Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 17 February 2025, US and Russian negotiators are set to begin peace talks to end the war in Ukraine - without involving Ukraine. Former Special Counsel for the US Department of Defence Jeffrey Pryce speaks to Ryan Bridge about his experience negotiating with Russia, and Tenby Powell from Kiwi aid charity Kiwi K.A.R.E on what kind of a deal would be acceptable to Ukrainians.   Economist Robert MacCullough with an unpopular opinion - arguing the Reserve Bank should not be cutting the OCR on Wednesday. Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals she has no target in mind when it comes to growing the economy. Plus, the Huddle debates whether QR codes are the future when it comes to ordering at restaurants - or just annoying.   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 New Zealand-born Indian teen facing deportation has been granted a brief reprieve. It's now been paused, as Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk decides whether Daman Kumar will be sent to India, a country he's never visited.  The 18-year-old's parents have been overstayers for more than two decades - with the three told to leave the country or face deportation. Kumar's lawyer, Alastair McClymont, says his parents are responsible for their situation, and they need to face up. "But Daman - what obligations did he have as a new-born baby, as an over-stayer? And he didn't even know anything about his immigration status until he became a teenager." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi diners have mixed feelings on replacing human service with technology, with many preferring face-to-face interaction. Those 46 and older showed negativity towards QR code and app-based ordering, with half 18-to-35-year-olds neutral on the topic. Restaurant Association president Mike Egan says many diners prefer the tactile experience of using a menu they don't have to scroll through. He also explained there were other issues that could impact workers as well - as kitchens could be slammed if diners ordered during peak times. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economics expert says cutting the Official Cash Rate is unwarranted. The Reserve Bank is set to release its first 2025 OCR decision on Wednesday. Many economists are predicting a 50 basis point cut - from 4.25 percent to 3.75. Auckland University economics professor Robert MacCulloch says the bank's only meant to focus on inflation, which is already on target. "They're not looking at the inflation rate - it's exactly at 2 percent. But they're panicking about the state of the economy, that's the truth. I think that's what's going on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns the US and Russia are having peace talks without involving anyone else - including Ukraine. Ukraine's European allies are set to gather in Paris for an emergency summit on the war tomorrow. It comes as a US envoy is expected to meet Russian officials for the first time in Saudi Arabia later this month. Kiwi K.A.R.E founder Tenby Powell says this is a stark example of geopolitical injustice. "One would hope the Saudis, who are hosting this meeting, would have the presence of mind to invite Zelenskyy a some stage - but I think it's important to understand that this war hasn't just happened since February 2022." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls to evaluate Destiny Church's charitable status and tax treatment after their actions last weekend. Followers of Destiny Church  - the religious movement spearheaded by Hannah and Brian Tamaki - stormed an Auckland library on Saturday to protest a drag king reading to children. Followers of the church then disrupted Auckland's rainbow parade - actions Auckland's mayor calls thuggery. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they intimidated public officials - and the Government will be investigating their status, and tax treatment in due course. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Destiny Church acted disgracefully, and a review needs to take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dutton has vowed to 'deal with' insurers if they do not drop premiums in higher risk areas. The devastating floods in north Queensland have drawn attention to the fact that many Australians that live in disaster-prone areas are struggling to secure affordable insurance - and this will likely escalate as climate change ramps up.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says insurance premiums are skyrocketing year on year - and many are struggling to afford them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motivation for revenge has inspired Auckland FC to yet another win in football's men's A-League. A pair of quick goals to end the first half has helped the league-leading Black Knights to a 2-nil win over Western United in blustery conditions just outside of Melbourne. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recaps the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's advisers are on their way to Saudi Arabia to begin negotiations with Russia to end the war with Ukraine - but Ukraine appears to have been left out of the discussion.  European leaders are determined to not get left behind, with an emergency summit set to take place in France between European and NATO leaders. Jeffrey Price, a former US Defence Department official, doubts a deal will be reached without Ukraine taking part in discussions. "There's going to have to be a conversation between the Americans and the Europeans about what kind of a force is going to be available to be able to guarantee any solution, if there is one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and Sports Journalist Nick Bewley talk all things Super Rugby: The impact of Will Jordan and Scott Barrett, the team they predict will loose.  Over to Australia, Joe Schmidt has abandoned his role as coach, can the All Blacks take him on?  With the Blues, Warriors, Breakers, Auckland FC, and Moana Pasifika, can Auckland support another sporting franchise?  The Huddle discusses it all and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 14 February 2025, there’s more upheaval in the health sector with the Director General of Health being the third high profile resignation in just a week.  Concerns about schools inappropriate spending - we'll take you through some questionable receipts.  