Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Sky TV has taken a financial hit after satellite issues over the summer. The broadcaster has lost $1.75 million in net profit. And cricket is back on SKY after previously loosing the rights in 2019. Chief executive Sophie Maloney says ..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Donald Trump described the Ukrainian president as a 'dictator'. Starmer called Zelenskyy and told him it was 'perfectly reasonable' for the Ukraine to suspend an election amid the ongoing conflict with Russia - as the UK did the same during World War II. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer is set to meet with Trump next week in Washington DC.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have led to the improved outlook.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. The department has been put under the microscope, with the central bank highlighting dramatic revisions to GDP (gross domestic product) as one of the reasons for a controversial reversal in its rate track in 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed film director James Cameron says investment and innovation, especially in the film sector, is the key to Wellington’s future. Cameron spoke at Vision for Wellington’s inaugural public event and said the capital’s film sector sets it apart from other cities in New Zealand - but needs more financial support from the Government. SPADA President Irene Gardiner says Wellington's film sector brings more money into the economy if a film performs well - and she agrees with Cameron's sentiments.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A senior police officer hit his kids with a belt several times, but was only censured for it by police. The IPCA has said that is grossly inadequate, but nothing will happen as a result. What do we make of this?  Should public servants still get automatic pay rises? Sir Brian Roche says it's unaffordable - do we agree? Air New Zealand has copped some backlash from Auckland Airport - what do we make of this?  Oscar-winning film director James Cameron wants the Government to invest more money into the film industry to boost the economy. Is now the right time for this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 20 February 2025, the latest stats show child poverty is going nowhere - Social Development Minister Louise Upston tells Ryan the solution to the crisis. Air NZ boss Greg Foran is forecasting turbulence on the horizon and apologises for the airline's on time performance. Defence Minister Judith Collins says she's keeping an eye on the Chinese naval ships off the coast of Australia. The Huddle debates whether the senior police officer who hit his kids with a belt should have been charged and fired. 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.

Three Chinese navy vessels have entered the Tasman Sea, off of Australia's coast. The New Zealand Defence Force is monitoring the vessels - which are about 280 kilometres east of Sydney. Defence Minister Judith Collins says this is the first time China's sent such capable war ships this far south. "They're really quite stunning pieces of equipment and we've never seen them in this area before." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A law expert says it was assault when a senior police officer hit his children with a belt.  The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the North Island officer struck his three children multiple times, on their lower body. He admitted using his belt to 're-set' his kids - and has been censured by police for serious misconduct. Auckland University law professor Mark Henaghan says criminal proceedings couldn't go ahead because neither the parent or children would give evidence. "Liz Gunn just taps someone on the shoulder and gets charged with assault - this is hitting kids with a belt and nothing has happened."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand-born teen threatened with deportation has mixed emotions, now that he's allowed to stay in the country.  Daman Kumar faced deportation with his long-time overstayer parents to India, a country he'd never visited.  Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk has granted the 18 year-old a resident visa - but has ordered Kumar's parents to leave immediately.  Kumar's lawyer, Alastair McClymont, says they're unlikely to be forced out any time soon.  "Usually, you know, Immigration New Zealand are pretty good at talking to people in this sort of situation and trying to negotiate a voluntary departure."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is brushing off criticism from Aotearoa's largest airport. Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui has suggested the national carrier's too dominant in the domestic market, holding an 84 percent market share. She stated Air New Zealand wasn't meeting the needs of consumers or the regions. Its Chief Executive, Greg Foran says there've been adjustments in recent months - particularly Wellington - with declines in Government and corporate travel. "But we know how important it is to be fair to everyone in New Zealand and ensure we've got connectivity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Child Poverty Reduction Minister attributes stagnant progress to tough economic conditions.  Annual figures to June show no real change since 2018, despite a cross-party commitment to halve the rate by 2028. More than 143,000 children are estimated to be living in material hardship.  But Minister Louise Upston says a growing economy will start to help.  "For some families, the cost of living is still affecting them. The OCR drop yesterday - it takes a while for that to flow through and for families to really feel it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More debate over calling New Zealand Aotearoa in the House, taking up 10 minutes during Question Time. Yesterday, Winston Peters objected to Mexican immigrant Ricardo Menendez-March using the name. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Aotearoa is perfectly acceptable to use in the house - despite Peters' obstinance on the subject.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January from 4 percent in December, in line with expectations from economists. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employment increased by 44,000 last month, with full time positions increasing and part time roles dropping. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank is largely hoping the unemployment rate keeps growing - so they can bring rates down further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An opening Champions Trophy triumph for New Zealand over Pakistan at Karachi in their one-day international. The hosts struggled to 260, chasing 321 to win. Earlier, Will Young made 107 and Tom Latham an unbeaten 118 in a fourth-wicket stand of 118. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recaps the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's latest campaign to draw in more tourists from Australia has been met with mixed responses.  One leading Australian travel compensation lawyer has warned prospective Aussie travellers to 'go at your own risk'. Peter Capner, Director of Carter Capner Law, says travellers to New Zealand cannot access compensation for injury or death due to the fault of someone else. "Speaking on behalf of all Australians, if they're maimed in New Zealand or orphaned and their breadwinner parent dies, they can't get anything to replace the income that is lost because of that tragedy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New medical tests have shown further complications in the condition of Pope Francis. They reveal the 88-year-old pontiff has developed bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican says laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the Pope's scheduled appointments and appearances for the next few days have been cancelled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra appears to be advancing its plans to sell off Anchor, Mainland and its other consumer brands.  The co-op hasn't decided whether or not to sell the brands to another business in a trade sale - or whether to list the in an IPO. NZ Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander weighs in on what Fonterra's next move could be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank started 2025 off with some good news for homeowners and slashed the OCR by 50 basis points. The Central Bank also implied more rate cuts will come - and at a quicker pace than previously indicated.  Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan revealed how the markets responded. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks have begun slashing shorter-term mortgage rates following today's cuts to the OCR, but experts have issued a warning to homeowners. Reserve Bank policymakers are again warning borrowers not to hold their breaths for substantive cuts to longer-term mortgage rates. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the factors behind today's cuts. 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 day - and more!  The OCR was slashed again by 50 basis points - what does this mean for the economy and the cost of living? Do we think more cuts are the way to go? The Consumer Guarantees Act (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill is set to have its first reading in Parliament tonight. Should the Government pass this law? Will this make products better for consumers?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fletcher announced a $134 million net loss after tax for the December 31, 2024 half-year, up on the previous $120m net loss. Losses climbed partly due to the disastrous Perth leaky pipe problems after Fletcher’s Iplex finalised and signed a $170m provision in this 2025 financial year in what it called the Western Australian plumbing industry response. Fletcher Building CEO Andrew Reding says many businesses are seeing early signs of recovery - but he's still apprehensive about the company's economic fate.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 19 February 2025, there was a 0.5 percent cut to the Official Cash Rate - Brad Olsen breaks down what it means for your mortgage, your savings and the economy.   Auckland mayor Wayne Brown speaks to Ryan Bridge after announcing he's running for re-election. Fletcher boss Andrew Reding on how he wants to turn his company around after a huge $134m loss. NZ Rugby's Mark Robinson fronts up on his fight for a new sponsor after taking Ineos to court. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the right to repair should become law. 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 All Blacks will be looking to avenge a historic defeat as part of this upcoming test season. The Kiwi side will face off against Ireland in Chicago - nine years on from Ireland's first win between the countries. NZ Rugby Chief Executive Mark Robinson says there's room to grow the sport in the US ahead of future World Cups. "There's a lot of opportunities around the United States in general at the moment, we've talked a lot in recent times about the fact that the Rugby World Cups in 2031 and 2033 provide a real opportunity to build a long-term plan in the US."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows a drop in fatalities on the road - with older drivers at higher risk for deadly crashes for the first time. A new analysis by Road Safety Education Limited reveals that deadly accidents among younger drivers have halved over the past 25 years. Road Safety Education's Maria Lovelock says as drivers get older, their cognitive abilities and eyesight decline, putting them at risk. "But also, your ability to survive a crash is not as great either. Your body isn't as able to bounce back at the same speed when you're in a crash." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor is asking for the chance to finish the job he's started. Wayne Brown will run again for the city's top job in October - saying he's delivered on most of the policies he set out to achieve when first elected in 2022. He says Auckland ratepayers should back him again. "We expect to deliver the lowest rate rises in the country, we expect to deliver value for everything." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's praise for the Reserve Bank tonight - from one of its fiercest critics. It's signalling this afternoon's double-cut to the Official Cash Rate will be followed by at least two more single cuts. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen infamously angered Governor Adrian Orr last year, when he accused him of 'flip-flopping' on forecasts and decisions. Today, Olsen says Orr's made the right call. "The right move to cut, the right sort of forecast now with the Reserve Bank pricing in what the markets have been thinking as well - it's very much a sensible decision." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says this afternoon's double cut to the OCR is another sign the economy's improving. The Reserve Bank is also signalling it'll follow up with at least two more 25 point reductions by the end of May. Despite low productivity and net migration, our economy is expected to gradually pick up, in part due to rising dairy and beef prices - and the low Kiwi dollar. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's feeling proud of today's OCR update.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk sat down for an interview with Sean Hannity, which was broadcasted on Fox News. Musk was quick to flatter Trump in the interview and claimed the media was 'unfairly' attacking the President. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Musk also revealed he was going to endorse Trump for President 'anyway', but last year's assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania 'speeded up' the process.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks will play 13 tests in 2025 with the confirmation of their end-of-year tour schedule. The year will comprise three tests against France in July, six in the Rugby Championship and a grand slam tour to finish the season starting with Ireland in Chicago. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting faulty or broken goods fixed could be made significantly easier if a new bill giving Kiwis the right to repair becomes law. The Consumer Guarantees Act (Right to Repair) Amendment Bill is set to have its first reading in Parliament tonight - and if passed, Kiwis could be able to get items repaired instead of tossing them out and purchasing replacements. Right to Repair Aotearoa Coalition spokesperson Dr Paul Smith says many people want to get things repaired - but the process is difficult and expensive under current laws. "It's gotten to the point where buying something new, in a lot of cases, is cheaper than getting somebody to look at the product to assess whether it's repairable. And that's partly because products aren't repairable at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's finally some relief for Australian homeowners, as the RBA lowers interest rates for the first time since 2020. It held the cash rate at 4.3 percent for more than a year as post-pandemic inflation slowly cooled - but it slashed the OCR by 25 basis points to 4.1 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says inflation is coming down, but it's still nowhere near low enough.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Reserve Bank's first official cash rate decision for 2025 - and many economists are predicting a rate cut to start off the year. The RBNZ is largely expected to lower the OCR by 50 basis points tomorrow, with two major banks already announcing rate cuts. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says a significant cut looks likely - but warns the central bank runs the risk of overdoing their response again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is the latest to suggest New Zealand should back out of the Paris Climate Accord. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain that other nations have already pulled out - and he's encouraging new Zealanders to reflect on the costs of staying in the agreement. Jamie Mackay explains whether or not this could lead to friction within the coalition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour MP Stuart Nash and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The IPCA wants new rules on how to deal with protests - and what responsibilities lie with organisers. Do we think these changes are needed? A damning report was released, revealing how Government agencies shared New Zealanders' private information without making sure the data would be kept safe. The head of Stats NZ won't seek reappointment, but no other public servants will face punishment. Is there a risk people just won't trust the Government with their personal information anymore?  Are we guilty of looking at our phones while we watch TV? Netflix is looking to create more 'second screen' shows to appeal to distracted viewers. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 18 February 2025, Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche speaks to Ryan Bridge after a scathing report found public agencies shared New Zealanders' private data and left it open to misuse.   Health NZ chief clinical officer Dr Richard Sullivan responds to concerns that patients are being denied specialist appointments based on their BMI. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark responds to the idea of NZ peacekeepers on the ground in Ukraine. Plus, the Huddle debates Netflix's new shows for people who want to look at their phone at the same time. 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.

