Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's disbelief and criticism over comments on the Middle East by the US President. Donald Trump's suggested Palestinians should leave Gaza for Jordan and Egypt - and the US will take over and redevelop the land. Saudi Arabia says a Palestinian state is needed, and Hamas has labelled the plan a recipe for chaos.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump's plan lacks a lot of clarity - and suggested the US leader was throwing ideas at the wall to see what stuck. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hoo-ha over TJ Perenara's message before leading the All Blacks final haka last year has erupted again. His 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 regarding the politicisation of the issue, with a limited number made aware of the halfback's intentions hours before kick-off. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High insulin levels in babies - used to convict UK nurse Lucy Letby - could have occurred naturally.  A jury found the 35-year-old guilty of the murder or attempted murder of 14 babies. Some experts have suggested in a report that the deaths could be from errors or natural causes.  Canterbury University professor, Geoff Chase, assisted in the report. He says Letby was found guilty of adding insulin to two babies' intravenous food - and their levels were unexpected, but not impossible.  He also explained their levels were unexpected, but not impossible - and in pre-term newborns, most to all bets are off.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK Party overtook the Labour Party to become the country's most popular political party in a new YouGov poll. The poll showed that if an election were held tomorrow, 25 percent of British voters would pick Reform, 24 percent would choose Labour and 21 percent would pick the Conservative Party. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this will give Farage a boost ahead of the next election - as he fully intends to run for Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has kept their official cash rate on hold for an entire year - but one expert believes that's likely to change. The nation has been committed to bringing down inflation, but HSBC's Paul Bloxham predicts a rate cut will come this February. He explained the factors contributing to this choice, and outlined his predictions for the rest of 2025. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are hoping for a good result ahead of tonight's GDT auction. Jarden economists are expecting a 4 to 5 percent lift - off the back of a solid auction in January. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 4 February 2025, Kainga Ora has got a turnaround plan, and it involves selling off 900 old state houses yearly. KO Chair Simon Moutter tells Ryan Bridge how he's getting the flailing agency's finances under control. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts is under pressure from farming groups to explain the Government's emissions reductions plan - and whether it's realistic or will cost the country billions. Wellington QV ratings are out and home values have dropped 25% on average. So does that mean rates will also drop? Plus, Ryan's controversial idea to bring back the crowds to Super Rugby games. 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.

Treasury has warned the Government that 'significant reforms' or 'reductions to public services' will be needed in the not-too-distant future if it sticks to its current, restricted spending track. New reports reveal the Government will not post a surplus under the traditional Obegal measure until 2031 - even with this relatively tight spending. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains the challenges impacting the Government - and how they can potentially turn this around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Wellington housing valuations have taken a dive, with new data showing values have fallen 24.4 percent since 2021. What do we make of this?  The new plan to turn Kāinga Ora around includes selling off 900 older homes a year and replacing them with newer, simpler builds. Do we agree with this choice? The Government is hinting at potentially changing the corporate tax rates in this year's Budget. Will this help? How far should they go? Auckland real estate agent Janet Dickson has lost a court battle after she lost her license for not completing a Maori course. She'd argued it wasn't relevant to her job - the judgement said the Real Estate Authority had the right to strip her of her license. What do we think about this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has taken aim at the chief executives of New Zealand’s largest banks saying it was 'utterly unacceptable' that some were withdrawing banking services from petrol stations and mines. Chris Luxon joined Mike Hosking earlier today to explain that the banks needed to keep funding businesses Kiwis need to keep moving forward - and expressed concern at rural petrol stations in particular losing their funding. Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews says the Government has the option to put regulations in place to reverse these changes - but warned this choices comes with consequences.  "If the Government starts telling the banks what they have to do, then it's very much open to the banks to say - actually, it's too complicated, you're dictating too much what we can and can't do... the reality is, the New Zealand market is not that important to us, we're going to withdraw." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism from the head of Super Rugby Pacific that players and coaches will stay genuine with their votes for the competition's new award. The Player of the Year gong will be voted on by the captains and head coaches, who will dish out points to their top three players from the opposing team after every match. Jack Mesley says the sport had a really good year last year - and they're hoping to build on that. "We think things like this, the introduction of awards, fantasy rugby - which we're also introducing - are all great initiatives that will increase engagement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington housing valuations have taken a dive, with no suburb unscathed.  QV valuations show house values have fallen 24.4 percent since 2021, with the average house value now sitting just under $1.1 million. Auckland valuations are expected to show little movement since 2021.  City Councillor Ben McNulty says it won't change rates bills much. "The council has decided it needs 13 percent more money from rate-payers to run the city for next year, which means rates have to go up to meet that amount." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand could have one of the least competitive corporation tax rates - but that could change by May. The Prime Minister has hinted this year's Budget could make way for relief.  The rate has stayed on 28 percent since 2011 - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is making comparisons with countries like Ireland, with a 12.5 percent rate. Advisory expert Robin Oliver says such a change would have a big impact. "If we went down to 25, that'll cost us about a billion dollars per annum in tax - and that still wouldn't be much competitive compared to these small, open economies." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora is focused on bringing down its building costs going forward. The Government is taking aim at its pricing - saying it is refocusing the state landlord on basics. A new review judged Kāinga Ora was paid about 12 percent more for building houses, when compared to the market. Chair Simon Moutter says the costs were partly due to higher design specs than needed. "Social housing does require some features that normal market housing doesn't - but it doesn't need to cost hundreds of thousands more, it should only cost low tens of thousands more." The Government's turnaround plan for Kāinga Ora includes cutting a quarter of its staff, removing new-home sustainability requirements and selling off high-worth state homes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico's ambassador met with Winston Peters at Waitangi today following last week's infamous comments made by Shane Jones. The NZ First MP made headlines after he called out 'send the Mexicans home' in Parliament. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined the mood before the meeting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Haylen has quit as the New South Wales transport minister after it was revealed she used a ministerial car for personal purposes. It recently emerged that Haylen had asked her chauffeur to take her and some friends to a winery lunch on the Australia Day holiday weekend in a 13-hour 446km round-trip. It was also reported that Haylen used a taxpayer-funded driver to ferry herself and her children from Caves Beach to Sydney for weekend sporting events.   Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this isn't a good look for an MP to use a tax-payer funded vehicle for personal reasons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley feels they've landed on the best possible format for the competition's new Player of the Year award. Captains and coaches will vote on their top three players from the opposing team on a 3, 2, 1 basis after every match. The votes from each game and an updated leaderboard will be published on the competition website and social media channels every Tuesday during the season. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Minister is reiterating support for climate targets. Act leader David Seymour's suggested New Zealand could pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement - following the lead of the US President. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says questions need to be asked if large nations aren't signed up. Climate Minister Simon Watts says we need to do all we can to meet climate targets. "We've set a target which we believe is aligned with allowing us to do and achieve our economic growth ambitions - but also balancing that with our national interests." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former president of Spain's football federation, Luis Rubiales, is set to go on trial later today. Rubiales stands accused of sexual assault for kissing the player Jenni Hermoso, in a case which has fed into wider discussions about sexism and consent.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains what we can expect in this case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is set to impose new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - and the markets took a tumble overnight. Canada and Mexico are facing 25 percent tariffs and China will be hit by a 10 percent tariff. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert believes the US could potentially establish a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand. Donald Trump is set to meet with the leaders of Canada and Mexico after both nations revealed they planned to impose their own tariffs in response to the President's newest scheme. Former US ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown says he hasn't heard any plans to impose tariffs on New Zealand. 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!  Palmerston North City Council is looking to ban fizzy drinks from eight venues - including sports stadiums. They claim it's to 'promote healthier lifestyle choices for residents and visitors'. Do we think this is a good idea - or is it overreach?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to be spending Waitangi Day in the South Island - almost as far from Waitangi as it gets. Is this a good call - or a cowardly move?  The Grammys took place today, and the ceremony wasn't without controversy. Kanye West and his girlfriend Bianca Censori were escorted out of the Grammys after she showed up nearly fully naked. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details could be coming this week about the procuring company for the Interislander ferries. In December last year, the Government announced it would set up a company to procure the ferries, freeing up Kiwirail.  It's committed to a March deadline.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she believes Minister-in-Charge Winston Peters has a handle on the process - and will be incorporating once the directors are appointed. She says her alternative procurement plan is ready to go as a fallback. "The Minister for Rail is doing the right thing, he is comparing that option with what else might be out there and he's running the process to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 3 February 2025, Trade Minister Todd McClay speaks to Ryan Bridge as fears of a US trade war grow bigger. Also, Trump insider and former US Ambassador to New Zealand, Scott Brown reveals how to deal with Trump and why an FTA might actually be a possibility. Loud gasps at the Grammys - why did Kanye West's girlfriend turn up naked? Plus, the Huddle debates whether Palmerston North council has lost the plot looking to ban sugary drinks from its stadium.  