Plus, Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge speaks to Andrew Dickens ahead of the first Super Rugby game of the season.  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 first Super Rugby Pacific game is kicking off tonight. Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge joins the show to discuss the season and the changes his team has made. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German Counter-terrorism officers have taken over the investigation into the incident yesterday in which a car drove into a crowd in Munich. At least 30 people were injured, some in critical conditions. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey discusses the suspected attack, the senior UK minister reported to have exaggerated her work experience, and the price people are paying for being single in the UK. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cook Island’s Prime Minister Mark Brown is in China as a deal is being signed between the two country’s. Has China spoken about what the deal involves? Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis discusses the deal, growing fears of a trade war between China and the US, and how Asia is responding to reciprocal tariffs imposed by Donald Trump. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top 100 highest paid athletes in the world are all men. Christiano Ronaldo holds the top spot at US$260 million last year. How can women catch up? Auckland University's Sports Sociologist Professor Toni Bruce joins the show to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tokoroa’s Kinleith Mill owner has confirmed plans to permanently end paper production. From June the change will be implemented and roughly 230 factory workers will be jobless. South Waikato District Mayor Gary Petley says the impact on the town will be ‘huge.’ LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is pushing for New Zealand to adopt a four-year parliamentary term. The ACT Party leader says in a longer term, select committees would be organised differently to ensure the opposition always has a majority there. Political Commentator Peter Dunne says the government will soon put the issue to a referendum. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby is back - can the Crusaders redeem themselves?  Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith discusses major player losses, what to expect in the Blues v Chiefs match tomorrow, cricket's tri-series final tonight, the ongoing Ineos sponsorship issue and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another week has seen another Ministry of Health official’s resignation. Was Dr Diana Sarfati pushed out? A former defence and foreign minister is sounding the alarm about New Zealand’s position in the Pacific – should we be worried? Newstalk ZB’S Political Editor Jason Walls joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In another downfall for the health sector, the Director-General of Health Diana Sarfati has resigned. Sarfati will leave the role “promptly.” The news comes as the Director of Public Health stepped down on Monday, following in the footsteps of Health New Zealand’s Chief Executive resigned one week ago. Former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has announced more tariffs, and Robert F Kennedy Jr has been sworn in as Health Secretary – what will he do with his new powers? It’s Valentine's Day! Are men more romantic than women? US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questionable spending by schools has been flagged by the Auditor General. According to a new report, 54 schools had spent money in ways that personally benefited their principals in 2023. Expenses include Pilates classes and even overseas family travel. New Zealand Principals Federation President Leanne Otene discusses the issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has confirmed talks to end the war in Ukraine will start immediately, although the US is indicating it won't regain all its territory. A prisoner exchange is also likely. Trump has also spoken with Russia's Vladimir Putin, calling the phone call 'lengthy and productive'. UK correspondent Enda Brady suspects Donald Trump is looking to win a Nobel Peace Prize - and this is what's driving this latest scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The expanded tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump are contributing to economic uncertainty held by multiple companies, according to experts. Major trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil and the EU will likely be impacted by the incoming 25 percent tax on steel and aluminium imports into the US. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains how these changes could impact the US economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A series of livestock sales making way for blanket afforestation on a productive hill-country station on the Hokonui Hills in Southland isn't being received well by local farmers. The Government announced changes to limit the amount of full farm to forestry conversions in December last year, with changes set to kick in by October. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the community backlash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has confirmed it plans to create more competition between the supermarkets as part of its growth plan. Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says this means potential crackdowns on pricing and helping new entrants access land and properties for development. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this scheme could include - and whether or not it could work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 February 2025, the Government's teasing a potential third player in the supermarket sector that wants to come to New Zealand. Why are lawyers saying a pharma company has been ripping you off for two decades with their cold and flu meds? Plus, the Huddle debates if we need to make third party car insurance compulsory. 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.

