Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The news of the day, politically, is that surcharges are gone, as the Government's just banned them. You know what I'm talking about here, right? They're the little extra amount that you get pinged when you turn up at the dairy and you use your credit card, or you use your paywave - it's gone from May next year. The big sell behind this is basically that it's to help you with the cost of living crisis. Now, I hate to do this because I know you're thinking, "Oh, yay." And I'm totally gonna rain on that parade for you. Don't get excited, this is gonna fix nothing. You are still gonna end up paying that cost somehow, probably just through the cost of the bottle of milk that you're buying. Or your haircut, or your sushi or whatever it is - it's gonna be built into the price because the business still has the cost. Nothing is changing there. They've still got to pay that merchant fee. Now, a merchant fee is a very complicated set of charges which the business gets lumped with. And most businesses actually have no bloody idea what makes up that merchant fee. There's a fee from the credit card companies, there's a fee for moving money from the banks, there's the EFTPOS providers - the whole thing gets lumped into the merchant fee and that has not gone away. What's only gone away is the business's ability to be able to recover the cost of some of that through the surcharge. And by the way, the cost of that thing is actually quite big. I've read about one business - just one shop - that pays about $14,000 in a year just for that, just for the merchant fee, to be able to do business electronically. Now, what's going to happen if you go to that shop is, because that guy can't now pass it on to you with a 2 percent, 0.7 percent, 1 percent surcharge or whatever, he's simply going to add it to the cost of his product so that across the year, he makes that $14,000 back. Also, another reason why you shouldn't get excited about it is that this ban does not include anything that you buy online. So you're buying your Air New Zealand tickets? You're still gonna be paying that little $6 handling fee. You're buying some tickets for a concert from Ticketmaster? You're still paying that handling fee. Maybe you want to head along to Banksy? Yep, you're still gonna be paying yourself a nice little $8 handling fee. And the problem with that is that these are some of the most egregious examples, I would have thought, of surcharges just bearing no resemblance to reality - but they still slip through this. So instead of actually sorting out the backroom problems and the real gnarly issues - what has been charged by the banks and the EFTPOS companies and the credit card companies and really excessive surcharges - the Government's just taken the easy option and brought in a ban on the little stuff you buy from the dairy. Good headline. Unfortunately, though, just a charade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's recent ban on on payment card surcharges has been met with criticism from the retail and hospitality sectors. The Government's announced it will scrap extra in-store card fees by next May. The Commerce Commission has already reduced bank interchange visa and master card fees for businesses. Dairy and Business Owners Group chair Ankit Bansal says these proposed changes are 'unfair' as the banks can still charge whatever transaction fees they like. "These will likely have to be passed on to the consumers - the problem is, we would have to do it across the board. So even if someone was paying with cash, one way or another, we're paying for these charges." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humanitarian groups say there's zero evidence to support the claim that Hamas is stealing humanitarian aid meant for Gaza.  Trucks and airdrops are reaching the Strip after Israel's paused fighting to open some aid corridors.  International pressure's been mounting as starvation deepens.  Doctors Without Borders coordinator Claire Manera says Israeli authorities are the only ones she's seen blocking aid.  "While I was there on the ground, all I could see was medical supplies were going into the hospitals that we worked in - and we were trying to deliver aid into the population." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no shortage of research on the dangers of not sleeping enough, but sleeping too much has been found to be worse for your health than expected. New research has revealed that people who sleep over nine hours per night are 34 percent more likely to live shorter lives than those who sleep the ideal 8-9 hours a night. Dr Alex Bartle from the Sleep Well Clinic says if you frequently sleep longer than the ideal timeframe, you'll need to consult your GP. "If that's not sufficient - particularly if you're a snorer for example - then you need to check for sleep apnoea." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's scrapping card surcharges at the till, which collectively cost Kiwis $150 million each year. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson confirmed they'll ban in-store credit and debit card surcharges, like paywave fees.  He says it's important for consumers to have transparency when it comes to pricing.  "In a competitive world, businesses understand the price-competitive nature of the businesses that they operate and the goods and services they provide. Surcharges are annoying, they're pesky and most customers don't actually know whether they're paying the full price."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frosty reception for the Prime Minister at the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland yesterday - with booing from the crowd. Chris Luxon is brushing it off, and says he was well-looked after at the event. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's taken the backlash in his stride, and acknowledged the backlash that comes with politics.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese recently claimed Israel is 'quite clearly' breaching international law by withholding aid from civilians in Gaza. He added that he would respect formal processes for determining any breaches - but said the actions were a 'breach of decent humanity and morality.' Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there's been pressure on Albanese to join France in recognising a Palestinian state. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warriors' bid for a bounce back NRL season will come against a Dolphins side likely to have a returning pair of veteran props. Both Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls are set to be nack in the mix for Friday night's game at Mt Smart.  Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains whether the Warriors can turn their luck around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's aiming to strike a balance between cutting red tape and keeping people safe on work sites. Officials are consulting with the construction sector on changing rules on scaffolding. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden, says over-compliance makes jobs cost more - and take more time. Building Industry Federation chief executive Julien Leys says health and safety is important to the sector, and a balance needs to be struck. "Everyone hates scaffolding as much as they hate road cones, but we shouldn't forget that that scaffolding is there for a reason and any height can be dangerous." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 25 July. 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.

