Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Three people have been arrested in connection with a suspected foiled bomb attack outside the Bank of America's headquarters in Paris. An initial suspect was detained at the scene after he placed an explosive device, and two more have since been arrested in connection with the attack. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are taking place, and authorities are warning people this could be linked to Iran. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KiwiSaver is undergoing some reforms, and former Mercury head Fraser Whineray is hoping to make it more competitive with Australia.  The new changes are set to kick in this week, with the default contribution rate for both employees and employers rising from 3 percent to 3.5 percent. Whineray explained how these changes will benefit Kiwis in the long run. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brent crude oil price is on track for a record surge as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Oil prices have been climbing all month as a result of the conflict and experts have raised concerns. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's looking at ways to keep hold of even more fuel than legally required.  Fuel stocks have risen as of last Wednesday, with 27.9 days of petrol, 21.7 of diesel and 25.3 of jet fuel in the country.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's now exploring more options to guard against supply risks "We want to be prepared if the worst happens and they can't get enough fuel for New Zealand."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fixture between Tottenham and Auckland FC has offered former Spurs defender Ledley King the chance to finally come to New Zealand. The two sides will play a match at Eden Park on July 26. The former Tottenham captain turned club ambassador said this will be exciting news for Kiwi fans. "Judging by the reaction, judging by the fans that I've met just in my short time here - and I've heard about the Auckland FC fans, we're really hoping we can sell it out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 30 March, 2026, we ask a defence expert if a US ground invasion risks prolonging the war in Iran. We talk to an education official about what can be done with half our secondary students ignoring a ban on phones in schools. Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King tells us why he's excited about his club playing Auckland FC. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Josie Pagani debate the merits of street graffiti. 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.

Geez, that old LNG terminal idea didn’t last long, did it? Seven weeks - that’s it. From the moment it was announced on February 9 to the first knife stuck in it today, seven weeks to the day. Now, before you come at me arguing that the LNG terminal hasn’t been killed - yes, it has. It is dead. The Herald report this morning that multiple ministers are privately admitting they may have to kill the project did not happen by accident. This is Politics 101 when you’re winding something down. You start slowly and by the time you actually kill it - say in two or three months - people have already got used to the idea. Then factor in that the Prime Minister was on Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning and didn’t sound super enthusiastic. That, I think, backs up the suspicion. Now, if you wanted to pull me up on anything, it’s that it’s not 100 percent dead. There’s always a chance something changes and it slips through. But today, I’d put the chances of death at 80 to 90 percent. And it’s not for the reasons we’re being told - namely that gas prices are now too high because of Operation Epic Fury. We already knew seven weeks ago that an LNG terminal would be at the mercy of international gas prices. That was one of the main warnings about the idea. At the moment, we pay domestic gas prices. The minute you start importing LNG, you’re paying international prices. The real reason this is being cut is because it was never a good idea. And I think they had to run it out long enough to truly realise how many people thought it was a bad idea. Spending $1 billion on what is essentially a short-term fix is a hell of a lot of money - and that’s assuming it comes in on budget. Given what we know about infrastructure projects in this country, it could easily cost a lot more than $1 billion. And it is a short-term fix. Unless we suddenly strike a big gas discovery in the next few months, this country is going to have to wean itself off gas. You’re going to have to stop using gas and start using something else - probably electricity in homes and something different again for industrial and commercial users. Storing gas in a terminal was only ever about managing the transition while we moved away from gas. That’s an enormous amount of money to spend on a transitional solution. On top of that, forcing people to pay for it through an LNG levy was political toxin - especially during a cost-of-living crisis. So now you’ve got double political toxin, in a cost-of-living crisis that’s just been supercharged by a war in Iran. So consider this one already dead - because it was never a good idea in the first place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's debate around the rules surrounding street art after prolific graffiti artist Karl Truell was charged in Auckland. Is there a place for this?  Donald Trump has revealed he's weighing up seizing the key Iranian island of Kharg - which holds the country's major oil terminal. What do we make of this?  Is the LNG terminal dead? Reports indicate that multiple ministers have privately admitted they may have needed to kill the project. Do we think this is done?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Street artists are calling for clearer rules around their craft, after one prominent artist was charged. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul has voiced support for prolific graffiti artist Karl Truell - aka 'Pork' - after he was fined in Auckland. Auckland street artist Jesse Jensen says there's no spaces for people to paint legally - and changes need to be made. "There just isn't an outlet, it's like how skating used to be - now you've got skate parks. Well, where's the art parks?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sovereign citizens expert believes the death of Aussie fugitive Dezi Freeman will be seen as evidence of corruption.  