Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The International Monetary Fund is cautioning the Government against bending over backwards, deregulating banks in a bid to spur more competition in the sector. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is getting advice on whether she should make the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) loosen the way it regulates banks. The Commerce Commission has also suggested the rules could be changed to make it easier for small banks to compete with big ones. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why the IMF is issuing words of caution as these discussions take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delegates from some of the world's largest banks and investment firms have arrived in Auckland for the Government's first Infrastructure Investment Summit. Cabinet Ministers are expected to front a raft of sessions over the next two days - and it's believed a series of announcements will be delivered regarding New Zealand's future. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls is set to be at tomorrow's big conference - and he suspects a 'smorgasbord' of big political names will have something to say. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 March 2025, with a Ukraine ceasefire deal now on the table - is Russia going to agree? Ryan Bridge speaks to Russia expert Alexey Muraviev. CTU president Richard Wagstaff tells Ryan why he wants the government to hold on to its living wage rules for procurements. Why is Briscoes boss Rod Duke telling the Government to get its A into G to help the economy? Plus, Ryan really really hates his food scraps bin - so much he's considering moving to Whanganui! 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, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Kiwiblog's David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Where to we see this short-term Russia-Ukraine war ceasefire going over the next few days? Will Russia agree to it? All eyes will be on the Government's big Investment Summit tomorrow. Should we be expecting anything much? Whanganui Council has decided to dump plans for its food scrap bins. Do we agree with this? Should other councils follow suit? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Hamilton City Council staffer is speaking in defence of food scrap bins. Whanganui District Council has made the decision to ditch food scrap bins for good- because they've been dubbed 'expensive' and 'unpopular'. Hamilton City Council's Tania Hermann argued that food scrap bins were good for households - as they helped reduce waste. "What we're aiming to do is stop rubbish going to landfills." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says he's doing his best to improve the stability of energy supply.  A new gas well at the Pohokura Production Station in Taranaki was switched on this morning.  It will provide 4 petajoules of gas a year, which could power about 146,000 homes annually.  Shane Jones says it won't be a silver bullet - but it will help.  "So I'm working on various proposals as to how we can accelerate both money into the industry - and genuine economic ability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unions are disputing the Government's reasoning for scrapping living wage contract rules. This move is part of a wider proposal to simplify the procurement process for companies wanting Government contracts. Council of Trade Unions President, Richard Wagstaff, says the argument that small businesses are missing out because they can't afford wages doesn't make sense.  "What it is, basically, is a standard. And everyone bidding for Government contracts has to meet the same standard, so there's no disadvantage to a small, medium or large businesses. They're all on the same playing field." Wagstaff explained that small businesses can be competitive.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear if Australia will hit the US with counter-tariffs after Donald Trump's recent announcement. The US President has confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from tonight. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the tariffs 'entirely unjustified'.  Australian political strategist Bruce Hawker says locals know it's probably not worth fighting over.  "Most Australians will be saying - look, let's let this thing ride. It's not good, it's an act of b*******, I guess, by a country that's been friendly and loyal to Australia." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Ukraine ceasefire could be a while away yet, according to one expert. Ukraine's agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, after Washington and Kyiv officials held talks in Saudi Arabia today. Curtin University associate professor, Alexey Muraviev, says the US would need to make some significant compromises for Russia to consider it. He explained that's what it would take for Vladimir Putin to be able to sell the idea. "If it's going to be just a case of showing goodwill - I think Putin would be damaging his own reputation in the eyes of the people he was trying to sell this war to."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are hanging tough despite tough economic conditions.  A KPMG report has found the sector's net profit for 2024 increased just 0.25 percent from the previous year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this still adds up to $7.22 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Department of Education has initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50 percent.  Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave from March 21, according to a statement from the Department.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says DOGE team lead Elon Musk has expressed interest in getting rid of the Department of Education altogether - and it's unclear how possible this goal is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hint of irony from Manchester United's new stadium plans, at least from a New Zealand perspective. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind plans to build a new $4.5 billion dollar, 100 thousand-seat environmentally-friendly ground before demolishing Old Trafford. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoe Group's revenue has stayed virtually flat, with profit taking a hit. Total revenue for the owner of Briscoe Homeware and Rebel Sport decreased 0.06 percent - to $791.5 million - for the year to January. It's reporting net after-tax profit of $60.6 million, dropping 38.9 percent on the year before. Managing director, Rod Duke, says the Government needs to put some new solutions forward to help the economy grow. "That's be my assessment - and I think the time is probably about right now." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One person is in hospital, and 36 others are safe and accounted for, after a cargo vessel collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea. The vessels promptly burst into flames, sending thick dark smoke into the air. UK correspondent Enda Brady says investigations into the incident are ongoing - and there's concerns it could have long-running implications.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock markets across the US have taken a significant hit over concerns about the negative economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. After the President refused to rule out a recession, the S&P 500 dropped 2.7 percent, the Nasdaq fell 4 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says US markets have a right to be worried following Trump's comments.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a surge in the second half of 2024, the golden run for New Zealand farmgate beef pricing has continued in the early part of 2025.  Returns are also expected to stay strong throughout the rest of the year- as US demand for Kiwi beef is expected to stay elevated. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is the school lunch programme doomed? Libelle Group, one of the lunch providers, has been tipped into liquidation. What does this saga mean for the Government? The Commerce Commission is taking legal action against HelloFresh - should it be easier to walk away from paid subscriptions?  Should online gambling providers have to put some of their profits towards local community groups? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man is in police custody after a series of vandalism attacks on electric vehicles took place in Auckland. Cars including Teslas and a Polestar electric vehicle were reportedly spray-painted - making them unsafe to drive.  Auckland City Electric Vehicles director Greg Larsen says the Tesla brand has become a 'political football' as a result of CEO Elon Musk's recent actions. "It's quite interesting that a motor vehicle brand has become a political football - and violence and vigilante kinds of activities are happening because of a vehicle brand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 March 2025, is the free school lunch programme at breaking point? One of the providers has been tipped into liquidation. The Minister responsible, David Seymour, speaks to Ryan. Should it be easier to cancel your subscriptions? Consumer NZ says yes! It's official. Women are better at money than men. But EnableMe financial advisor Shelley Palman they're not as confident as men when it comes to their financial decisions. Plus, why swearing is good for you and what is on King Charles' personal playlist? 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.

SkyCity and the TAB have complained there won't be a level playing field when the new regulations for online gambling kick in. The Government is set to auction off 15 online casino licences - and both local and international companies will be allowed to bid on the licences.  Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says it's important proper regulations are put in place. "We are enabling people to play safely in a regulated market - which is not the case at the moment. But we are also not trying to restrict it so much that we're not actually channelling people into that market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett says he's not going anywhere.  The mayors of Wellington and Upper Hutt - Tory Whanau and Wayne Guppy - both say they have no confidence in him.  A recent critical report found the organisation was potentially wasting millions of dollars on infrastructure contracts.  Leggett says he'd like Wellington to transition to a different water entity.  "That owns its own assets, can raise money off those assets and get good value for the money it spends and get them replaced as soon as possible."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Research showing Kiwi women are more financially literate than men suggests they could be more confident about money. Financial Services Council statistics show 66 percent of women answered three or more literacy questions correctly, compared to 57 percent of men.  But women saw themselves as less knowledgeable.  EnableMe Financial Advisor Shelley Palman says literacy doesn't always translate into action - so women aren't necessarily better off.  "This actually stems from fear - and what it does is it leads to less risk-taking."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drug researcher is warning more fentanyl will arrive in New Zealand.  The Government's working to tighten controls on 23 substances - helping to allow a police and Customs crackdown. Health Minister Simeon Brown want to categorise three drugs similar to fentanyl as Class A substances, with harsher penalties for manufacture. Massey University's Chris Wilkins says fentanyl is a cheaper alternative for many drugs. "They've been replacing heroin with fentanyl - but now, increasingly, a whole lot of other drugs. And given that economic incentive, it's hard to see that New Zealand is going to avoid this problem." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's confident the Government's school lunch programme will continue without issue - despite a provider going into liquidation. Libelle Group was contracted to make about 125,000 meals each day. Minister-in-charge David Seymour says its collapse won't cost anything extra. He says the contract remains between the Ministry of Education and Compass. "Any issues that may be reported in the media are between Compass and other businesses - and I don't want to sound like I'm avoiding the issue, but it is actually something that needs to be left to them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's yet again been forced to defend David Seymour over the school lunches saga in the House.  