capable of powering the airport - but the shutdown was called due to the time it took to switch from the damaged substation to the other two. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this update came as a shock to many people who got stranded. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global economy has gone through an interesting few months - and it's got markets worried. Trade concerns are impacting markets all over the world, especially the US.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 24 March 2025, Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she's shocked by revelations of Oranga Tamariki's grievous privacy breaches, including informing a woman's former partner of her address - leading to her physical abuse. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop tells Ryan Bridge he's ready to rip up the RMA - but what's it going to be replaced with? Ryan has a bouquet for a Rotorua councilor .... and Local Government NZ argues councils never spend money on stupid vanity projects. Plus, former All White Ben Sigmund remembers the last time New Zealand qualified for the FIFA World Cup - and the party that followed. 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.

A return to profit for troubled Canterbury milk processor Synlait. Its half-year result to January's end shows earnings of $63 million before interest, taxes, and depreciation. It follows a tough 2024 for Synlait, which saw a shareholder bailout via a $218 million capital raise to repay debt. Acting Chief Executive Tim Carter explains how the company managed to bounce back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Local Government NZ is warning against putting a cap on council rates, worried this will have a negative impact on its interest payments. But should we accept councils just ramping up rates that exceed inflation by multiples every year? Winston Peters delivered his State of the Nation speech this weekend. He mentioned Labour more often than NZ First. What's his game plan here? Auckland councillors will this week vote on the city's preferred stadium. But a significant number of them have admitted to having been entertained at Eden Park recently. Is this a problem? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says there will be an announcement in the next week on the Government's next steps to encourage more competition in the supermarket sector. Nicola Willis has previously indicated intentions to encourage a third player into the market to challenge the two incumbents. She explained while it's good to have a niche provider opening - unless someone is opening multiple stores, it's hard to get competition impact. "I've been engaging with a range of smaller players, and that's something I've identified. It's clear to me that the Government will need to take further action." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Government New Zealand is warning a proposed rate cap on councils will increase debt costs and place additional burdens on ratepayers. This comes after S&P Global Ratings released its downgrade of the New Zealand local Government institutional framework score last week - lowering the credit ratings of 18 councils and three council-controlled organisations. LGNZ President Sam Broughton says capping rates would stop local councils from properly investing in their communities. "New Zealand's got billions of dollars of infrastructure deficit at the moment because we've kept rates artificially low over generations." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are welcoming direct entry for Oceania to next year's Football World Cup - ahead of kickoff in their qualifying final against New Caledonia at Eden Park. It's the first time the winner from the region automatically qualifies for the tournament.  Former All White Ben Sigmund is feeling hopeful ahead of the big match. "If they play like they did on Friday night against Fiji - I think they'll be too good and too classy and bring it home for sure." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki's privacy standards are in the spotlight after a critical review.  The report highlighted nine cases it described as a 'snapshot of issues'.  They include a locked cabinet of client files being donated to charity, and social workers giving a mother's and child's address to a father accused of rape.  In another, a mother suffered more abuse - after her file was shared with her child's father.  Minister for Children Karen Chhour says that case was particularly tough reading.  "That gives me grave concern - which is why I set an expectation for Oranga Tamariki around privacy and privacy breaches. These are unacceptable."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Land owners will have more control of their property under the Government's new Resource Management Act system.  It's scrapping the RMA to replace it with two acts focused on land use and environmental protections.  Cabinet is hoping to pass it before the next election - to be in place before councils start 2027 long-term plans.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says building and expanding will become much smoother.   "So as long as you meet the standards and you're using your own property - you can go off and do it. So fewer plans, fewer resource consents, much more standardisation - a much simpler system." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for some bi-partisanship as the Government reveals key features of a replacement Resource Management Act system. Two replacement acts will include clearer environmental boundaries and prioritise property rights.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says it also has common sense ideas - like standardised zoning countrywide. He says he'll reach out to Labour and the Greens to look for areas where they can work together. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Albanese-led Government has recently promised to extend energy rebates until the end of 2025, providing another $150 in energy bill relief. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to giving Australians cost-of-living relief ahead of the upcoming federal election. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the upcoming Budget will also unveil more relief solutions for prospective voters - and set the tone ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are gearing up to punch their ticket to the football World Cup. New Zealand square off against New Caledonia at Eden Park tonight. The winner secures automatic entry to next year's tournament, while the loser faces an intercontinental playoff.  Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been growing calls to make churches pay more in tax - and the Government is set to review this in the upcoming Budget. But after over a decade of research, one academic has changed her mind and now believes churches should pay less taxes and receive more funding from the Government. Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts, Associate Professor at Waikato University's Faculty of Law, says she's been researching the economic impact and value of religious charities in New Zealand.  "It blew my mind...and quite often, the reason why we don't know about this amazing work that they carry out is because they hide it under a bushel, unfortunately. They don't do themselves any favours doing that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they were slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis.  The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.