The 56-year-old's believed to have been killed by police this morning. The self-proclaimed sovereign citizen - a person who doesn't recognise the state - was wanted for allegedly murdering two officers in Victoria's Porepunkah last August.  University of New South Wales' associate professor Harry Hobbs says these initial killings sparked conspiracy theories from other movement members.  "I expect the same thing will happen here - people engaged in this behaviour will craft a narrative that says the state has acted in a tyrannical form."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to keep more fuel in New Zealand as the Middle East conflict threatens supply chains.  Fuel stock levels have risen as of last Wednesday, with over 50 days worth of petrol, diesel and jet fuel remaining or en route.  The Government's exploring ways to increase fuel stocks above minimum obligations to guard against supply disruptions.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A defence expert says a US ground invasion into Iran would be high risk and may not achieve its stated goals.  Donald Trump has told the Financial Times he's considering seizing Iran's major oil terminal on Kharg Island. Defence Priorities Senior Fellow Gil Barndollar says the island's deep in the Strait of Hormuz and difficult to get to.  He says Trump probably wants it for leverage.  "You take the port, and 97 percent of their oil goes out through, as well as whatever amount of oil is there right now, and use that as a bargaining chip." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria's Police Commissioner is calling the hunt for Dezi Freeman the biggest in Australian history, crediting New Zealand for its assistance. Local media's reporting the 56-year-old's been shot by police after more than seven months on the run.  Freeman killed two police officers executing a warrant at his rural Porepunkah property last August.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says he'd been on the run for over seven months, and investigations into the case are set to take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors co-captain James Fisher-Harris admits some honest reflection is required after a mauling at Mt Smart Stadium in league's NRL. After three straight wins to start the season, they're contemplating their first defeat after an upset 32-14 loss to the Tigers. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith unpacked the loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push for tougher consequences, as concerns grow over compliance with the Government’s school cellphone ban. The Ministry of Education says only about half of secondary students are following the rules. The Education Review Office is calling for phones to be confiscated more often, and for parents to contact students through school offices instead. Chief Review Officer, Ruth Shinoda, says the ban is working far better in primary schools. "It's because most primary schools just take the phone off the kids when they walk in, so kids just stopped taking their phone to school. And then, encouragingly, they say kids just stop asking their parents for phones." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 27 March, 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis' "keep calm" message as she sets out what it'll take to start fuel rationing. New Zealand First's plan to put millions of dollars into a Christchurch Cathedral rebuild. Lord of the Rings actor Bruce Hopkins on why the film's still a big drawcard for tourists. And on The Sports Huddle, D'Arcy Waldegrave and Jim Kayes debate the IOC's u-turn on transgender women. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warehouse Group has reported a first half net profit after tax of nearly $16 million. CEO Mark Stirton told Heather du Plessis-Allan he is 'pleased' with the result But, like most of the world, concerns over Iran and fuel costs plague future outlooks.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 25 years since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring.  Actor Bruce Hopkins, who played Gamling in the series, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the ongoing popularity and tourism pull in New Zealand.  Hopkins said the support for the franchise is 'astounding'.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now look it may not altogether surprise you today to hear that the International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women from competing in female events because this was so obviously going to happen once Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the IOC. She was clearly going to do it, given that she campaigned on doing exactly this. But, you may be surprised to realise what an enormous U-turn this actually is. I had to go back and have a look to actually believe it. Five years ago, the IOC publicly praised Laurel Hubbard for having “courage and tenacity” as the first transgender athlete to compete at the Olympics. They said everyone agrees that trans women are women. So, to go from that position to now banning Laurel Hubbard from competing in a female category again, in the space of five short years, is actually—when you think about it—quite an extraordinary turnaround. Now obviously what’s happened is public opinion has shifted. Five years ago was before the Cass Report was delivered in the UK on the dangers of puberty blockers for children. Five years ago was before the Bud Light controversy. Five years ago was before the Algerian boxer won gold despite questions about whether she was actually female. Five years ago, the prevailing opinion was that inclusion of transgender athletes mattered a lot more and that discussing transgender-related subjects was pretty taboo. Today, the prevailing opinion appears to be more about fairness to women and we are openly debating transgender-related subjects. Clearly the IOC, like any global sporting body, is sensitive to politics.  They may say sport is paramount and we may like to believe that sport is the only thing they care about—and maybe it still is the most important thing for them—but they are not deaf to public opinion. They would have to be stupid to be. Now how you judge the IOC for this is really up to you. You could see them as fickle, blowing in the wind of public opinion, or you could see them as simply trying to be pragmatic in the times they live in, whatever that is. And today, possibly, we are somewhere closer—at least, I would argue—to a fairer outcome for women. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat the latest news out of the USA.  As the war with Iran continues questions over the likelihood of a peace deal remain, meanwhile, in California gas prices are quickly coming up to $6, $10 NZD, per gallon.  And, controversy over Southwest Airline's 'fat tax' booms online. "They are singling out people that are overweight and they are forcing them to buy another seat," Mitchinson said.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones announced the four-stage fuel plan in response to fuel supply concerns stemming from the war in Iran. Phase one of the plan focuses is on monitoring global developments, phase two would involve active co-ordination between the Government and industry, including supporting efforts to reduce demand, phase three and four, at this stage, would include prioritising fuel for emergencies, freight and food supply chains, and key industries. Willis told Heather du Plessis-Allan that phase three and four would negatively impact the New Zealand economy.  "It wouldn't be great for anyone, for jobs or livelihoods, which is why we're working so hard now to try and prevent that ever being possible," she said.  "But, we also recognise these are events outside our control." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In three days Spark is set to switch off their 3G network for good.  Spark Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer, Leela Ashford, told Heather du Plessis-Allan only about 0.2% of Spark's total data traffic still uses 3G.  "There's still people on there, and that's why we are encouraging them, to move off to use this weekend, get into a store and get onto a 4G capable device," Ashford said. LISTEN HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force alliance. The focus of the talks will be Russian aggression in Ukraine, but Starmer says that there's 'a war on two fronts'. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the defence solutions being discussed.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private credit sector has given investors cause for concern. Questions have been raised about the sector's future amid a flood of redemption requests among some high-profile private credit funds. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s Federated Farmers High Country Field Day is set to take place on 27 March at Glenaray Station. The event will give  Ministers, MPs, officials and sector leaders insight into the work carried out by high-country farmers. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The police have recently revealed the the Tom Phillips documentary will be a Netflix project. Are we surprised they allowed this to happen? Do we think this is a good idea? Are we worried about privacy? Labour has indicated they won't rule out the Government's proposed surcharge ban after ACT confirmed they wouldn't back it. Do we see this moving forward after all?  A South African family living in New Zealand - including their son with Down syndrome - is set to be deported. Do we think this is unfair? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 26 March, 2026, we look at Labour's plan for who should pay the surcharge on credit cards. A big win for self-employed midwives in their court battle against the Health Ministry. We ask a psychologist if you should share your location with your partner. And on The Huddle, David Farrar and Gareth Hughes debate the danger of the Tom Phillips story going on Netflix. 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.

My overriding reaction to news that a Tom Phillips documentary is being made for Netflix is surprise. I’m surprised that the police are still allowing this to happen - especially now that it’s confirmed the documentary will appear on a platform as globally dominant as Netflix. Just think about how many people around the world will watch this. Imagine if the series takes off and becomes popular in the same way some true crime stories on Netflix do - think The Tinder Swindler. What happened after you watched that? Or after The Menendez Brothers documentary, or docudramas like Apple Cider Vinegar? You started Googling, didn’t you? I know I did. What do we think people around the world are going to find when they start googling the Marokopa kids? There is a real chance they could come across suppressed information. And given how difficult it is to enforce suppression laws overseas, what do we think some of those global websites are going to do? There has to be a risk that some publishers abroad will release that suppressed material. To me, this feels like rolling the dice - big time - on information surfacing in a way New Zealand law simply can’t control. If that happens, it could permanently limit these children’s ability to live lives that aren’t haunted by stories about what happened in the bush. That’s why I’m so surprised the police aren’t just going along with this documentary but are reportedly actively supporting it. Let’s be clear - without police cooperation, this documentary would almost certainly struggle to be produced at the standard Netflix requires. That makes this a very big risk for the police - and I don’t understand why they’re taking it. Why are the police so keen to help make a documentary about one of the saddest events in New Zealand’s history? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Los Angeles ​jury recently found Meta and Google guilty of designing harmful social media platforms that encourage addictive behaviour in users. The jury found Meta liable for $4.2 million in damages and Google for $1.8 million, and it's expected this case will inspire similar legal cases.  Senior public health researcher at UOA, Dr Samantha Marsh, says this is a historic moment for social media.  "This is the first time that they've actually been taken to court, they've been found liable for their product. Up until now, it's just been about what people post on their platforms and they can't be held responsible for that. But this kind of changes everything."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been revealed the documentary on the disappearance of Tom Phillips will screen on Netflix. He and his children were missing for four years when the saga ended with a shootout in September - killing the fugitive.  Dame Julie Christie is creating a documentary on the case with the help of the police, and has been granted exclusive access.   