The Opposition was relentless at Question Time today - with Chris Hipkins taking aim at the Government over the school lunch programme. Yet again, it was up to Chris Luxon to fend off the the attacks.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's events.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Details are being revealed about the Sydney caravan hoax - described by police as a 'fake terrorism plot'. NSW police were given a tip-off in January about a caravan at a property in Dural, filled with explosives and a note referencing Jewish targets. Police have now revealed it was a con job - manufactured by organised crime. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the police say they knew early on that it was a hoax. "Explosives from the mining industry -  not only were they old and not designed to go off anymore, they didn't have a detonator. And they had written in crayon, from the sound of it, a list of Jewish targets in Sydney."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

T20 franchise globetrotters Finn Allen, Jimmy Neesham and Tim Seifert will return to the Black Caps for the home T20 series against Pakistan starting on Sunday. Michael Bracewell has been named captain and is one of seven players from the Champions Trophy runners-up who'll join the squad. There's no Kane Williamson, Bevon Jacobs, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra and usual white-ball captain Mitchell Santner due to IPL commitments or unavailability. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More consumers are falling into subscription traps - prompting warnings from advocacy groups.  The Commerce Commission has filed criminal charges against HelloFresh. It's accusing the meal company of reactivating subscriptions without clearly seeking customers' permission - during cold calls between February 2022 and July 2023. Consumer NZ's Sahar Lone says it's important to check your bank account regularly to offload anything you don't need - and to check the terms and conditions of any new subscription.   "There's also reading the T&C's before signing up to make sure there's no hidden costs or cancellation fees - you can diarise renewal dates...you can make sure that doesn't keep rolling on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 29-year-old who scaled Big Ben's Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster in central London has been charged by police after the incident took place. Daniel Day has been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site after climbing the clock tower - resulting in the closure of Westminster Bridge and Bridge Street. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Day is expected to appear in court in the coming hours. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is hoping for an economic reprieve - but experts warn that's less likely to happen this year. Donald Trump's ascension to the presidency has generated plenty of economic concern, with many worried it could contribute to the ongoing downturn. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has declined to rule out a recession this year as his administration's tariffs spark economic concern. It comes after a volatile week for US financial markets as investors grappled with ongoing uncertainty as a result of the administration's trade policies.  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, 10 March 2025, Chris Hipkins has overtaken Chris Luxon in the latest political poll - and we'll dig into what's going on with the PM's popularity. Who is Mark Carney? Ryan Bridge tells you everything you need to know about Canada's new PM. Ryan asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis when she found out about Adrian Orr's shock resignation. Plus, the road cone scandal that has us all riled up. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Another new poll shows the Government is losing popularity - and Chris Hipkins has overtaken Luxon as preferred Prime Minister. Should the coalition be worried? Will this hurt Chris Luxon in 2026? Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is not holding back when it comes to attacking Donald Trump and his tariffs. Will this help him in the next federal election? Will this encourage Trump to back off? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite some less-than-ideal poll figures, Minister Nicola Willis doesn't believe Kiwis have lost faith in the Government.  The latest Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent, overtaking National on 33.6 percent. Chris Hipkins is also ahead of Chris Luxon as preferred Prime Minister. Nicola Willis says there's plenty of polls left between now and the 2026 election - and she's focused on results. "My focus is never on a poll, it's always on how we can deliver for New Zealanders. And New Zealanders are letting us know loud and clear that they want us focused on reducing their cost of living, growing this economy, delivering better education and health services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council’s Community Committee is urging the Government to help the city as rates of homelessness grow. This comes as new data shows the number of people sleeping rough in the city has gone up by 53 percent since September. Committee Chair, Councillor Angela Dalton, says she's never seen a spike like this before. She also explained that this tied in with a number of other changing factors that were putting significant stress on Aucklanders.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's new Prime Minister is expected to tout his economic expertise as he enters the job.  Mark Carney has served as Governor of Canada's and England's central banks.  He'll lead the Liberal Party into this year's general election.  Canadian correspondent Rachel Aiello says it's important for Carney to sell himself as a numbers man.  "At this current moment, with the ongoing trade war with the United States, the state of the Canadian economy and who is best placed to manage it is going to be one of the biggest ballot questions in our upcoming federal election." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland community leader says mandatory police body cameras would help everyone. David Letele is behind a petition calling for the change - a petition that's garnered nearly 10,000 signatures so far. A 45 year-old man died a week ago at Auckland's Ōrere Point, after he and another person fled police.  