Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

After previously voicing a strong opposition to NZ Rugby's eligibility rules for the All Blacks, coach Scott Robertson has made a u-turn. Robertson made an appearance on the Rugby Direct podcast and revealed he'd changed his mind after having a year to think about it. Currently, players can not be selected to play for the All Blacks if they're playing off shore.  NZ Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol says there's been a lot of discussion about Razor's stance. "To be honest...they've been kind of on the same page and they've just come out, I think to reaffirm the fact that they are, and that we all are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 77-year-old prisoner has accused prison guards of beating him and is undertaking a hunger strike.  Corrections says Dean Wickliffe refused to enter his cell, threw an item at guards and was injured after taking up a fighting stance.  It says one staffer involved is not at work - and appropriate action will be taken if staff don't meet standards.  Wickliffe hasn't eaten for 10 days.  His lawyer, Annette Sykes, says he was beaten badly.  "Photos have been released that show, quite clearly, that his version of events has some veracity."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's David Seymour says it's time for a clean-out in local politics, as the party looks to stand candidates in local body elections this year.  He's calling for expressions of interest from practical, community-minded people who are focused on keeping rates down and services up.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says ACT is likely looking to boost its political reach. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former adviser to Donald Trump says Russia's president will use soviet spy tactics in negotiations with the US President.  Trump's expected to speak with Vladimir Putin tomorrow - to discuss ending hostilities in Ukraine.   He's hoping to get agreement on a 30-day ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine last week.  But John Bolton says Putin's dragged out talks to get the upper hand.  "He's counting on direct negotiations between himself and Trump to use his KGB manipulative skills on Trump to get even more concessions out of him." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is at peace with New Zealand Rugby's non-overseas selection policy. He's previously urged the governing body to keep an open mind regarding the use of offshore players, like the world champion Springboks. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ has indicated consultations are under way with Shortland Street staff - and there's growing concern around possible job cuts. It comes as TVNZ made the move to cut the series from screening five nights a week to three, leading to fewer episodes being produced. Former Shortland Street actor Will Hall says the industry is fraught with trepidation and there's limited job security - but he hopes no cuts will be made "I hope we see the light and keep Shortland Street for what it is, there's a great foundation and I'd like to think there's still a place for the soaps, even in 2025." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 17 March 2025, free trade negotiations are underway with India, but will they actually result in a deal? Senior political correspondent Barry Soper and Meat Association Chair Nathan Guy tell Ryan about the hurdles trade negotiators could be facing. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hints who might be the winners and losers of this years' Budget. Wellington Airbnb owners are furious at the council for suggesting anyone with an Airbnb should pay commercial rather than residential rates. Plus, threatening violence or a bit of fun? The Huddle weighs in on Rawiri Waititi's latest spat with David Seymour. 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.

North Macedonian officials are probing for corruption after at least 59 teens and young adults died in a nightclub fire.  Inside fireworks struck the ceiling - engulfing it in flames and prompting a stampede of about 1500 people trying to exit from the only door.  More than 155 were injured.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are still ongoing - but arrests have been made. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US share market bounced back at the end of last week, despite growing concerns about America's economic future. New data shows there's a decline in consumer confidence in the US. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study from the Building Research Association has found that indoor summer temperatures have gone up 6 to 10 percent in the last 20 years. The new insulation standards that came into force in 2023 aren't to blame for these changes, according to the report. Chris Litten from the Building Research Association unpacks what could be causing these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi's under fire over re-sharing a social media post evoking David Seymour as needing trimming like a lawn. What do we make of this? Wellington Airbnb owners are outraged over the council's plan to hike up their rates. Do we support this change? More and more people are deciding against travelling to the US because of the Trump administration. Would we skip a holiday in the US because of the president? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's dropped a few crumbs on what's shaping this year's budget. Nicola Willis will unveil her growth budget on May 22. She says the public service won't get more funding, for doing the same thing. Willis says there's only more money if people are going to benefit from additional services - or improved impact from those services. But she says she won't be doing away with entire departments or agencies. "That's not on the agenda for this budget, because the judgement that we've made at this stage is that it could end up costing us more in the short-term than we would deliver in savings." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's responding to a post evoking him as needing trimming like a lawn. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi re-shared his partner's post showing him cutting the grass. The caption read: 'I told him to behave as though every piece of grass is a David Seymour. The lawns are getting a good effing hiding.' Seymour says that's objectionable - with its suggestion of attacking a person you disagree with. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL has issued a breach notice to Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar following a probe into an altercation that took place during the first round in Las Vegas. The breach notice proposes a fine of $10,000, a suspension from three NRL matches and a requirement for Agar to undertake appropriate education and training. Newstalk ZB sports journalist Nathan Limm says Agar will likely be prohibited from travelling to any away match scheduled for the Warriors during the suspension period. He also revealed the NRL declined to comment further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's sheep farmers could be big winners if we secure a trade deal with India.  The Prime Minister has announced formal negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement will begin next month. The inclusion of dairy products was a key snagging point in negotiations that fell flat in 2015.  Meat Industry Association Independent Chair, Nathan Guy, says the primary industry has a lot to gain. "If you look at what's happening up here with sheep meat at the moment, we're facing a 30 percent tariff - and that's a massive headwind. So there's not a lot going on here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Airbnb hosts are hitting out at the city council and claiming accommodation rate hikes are overkill.  It's proposing applying commercial rates to short-term accommodation providers. It could treble owners' costs - leaving many hosts fearing for their businesses. Airbnb volunteer community leader Julie Wilson says her rates would rise from about $11,000 to about $40,000 and she'd have to stop. "It's excessive - many of us rent occasionally, not as a full-time business, but they're going to be treating us the same as a hotel with hundreds of rooms."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says confirmation we're relaunching Indian trade talks came soon after he'd touched down in New Delhi.  On the campaign trail, Chris Luxon pledged a deal with India within his first term. He's noted there'll be many rounds of negotiations, but this news is a huge win and a breakthrough in New Zealand's economic agenda. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is unsure how far these discussions will go at this stage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred has blown a $1.2 billion hole in the upcoming Australian federal budget, according to a warning from Treasurer Jim Chalmers. The Government has announced an extension to the disaster recovery allowance and payments to impacted areas in Queensland and New South Wales.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Chalmers has claimed a significant amount will be used to rebuild the flood-impacted communities - and this is likely to leave an impact ahead of the upcoming federal election.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has succumbed in his first full race with Red Bull as wet conditions wrought havoc on Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix. Sitting 13th, he lost control at turn two with 10 laps to go and was forced to retire. Lando Norris was victorious, with Lawson's Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen second.  Sportstalk host Jason Pine recaps the race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One in four school principals claims to see harmful behaviour every day between students - and the Children’s Commissioner aims to address that. The Chief Children’s Commissioner is calling for regular, publicly reported data about bullying in schools as teachers' unions voice concerns over 'blind spots' in the current system. Secondary Principals Association President Vaughan Couillault says there's definitions of what constitutes bullying from experts - but it's hard to track and measure. "When it comes to behaviour management and defining what bullying is, there's lots of grey spaces. Every little conflict is born of different stuff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 14 March 2025, Labour's Barbara Edmonds says she's on board with foreign investments, but there's a few ifs and buts. New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom defends a new council policy to remove homeless people's belongings if they obstruct public spaces. Dr Daniel Timms, the inventor of the world's first mechanical heart speaks about this week's huge breakthrough. Plus, Nate Saunders from the Formula 1 at Melbourne - Liam Lawson has had a shaky first day on the track. 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.