First up, we need to talk about Gaza.  I'm not gonna be graphic, and, and I'm not gonna talk about what it is hap what's happening there in detail. You already know, you can choose to read about it yourself, and I recommend that you do just to the point that you can kind of handle it.    Credit, today, to Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia.   He has stopped pussyfooting around what's going on here. He's just put out a strongly worded statement this afternoon. He's demanding that Israel stop starving children to death and let in more aid.   He says, we call on Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law. Now that is a shed load better than the waffly joint statement we signed up earlier this week.    We need to get a spine on this, don't we?    I mean, our joint statement didn't even mention the word starvation or starving, or any variation on that word. It is watered down to the point of having absolutely no impact, and that is what it had, no impact.  Now I am not naive enough to think that New Zealand telling Israel off is going to change anything, but we've got to do something.   And if all we've got is words, then we're gonna have to use them.  Because maybe I am naive enough to believe that if enough world leaders call out Israel, name what is going on, don't pussyfoot around it, call the deliberate starvation for what it is.  If enough world leaders say, ‘you have got to stop this now’, and if enough leaders then enact sanctions on Israel, then surely Trump cannot ignore it anymore.   And Trump is the key here. He's the one we have to convince.  Now, I know that Israel still has hostages in those tunnels, and as I said earlier this week, Hamas must release them for this war to end.   But let me put this to you in very, very stark numbers.   10 hostages is not worth even one of those children's lives.   You do not starve a child to death to get 10 hostages out.   They are children.   I cannot believe that we are watching this happen and that we are letting this happen.  LISTEN ABOVE      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ghislaine Maxwell, a key former associate to Jeffery Epstein, is due to meet with the Deputy Attorney General of the US for a second day in a row tomorrow.  These meetings come as the controversy surrounding the release of the Epstein files continues to grow.  US Defence Attorney Randy Zelin told Heather duPlessis-Allan that 'there are two paths for Ms. Maxwell to get home.’  ‘One way is if she assists the United States Government...the other way she gets home is if she gets a pardon from President Trump’    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are doubts that high-strength beers are causing as much harm as critics say.   The products are sold as singles in supermarkets and liquor stores and are stronger than RTDs, ranging from seven to 16 percent.   'Communities Against Alcohol Harm' has been raising the issue at a number of public hearings - calling for a ban.   But Brewers Association Executive Director Dylan Firth says a blanket ban would be an overreach.   He says, if there are specific problems, they can be imposed on the licenses of each product.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan (real name Terry Bollier) has died at the age of 71. He was the face of the WWE in the 1980s, and stayed involved in the sport long after his retirement from professional wrestling. Sharon Mazer, author of ‘Professional Wrestling: Sport and Spectacle’, told Heather duPlessis-Allan, ‘He was the one in the bright light at the end of the night, and generally the victor.’ She also said that Hogan was known to stay behind after events to sign t shirts and pose for photos with children and young fans. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark wants New Zealand to recognise Palestine as a state.  The United Nations calls the war a nightmare of historic proportions - as concerns are raised over aid being withheld.  French President Emmanuel Macron has outlined his support for a two-state-solution, recognising Palestine.  Helen Clark told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand needs to do the same - and other countries should ramp up pressure on Israel.  She says its urgent that aid can get through to Gaza.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced the first major changes to the GP clinic funding model in over 20 years.   He says from this time next-year, the money will be better distributed based on the needs of the population.   But Royal Colleges of GPs President Samantha Murton says clinics could lose money if the funding pool stays the same.   She hopes funding will be level - and boosted for those with higher needs.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India and Britain are set to sign a free trade deal to cut tariffs on goods and increase market access for the two countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the UK to sign the deal, and he's set to have further discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. UK correspondent Enda Brady explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America's healthcare sector is at a crossroads. The US spends almost 20 percent of GDP on healthcare - nearly double the OECD average - but there's pressure to cut down on wastage. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protestors who are not fans of being pepper-sprayed, handcuffed or locked up in a police cell were taught how to avoid these unsavoury events at a training event. The Protest Skills Night event, organised by Climate Liberation Aotearoa was held in Otago and aimed to show protesters how to demonstrate their points using "non-violent direct action techniques". The Country's Jamie Mackay had some strong opinions on this event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 24 July 2025, the Government is making significant changes to voting rules. Same day enrolments are gone and you must now enrol to vote before early voting starts two weeks before election day. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith speaks to Heather. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she still has confidence in the chair of the Reserve Bank, Neil Quigley, as more details are revealed about Adrian Orr's alleged behaviour before he quit his job as Governor. A group of doctors and nurses want politicians to waive their right to private healthcare while they're in power, so they can get a better feel for the constraints of the public health system. Plus, the Huddle debates whether people who enrol to vote on the day are dropkicks.   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, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A group of healthcare workers want MPs to waive their and their families' private healthcare during their time in office to ensure they're not insulated from the realities of our public health system. What do we make of this? The Government is set to scrap same-day enrolment as part of a planned electoral law overhaul. Is this change necessary - or bad for democracy?  Does Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley need to resign because he failed to mention that Adrian had lost his cool at a Treasury staffer? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's be honest with each other about something. That increase in rough sleeping that the cities are anecdotally reporting to that homelessness report will be caused by the shutting down of those emergency motels. I know the Government's trying to avoid having to admit that, but that is the big thing that's changed since the election. They've shut down the motels and some of the people who were in those motels, or who might have gone to those motels, have ended up on the streets. And I don't think that that's unexpected. That is not an unexpected consequence of taking a tougher line on the motels. Now, don't see me as tough or hard-hearted on this. I don't want anyone sleeping on the streets and I venture most of us don't. But I still think that shutting down those motels was a good idea because that was out of hand, wasn't it? I mean, spending $1.4 billion on emergency accommodation in six years was just way too much money. I prefer the line the Government's taking at the moment, which is to put the obligation where it actually should be, which is on family and friends. Which is to say that if someone finds themselves, God forbid, without a roof over their heads, the first place that they should go for help is not the state. It should be their mum or their brother or their auntie or their son or their friend. And only then when all of their options are exhausted and they really have no one to turn to, then should they turn to the state. But that is not what was happening with the emergency motels. The state was the first port of call. If you think about it, the state has stepped in to take over a lot of roles that we normally would have relied on each other for. And in some cases, it's unavoidable and in some cases it's for the best, for example - police, or whatever. But in this case, let's be honest, $1.4 billion is a lot of money that could have been spent on anything else that we are running dry on right now. Healthcare, cops, education. So actually, the first place you turn to if you don't have somewhere to sleep is your family. Only at the end of the road should the state step in. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for politicians and their families to give up private healthcare when making decisions for the country.  A letter signed by health workers argues MPs should rely on the public EDs, waitlists and services used by everyone else.  Spokesperson Doctor Marcus Lee says health workers are frustrated with the public system.  The Northland cardiologist says it comes down to accountability and integrity - and means politicians will have skin in the game.  "It's personal for us, it's personal for lots of Kiwis - they make policy decisions that impact a lot of people in New Zealand. So it is personal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock exchange operator NZX chief executive Mark Peterson has resigned from the role - and will step down at the end of April 2026. Peterson explained that the time was right for him to stand down and for the board to look for a new chief executive. He says he's overseen plenty of challenges and successes in the role over the last few years. "You've got to make these tough calls - but we've also, at the same time, got to a period in the exchange where we've ticked off a bunch of expectations and objectives...really, it's the right time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is pushing to reinstate passenger rail across the country - starting by connecting Tauranga and Auckland.  It's launched a petition targeting the Minister for Rail to get it done.  The party says it would cost $10 million over four years to extend the Te Huia train to Tauranga.  But Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter says it will cost more to achieve the long-term vision.  "Total budget for all the projects, including a transformational improvement to the rail network - which would mean a two and a half hour train journey between Tauranga and Auckland - is about five and a half billion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's repeating dismay over the Reserve Bank handling of its Governor's abrupt resignation. It's been confirmed chair Neil Quigley apologised to Treasury over Adrian Orr's behaviour, just weeks before he quit. It wasn't released through official information requests - and follows the central bank also apologising over its management of the departure. Nicola Willis says she was aware emotions were running high at the time.  "Yes, I do have confidence in Neil Quigley. I have also, however, previously shared my disappointment at the way information on the way information on this matter has been shared with New Zealanders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says its overhaul of electoral laws - will bring swifter and simpler election processing. It plans to end same-day enrolments - with a cut off 13 days before election day.  The Justice Minister says late enrolling contributed to vote counting ballooning to three weeks.  