Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach by 'mutual agreement' after a record run of 14 straight Test defeats, the Welsh Rugby Union announced today. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take temporary charge for the side’s remaining three Six Nations games against title favourites Ireland, Scotland and England. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Media and Communications Minister says cutting funding for NZ on Air and the Film Commission isn't on the table.  The Government is asking for feedback on five proposals, aiming to help local media go up against international competitors.  One includes merging the Commission and NZ on Air. Paul Goldsmith says the two categories are becoming far less distinct - and a merger could even give both more funds. "Rather than having two organisations doling it out - if you had one, that could be a more efficient way of doing it. We're not suggesting changing the overall funding levels, that's just how it's administered."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, the Government has launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants. The Labour-led Government has revealed that since they came to power, they have deported 19,000 people out of the UK - including failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this may have been inspired by Nigel Farage's Reform Party - which is seeing a significant boost in the polls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round. This follows two disappointing showings for the coalition in the polls, with Chris Luxon's standing as preferred Prime Minister taking a hit. Luxon has stayed optimistic - and Infometics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is hopeful things will turn around later in the year. "Those interest rates are coming down - but it takes a bit of time for everyone to re-fix onto them. And at the same time, data out recently showed that the unemployment rate has been going up. So I do think we're in that odd period...but there are those greener shoots showing through." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay took a trip up to the Big Smoke - and got to sit in on a memorable parliamentary session. Both Luxon and Hipkins got some jabs in at each other, and Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick questioned the quality of the coalition's school lunch plan, and challenged the Prime Minister to eat one. Jamie Mackay joined Ryan Bridge to recap the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Kāinga Ora has unveiled their tougher new approach to address rent debt. Is this move justified - or a step too far? Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick brought some lunchboxes into the House and challenged Prime Minister Luxon to eat one after claims they were inedible. What do we make of this?  There's concern in Tauranga, with many residents saying mayor Mahe Drysdale should move from Cambridge to the city. Drysdale says it's been difficult finding a house in their preferred school zone - do we think he needs to move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised over how much tax Netflix is currently paying in New Zealand. Research indicates there are over 1.3 million Netflix users in New Zealand paying at least $18.50 per month each. However, new reports reveal the company apparently doesn't meet the $11 million revenue threshold to make finances public - indicating Netflix pays a smaller-than-expected tax bill. Edward Miller, an expert from the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, says many Kiwi users are justified in wanting to learn more about what Netflix pays. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 November 2024, Kainga Ora boss Matt Crockett tells Ryan Bridge the state housing agency is going to start evicting tenants who don't pay rent. Trade Minister Todd McClay reacts to Donald Trump's announcement of 25% taxes on NZ steel and aluminium. NZ Rugby is suing its major sponsor Ineos, alleging the company breached its six-year sponsorship contract. An economist says we need to start talking about means testing NZ Super. Plus, the Huddle debates whether a mayor should live in the city they're the mayor of. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tai Rāwhiti mill that ran for 30 years before it was shut down in late 2023 is set to re-open in the coming months, with new Australian owners. About 87 staff were impacted by Japanese-owned Juken's decision to close the mill - amid financial difficulties and weak demand for Japanese housing wood products. Millari Group of Australia confirmed in a statement that it will upgrade and re-establish the 25-hectare site in Gisborne over the coming months. Mill general manager Shane Wilson says more details will be revealed over the next few weeks - with repairs and upgrades needed to boost operations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister is laying bare the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs for New Zealand.  The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - and says there'll be no exceptions. Todd McClay says that's not surprising, following similar moves by Trump in his first term. He says it won't significantly impact us, especially compared to exports like beef and wine.  "For New Zealand exporters, we will face about an extra $5 million of tariffs - plus or minus - that's on about $150 million total of exports." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist says New Zealand needs to have a tough conversation about superannuation. Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday told Newstalk ZB the scheme needs to become sustainable and a debate about age eligibility will be needed eventually.  Bagrie Economics says raising the age makes sense, with the average life expectancy up a lot. Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down the road. "More than 50 percent of all welfare spending is going towards New Zealand's Superannuation - and some people need that money, but there's a chunk of society that I don't think need that money and they're double dipping." