Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 21 March 2025, the Government is vowing changes are coming to the building consent process.. after revelations that two in three approvals are delayed. The Warehouse boss tells Ryan Bridge how he managed to lead the company back to profit. Celebrity chef Al Brown explains why he's not serving Bluff oysters this year. Plus, Ryan comes under fire for his controversial ranking of  this weekend's sports offering. 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.

London's Heathrow airport is closed after a major fire at an electrical substation caused a power outage. 120 flights were in the air and had to be turned around or diverted. Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the shutdown, why former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon's no longer under investigation, and Finland's ranking as the world's happiest country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is hinting that China’s President Xi Jingping might be visiting the United States soon. This comes as the two nations are deep into a trade war.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the potential meeting, why there's good news for exporters, and Kiribati’s deep-sea mining deal with China.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christoper Luxon’s time in India has come to an end, relaunching free trade one decade after they fell apart.  A timeline is yet to be secured.  Meanwhile Winston Peters was in Washington as the US decides it needs a stronger presence in the Pacific.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins the show to discuss the international trips, the Green party’s rally for criminal Dean Wickliffe, and the latest GDP figures. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is leaving his role next month after 10 years in the role. The current Government asked him to stay in the role after he quit last year as he approaches 72, the oldest someone can be in the position. His ten year term is coming to an end once and for all and he has a strong parting message. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and Sports Journalist Jim Kayes join the Huddle.  The All Whites are playing Fiji tonight in a 2026 World Cup qualifier - The Huddle it's a definite New Zealand will take home the win. What could our impact on the World Cup be?  The Huddle is still reeling from the Warriors performance in Las Vegas, but can they pull off a win this weekend? The team is playing at home tonight against the Sydney Roosters.  Western Springs has everyone talking - should it be a music or sporting venue?  The Huddle chat all this and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are just two games away from securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Tonight they take on Fiji as part of the second semi-final.  If they win they'll head back to Auckland on Monday, giving one last fight for a place in the world's biggest sporting event.  Former All Whites Coach Ricki Herbert talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The poor state and decline of seafood is causing celebrity chef Al Brown to take oysters off the menu at his high profile Auckland restaurant.  Depot Eatery is known for their oysters but a lack of quality in Bluff Oysters has had them culled.  Al Brown talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The building consents process is taking too long, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has said.  Applications are supposed to be processed within 20 working days, but numbers out today show 66% of the time it takes longer than that.  Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk talks to Ryan Bridge about what needs to change.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warehouse group is making a profit again, announcing its half-year results for the six months ending 26 January this year.  But results did show a revenue drop of 1.6% for the first half of 2024. The Warehouse interim Chief Executive John Journee talks to Ryan Bridge about the results.   LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they will 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.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. It’s been a decades-long goal of the United States to put individual states in charges of running schools. The Education Department was created in 1979 and cannot be shut down without Congress’ approval, but Trump’s order might have done enough. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about why that is, why Americans are less happy than ever, and how much money two astronauts stuck in space earnt. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend of sport with the All Whites taking on Fiji tonight as well as the Warriors against the Roosters at 8pm.  The All Whites are aiming for the World Cup in this qualifying match at 7pm tonight.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave talks to Ryan Bridge about the games and the F1.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The grass might not be greener in Australia as an inquiry into supermarket’s is recommending 20 reforms to support consumers and suppliers. It has been revealed that Aldi, Coles and Woolworths are among the most profitable supermarkets in the world. Retail Consultant Nick Hogendijk tells Ryan Bridge they’re no better off than New Zealand's supermarkets. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 20 March 2025, the Finance Minister says the economy has turned a corner after the GDP grew 0.7% in Q4.    Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defends his criticism of Donald Trump, saying he's no longer PM and will speak his mind in the face of a bully.  Plus, an admin for one of Auckland's largest Facebook groups reveals the toll the job takes - and why he would like to charge people to make posts.  Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Direct flights to India are one step closer following a codeshare agreement signing between Air New Zealand and Air India. Passengers will be able to travel from Indian counties Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on their national airline, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore and onto New Zealand. Both airlines revealed they are aiming for direct flights in 2028. Indian New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla talks to Tim Beveridge about what this means for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On top of a forecast $10 milk price (Milk Price range narrows: NZ $9.70 - $10.30 per kgMS), Fonterra Ltd has increased its FY25 full year earnings guidance from 40-60 cents per share to 55-75 cents per share. Fonterra released its FY25 interim results today. The Co-op’s dividend policy is 60-80% of full year earnings, with up to 50% of the full year dividend to be paid at interims. That's a possible range of 33 to 60 cents. The Country host Jamie McKay talks to Tim Beveridge about Fonterra's results.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has climbed out of a recession as the economy grew 0.7% in the December quarter.  The outcome was better than economists predicted and Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pleased with the results.  What are the chances of the number being revised down again later?  New Zealand Herald Business Editor Liam Dann answers all the important questions with Tim Beveridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s good news for diary giant Fonterra, whose first half net profit is up 8 percent to $729 million, with a revenue growth of 14 percent. A dividend of 22 cents a share will be paid, and the forecast farmgate milkprice is sitting at a midpoint of $10 a kilo. What is the message to farmers? Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell talks to Tim Beveridge about the result. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former National Party staffer Ben Thomas and Ali Jones of Red PR join Tim Beveridge for The Huddle. Admins of the popular Facebook group ‘Auckland Flatmates Wanted’ want to start charging for posts. Could this be the future of successful social media groups? New Zealand is officially out of a recession - can we now feel instantly better about the future? The Huddle also discuss whether world leaders should keep their opinions on Donald Trump quiet, and if it’s counterintuitive to cut almost 400 defence roles.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hugely popular Facebook page ‘Auckland Flatmates Wanted’ is proposing a $3 fee for posting in the group. The page has more than 200,000 members and is a godsend for those trying to find or fill a room. An admin of the page is proposing the fee due to the work it takes to monitorscams and approve posts, but they’vereceived widespread backlash. Another admin from Auckland Flatmates Wanted speaks anonymously to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has concluded his trip to the United States where he met with US Secretary Marco Rubio. Peters has given little insight into the meeting, but said it was successful. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull has been outspoken about standing up to the Trump administration, does he agree with Peters approach to the US President? LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of the worst recession since 1991. New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7% in the December 2024 quarter, following a 1.1% decrease in the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Tim Beveridge about the turning point. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of recession, but that doesn't mean the focus is off recovering the economy. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says the May budget will be tough.  "There was a lot of criticism at the last budget that it wasn't tough enough, they had to do more ... they'll be hoping they can do something that will turn the economy on a better basis than what it has been," he said.  Barry Soper joins the show to discuss this, Ginny Anderson's charter contradicting charter school comments, and the Green MP who visited Dean Whitcliffe in prison.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's federal government is promising to cut the cost of pharmaceuticals at the election nears closer.  Peter Dutton and the Liberal Party have piggy-backed on the promise.  Dutton has made another financial commitment - to cut funding to United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the agency currently looking after refugees in Gaza, if he wins the election.  It comes as cost of living is a major voting point for Australians.  Australian Correspondent Murray Olds joins the show to discuss this, Trump's Australian tariffs, and developments in the cast that saw an ex-cop allegedly murder his former lover and that man's new partner.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oceania Qualifiers Semi-Finals are on tomorrow night for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.  But is it too easy to qualify? Does the simplicity take away the emphasis?  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave and Tim Beveridge discuss the qualifying games.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 400 civilian New Zealand Defence Force jobs are set to go as part of a major restructure. NZDF staff were informed of the cuts today. This comes after 145 civilian workers took redundancy last year.  Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts says workload will increase for remaining staff, and the growing need for a strong defence force.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government has unveiled a series of measures designed to slash £5 billion from the current welfare bill. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall has revealed the number of new people claiming the benefit is 'not sustainable'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this been met with backlash from some groups - and some feel the Government hasn't tightened things enough. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 councils and three council-controlled organisations have recently had their credit ratings downgraded by S&P Global Ratings. The credit rating agency has expressed concern that councils aren't receiving enough revenue to cover rising costs, including investment in infrastructure.   NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US stock market is still undergoing a turbulent period, with more investors aiming to cut their losses. Donald Trump's tariffs still loom large over the market, with numbers dipping into the red after a short rebound. Milford Asset Management's Andrew Curtayne explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame, host of ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Former All Black Ali Williams, his billionaire wife Anna Mowbray and US billionaire Bill Foley want to build a new stadium in Auckland's Western Springs. They promise it won't cost ratepayers anything. Do we need this?  Do we think employees should be free to tell their co-workers their salary? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid worldwide economic turmoil, the price of gold has hit a record high this week. It's broken through the US$3000 per ounce mark - and is currently up 15 percent since the start of 2025. Tony Coleman from New Zealand Gold Merchants says gold's been accelerating in price since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic - and Trump's second term as President has also helped push up the value.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 19 March 2025, consumer confidence has taken another hit, Westpac economist Satish Ranchod tells Ryan Bridge that global uncertainty is making us nervous. Foreign Minister Winston Peters on the show after his big meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC. Richlisters want to build a new stadium at Auckland's Western Springs, but Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson says he's got questions about what's in it for ratepayers.   Plus, Ryan tries to find out what his fellow workers are being paid. Will anyone tell him? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief better pathways to industry and trades training are needed. A report from the New Zealand Initiative has found just six percent of 16-to-19 year-olds participate in workplace learning, while 11 percent are unemployed. It states schools are geared toward university education, even though only about a third enrol in degrees. Morrinsville Plumbing & Gas Services managing director Dave Strong says the sector is still struggling with a perception problem. "We don't seem to be recognised as a career...we're actually qualified professionals now, but no-one seems to want to recognise it as an alternative."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Post is copping criticism over its failure to remove Hawke's Bay post-boxes that have been sitting dormant for months. New reports claim six NZ Post boxes across Hastings and Havelock North that were slated for removal are still being used by the public due to a lack of sign-postings. Hawke's Bay Today also spoke to one woman who had completed a free bowel screening test - only to realise it hadn't been sent two weeks later. Postal Workers Union co-president John Maynard says NZ Post should have consulted the public before shutting down the boxes. "Our position is - if people are using those boxes, the company should not be taking them out. This is a publicly-owned institution and if they want to move boxes or take them out, the very least they should do is consult with the local community." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global uncertainty and domestic cost-of-living pressures are hitting collective consumer confidence hard, according to new data. The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index for the March quarter fell eight points to 89.2. Anything below 100 indicates a pessimistic view. Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod says confidence will likely trend upward as the year continues, but it'll be a gradual recovery.  "If we look to the rest of this year, we are going to see confidence and economic activity continuing to climb. We've had some big interest rate reductions and we haven't felt the full impact of that yet." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Government New Zealand's suffered another loss, as Western Bay of Plenty District Council quits.  It's accused LGNZ of being too left-wing, unprofessional and unresponsive to the views of councils.  Local Government New Zealand says its decision-making process is based on input from mayors, chief executives and councillors.  Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge says it will save the council money.  LISTEN ABOVE Note: In the interview - Murray-Benge claimed leaving LGNZ would save the council $180,000. LGNZ says the membership was $63,000 for the 2024/25 year and would've been $70,000 for the following year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister says he's waiting for the dust to settle on potential US tariffs. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Winston Peters today in the American capital - talking global security and co-operation. The Trump administration has threatened to impose agricultural tariffs, with possible impacts for one of our largest industries. Peters says our two countries have been close partners for decades. "It's not a matter of taking sides or doing anything untoward, or anything that the New Zealand people would not want us to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is calling for Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old prisoner on a hunger strike, to be released. Wickliffe was allegedly beaten by prison guards at Spring Hill Corrections Facility - and the Greens want him released on compassionate grounds. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why a notorious criminal needs to be let out of prison under these circumstances.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another strand has emerged in the Auckland stadium saga. A group of high-profile New Zealanders, including NBA star Steven Adams and former All Blacks lock Ali Williams have proposed a new 12,500-seat stadium at Western Springs. It's understood that representation from the consortium presented their plans for the new stadium in central Auckland to a closed session of councillors last week.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is being forthcoming in hope of improving relations with Russia - despite speculation he'll be outmanoeuvred.  The US President called his Russian counterpart this morning to pitch an end to hostilities with Ukraine.  The Kremlin's agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days, and to work towards a ceasefire in the Black Sea.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson explains what could happen going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employment relations expert says many workers want to discuss how much they earn - and should be allowed to. A Bill put forward by Labour would protect that right for employees. It's supported by all parties, except for ACT and New Zealand First.  Amy Ross says information about salaries belongs to the worker - and this bill would not force them to share it.  "If I want to be able to discuss that and I want to be able to identify potential inequality in the workplace, then I should have the right to do so without risking getting fired or getting called into a disciplinary meeting.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, opposition leader Peter Dutton has reignited calls for a referendum on deporting dual citizens. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since hit out at this suggestion, labelling it a 'thought bubble'. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this is a 'nonsense' election pledge with limited weight behind it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is set to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming hours, and there's fresh concerns ahead of the meeting. Trump is hoping to get agreement on a 30-day ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine last week.  UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the concerns about Ukraine's future ahead of the meeting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OECD has downgraded its outlook for the global economy as a result of President Trump's escalating trade wars. Canada and Mexico are predicted to see the biggest impact, with Canada's growth outlook being halved and Mexico being expected to see a recession. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Improved sentiment among sheep and beef farmers has helped drive a significant lift in farmer confidence, according to new data. The first Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey of 2025 shows farmer confidence is up +44 percent - from +34 percent.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Househunters are being offered $500 grocery vouchers or a free week's rent by Auckland landlords keen to lure them in. This comes as new TradeMe data shows the number of new rental listings in the city in February was up 34 percent on the same time last year - from 8049 to 10,805. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says people looking for rentals have more choices than ever, because there's less demand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and former Labour Minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Baby boomers are starting to die off, leaving inheritances behind. Experts believe $27 billion dollars were passed on in inheritance in New Zealand last year. There's a call to donate more to charity - or should we tax it a bit more? ACT says it wants to stand candidates at this year's local body election. Do we think this is a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland International Airport’s duty-free stores are set for a big makeover under a new partnership with French global travel retailer Lagardère. Lagardère successfully won an eight-year contract to operate the airport’s four duty-free stores from July, according to a new announcement. The airport says passengers can expect to see the next evolution of duty-free shopping. First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson says this is a promising development. "The key thing about duty-free is - it gives you a lot of selection, particularly in cosmetics and perfumery. You won't find that level of selection in general retail." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 18 March 2025, Donald Trump's former national security adviser Ambassador John Bolton joins Ryan ahead of tomorrow's critical call between Trump and Vladimir Putin. Corrections is investigating after notorious convicted killer Dean Wickliffe claims to have been assaulted by prison guards. Should baby boomers leave more of their inheritance to charities? NZ Players Association Rob Nichol reacts to All Blacks coach Razor's u-turn on the All Blacks eligibility rule. And all about shagging? The listener text about Shortland Street that had Ryan in fits.   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.