Europe is responding to Trump's enormous 200 percent tariffs on wine and other alcohol products from the region.  Wine producers in France, Italy and Spain are 'really angry'.  Donald Trump has accused the European Union of being formed for the sole purpose of taking advantage of the United States.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey gives Ryan Bridge a run down on the situation, as well as the Judge convicted of forcing a young woman into slavery, and how much a 2 metre wide house in London will set you back.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US steel and aluminium tariffs are coming into effect, and they are coming without exemptions.  Australia and Japan were hoping to avoid the tariffs, but they're out of luck.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what this means, Singapore Deputy PM's comments on Asia, and how imports and exports went for China in January.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Aussie Home Affairs secretary is calling for New Zealand to get rid of our nuclear-free policy and sign up to Orcus. Former Australian Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo says the chances of a conflict with China mean New Zealand and Australia should be working together to create a combined military force. "Our defence are probably several decades old, and in this highly disrupted world, everything is changing at such a great rate that we just need to re-examine everything," he said.  Former Australian Home Affairs Secretary Michael Pezzullo talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Liam Lawson has already had a close call in Melbourne today ahead of the big day on Sunday.  Going around the circuit the Red Bull driver grazed the wall on a turn.  ESPN Reporter Nate Saunders talks to Ryan Bridge live from Melbourne.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports Editor Elliot Smith and Sports Journalist Lavina Good join Ryan Bridge on the Huddle.  The F1 is on everyone's lips this afternoon, as fans gear up to for the big race on Sunday.  It's been seven years since New Zealand has has a full-time F1 driver, and despite being off to a disappointing start today, Liam Lawson has 24 weeks to prove himself.  Can the Warriors take the win tonight? The Huddle worries our team is lacking structure and attack.  And Joseph Parkers title shot is back on. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian patient has this week survived100 days with an artificial heart. The success is a world first and is another step towards decreasing the number of deaths caused by cardiac failure. Australian engineer Daniel Timms invented the ground-breaking artificial heart and talks to Ryan Bridge about how the heart works, how he invented it, how its powered, and what the development means for medicine. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is sounding off on the Prime Minister after failing to reach a deadline made for all councils. Councils were encouraged to deliver a plan that the Government could help with, and Wellington didn't deliver one in time. Whanau then said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is 'not a very nice person.' Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper said the Mayor thought the comment would work in her favour. "She said it works for her because a lot of people in Wellington don't like Luxon," he said. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has had a disappointing race in the first free practice of the season, coming 16th out of 20 cars.  There is work to be done for the Kiwi driver ahead of Sunday's race.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about the F1, the Warriors game tonight, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is threatening Europe with a 200 percent tariff on alcohol. The warning comes as an attempt to have the EU remove a tariff held on whiskey. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the latest tariff threat, why Trump’s heading to the Supreme Court, and the Americans that think they can beat a grizzly bear in a fight. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alcohol affected patients are wreaking havoc on emergency departments, a recent Trans-Tasman study finds. Almost every staff member who took part in the survey has been abused by a drunk patient. 97% experienced verbal aggression, while 92% experienced physical aggression. Christchurch Hospital ED specialist and co-author of the study talks to Ryan Bridge about the staggering reports, if the situation is getting worse, and how severely the statistics are affecting entry into the industry. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Party is encouraging foreign investments, but with a few conditions. They want no ownership or operation of hospitals, prisons, schools, or critical infrastructure. Meanwhile the Public Service Association is warning New Zealanders will lose their jobs due to Private Public Partnerships. Labour Party finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds talks to Ryan Bridge about foreign investments, how they're honouring the treaty, where Labour stands on fast-tracking, LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homelessness is facing a crackdown in New Plymouth as people sleeping rough are breaching bylaws, the district council says.  Rough sleepers have been told to remove their belongings from footpaths.  The district's emergency shelter closed in 2023.  New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom talks to Ryan Bridge about whether the order is heavy handed, the number of rough sleepers in the district, and what responsibility local government has for the issue.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump has accused Ireland of stealing the US pharmaceutical industry and the tax revenue that he believes should have been paid to the US. Irish premier Micheál Martin recently paid a visit to the White House to meet with Trump. UK correspondent Enda Brady explained that Ireland’s historical low-tax policies have helped lure many US companies over - and the nation would collapse without the extra support. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesla's share price has taken a dive in recent months. Donald Trump's ascension to the US Presidency initially helped boost the share price, but it's since dropped by 50 percent. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 March 2025, investors are stoked with what they've been hearing at the Government's big investment summit. Doctors are raising alarm bells over the Government's changed approach to funding bowel cancer screening. Plus, Nelson mayor Nick Smith makes the case for voting booths to be installed for local government elections.   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.