Paul Goldsmith says it could have grown to four weeks, without change. "More and more people have been enrolling on election day - or just before - and that all has to be sorted out before they can do the vote counting, so we're just having to get the system sustainable because we're proud of our electoral system and we want it to work well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister is moving to overhaul electoral laws, calling them outdated and unsustainable. He'll end same-day enrolment and prohibit offering free food, drink and entertainment near a voting place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper agrees with these proposed changes - and suggests it could speed up the vote-counting process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Government's denying their move to lift restrictions on imports of US beef is not related to President Trump's increasing tariff war. The Government recently confirmed that the Department of Agriculture would allow the imports into Australia, saying the US now 'effectively' manages the biosecurity risks.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Opposition has raised questions about this move.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The removal of Sport New Zealand's community sport trans guidelines are sparking debate around who wins and who loses protection.  The principles around allowing participation based on gender identity were scrapped following a Government directive.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donors have expressed concerns after Givealittle shut down multiple pages designed to raise relief aid money for Gaza. Givealittle has confirmed it's required to assess the risks amid concerns surrounding money laundering. ReliefAid founder Mike Seawright says Givealittle can't determine where the money is going in a peer-to-peer donation situation. "There are other issues of course, there's legal compliance issues that also go with that - but ultimately, giving is good and giving responsibly is also a critical part of that action." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treasury has confirmed concerns were raised about former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr’s conduct. Its comment comes as it responds to an allegation there was more to Orr’s departure than the public has been led to believe. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 100 survivors of alleged sexual abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have entered the company’s compensation scheme, reports confirmed. The retailer set up the scheme after dozens of women came forward with allegations of abuse by the late owner, with some going as far back as 1977. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fletcher Building is looking into possibly selling its construction arm. It's exploring divesting its main construction division - and the Higgins, Brian Perry Civil and Fletcher Construction Major Projects business units. Milford Asset Management's Andrew Curtayne explains further. 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!  Can we confirm Nicola Willis' meeting with Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell was entirely pointless?  Some advocates have blamed the Government's policies for the increase in homelessness. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tower is ending its multi-policy discounts, with the insurer claiming the level of risk is unacceptable for meeting regulatory requirements. The insurer previously offered people who bought two eligible policies up to 10 percent off their premiums and up to 20 percent off if people had three or more eligible policies. Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang explains why these changes are taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So guess what's happening after Nicola Willis' butter meeting with Fonterra last night? Nothing. After hyping the meeting, after Mikey chasing Miles down the street, after the news going live with the banner across the TV that the Fonterra meeting is underway, after all of that - nothing is happening because nothing can happen, because Fonterra's not ripping us off. We're simply paying the same international price as everyone for butter, which Nicola knows because she's an intelligent woman and because she used to work for Fonterra as well. So, nothing has come from the meeting. There is no announcement about what is being fixed. Miles Hurrell is not resigning or apologizing, and the price of butter is not dropping. All that has happened is that Nicola Willis has fronted up for the media today and told them that Miles Hurrell will talk to them at some time soon to explain how the price of butter works, which is a nothing outcome. In which case, you have to ask yourself the question, what was the point of the meeting? If Nicola actually truly does understand the mechanics of butter pricing, and presumably then also understands that Fonterra isn't ripping us off and also had no plans to announce anything after this, why hype the meeting? I can answer that question for you. Because she wanted to pass the buck. She wanted to blame Fonterra, because National is feeling the pressure over the fact that Labour is now more trusted to deal with the cost of living crisis than National is  - according to the Ipsos survey, which is out this month. And because the heat has been cranked up on National, who have talked a very big game about getting the economy back on track - and yet 18 months in, it's still very much off track to the extent that people cannot afford butter. Nicola tried to shift the blame from National to Fonterra and it didn't work. Now, the lesson here is that performance politics doesn't work. Blaming the supermarkets but doing nothing, blaming Fonterra but doing nothing, blaming the banks but doing nothing, that kind of stuff doesn't work. And in fact, it's risky, it runs the risk of backfiring, which is exactly what's happening here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 23 July 2025, Space Minister Judith Collins explains why she urgently needed to change the law to crack down on foreign actors manipulating our space industry. Homelessness rose by 37% between 2018 and 2023 - and councils say anecdotally the situation has got even worse since then. Nicola Willis has had her big meeting with Fonterra boss Miles Hurrell to get to the bottom of the butter price - and revealed why your butter is unlikely to get cheaper. Wellington is very excited to finally secure a big concert for the capital again - so can Ed Sheeran spark the city's recovery? Plus, the Huddle debates whether parents still feel comfortable with male daycare teachers. 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.