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 67th Grammy Awards took place today - and plenty of the biggest names in music got to take home some awards and accolades. Chappell Roan won the Grammy for best new artist, Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' scored record of the year and song of the year, and Beyoncé took home album of the year for Cowboy Carter - a career first. The ceremony took place a month after the LA wildfires began, with plenty of tributes paid to the ongoing relief efforts. The event wasn't without controversy either, with Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori being escorted away after her naked dress look got caught potentially breaking California’s penal code. LA entertainment correspondent Sean Mandell says Beyoncé also won country album of the year - and seemed shocked by this development.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One councillor's standing by a proposed fizzy drink ban, despite community pushback. Palmerston North City Council has proposed to include Central Energy Trust Arena in its sugary drinks ban - among other venues. The council says the draft policy's aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Councillor Brent Barrett says he knows pushing for the right thing isn't always popular.   "We know there's a direct line between sugar and the kind of pressure that comes on our health system through rotting teeth, diabetes, obesity, etc... we want to see if there's community appetite for change."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's revealed he'll be spending this year's Waitangi Day in the South Island.  Chris Luxon is not visiting the Treaty Grounds this week - he's instead sending a Ministerial delegation including Erica Stanford, Tama Potaka, Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell.  Luxon's office has this morning revealed he'll celebrate the public holiday with Ngāi Tahu, at Banks Peninsula's Onuku Marae. Luxon's previously said not all Prime Ministers commemorate the day at the Waitangi grounds - and he plans to go to different marae across the country over the course of his tenure in office.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it would be a better look if Luxon fronted up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Queensland floods are yet to reach predicted levels.  Parts of the north-east have had about a metre of rain since Friday, and a woman died when a rescue boat capsized - and parts of Townsville are evacuating. Authorities claim the rain is currently easing - but the worst is still to come. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says many residents have battened down the hatches to prepare for more extreme weather. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne is closing in on securing a NFL regular season game in 2026. The Herald Sun reports that Melbourne has beaten Sydney to the race to win hosting rights for the first competitive NFL game to be played down under. The two cities had been jostling in recent months, but it's understood the first game will be set down for the Melbourne Cricket Ground in October next year - and will be a multi-year agreement. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains what this could mean for the future of the sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bed, Bath & Beyond has been fined $230,000 for selling more than 27,000 products without proper labelling or instructions. The company sold 3700 sets of children's pyjamas without fire-hazard labels - and more than 23,000 hot water bottles without safe usage instructions.  The General Manager accepts responsibility, but notes no products were found to have physical faults.  The Commerce Commission's Vanessa Horne says it takes safety issues seriously - especially on products for children. "There's a label requirement, mainly for parents, so that they know that that particular pair of pyjamas might be more flammable than another." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Trade Minister isn't speaking out against Donald Trump's tariffs just yet, but admits they'll impact Kiwi businesses. The US President has imposed tariffs between 10 to 25 percent on Canada and Mexico. Canada is slapping levies on US goods in response, and Mexico's threatening to do the same. Todd McClay says his focus is on our relationship with the US.  "We are talking to them about the importance of our relationship and how balanced the trade is - and we're just going to keep doing that for New Zealand exporters." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief the job market is tougher for teens without any experience than ever before. Hawke's Bay local Kaitlin Elsworth has spent two years searching for her first paid job. The 18-year-old says rejection letters usually blame it on a lack of experience. Swivel Careers founder Kate Ross says that's always the hardest aspect for teens - but they shouldn't give up. "I encourage people of that young age to actually walk in and present themselves, because it's far better to be seen in person than it is on paper."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 31 January. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People smuggling is seeing a crackdown in the UK after roughly 37,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats last year.  The new criminal offence will see tough consequences for individuals involved in any part of the journey, including preparation.  In retail news, retailers are saying shoplifting has become out of control in Britain.  UK Correspondent Gail Downey said, "thieves have become so bold they even clear whole shelves in full view of customers and staff, and you might see some of these videos on social media of people doing that," according to the British Retail Consortium.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese company DeepSeek is shedding light on the nations censorship and information control, and causing mass interest in doing so. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what the AI company means for China, how it has been received in the country, and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report has found that beer makes up almost 1% of our country's GDP. Brewing accounted for $3.6 billion of our GDP last year and 1.3% of the national workforce is employed in the brewing industry, but alcohol excise duties often outpace inflation, and this is having an effect on the industry. Garage Project co-owner Jos Ruffell is calling for smaller hikes in excise tax to support the industry.  "Our single largest ingredient cost each month is excise tax to the government," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Journalist Nicky Styris and Sports Commentator Andrew Gourdie on the Huddle.  