Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stressed the importance of needing the US for supporting Ukraine. European and Canadian leaders have held an emergency summit in London, to discuss a new plan to guarantee peace in Ukraine. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says more meetings are set to take place this week - but it's unclear if all the EU nations will be on board.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, there's plenty of speculation as to what will happen with Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico.  The proposed tariffs aren't set to kick in until April, but there's theories Trump may alter the tariffs - and put a higher one on China. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans to expand salmon fishing and push it further out into the open ocean have moved forward after the Government announced a cash injection into the aquaculture sector. The Government will invest $11.72 million in salmon farming over five years, as part of a $29.3 million programme led by Salmon King. Salmon King CEO Carl Carrington says their product is in demand all over the world - and there's room for the sector to boost exports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday 3rd of March 2025, Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett has revealed he may step down after the release of a a scathing report uncovering more organisational failures. The Government is setting up 24-7 digital healthcare in a package announced today to make it easier for Kiwis to see a doctor. Health Minister Simeon Brown joined Ryan Bridge to discuss. The 2025 Oscars took place today - and low-budget hit Anora swept the ceremony. Later, The Huddle debates what could happen after the weekend's infamous Trump-Zelenskyy conflict. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has acknowledged the Government's new cut-price regime for school lunches has issues - but indicated parents can also step up and contribute. A number of schools throughout the country have complained about late deliveries and sub-standard offerings under the new system. Nicola Willis says she expects the contractors to improve their service, but she's also reminding mums and dads that they can do their part.  "There's nothing to stop them from putting a Vegemite sandwich and a banana in their children's school bag. Actually, that's why we have a welfare system in this country - so that every family raising children has a minimum level of income needed to deliver their needs. I think we do need to get away from the idea that the Government does everything." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  There's a lot of changes on the Ukraine front after Donald Trump's weekend altercation with President Zelenskyy - what do we think will happen next? New reports show Kiwis love their pets, with two-thirds of New Zealanders sharing their homes with a pet or companion animal. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend's Vegas venture couldn't have gone worse for the Warriors, as the NRL looks to launch an assault investigation into assistant coach Richard Agar. According to new reports, Agar allegedly grabbed a British journalist by the throat - and also reportedly verbally abused him in the press box in Allegiant Stadium. Coaching expert Wayne Goldsmith says it's expected this investigation will be followed on properly, rather than just falling back to the court of public opinion.  "I'm sure they're a very professional organisation and I'm sure that they're doing all of those things really well. And the important thing is to make sure this is played out correctly, properly and in time - it's easy to hang people in the court of public opinion."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe could be stepping up to the plate, but it's unclear if it will go the full mile in supporting Ukraine against Russia.  A 'coalition of the willing' has formed - alongside a fractious interaction between the US and Ukrainian presidents. Centre for European Policy Analysis senior fellow, Edward Lucas, says a partial truce could be the first step.  But he warns protecting Ukraine further could prove tricky, especially if Russia attacks deployed European troops.  "If a drone hit British or French or German barracks and killed a few people, what do we do? Send a cross-press release - or do we fire back and hit something inside Russia?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anora was the big winner at today's Oscars - triumphing despite a low budget. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress. Creator Sean Baker won for director, editing and original screenplay, tying with Walt Disney for the record of four wins in one night. LA-based entertainment reporter Sean Mandell says it's a true independent film.  "It was made for $6 million - which sounds like a lot of money, but to make a movie, it's not a lot of money at all." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is setting up 24-7 digital healthcare in a package announced today to make it easier to see a doctor. Providers including GPs getting incentives for supporting graduate nurses - capped at 400 annually for three years. Health New Zealand is also putting up $285 million to incentivise GP clinics to open their books to new patients, and hit Government targets. Health Minister Simeon Brown says they're also introducing a two-year programme to train up to 100 overseas doctors as GPs. "Many of these people are doing jobs which are not related to their qualifications - you hear stories where some of them are driving Ubers. Actually, we want them in GP practices."