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand Rugby's major sponsors has found itself offside with the national body. In a recent statement, NZR has confirmed they're launching legal action against petrochemical company Ineos for breaching a deal worth around eight million dollars a year. NZ Rugby views Ineos' non-payment of the first instalment of 2025 as confirmation they've exited the six-year agreement early - and have 'no option' but to begin proceedings. Former CEO David Moffett says this is a big step for NZR, but they haven't been left with any other options. "In a situation like this, the only people that are going to win are the lawyers. There will be damage done to both brands, but hopefully NZ Rugby have got some really strong legal advice." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora's hoping more tenants will stay on top of rent after it's written off debts.  It's announced a tougher stance on rental debt - and will end tenancies for people who skip rent with no attempt to get back on track.   But it also says it'll forgive and reduce debt for consistently paying customers owing more than 12 weeks’ rent. Chief executive Matt Crockett says the debt otherwise becomes too daunting for tenants to tackle.  "We are going to manage it more closely, earlier, so that we never have customers that have more than 12 weeks. This is about cleaning up the situation we've got at the moment and resetting to move forward with a more pragmatic approach." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was Chris versus Chris in the House this afternoon, as Hipkins went toe-to-toe with Luxon in the House today The Prime Minister drew first blood in his response to accusations from Labour that he's unable to control his Cabinet.  Chris Hipkins was quick to fire back - and asked if Nicola Willis was more likely to replace the Interislander ferries or Luxon as Prime Minister by the end of the year. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a memorable session in Parliament.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's uncertainty whether or not Australia will get off scot-free from Donald Trump's latest tariffs. The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - saying there'll be no exceptions.  But he's also told Australia's Prime Minister the trade surplus with Australia will be taken into consideration. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the AUKUS pact will likely also play a part in a potential exemption. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw believes a new 'quartet' captaincy model reflects the selection tussles ahead for the Super Rugby side. 2024 skipper Brad Shields is joined by Du'Plessis Kirifi, Billy Proctor and Asafo Aumua in a new franchise model of four captains for 2025. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First's Winston Peters is determined to give Kiwis the right to choose as part of a new bill. The Party has introduced a member's bill that aims to repeal a 2021 fluoridation law - requiring councils to hold a referendum.  It would look into the law giving the Director-General of Health authority to mandate having fluoride in local water supplies.  Peters says people have had a right to vote on these matters for decades - and he hopes to re-instate that right. "We're saying - give people back the democracy they enjoyed all those decades and let them decide. They're the ones who have a right in regards to what they want, not some over-inflated bureaucrats in Wellington."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, a second Labour MP has apologised for comments made in a WhatsApp chat after Andrew Gwynne was dismissed over comments he sent to the same group. Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said in a statement that the comments he made were 'unacceptable' and he regretted not speaking up about them sooner.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has signalled an incoming announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.  Trump also reaffirmed that he would announce 'reciprocal tariffs', meaning the US would impose import duties on on products in cases where another country has levied duties on US goods. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what this means for the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are clearing a backlog of lending requests after 'unacceptable' delays of up to five weeks, which caused stress for borrowers before Christmas.   A significant drop in interest rates late last year resulted in a surge of new home loan applications and refinancing and restructuring requests, according to mortgage brokers.   Loan market advisor Michelle Isemonger says the weeks before Christmas are always a busy time - but December's OCR drop inspired this notable increase in applications. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Two new polls are out - and they show that the left bloc has overtaken the coalition and could form a new Government if an election was held tomorrow. Should the current Government be concerned - or is this too far away to worry about? Do we need to be worried about a bigger diplomatic mess with the Cook Islands? What could this meeting with China mean? A prospective homeowner lost out in a disputed auction bid - and is taking legal action against the real estate firm. Can we agree auctions are the worst? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 10 February 2025, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop talks about the 100 global investors the Government's inviting to put their money into NZ projects. Act leader David Seymour defends the decision to write to police about their treatment of Auckland eye-surgeon Philip Polkinghorne - and why he drove up the stairs of Parliament in a Land Rover. Variety executive music editor Jem Aswad speaks to Ryan about this year's Super Bowl bonanza. Plus, the Huddle debates why the left bloc is dominating the polls - and whether voters really want a Labour-led Government again. 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.