A battle's flared between Federated Farmers and Greenpeace. Federated Farmers says the activist group should be stripped of its charitable status for defacing Gore's iconic brown trout statue to highlight how dairy pollution's affected the town's water. A three-day do-not-drink notice was issued Friday, because of elevated nitrate levels. Southland Federated Farmers president, Jason Herrick, says Greenpeace should behave better. "What they were doing had the potential to destroy a pretty important monument in Gore." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost a century after Phillis Symons was murdered and buried in an unmarked Karori grave, a headstone mysteriously appeared. Symons, 17 and pregnant, was killed by George Errol Coats in June 1931 and buried - some say alive - in the dirt excavated to build the Mt Victoria tunnel, where her body was later discovered. Historian Gabor Toth says it's a mystery as to how the headstone got there. "The fact that her grave has been unmarked has been remarked upon over the years - I do know that the Friends of Karori Cemetery, a group that got going about five or six years ago were actively engaging with Phyllis Symons' family over in Australia and they were working towards getting a gravestone...but this isn't it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new law on space infrastructure is being described as immediately enhancing national security. The bill's passed under urgency today, and requires a Government permit for anyone wanting to operate ground-based space infrastructure, like a launch pad. Permission can be removed if the security risk can't be managed. Space Minister Judith Collins says there are risks from so much banking and communication being done through satellites. "That sort of information could be pulled off those satellites - or copied." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A social housing commentator says the numbers of people without a home is probably worse than data suggests.  June Homelessness Insights released today show rough sleeping's worsening countrywide, across all measures.  The 2023 Census indicated a 37 percent increase between 2018 and 2023, reaching almost 5,000 without shelter.  But Bernie Smith says the Census wasn't that accurate - and explained many people on the street weren't contactable or didn't do the Census.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says all roads lead back to supermarket competition, as questions loom over spiralling dairy prices. Nicola Willis yesterday spoke with with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell - in a meeting she's called constructive and candid. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will make an announcement on supermarkets in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More tributes for heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne, who's died aged 76. Band-mates of Black Sabbath's lead singer say they've lost a brother. Musos from Pearl Jam, Metallica and Aerosmith are calling Osbourne a hero, and an inspiration for generations. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Osbourne helped bring metal music into the mainstream - at least, in the US. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The findings of a coronial inquest into the death of a charity boxer in 2018, criticised by a mother for “pulling my son’s integrity apart”, recommend a tightening up of rules and regulations for future corporate events. The findings come as the Government proposes to repeal the Boxing and Wrestling Act of 1981. Kain Parsons died on November 6, 2018 – three days after taking part in the “Fight for Christchurch” charity boxing event at the city’s Horncastle Arena, now Wolfbrook Arena. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington’s mega concert drought is officially over, after Ed Sheeran confirmed he was returning to New Zealand next January. The capital’s last major concert was the Foo Fighters in 2024 - and since then, global superstars like Lewis Capaldi and Lorde have skipped over Wellington when announcing their tours. Wellington NZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw says Wellington's a big city that manages to attract events, but there's plenty of challenges involved. "We recognise that we've got a significant stadium and another arena that holds five and a half thousand people with not a lot in between - so there are some challenges there, but there's all sorts of challenges at the moment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, the Government is looking into a review of the state pension age to see if it needs to be increased. The review will consider whether the current state pension age - currently 66 - is still appropriate, based on factors such as life expectancy. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes as Denmark pushes the pension age back to 70, and it's raised some concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised among economists as inflation data suggests things may not be as on track as they seem. Inflation has hit 2.7 percent, with big food increases led by massive hikes in food prices. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains what this could do for the Reserve Bank's outlook going foward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand red meat exports earned an extra $1.2 billion this year, due to good livestock pricing and tighter supplies.  But the country's $10 billion-plus red meat sector has raised the alarm that it was struggling to get the numbers of livestock needed to satisfy international demand. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former High Commissioner to the UK and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff and Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Sky TV has bought Three for $1. What do we make of the deal? What does this mean for the future of the industry? New Zealand has joined the international calls for an end to the ongoing war in Gaza - but do we need to let actions follow words?  A new Talbot Mills poll reveals the majority of the nation thinks the country is on the wrong track, and half of NZ First's voters think National doesn't deserve to be re-elected. Do you think we're looking at a one-term Government? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.