Southern farmers are in a flap about wild ducks, calling for the mallard breed to be designated pests so they can be killed throughout the year. Southland’s Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said an explosion of ducks is causing big problems as they are munching through crops. Herrick said farmers asked the local Fish and Game for permission to cull the problem ducks but were turned down and told they could only shoot to scare them. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks this latest stoush. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, AUT chancellor Rob Campbell and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is it time to change how we vote in local elections? Kiwi mayors are pushing for an end to postal voting? Do we think we need a change?  The Royal Australasian College of Physicians is warning that the changes to the free bowel screening programme aren't based on good evidence - and put Māori and Pacific lives at risk. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of people leaving the country long-term hit another new record in the year to January - but monthly data suggests the brain drain has peaked. Stats NZ provisional data for the January 2025 year (compared with January 2024) showed migrant departures up 18 percent to 122,800, the highest on record for an annual period. Migrant arrivals, at 155,300 were down, 31 percent for the year. NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann, explains what this means for the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors are keen to see a long term pipeline of work - before committing to spending their money here.  More than a hundred companies, managing about six trillion in capital, are at the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit in Auckland. Brett Shepherd from Craigs Investment Partners says the Government's messages of support were well-received by the summit's attendees. "The commitment of the Prime Minister and the respective ministers to grow the economy on a consistent basis through partnership and infrastructure - that message was just resounding."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's increasing suggestions turnout in local body elections would improve with a move to in-person voting. Local Government New Zealand wants postal voting scrapped in local elections - and replaced with polling places and ballot boxes. Nelson mayor Nick Smith is behind the calls and says less and less people have access to mail boxes than ever - resulting in less people having their voices heard. "That is negatively impacting on people being part of our local elections - and the real problem is for mayors or councils to be able to speak to their communities when you've got well less than half the people voting." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest season of Married At First Sight Australia has been plagued by scandals on and off the screen - and now a regulatory body has launched a wider investigation. SafeWork NSW is investigating Channel 9 and production company Endemol Shine, generating uncertainty over the future of the series. Entertainment reporter Karl Puschmann says this investigation follows an incident where one of the grooms allegedly punched a wall in frustration - prompting safety concerns for the impacted cast members. "By all the accounts that have been on the show, it does sound pretty serious - you can't go around punching walls just because you're a little bit upset about something. And the show's response hasn't been particularly great either."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Physicians are coming down hard on the Government's evidence being used to prop up their changes to bowel cancer funding.  Last week, the Government announced it will scrap a programme lowering the screening age for Māori and Pacific people, decreasing the age to 58 for everyone instead. Royal Australasian College of Physicians's Dr Matt Wheeler says the claim that bowel cancer risk is similar across all groups at the same age isn't true. "The actual peak age of diagnosis is earlier in Māori than non-Māori. That was why the original screening programme had bowel screenings down to the age of 50." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister in charge of the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit says deals will mostly be done in the coming weeks, months and years ahead. More than a hundred companies, managing about six trillion dollars in capital, are at the Government's two day summit in Auckland. But Chris Bishop says there's already been one tangible commitment from Australian investor Plenary group. "They've promised to set up a New Zealand office here and they've promised to bid on the next five PPP opportunities that come up - that is a commitment that they have just made, I think, in the last 24 hours, on the basis of what they heard at the summit and in the leadup to it. So that's good." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Jacinda Ardern is releasing her first children's book, called 'Mum's Busy Work'. The former Prime Minister says it's told through the eyes of a child, based off things her daughter Neve said to her when she was in the top job. It will be released in September, with $3 from every copy sold going to The Kindness Collective. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper offered his thoughts ahead of the book's release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Westpac's head is urging people to stop complaining over the new tariffs set out by the Trump administration. The US President has recently confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports going forward. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's likely Australia will face more tariffs in the coming days - and experts are suggesting Australia should shift focus to the Asia-Pacific region.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues are prepared to spend around a month of Super Rugby without Beauden Barrett. Barrett will certainly miss the next two games against the Chiefs and Crusaders with a broken hand, with coach Vern Cotter hopeful he might be available after those two fixtures. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave outlines his predictions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's widespread uncertainty among developers after a Department of Conservation wildlife permit was deemed unlawful.  The High Court in Wellington made the decision over the Transport Agency having permission to inadvertently kill protected wildlife at the Mt Messenger project site.  The decision broadly means nothing can be killed unless it has a disease, there is overpopulation - or something similar.  Simpson Grierson partner Sally McKechnie says some permits may now be invalid.  "It's a case by case basis that will depend on the given permit - but we've got clients, we know we've got colleague firms around town that have clients trying to work exactly that out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports reveal the UK had been working behind the scenes in helping the US and Ukraine to reach an agreement over a proposed ceasefire deal with Russia.  Ukrainian President Zelensky has confirmed he's ready to accept an immediate 30-day ceasefire with Russia - but he says it's up to the US to get Russia on board.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's been efforts by the UK to get Ukraine and the US back on good terms again, and we're starting to see the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors have voiced concerns over declining US market growth - resulting in a significant drop. US President Donald Trump also didn't rule out a recession in a recent interview, which led to further pullbacks this week. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.