Faasala Samu Matue lost consciousness after being tasered and pepper-sprayed - when he threatened police and bit an officer’s hand. Letele says body cameras are a no-brainer. "These body cams - it's not just for the safety and accountability for the public, but it also keeps the police safe." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another poll is showing a clear drop in support for the coalition Government - and some are wondering if it's cause for concern. The newest  Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent, and National on 33.6 percent - and Hipkins in the lead for preferred Prime Minister. ACT has fallen 2.3 points to 7.7, and New Zealand First is just above the threshold on 5.1 percent. Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union says the Government should be concerned about losing favour with voters. "We are now only 18 months away from Christopher Luxon having to go to the public to ask that fundamental question - do you feel better off than three years ago? Right now, that answer is no." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has overtaken National - and Chris Hipkins has leap-frogged Chris Luxon as preferred Prime Minister in a new poll. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent and National on 33.6 percent - leaving the coalition unable to form a Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon doesn't appear to be bothered by this data - and he's focused on getting the economy sorted ahead of the 2026 election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Severe weather warnings remain in some eastern parts of Australia recovering from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. Flood warnings ranging from minor to major still apply in northern New South Wales - with rain expected to ease - and southeast Queensland. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says people should keep clear of dangerous powerlines, likely to be across the Northern Rivers Region to Coffs Harbour. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the worst of the disaster has wrapped up - but recovery efforts are underway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India have chased 252 to beat New Zealand by four wickets with an over to spare in the Champions Trophy final at Dubai on a pitch that could've been used to re-enact the moon landing. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 off 101 balls but the Black Caps struggled at times, including an 81-ball gap between boundaries from the 14th to 27th overs. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac's board chair says the drug buying agency has a management issue with listening to patient voices. A review of consumer engagement with the Government agency finds it's seen as 'defensive'. It also says Pharmac's slow to respond and lacks respect for patient advocates. Chair Paula Bennett says the organisation had become insular and inward-looking - more often than not. "And instead of proactively having what are really awkward and uncomfortable and difficult conversations with people when we're saying - I'm sorry, I can't fund your medicine. But at least doing that in an open and transparent way is what we expect."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Winston Peters about NZ First's new members bill to remove 'woke' DEI hires for the public sector.  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the re-creation of the Health NZ Board - what's next for Lester Levy?  The Mayor of Byron Bay Sarah Ndiaye gives us a latest on cyclone Alfred as it touches down.  Plus, the sports huddle discusswhat's gone wrong with the Fijian Drua and their team bus. 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.

US Ukraine talks are headed to Saudi Arabia next week, with President Zelensky saying he hopes it'll be a meaningful meeting. It has been revealed around 20 countries are now interested in joining what's being called a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. They're largely taken from the Commonwealth and from Europe, spearheaded by the UK and France.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is China feeling amid the trade war coming out of the United States?  Tariffs have been on and off under Trump's direction, but when it comes to China they have been consistent.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what's been happening in China in the aftermath.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation.  Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr.  "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.'  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S President Donald Trump has paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, again, after first doing so one month ago.   The executive actions mean products covered under the USMCA treaty won’t be subject to a tariff until April 2nd. What is the President’s game plan?  Executive Director of the International Business Forum Stephen Jacobi talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Commentator Andrew Gouride and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison join Ryan Bridge on the Sports Huddle. Super Rugby is taking a hit after the Fijian team were forced to right in the back of a truck on their arrival in Napier. How bad is this for the tournament? The Champions Trophy is getting underway on Sunday – could the Black Caps win? What does the Huddle think of a new review saying Super Rugby franchises should be merged with provincial unions? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fijian Drua have reported several travel issues before their Super Rugby game in Napier last month.  A photo showing the rugby team crammed into the back of a truck has circulated online, leading to officials blaming a breakdown in communication as the culprit.  FBC Sports Journalist Indra Singh talks to Ryan Bridge about the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New film Tinā is shaping up to be a Kiwi classic and has already earned more than $1 million.  The film ranks third as the biggest opening weekend for a New Zealand film. Director Miki Magasiva talks to Ryan Bridge about the movie and why it's connecting with audiences nationwide.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.