NZME editor-at-large Shayne Currie says the final product could just be a piece of police PR.  "There are these clauses within there that do allow police (A) to have viewing and vetting rights and (B) by the sounds of it, to have the ultimate call on whether it even screens certain contact." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between phones, smartwatches and new apps, it's fairly easy for people to stay in contact and keep an eye on where they are. Some couples and families use location sharing to enforce trust and keep each other safe, but concerns have been raised as to when it crosses the line. Psychologist Sara Chatwin says it's important to discuss parameters and boundaries when it comes to location sharing.  "There are many reasons why location sharing can be a really good thing...I just think at the extreme end of the continuum, you have people that perhaps, by location sharing, feel like they're being coerced by their partner."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court's ruled the Crown breached its promise to ensure self-employed midwives are paid fairly and reasonably.  After 18 months of waiting, the decision's been published. Justice Cheryl Gwyn also says the Crown unlawfully discriminated against the midwives on the basis of sex - and breached their human rights. NZ College of Midwives chief executive Alison Eddy says workers weren't being paid based on reasonable comparators. "And the fact that they're self-employed and had to carry the costs of that and providing a 24/7 service, 365 days a year." The Government says it will appeal the decision. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour may still hand a lifeline to the Government's much-touted surcharge ban.  The policy was announced with much fanfare last year - with Minister Scott Simpson promising it would be in force by May.  But he now says the bill's on pause, after David Seymour confirmed ACT won't back it.  National's now hoping for Labour's support for it to pass, with the Opposition keen to see amendments made so retailers don’t bear the costs of the payments themselves.  Retail NZ's Carolyn Young says she think's it's unlikely the banks can be forced to absorb them.  "If they can get the banks to absorb the fees, that would be a great outcome." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are heading to the election, with a policy to reverse the Government's reintroduction of interest deductibility. It also wants to scrap no-cause evictions, and introduce a new register of landlords and property managers. The Greens say they want to cap rent-hikes at two-percent per year and introduce a new rental warrant of fitness. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has raised concerns over the impacts of this plan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the fuel crisis is getting worse, with hundreds of petrol stations running dry. Stations in NSW and Victoria have reported significant shortages, with metropolitan areas being hit the hardest. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says demand for fuel has been spiking - which has been driven up by panic-buyers looking to get ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White Ferns have wrapped up a 4-1 T20 series win over South Africa, cruising to a 92-run win in the final game at Hagley Oval. Having already wrapped up the series, captain Melie Kerr was in imperious form - blasting 105 off just 55 balls to lead the hosts to 194 for six. South Africa couldn't get any partnerships going, held to 102 for nine in their run-chase. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mother of a six-year-old boy with Down Syndrome says it was a punch in the guts to find out he's being deported.  The family arrived from South Africa on visitor visas two years ago and have been living in Waikato.  But a new rule means children of temporary visa-holders have to leave the country - if they have a severe cognitive or developmental disorder and require significant support. The couple sought ministerial intervention from Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, who declined without giving the family a reason.  Mother Sonandi Geldenhuys says the couple had planned to apply for residency.  "We read about the acceptable standard of health before we came over and it all pointed towards medical, and Luandre has no medical conditions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, concerns have been raised over an incoming fuel shortage as the Middle East conflict continues. The Government hasn't dismissed the possibility of fuel rationing due to the persistent conflict in Iran and the supply issues causing a spike in prices as a result.  UK correspondent Kay Oliver says discussions have taken place about future options.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking at potentially helping Channel Infrastructure increase its fuel storage capacity at Marsden Point. Channel - New Zealand’s largest fuel import terminal business - has identified some 'very preliminary options' for significantly increasing its diesel storage capacity more quickly than would normally be the case. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand sharemarket turned downwards, finishing with a fall of over 1.53 percent. The conflict in the Middle East has continued on, and oil prices have kept going up as a result.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The US has sent over a 15-point peace plan for the Iran conflict. Do we think this is going to work? Do we see the conflict ending soon?   