Fonterra dairy farmers will be able to earn cash for their climate efforts - beginning from June. The dairy giant has announced it will pay an extra 1-5 cents a kilogram of milk solids to farms that meet climate criteria, and more for some farms. The criteria takes into account emissions from cow feed, fertiliser, animals and drained peat soils - minus any carbon removed by trees and vegetation. Chair of Fonterra's Co-operative Council, John Stevenson, says this financial incentive will make a material difference to the farmers who receive it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A police watchdog is suggesting the Government takes a closer look at laws for protestors outside private residences.  An Independent Police Conduct Authority report makes several recommendations for laws which would protest protestor rights and ensure public safety.  It raises the idea of a specific offence for picketing of private residences.  IPCA chair, Judge Kenneth Johnston KC, says it's currently legal to protest outside someone's home - like the Prime Minister's. "Whether it should be or not is not a matter for us to determine, it's an issue that we've raised and identified what other countries do in that area - and no doubt, the Government of the day will give some consideration to it in the fullness of time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix knows we're more likely to be on our phones as we watch TV shows - and they're looking to appeal to distracted viewers. The streaming giant is looking to create more content optimised for causal viewing, with an emphasis on repetitive  plot points and overly scripted dialogue.  Film reviewer Kate Rodger says more and more viewers are repeatedly streaming the same set of shows in the background, and Netflix is hoping to tap into that. "Whether it's Gilmore Girls, whether it's Suits - whatever it might be, we know everything that's going to happen and there's a comfort in that. It also means we don't really have to engage the brain or the synapses, we can just let it wash over us and we know what's happening."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does New Zealand have the capacity to send troops to Ukraine?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has said he's open to the idea, after a meeting of EU leaders in Paris. He's also outlined his ambition to bring our defence spending close to two percent of GDP. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says the call to send Kiwi troops would depend on what role, function, and number they'd be deployed in. "We know from the many deployments we have around the world that some deployments might just be one or two officers, maybe a dozen in different locales." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new standard for Government agencies handling data will be set after today's bombshell report. The Public Service Commission has released a report detailing failures by Stats NZ, Health NZ and the Ministry of Health.  It's after allegations surfaced in June that Census and Covid vaccination data was inappropriately used at Manurewa Marae. It's highlighted a lack of safeguards - even when concerns were raised within Stats NZ, whose acting head is now stepping down.  It found agencies also failed to address conflicts-of-interest by providers working with Covid data.  Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says contracting requirements for third-parties will change.  "We are just being clear about the duty of care required on people who access public money to discharge services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of the Public Service Sector says the Government needs to do better with Kiwis' data. A report into claims Covid and Census data were misused during the 2023 election has been released today. It highlights significant shortcomings at Stats NZ and Health NZ - and concluded the agencies failed to ensure data provided to third-party providers was kept confidential. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look for the wider public service sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the RBA has moved to lower the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points from 4.35 percent to 4.1 percent. This is in line with predictions from economists, who'd noticed inflation had eased in the final quarter of 2024. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this will come as good news for homeowners, who have had their mortgage payments skyrocket over the past few months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leon MacDonald is poised to land at an unexpected destination in his first rugby role since departing the All Blacks in August. Five tests into last year’s test season, MacDonald left his post as All Blacks attack coach due to irresolvable differences with head coach Scott Robertson. The Herald reports MacDonald is to join the Western Force in a short-term director of rugby role where he will work with head coach Simon Cron - a fellow New Zealander. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ is pushing back against the claims patients in Porirua have been declined specialist appointments based on their body mass indexes. A group of Porirua GPs have claimed their patients had been rejected for general and orthopaedic surgeries based on BMI - and they fear it's a tactic to manage waiting lists. Health NZ's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Richard Sullivan, has stepped up to deny these claims. "We're not using what we call body mass index, which is really a combination of someone's height and weight, to manage wait-lists, that's absolutely not true." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer would put British troops in Ukraine to help guarantee a peace deal. The US and Russian Presidents are holding talks on the war - but excluding EU nations, including Ukraine. Starmer's said lasting peace is essential to deterring future aggression by Vladimir Putin - and he doesn't take putting British servicemen and women in harm's way lightly, but he'll do what it takes to guarantee Ukrainian security. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's fears about what Putin will take in a peace deal - and European leaders are set to express their concerns at the upcoming emergency summit in France. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A2 Milk has upped its first-half net profit by 7.6 percent - overtaking expectations - and announced its first dividend of 8.5 cents a share. Its infant milk formula (IMF) sales grew by 7.2 percent, led by its English label, which was up 13 percent, while China label sales were 2 percent higher. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the factors behind this change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of our largest freight companies says it's yet to see economic green shoots. Freightways is reporting a 6.5 percent increase in profit in the six months to December. But it's dealing with lower volumes per customer in New Zealand. CEO Mark Troughear explained the result is down to winning new customers, and its Australian arm's performance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Growth Minister says she's had another supermarket express their interest in setting up shop here. Nicola Willis has repeated the call we need more competition to pressure prices. Speaking last week, she said there's been some expressions of interest from overseas, but would not say who or how many, Willis says since then, she's had another potential player get in touch. She explained it was someone who contacted her office directly, saying they had a potential proposal to enter the market. 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! It's now up to the Minister whether or not to deport an 18-year old NZ-born Indian teenager. His parents are here illegally and are also set to be deported. What do we think about this case? The Destiny Church crowd made headlines again after they crashed a drag storytime event at a West Auckland library over the weekend? What can we do about this? Are we all getting sick of QR codes in restaurants?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.