Who will the new Warriors captain be? The Huddle throws Mitchell Barnett, James Fisher-Harris and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the ring as contenders.  The Australian Open saw runner up Alexander Zverev heckled over domestic violence allegations - does protesting have a place in sports stands? Moana Pasifika are aiming for the Super Rugby final this season, as well as a title within five years. Is this a realistic goal?  And can the triumphant Auckland FC remain top of the league?  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An oven issue is responsible for delaying school lunches across Auckland today.  It is another blow for the scheme that saw principals likening the meals to "dog food." Compass Managing Director Paul Harvey said the company is bringing in additional resources to ensure things run smoothly.  "It's been a tough week, and really the key message is we're continuing to put in additional contingency upon a contingency to ensure that the kids get what they deserve, which is meals on time." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Resources Minister Shane Jones wants to double mining exports by 2035, claiming it will let the country reach three billion dollars in mineral exports by 2035. It comes as Coal and gold have been added to the critical minerals list in New Zealand in the hopes we can double our mineral exports in a decade. The proposal is bringing in questions of sustainability, while also positive projections for jobs. OceanaGold Senior Vice President Alison Paul joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simeon Brown has confirmed plans for Dunedin's new hospital, unveiling details of the project, which will cost 1.88 billion dollars to complete. The last government had promised to build a new hospital on the old Cadbury Chocolate Factory site, but initially the National Government put those plans on hold in September because of budget fears.  After looking into two alternative options, the Health Minister has today come out and announced the Government will build a new hospital on the Cadbury site without blowing the budget out. But how are they doing it?  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the details with Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The quality of school lunches is the talk of the town after lacklustre images have circulated of the meals.  In day 4 of the scheme, Labour's Education spokesperson Jan Tinetti made a vital error when criticising the lunches online, without realising she was referring to a school lunch meal from when Labour was in government.  Dunedin is getting their new hospital - but how has Simeon Brown been 'crafty' in doing so?  Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 40 bodies have been pulled from the wreckage after last nights plane crash in Washington DC.  US Correspondent Logan Church said Air Traffic Control staffing issues are being called into question in the aftermath of the crash.  "There have been reports here that one controller was perhaps doing a two person job and also questions over the helicopter itself," he said.  Church talks to Ryan Bridge about what has emerged so far.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pre-season matches are underway in Super Rugby this weekend for all six New Zealand-based sides.  What has led to Auckland FC sitting at the top of the league halfway through the season?  The team is set to play Macarthur FC in Auckland tomorrow.  Sports Contributor Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what's to come for sport over the weekend.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost half of New Zealand's public servants are working from home one day a week, according to data released by The Public Service Commission.  The IRD and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities have more than 80% of their staff working from home at least once a week.  Public Service Association Acting National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it might not be a bad thing.  "We want a system whereby public servants are able to work from home, where it offers a win-win for them and for the employer." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bristol could potentially become the first major city in England to cut their black waste bin collections down to once per month. The Green Party-led authority says this move would reduce costs and cut down on the environmental impacts - but it's not without its detractors.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says residents are concerned more pests will be drawn to the area. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been plenty of volatility in the tech market this week off the back of the recent DeepSeek fiasco. Despite things picking up after this week's crash, experts are still wondering what's set to happen next. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora has announced it will allow wool carpet providers the chance to tender for supply of carpet and underlay in its homes. The agency has spent the last few years using nylon carpets - citing durability and cheaper prices.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, due to stubbornly high inflation. US President Donald Trump has voiced his disapproval with this move and accused the central bank of mishandling the economy. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks this result - and explains why it's unsurprising rates were left on hold. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We're into week one of Parliament for 2025 - and it's been a big week for race issues. Shane Jones made some questionable comments about Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March and Te Pati Māori is claiming Karen Chhour doesn't get the 'essence of being Māori'. What do we make of all this? There's been some teething issues for the revamped school lunch programme - do we see things turning around? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing demand for burger meat has super-charged New Zealand's exports to the United States. The US has recently overtaken Australia as New Zealand’s second-largest export market last year, according to new Stats NZ data. ANZ economist Henry Russell says this is good news for New Zealand's beef industry, which has been hit hard by decreased demand from China. "The US market has actually overtaken China for meat exports in the past year, so that's a very positive story in the sense that we've been able to pivot away from that market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.