It's been revealed the National Party is offering the public a chance to sit next to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over dinner for $10,000. What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right, let’s talk about the National Party accidentally letting slip that they’re selling tables at a dinner with Christopher Luxon. The story is that the Mainland Dinner will be held in Christchurch next month and if you have a few thousand dollars spare, you can go along. Dinner at Chris Luxon’s table will cost you $10,000. Dinner at a minister’s table - a senior minister’s table - will cost you $8000. And then just a dinner with, you know, normal punters, normal civilians, will cost you $5000. Now, we only know about this because Maureen Pugh shared a copy of the invitation on Facebook - not her first mistake. Newstalk ZB saw it, then it was deleted, but by then it was too late, and cue the outrage. Now, I’m not outraged by this at all, because this has been going on since at least John Key’s time. Jacinda did it as well and I don’t think it’s any different from every other example we have in our democracy of cash for access. This is how power has always worked. If you have money, you get access to people in power. Money for lobbyists, who then secure you meetings with ministers. Money for donations that mean candidates make time for you. Money for tables at the Mainland Dinner. In fact - and this is my personal opinion - I quite enjoy reading about these dinners because they give me a real-time market valuation of a political leader. Luxon is selling his table for $10,000 in 2026. Four years ago, in 2022, he was selling it for $15,000. So he’s running at a discount at the moment, isn’t he? Jacinda was selling tickets to a conference where ticket-holders could have access to her for $1800. That was five years ago. So she was more valuable at $1800 in 2021 than Luxon is right now - or than he was a year later - if you break it down and look at the cost a seat. John Key - now, if you want to hear about a baller - sold a table at a dinner for $100,000. That’s real market political valuation, isn’t it? Now, this is why I think this is valuable. It tells us how much voters and stakeholders: A) like various leaders, B) want to be seen with them, and - C) rate the chances of those leaders being elected and therefore being useful. So make of that what you will when you look at the numbers. But if you are outraged by this, you’re going to be outraged forever because cash for access will probably never change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 March, 2026, Jetstar's cutting flights and an aviation analyst says it's hard to know when jet fuel prices will stabilise. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters on who made the call to backtrack on removing minimum size limits for commercial fishing. We hear from an astronomer on plans to build a base on the moon. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Thomas Scrimgeour on whether they think it's worth spending $10,000 to have dinner with the prime minister. 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.

New Zealand's petrol supply has gone down, but officials say supply remains within normal levels. Just released figures are current to Sunday, when there were 48.7 days of petrol supply, down from 49.9 last Wednesday.  But diesel supply is up slightly, at 46.4 days compared to 45.5 on Wednesday. Jet fuel's at 43.4 days, down from 44.7.  Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas says there's more tankers on the way to New Zealand, so there's no significant disruption just yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury's out on whether Iran and the US will come to an agreement anytime soon about ending the war.  Iran's still trading strikes with Israel - which appears less optimistic than the White House about Tehran putting pen to paper.  The US claims it's presented a 15-point plan to Iran and negotiations are taking place.  Former staffer to Marco Rubio, Matt Terrill, says the damage to Iran in this war could improve the chances of a deal being reached.  "Iran, I suspect, is really on their heels right now and recognises they are. But with that said, this is a regime that appears to never give up."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA's new chief has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a $20 billion base on the moon. It's cancelled plans to deploy a space station in lunar orbit, and will instead use the project's components to build the base.  The US is pushing to return to the moon before China sends its astronauts there around 2030.  Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki says the base seems like a fever dream.  "Since the Apollo missions, NASA has said they want to go to the moon, they want to have a long-term presence there. And they kinda haven't really solidified plans for decades." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says the decision to back down on controversial fishing rule changes was only made today.  The Government's proposal would've allowed commercial fishers to catch undersized fish - including snapper.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says he spoke to Fisheries Minister Shane Jones this morning, and he agreed to dump the change.  But Peters says the decision was made hours before Luxon met with Jones.  "In the end, we made a decision and said - no, let's dump the darned thing, go with what people are thinking and see if we can sort it out. To tell you the truth, we'd been talking about it for days and we confirmed it very early this morning." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation commentator says it's hard to know when jet fuel prices will stabilise, as yet another airline cuts routes. Jetstar says it's made temporary changes to its Trans-Tasman schedule because of rising jet fuel prices from conflict in the Middle East, and other increasing costs. Routes between Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington are impacted - as well as flights to Sydney and Brisbane. Geoffrey Thomas says even if the conflict ends in the next few weeks, airlines would have to wait for flow on effects. "How long it would then take for the fuel supply line to normalise? You're probably talking a couple of months." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's blaming human error, after using her official email to promote a National Party video to schools. Erica Stanford sent principals guidance on a new assessment system, but included a link to a Party YouTube video in which she explains the tool. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's Ginny Andersen has voiced concerns over this - which sparked further debate in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little is known about how the war with Iran will end, despite Donald Trump saying it's won. Reuters reports Israel and the US have handed over a 15-point plan to Iran, as part of negotiations.  Meanwhile, attacks continue across the Middle East.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and VP J.D Vance will play a key role in the negotiations, but it's unlikely the Trump administration will be looking to give too much. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.