Managers of Auckland's City Rail Link are still shying away from naming a specific opening date, following last night's successful tests.  A train made five trips through the new tunnels overnight - between Waitematā and Maungawhau Station.  It started at a gruelling five kilometres an hour, but picked up the pace as technicians made their checks.  CRL Chief Executive Patrick Brockie says it will open in 2026, but he won't be more specific.  "The last year is complex, we've got a lot to do still and there can be the unknowns. But we're working as hard as we can to open as early as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced some new measures designed to create more competition in the supermarket sector. Do we think this problem can be solved? Does New Zealand need a third operator?  The cost of car insurance is going up so much that more owners are looking into third-party insurers to save money. Should we be concerned? Is there a risk more people will ditch insurance altogether? Te Pati Māori's Tākuta Ferris apologised for misleading the House - and delivered the apology in Te Reo. Minister Shane Jones has fired back already - what do we make of this? US President Donald Trump has had discussions with Putin about potentially ending the war in Ukraine - do we think this can work? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netsafe say it's encouraging tech giant Meta to prevent scams in the country. Across the ditch, social media companies are detecting and preventing such behaviour. No such protections currently apply in New Zealand - but tech giant Meta is working to introduce defences against finance and celebrity based scam ads. Netsafe Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons says Meta still needs to be pushed to do more to shut down scams. "We should definitely be pushing them to do more so that we're not put in harm's way while we're using their platforms." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes a fresh call for reform to break our supermarket duopoly brings meaningful action. Economic Growth and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced a new strategy for creating more competition. The Government is receptive to cracking down on pricing - and helping new entrants access land and properties. MonopolyWatch research director Tex Edwards says the devil will be in the details. "Because there's been an overbuild - unless it's a breakup, you're not going to get what we call price competition and you're not going to get to see any sustainability competition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US moves to end the war in Ukraine could work in Russia's favour, according to one expert. President Donald Trump says talks will start immediately - and he's had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Commentators say it's highly unlikely Ukraine will get back its pre-war borders - a bottom line for leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Canberra law professor Sascha Dov Bachmann says Putin will tell his people any territory Russia takes is a win. "And that is the dangerous thing, that is the first step in the wrong direction."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A class action lawsuit launched in Auckland today questioning Johnson and Johnson cold and flu products follows similar suits worldwide. JGA Saddler has filed a suit in the High Court, claiming the producer knowingly sold an ineffective product. The US Food and Drug Administration has ruled a key ingredient in Codral, Sudafed, and Benadryl cold and flu products is ineffective when taken orally. JGA Saddler director, Rebecca Jancauskas says it's sparked a wave of legal action. "Our firm filed a claim in Australia, in December. A Canadian firm filed a class-action about 12 months ago, and there's also quite a number of claims on foot in America."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not everyone's happy about an apology from Takuta Ferris last night, delivered in Māori. In September, Te Pati Maori MP said describing MPs as 'masters of obscuring the truth' wasn't calling them liars. The Parliamentary Privileges Committee called that a contempt - and recommended he apologise. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Shane Jones called for a second apology in a language 'most Kiwis understand'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Members of the medical community have voiced their disapproval with the two nurses who bragged about refusing to treat Israeli patients.  Ahmad Rashad Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, two nurses based out of Bankstown Hospital in Sydney's south-west have been stood down - and reports claim the police have spoken to the pair.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says investigations are still ongoing - but the pair will likely never work in a Sydney hospital again.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It appears boxer Joseph Parker is one win away from a shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. The New Zealander challenges British fighter Daniel Dubois for the IBF title in Saudi Arabia next weekend. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising premiums are pushing more people into considering third party car insurance. The average quote for comprehensive car insurance on comparison website Quashed has increased 41 percent in the past two years. Insurance Council CEO Kris Faafoi says newer cars have more technology attached to them - which contributes to the rising insurance costs. "It depends on the individual situation - the cost of the car, who's driving it, where you're parking it, where you are. These are all factors, but it became more expensive to insure them because fixing them is more complex." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK’s Labour Party has suspended 11 councillors in Greater Manchester as part of an investigation into a WhatsApp group where offensive messages were shared.  These investigations have already resulted in the suspension of two other Labour MPs in the region - with Minister Andrew Gwynne losing his health portfolio. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are still ongoing - and it's not a good look for the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking more likely that NZ First is on board with the new rules for foreign investors - including a shake-up for overseas buyers of property. New reports claim NZ First is set to agree to allow wealthy people to purchase homes over a certain threshold - it's rumoured to be $5 million. BusinessDesk's Pattrick Smellie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming reporting season looks likely to reflect the tough times seen in the economy in the second half of last year, yet company 'outlook' statements may provide some optimism for the year ahead. The season – comprising mostly second-half 2024 results – gets under way this week, and it's widely expected most major companies won't do too well. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is running the ruler over the way the Accident Compensation Corporation manages its $50 billion investment portfolio. The newly appointed minister responsible for the state injury insurer, Andrew Bayly, has commissioned consultants at Willis Towers Watson to review the performance of the Accident Compensation Corporation’s investments, its governance, and the approach it takes to managing its investments.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 February 2025, our fishing industry is in for a shake-up with catch regulations set to be loosened and cameras on boats no longer accessible to the general public. Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith is considering forcing streaming giants Netflix and Co. to produce local content. ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt reveals where she's seeing green shoots in the economy - and when we might see interest rates fall below 5 percent again. Plus, the Huddle debates news that McDonalds will not be allowed to open a restaurant in Wanaka after its consent application was declined. 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, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors 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!  What do we make of Judith Collins' latest warning to the public service? She told industry leaders to show respect to taxpayers and not use so much bloated language. What do we make of this?  Plans to build Wānaka’s first McDonald’s have been thrown out after the council declined the restaurant's application for good. Do we agree with this?  New Zealand has slipped to its worst ever ranking on the least-corrupted country list - it's now sitting on number four. Should we be worried?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB is reporting a one percent increase in net profit, for last year's second half. Profit margins remained flat, but home lending grew five percent and business and rural lending increased two percent. CEO Vittoria Short says this is a sign the economy is turning a corner for the better after a lengthy downturn. "Inflation's back in target range, we know that the OCR or interest rates are moving downwards to more neutral levels and what we can see is that our customers, who have been doing it tough and are stressed - our actions are helping." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's some agreement with a plea from the Public Service Minister for sector bosses to be more genuine - but questions have also been raised.  Judith Collins has advised public service leaders to show respect for taxpayers in their communications - and to treat the money as their own.    She asks them to be sure they're not speaking 'gobbledygook', or sounding superior.  PSA Acting National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says she shares some opinions with Collins. "She talked about using plain English, the importance of free and frank advice and the value of public servants. It's a bit rich to hear some of that from a Government, though, that has cut so many jobs."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A McFlurry of controversy is over in Wānaka - with a proposal for the region's first-ever McDonald's declined. The District Council has turned the fast food giant's resource application down after strong pushback from locals concerned about food waste and pollution. It planned a 450-metre site by the Mount Iron Roundabout. Deputy mayor Quentin Smith says in the proposed setting - McDonald's wasn't a good fit. He explained if McDonald's had wanted to set up in the town centre or a commercial zone, it's likely little could be done to stop it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Sydney nurses may not yet know they've been stood down over anti-Semitic comments. A video has been posted to social media of the pair in uniform, saying they'd rather kill Israeli people than treat them. The Australian Government has launched an investigation. Australian correspondent Andrew MacFarlane says the nurses work night shifts, so may still be asleep. "So while the health department in has said they've been stood down and are likely to be fired, the pair of them might not actually know that just yet." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seafood New Zealand says new fishery proposals will keep workers safer. Public consultation is open on loosening up on extending or reducing catch limits. The reform would also restrict access to fishing vessel camera video - to officials and the courts. Seafood NZ CEO, Lisa Futschek says the public has no need to access the footage. "Unfortunately, we see some pretty bad behaviour and attitudes towards our fishers - who are bullied and verbally and sometimes physically abused."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A report's been tabled in Parliament, recommending a Te Pati Maori MP apologise for deliberately misleading the House.  In a debate in September last year,Takuta Ferris described MPs as being masters of obscuring the truth.  Ferris denied an accusation he'd called MPs liars - language considered un-parliamentary -  and it was referred to the Privileges Committee. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Ferris needs to apologise. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump met Jordan's King Abdullah today, amid ongoing discussions about redeveloping Gaza and potentially reducing aid for the US-allied Arab country if it refuses to resettle Palestinians. Trump's proposal, floated one week ago, for the US to take over Gaza, move residents over and turn the war-ravaged territory into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has been met with disapproval from various Arab nations.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says King Abdullah has also voiced disapproval with Trump's proposal for Gaza. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.