Two new polls show a shift in the political mood - but National's Nicola Willis isn't too worried about these results. Both the Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll and the 1 News Verian poll - out today - show Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori would have the seats to form a Government. Both also have Chris Luxon losing support in the preferred Prime Minister stakes. But Willis says polls move around - pointing out that there are differences between today's two. "Overall, the message that I'm hearing very loudly from New Zealand is - they've been though a tough time economically and they really want to see us focused on making them and their family feel more financially secure, and that's what we're doing."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is cautiously optimistic a new poll might spell trouble for the coalition. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll earlier today showed it could not form a Government - pushed by drops in support to ACT and NZ First.  Leader Chris Hipkins says it shows the country's heading in the wrong direction. "We know we've got a lot of work to do - we've still got a year and a half to go, so polls at this point are interesting. And it's nice to be doing well in them and we've still got a fair amount of water to flow under the bridge." Chris Luxon's taken a hit - down 3.8 points in preferred Prime Minister rankings to 20.7 percent - while the Labour's Hipkins rose 2.3 points to 17.6 percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government could be willing to let more foreign investors into a summit it announced today, as demand exceeds spaces. The Prime Minister's announced the two-day event in March - designed to encourage foreign investment in New Zealand projects and industries.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says the Government funded, 100-person, invite-only event is already over-subscribed. He says the focus is inviting the highest value investments and global leaders in infrastructure.  "We're not going to have a thousand people, but what we are trying to do is get high-value investment into New Zealand. We want jobs and growth, and there's a huge degree of interest from around the world in it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the back of a successful Grammy Awards sweep, rapper Kendrick Lamar played his Super Bowl half time show today. Lamar's performance happened in the midst of an ongoing defamation suit over his song Not Like Us - with Lamar getting in plenty of digs in at Drake before he performed the track. The performance also featured special appearances by Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams and SZA. Variety executive music editor Jem Aswad says Lamar had to omit an infamous line from Not Like Us to avoid further legal action. "But he did all the rest of it, and he referenced it, he said something like - 'I want to play their favourite song but they always sue'. And at the end - not everybody noticed this - but in the audience with the light up wristbands, a bunch of fans were seated so it spelled: Game Over. Which it kind of is."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is playing down criticism after he drove a 77-year-old Land Rover up the front steps of Parliament.  Parliamentary security stopped the ACT leader before he got further than a few stairs. Seymour says it was just a bit of fun and he was doing it for charity - to raise money for children's heart disease. "I think if the people from 1948 were around, they'd be astonished that I got to talk on the wireless for doing this rather mundane act." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled its first quarterly action plan for 2025, with a focus on growth and expanding the economy. A two-day international investment summit next month is one of 40 actions in the plan, with Luxon saying he wants to encourage more investment in New Zealand. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains what projects might draw potential investors into this country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victorian voters in the outer-western suburban state seat of Werribee have voiced their feedback in this weekend's by-election - and they're not too happy with Labor's output. Labor had held the state seat of Werribee since 1973, but this time, both major parties received less than 30 percent of the first-preference vote.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this paints a concerning picture for Labor ahead of the upcoming federal election - as Albanese could lose seats in Victoria. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been rising about a possible diplomatic row between New Zealand and the Cook Islands. A couple of weeks ago, Foreign Minister Winston Peters publicly admonished the President of Kiribati for refusing to engage - and diplomatic aid was put under review. Peters also recently released a harsh statement directed at Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown as Brown prepares to sign a deal in China this week - a deal New Zealand hasn't been consulted about. Massey University's Anna Powles says these incidents are 'unusual' and don't reflect the diplomatic engagement between both nations. "It certainly doesn't reflect the type of more sensitive diplomatic engagement that we're used to New Zealand conducting in the region." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Philadelphia Eagles have dashed the Kansas City Chiefs' hopes of a three-peat, with a dominant 40-22 win. Quarterback Jalen Hurts scored three touchdowns - two passing and one rushing score. The win comes after the Eagles' last Super Bowl appearance two years ago, where they lost to the Chiefs. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recaps the game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 February 2025, Health New Zealand Chief Executive Margie Apa calls it quits before her term is up - Health Commentator Ian Powell talks about what's gone wrong at the top level?  Three vehicles have failed to stop after hitting a person on an Auckland motorway overnight... we ask why people are fleeing accidents? Cam Mitchell Athletics CEO discuss the return of the 'mile' running event for the Commonwealth Games 2026. Plus, the Sports Huddle on why Caleb Clarke has pulled out of Super Rugby Fantasy. 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.