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's tension-filled meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines all over the world after Trump and VP Vance showed noticeable hostility to the Ukrainian President. Zelenskyy left the US early to join leaders from Europe and Canada in a meeting in London - to agree a four-step plan to end the war with Russia. NewstalkZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked Trump's 'bullying' behaviour during the meeting directed towards the Ukrainian leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A category 2 cyclone is set to hit Australian shores, with its outer edges sending heavy surf and high tides to Queensland's beaches. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to send rain and strong winds to Brisbane when it makes landfall, and authorities are warning residents to be prepared. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says it's looking likely that the AFL season opener set to be played at the Gabba on Thursday will be cancelled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors are shifting their focus to round two after their recent loss to Canberra. The Kiwi side hopes what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas after a 30-8 drubbing by the Raiders. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chair of Wellington Water says he's considering stepping down, after a scathing report uncovered more organisational failures. It highlights a lack of oversight in contracting work, with pipe maintenance work paid at nearly three times the comparable council rate. Nick Leggett says he'll step down if the region's mayors want him to but he has acted on the issues in question. "What we've tried to do is lift the lid on that - be honest and upfront. There wasn't the right competitive tension to get the best value for ratepayers, the internal systems for the organisation, the financial checks - those kind of processes were appalling."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 28 February. 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.

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins Ryan Bridge to wrap the political week, from citizens arrests, to Andrew Bayly falling on his sword.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer has put on a 'sceptical' during his meeting with US President Donald Trump.  The pair met for nearly thirty minutes, speaking about Ukraine and trade agreements.  What would the UK have to give for a successful trade deal?  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey discusses this, Gatwick airport expanding to two functioning runways, and a Columbian man who flew through Europe with drugs taped to his wig.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia and Apple are finalising an agreement to lift an iPhone 16 ban. The ban came after Apple failed to source 40 percent of their products content locally in Indonesia, a regulation required by the country's government.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis explains the multimillion dollar agreement, Taiwan catching a Chinese owned ship cutting a subsea cable, and Trump taking aim at Chinese trade and investment.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Journalist Nicky Styris and Oceania Football Confederation Media Manager join Ryan Bridge for the Sports Huddle. Should Caleb Clarke be afforded a discharge without conviction? The Blues and All Blacks star was followed by a Police helicopter while he rode his motorbike more than double the speed limit in a residential area. Sky TV has said they won’t buy the rugby rights “at any cost.” But what will happen if DAZN outbids them? The NRL season begins on Sunday – is this the Warriors year? The team is headed to Las Vegas for the season opener where they will take on the Canberra Raiders. The Huddle discuss whether Rugby League can take off in the US. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a profitable first half performance for TVNZ, as the state-owned broadcaster has returned to profit. The company has announced a total Net Profit After Tax of $53.1 million, as well as operational earnings of more than $11 million, for the six-month period ending December 31st. Despite this, TVNZ can’t predict whether the full year result will deliver the same good news.   LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL season is kicking off this Sunday in Las Vegas.  The Warriors are one of four teams playing in the American city this weekend as the NRL is looking to expand the game into America. Rugby League journalist Brad Walter is in Las Vegas and joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in the US have said the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, musician Betsy Arakawa, is suspicious enough to warrant an investigation.  The sheriff's office said the couple had been dead for some time when Police found them in their New Mexico home.  New York Post Entertainment Reporter Sean Mandel talks to Ryan Bridge about what there is to know. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a series of changes that intend on making it easier for local councils to finance infrastructure around new housing developments. Currently ratepayers are picking up the tab for sewage lines, local streets, and water. New changes are set to ensure that developers are paying their fair share. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing, telling his counterpart that New Zealand was not given enough warning about China's recent navy exercises.  Peters says the Cook Islands-China deal was also a topic of discussion in their meeting. In other meetings, Sir Kier Starmer has met with Donald Trump.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about everything that happened in that meeting, Peters discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Trump's invitation from King Charles, and the Treasury's Cook Straight Ferry deadline.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration has released hundreds of documents related to the death of Jeffrey Epstein. What was revealed? And legendary actor Gene Hackman, his musician wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. A gas leak has been ruled out as suspicions grow around the deaths. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about any Epstein revelations, what we know so far about Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, and Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s NRL season gets underway on Sunday – Could this be the warriors year? And what upsets are on their way in Super Rugby round three? Weekend Sport Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what to keep an eye out for in sport. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Fitt has resigned as the Pharmac chief executive after seven years. Last year a “short and sharp” review was undertaken into Pharmac’s internal staff culture and relationships with patient groups, Chair Paula Bennet announced at the time. Fitt recently faced criticism for these issues. Pharmac chair Paula Bennett talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council removed car parks near the botanical Gardens to create more space for cycleways, now they might be bringing them back. The council says residents were complaining after being unable to find parks to visit the gardens. Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has threatened to slap import tariffs on the EU. The US President has already slammed neighbours Canada and Mexico with levy hikes - and both quickly returned the favour. Holding his first Cabinet meeting, Trump says it will be 25 percent generally speaking, and mentioned cars as one target. He also claimed the EU formed to 'screw with the US'. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer will be looking to make sure the UK avoids a similar fate as he heads to Washington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of unusually low rainfall, particularly in Manaia, Hāwera and Kakaramea. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it's forced some farmers to feed-out livestock or sell earlier. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose four points to +58 in February, while expected own activity eased one point to +45. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these figures paint a 'mixed' picture of the future.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it could potentially mean extra security for New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government plans to introduce a referendum to extend Parliamentary terms to four years. Do we think Kiwis will go for this? Do we need longer political terms?  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni has urged David Seymour to resign over his botched school lunch programme. What do we make of this? New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands. Is this because of the economic downturn?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales as demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems, continued to grow. This has also boosted the company's stock. Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management says Nvidia has pulled ahead of all its competitors - with only Apple narrowly beating it out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's unsurprised by Clayton McMillan's impending move offshore. NZR and the Chiefs have released McMillan from the final year of his coaching contract - he'll join Irish club Munster in July. General manager professional rugby Chris Lendrum says McMillan's been open about his plans to coach overseas - and it's just come early. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 February 2025, David Seymour talks about the Government looking to expand parliamentary terms from 3 years to 4. Energy Minister Simon Watts discusses the energy competition task force looking to level the playing field between gentailers and independent generators - will we have power pries? Mike Egan from the Restaurant Association talks about why KFC and Taco bell are booming amongst Kiwis. Plus, Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management talks about Nvidia's record sales. 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.

Thai tourism authorities, hoteliers and travel agents are gearing up for a surge in visitors off the back of the latest season of The White Lotus. The HBO series helped put  the spotlight on Hawaii and Sicily, cementing those destinations as bastions of luxury travel.  Dave Bernad, executive producer of the series, says he feels fortunate that so many people have responded positively to the series. "When we went out to scout, we were thinking Japan originally, we were pretty certain it was going to be Japan - and then HBO said to check out one other country as a courtesy. And Thailand was the country that just made sense."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands.  The multi-national company has reported a 5.4 percent sales growth in the year ending December - reaching $1.39 billion. The Kiwi division's recorded the highest net profit - at $41.7 million - and the Australia and California markets had losses.  Restaurant Association President Mike Egan says convenience is a big factor behind people buying fast food.  "People are super busy, stuck in traffic - part of the stress of every day is what's for dinner." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steps are being taken to level the energy playing field. The Electricity Authority is proposing new measures to stop the big four electricity companies from giving preferential treatment to their own retail arms. It's working to increase competition - aiming to ultimately give consumers more choices and lower prices. Energy Minister Simon Watts says things need to change. He says prices are too high and are negatively impacting productivity and economic growth. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Defence Minister has reminded the population to stay calm as the Chinese warships move further in. The Navy vessels have been moving west into Australia's exclusive economic zone. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says plans are in place to keep an eye on the ships until they leave. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader believes four-year Parliamentary terms would lead to more accountability. The Government plans to introduce legislation to go to a referendum - potentially as early as the next general election. The opposition would need to get more proportional representation in Parliament Select Committees, providing greater checks and balances. David Seymour says that would mean more debate. "I think it would be genuinely better if laws had to go in front of a Select Committee for six months, as run by the other guys, to beat it around."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Women & Property Report shows that 23 percent of women had sole ownership of a property compared to 20.9 percent for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56 percent. CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says the gender wage gap is still impacting women's salaries. "There's a female deficit, I guess, when it comes to investment properties. So great, females own a proportionately higher number of owner-occupied properties, but there is also a deficit when it comes to investment properties." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we're all going to have our say on giving our politicians a four year term - or are we? The announcement from Goldsmith today was all over the place - David Seymour is largely to blame for that. He'll be on the show soon, so we'll ask him to explain then. But in principle, do I support a four-year term? Yes. Why? Because politics is too short-sighted. They spend one year getting in. One year doing work. Then another year getting elected again. The bigger problem, though, is strategy and pay-off. Strategizing with a 3-year window means short-sighted ambitions. It means we don't invest in as many big roading and rail projects as they should. It means we don't bother with fixing productivity. Stuff gets put in the too-hard basket because there's no pay off before the next election. And that's the prize these guys are working towards. Part of the reason China is a superpower today - only 50 odd years after opening up to the world - is because it has centralised power. It's a dictatorship. It has a very clear direction and very clear strategy. And no pesky elections to worry about. Now obviously we don't want to go full autocracy here - but a little more time for a party in power would, I think, do more good than harm. I also reckon we should give local Government four years too. For much the same reasons. But I also think we should combine voting in local and national politics, so you vote for your mayor and your Government on the same day, in the same polling booth. Two fifths of bugger all people actually bother voting in local elections - which is part of the reason local councils are run by such weirdos who can't seem to balance budgets. So, one polling day for everything, once every four years. Tick, tick, tick, tick. Done, easy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has confirmed its biggest boost in defence spending since the Cold War, with its Prime Minister warning the world has entered a 'dangerous new era'. The UK says its spending will rise from 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.5 over the next few years. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this money will be taken out of the international aid budget - prompting criticism from advocates.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryman Healthcare has entered a trading halt as it proposes to raise $1 billion of new capital to reduce debt and reset the balance sheet. The retirement village operator was forced to offer shares at a significant discount to get investors on board.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate over 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils could be looking at a significant tax bill. Inland Revenue has changed the way it interprets a law - and they're keen to crack down on businesses they believe are 'masquerading' as charities to reduce their taxes. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this law change could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith talks to Ryan Bridge about the Government's new citizen's arrests changes.  International relations expert Dr Keith Suter discusses whether China re-entering Australia's economic zone is an escalation. The Brewers Association talks about why Kiwis are turning to the stronger beers, and enjoying less wine. Plus, NZME CEO Michael Boggs discusses the media company's financial results amongst a tough advertising market. 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 Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!  The Government is looking to make changes in regards to citizen's arrests, meaning businesses could potentially have the freedom to restrain offenders to cut down on shoplifting and retail crime. Do we think these changes are necessary?  The Greens have delivered their annual State of the Planet address, saying the Government's pandering to privatisation in its search for economic growth. Do we agree with the points they made?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media company NZME is considering separating its property brand OneRoof into an entirely new business. The company - which also owns Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald - is reporting full-year earnings of $54.2 million and a net loss after tax of $16 million after impairment.  Operating revenue is up 2 percent, but earnings are down by 3.6 percent. Chief Executive Michael Boggs says they're doing a strategic review of OneRoof. "How is it structured, and what is the best way of the shareholdings of that business? Should we own all of it - or should there be other shareholders in it, for example? Should we be investing more into it?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.