Sky City says a February opening date for its International Convention Centre is prudent.  The Centre was initially planned to open in 2020, but a major roof fire in 2019 - followed by the Covid-19 pandemic - set the project back substantially.  Fletcher Building will now hand it over in June.  Chief Operating Officer Callum Mallett says the next stage of commissioning and operational work will take several months.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medal events for the 2026 Commonwealth Games have been announced - and there's a surprising change to a popular race.  The 1,500 metre race will be replaced by a returning event - the Commonwealth Mile.  The Mile was last run in 1966, where New Zealand had two athletes compete.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three drivers who fatally hit a man walking on Auckland's South-Western Motorway are being urged to come forward.  Not one stopped, despite striking the man after he entered the northbound Dominion Road offramp about 1:30am.  Former Police Detective Lance Burdett says it's highly unusual to have three vehicles not stopping.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relationship issues and organisational structure are thought to be contributing factors to Health NZ CEO Margie Apa's resignation.  She's left the job six months early - saying a different leadership approach is needed.  Health commentator Ian Powell says Apa's relationship with Health Commissioner Lester Levy was untenable.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BussinessDesk reports sources say supply issues meant the country got down to its last 50 rounds of artillery ammunition. NZDF is adamant it has the stock it needs - but isn't answering whether supplies got so diminished.  Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says if stocks get too low, training stops. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week another police officer was struck by a vehicle, this time in Huntly. The officer suffered moderate injuries.  It comes after the horrible New Year's Day incident in which Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming was killed and another officer injured after being struck by a vehicle in Nelson.  Police Minister Mark Mitchell said on the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning, Police and first responders are increasingly dealing with violence. Not just here in New Zealand, but globally as well.  It's good to hear Mitchell, alongside Paul Goldsmith, is planning to bring new legislation into the house in the first quarter of this year to bring in tougher sentencing for violent behaviour towards first responders and prison officers.  It would have been better if it had been included in Goldsmith's sentencing reforms, which had its first reading in Parliament last September.  Those reforms too are to ensure criminals face tougher consequences and victims are prioritised.  This new legislation aimed at offenders towards first responders will not just impose tougher sentences, but also clearly define emergency service workers, and require sentencing to be cumulative rather than concurrent.  It's aimed at being a preventative measure, but something tells me offenders will get the message through experience rather than media headlines.  We owe our first responders as much support as possible.  They go to work and deal with a level of risk the rest of us don't have to confront. These laws show we as New Zealanders appreciate their work and are prepared to do what we can to protect them. I hope the work to clarify who is a first responder - generally thought of as police, paramedics, and the fire service - is extended to hospital emergency staff, and possibly even other health workers.  The need for this legislation, this growing anger and agitation experienced by many in public facing jobs - especially those in retail - makes you wonder what has happened to us as a wider community.  You rarely go into a shop without signs telling you kindness is appreciated, or that they will not tolerate abusive behaviour.  Is this a post-Covid thing? Have we just got more angry with the world? Is it a need to be seen and heard? We seem to have forgotten that the consequence of anger is often more damaging than what made us angry in the first place/  Hopefully the least these tougher laws will achieve, is help bring that back into perspective.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mass shooting in Sweden has left 11 dead, with many more still in hospital after the attack. A gunman opened fire at an adult education centre in the city of Örebro, west of Stockholm - and police have yet to discover any links to gangs or organised crime. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the suspected assailant was among the dead, and investigations are still ongoing into a motive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has reported its latest financial earnings - and the investors aren't thrilled. Shares reportedly dropped 7 percent after the company posted a slight miss in expected revenue. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor unpacked the market factors behind this drop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has confirmed it is looking into developing a new luxury lounge for frequent flyers. The airline is staying tight-lipped about what these plans entail - but the idea was floated during a presentation for investors during their Investor Day late last year. Aviation commentator Irene King says Air New Zealand's existing lounges tend to crowd out during peak times - and the airline might be looking to address that. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners 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! A new article out in the Herald today revealed TJ Perenara left the All Blacks in the dark about his controversial haka from the end of 2024. How problematic is this? US President Donald Trump has claimed the US should be taking over Gaza. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced support for this idea - how seriously should we be taking all this? There's reports claiming Air New Zealand is looking to upgrade the Koru lounge - what can we expect from this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 5 February 2025, Donald Trump says the US is going to take over Gaza after meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ryan Bridge asks international relations professor Robert Patman if we should believe it's going to happen. The bombshell revelation from a group of scientists who believe that convicted child murderer Lucy Letby didn't kill any babies. Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul on his scoop revealing members of the All Blacks felt blindsided by TJ Perenara's controversial haka. Plus, the Huddle weigh in on the idea of a new luxury lounge for Air New Zealand. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is talking up the fact it’s exploring ways of making the tax system more business-friendly, with details of potential changes to be unveiled at the May 22 Budget. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is wary that at 28 percent, New Zealand’s corporate tax rate is above the OECD average of 24 percent. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates what the Government might be planning ahead of this year's Budget. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DeepSeek, the new Chinese AI-powered chatbot platform that made headlines all over the world, will be banned from Australian Government devices after it was found to pose an 'unacceptable' security risk. The ChatGPT competitor has seen a surge in downloads worldwide after it attracted international attention for wiping billions from Wall Street and causing a frenzy. AI commentator and psychologist Paul Duignan says there's a real risk of public servants feeding the platform sensitive information - and caution needs to be applied. "As soon as you know all the different things someone may ask a chatbot, it can get a personality profile of you. So I think you'd need to be very careful about the ones that you use." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TJ Perenara's infamous haka that divided the nation also ended up dividing the team, according to new reports. The speech in te reo before the test against Italy in Turin came after the march to Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles bill. The Herald reports many within the All Blacks felt blindsided, with a limited number made aware of the halfback's intentions hours before kick-off. NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul says Perenara originally set out to provide a message of unity, but few knew what that would actually entail. "It should have been brought up earlier in the week at a leaders' meeting, it should have been put in front of the whole team to form a viewpoint." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader doesn't want the Waitangi Trust to face financial repercussions following an intense day at the Treaty grounds. New Zealand First MP Shane Jones made threatening sounds about Trust funding, after describing some people's behaviour today as a 'circus'. David Seymour had his microphone taken away twice during his speech - but he says the Trust puts a huge effort into the day. "It's not them that are ruining it - you know, $10 million to keep the place up to scratch for the whole country, I think we should be a bit wary of blaming them. They're the ones that are trying to make it better."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwibank says the latest unemployment figures are ugly, but in line with expectations.  The unemployment rate rose to 5.1 percent in the December quarter - the highest it's been since September 2020.  It's being blamed on a slow economy reducing demand and making employers trim jobs.  Chief economist Jarrod Kerr says the Reserve Bank needs to do more to put New Zealand into recovery mode.  "Interest rates are still restrictive - they're restraining households, they're restraining businesses, we're seeing it in the labour market, it's time to take some of that pressure off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's suggestion he could take over Gaza casts a shadow on hopes for a two-state solution.  The President said today Palestinians could be resettled and the US could redevelop the territory. Israel's Prime Minister says the idea is worth paying attention to.  Otago University politics professor Robert Patman says one problem is the lack of any clarity on Benjamin Netanyahu's end goal. "It doesn't seem like Mr Trump is actually applying too much thinking about how tensions in the region can be resolved - as opposed to transplanting them elsewhere." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is threatening to withhold Waitangi funding, over recent actions at the commemorations. Protesters turned their backs on ACT leader David Seymour as he addressed the crowd, with some displaying messages around honouring Te Tiriti. Some took his microphone off him, and others sang as he spoke. Jones has since asked what the point of funding the Trust is - if it has not made Waitangi a more hospitable place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's been debate about misbehaviour on the Waitangi grounds every year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.