Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Wētā VFX has received three Academy Award nominations for their work on Alien: Romulus, Better Man, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.  2000 people work within Wētā FX, many in Wellington, and head of VFX Matt Aitken said the nominations will make a 'great contribution' to the capital's economy.  The Oscars are set to take place in Hollywood on March 3rd.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A potentially life-threatening storm is hitting the UK, with millions of people being urged to stay home.  Three thousand job cuts are to be lost as UK supermarket Sainsburys closes its cafes, patisseries and pizza counters.  And singer Adele has been accused of sabotaging the sale of $12 million home in which she once lived, by inferring it is haunted.  UK Correspondent Gail Downey joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 24 January 2025, Act leader David Seymour says we should consider more privatisation, including of healthcare. What led to Novak Djokovic's shock retirement from the Aussie Open? The Government is celebrating hitting its target for reducing the number of people in emergency housing five years early. Plus, Weta VFX boss Matt Aitken speaks to Andrew after being nominated for not one, not two but three (!) Oscars. 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.

How has China reacted to Donald Trump's threat to put a 10% tariff on China as early as February 1st?  Is China warming up to allowing TikTok to be sold as part of a deal with the US? Who is in the running to be the app?  And Donald Trump and Xi Jinping talked on the phone this week, what did they discuss?  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Deputy Sports News Director Elliott Smith and Sports Journalist Lavina Good discussed the historic rugby game to be played in the small town Kirwee at the end of the month.  What does bringing rugby to small towns do for the regions?  Why didn't All Blacks Head Coach get Richie Mo'unga back?  Should New Zealand Rugby change its rules if they want the All Blacks to be successful in 2025?  The Huddle talks all this and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirwee, a town west of Christchurch with a population of 1180, is gearing up for the biggest game in the town's history.  The Blues and the Crusaders will play a pre-season game in Kirwee on January 31st.  The game has already sold out and 3000 are expected to attend.  Kirwee Rugby Club President Blair Jones joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has hinted at a "major" mining announcement next week, and the sector is welcoming a push for mining to play a bigger role in the country's economic growth.  This comes after Prime Minister Christopher Luxon defended the decision to expand mining, saying it needed to play a bigger role in the economy.  CEO of Straterra inc. Josie Vidal joins the show to discuss what could be coming next week.  LISTEN ABVOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wētā VFX has received three Academy Award nominations for their work on Alien: Romulus, Better Man, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.  2000 people work within Wētā FX, many in Wellington, and head of VFX Matt Aitken said the nominations will make a 'great contribution' to the capital's economy.  The Oscars are set to take place in Hollywood on March 3rd.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has reduced the number of people in emergency housing motels by 75%, reaching their target five years early.  There are now just under 600 households in emergency motels.  How did they do it?  Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka joins the show to discuss the major success.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite not being the leader of the country, David Seymour has delivered his State of the Nation address.  The ACT Party leader said New Zealander's need to stop being scared of privatisation, look at selling government assets, and change the way the country funds education and health.  Is this the solution to the downfalls of New Zealand's healthcare system?  Chair of the General Practice Owners Association Dr Angus Chambers talks to Andrew Dickens about what such a change would mean for Kiwis.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians have descended on Ratana.  During several speeches, the fate of The Treaty's Principle Bill was called into question.  Meanwhile David Seymour has delivered his State of the Nation speech.  Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls joins the show to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi Chris Wood has resigned with Nottingham Forest, but will he come home when his contract finishes in 2027?  Auckland FC continue to defend their name as the best defensive team in the league.  The Australian Open semi-finals see's world number one Jannik Sinner play American Ben Shelton, and is Djokovic the underdog as he goes for his 25th major?  Sports Contributor Jason Pine joins the show to discuss what's coming this weekend in sport.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from Otago University has painted a grim picture for the future health of Kiwis... More than half a million of us will be living with diabetes by 2044 - a 90% increase on current numbers, researchers say.  Is lifestyle or genetics to blame for the rising rates?  Otago University researcher Andrea Teng joins the show to discuss the alarming figures.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Southport attack has prompted the UK to toughen up the laws on buying knives as the killer awaits sentencing. Under new legislation, anyone buying a knife online will be required to submit two forms of ID and record a live video proving their age. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Prime Minister Keir Starmer has observed what needed to be changed - as the looser restrictions likely enabled the killer in the first place.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two farms have been suspended from New Zealand Merino’s ZQ quality standard supply programme after undercover videos appeared to show animal welfare breaches. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claimed that a recent investigation uncovered cruelty towards sheep on these farms - forcing MPI to take action. The Country's Jamie Mackay says people reportedly stood on sheep's necks, dragged them across the floors of shearing sheds and sewed up wounds without painkillers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon laid out his vision for growing the economy as part of today's State of the Nation address - and pointed the finger at the country. Luxon pushed the need for more jobs, investment and innovation, and criticised New Zealand's 'culture of saying no' that was holding back new developments. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, AUT chancellor Rob Campbell and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Prime Minister has outlined his plans to grow the economy in his State of the Nation address today - do we agree with these changes? Can more foreign investment, more mining and a restructure of the Crown Research Institutes turn things around? Labour leader Chris Hipkins has also been quick to suggest Labour can come back and take over in the next election - do we agree with this? President Donald Trump has threatened Vladimir Putin to make a deal and end the Ukraine war or 'risk the consequences'. Do we think this tactic will work? What might this mean for Ukraine? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook and Instagram users have recently noticed their accounts have started following President Donald Trump, his wife Melania and Vice President JD Vance without their prior knowledge. Gracie Abrams and Demi Lovato are among the famous names who have posted complaints Meta won't let them unfollow these accounts, with Abrams eventually being forced to block them altogether.  Others have also noticed the hashtag #Democrat was blocked on Instagram this week. BusinessDesk tech columnist Peter Griffin says Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is among the tech billionaires who have openly voiced support for Trump - but it's more likely to be a glitch than a conspiracy. "A lot of people on Facebook were obviously following the Facebook accounts of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and others - they've been handed over to the new administration, and it looks as though people are suddenly following the President and the posts from the new administration, but it's a change of people."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief the science sector is on the right track with a major overhaul. Seven Crown Research Institutes will now merge into three public research organisations. Another public research group is also being created to focus on AI and advanced technology, with Callaghan Innovation set to close. The moves follows a review by the Science System Advisory Group. Former Chief Science Advisor Sir Peter Gluckman says the changes follow around 80 percent of his recommendations. "Strategy must precede operations, and what this first report - and how the Government's responded to it - is about getting the architecture of the system right." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 23 January 2025, the Prime Minister says we need to do away with our 'no'-attitude to grow our economy. Trade Minister Todd McClay tells Andrew how he's going to get foreign investors to invest in NZ. Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter discusses the deal Prince Harry has struck with Rupert Murdoch's UK newspapers - and why he chose to settle after always vowing to never settle. The number of tourists has still not recovered to pre-Covid levels. The head of Tourism Industry Aotearoa reveals what the Government could do to boost the numbers. Plus, another Aussie Open tennis star complains about the sideline interviewers. What the heck is going on? 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.

Prince Harry's decision to settle with News Group Newspapers may have been the smart move, according to one expert. He'd been suing the group - which publishes the Sun and the now defunct News of the World - alleging they obtained information about him by illegal means, over 15 years.  The settlement is reportedly over $20 million. Royal correspondent Victoria Arbiter says settling will save a headache.  "At the end of the day, the UK justice system is prohibitively expensive - the cost would have been absolutely eye-watering. So thankfully, this has given him the closure that he so longer for." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton has taken the Grand Slam's on-court interviewers to task for being 'disrespectful' to players. Shelton initially laughed off some divisive comments from former Davis Cup player John Fitzgerald, who interviewed him after his first semi-final at Melbourne Park - but later told reporters he was 'shocked' by how players were treated by broadcasters. Tennis commentator Craig Gabriel says some of the comments that took place after the fact may have been better left unsaid.  "With things being a little bit touchy on how things are spoken of these days - you've got to be a little bit careful." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says he wants deals through the door this year - with a Government goal of tempting overseas funding. A new agency called Invest New Zealand will roll out the red carpet out to foreigners with money to put into infrastructure and key sectors. Todd McClay says he doesn't want reports, he wants deals with investors. "They certainly don't invest in a country when Government agencies tell them not to - and I think that's very much been the case in New Zealand, it's harder to invest here than it should be." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister isn't concerned opening up to more mining could harm New Zealand's reputation. More mining and drilling is on the cards under a new Government focus on economic growth, outlined today. Chris Luxon explained we need critical minerals to build more roads and he wants quarries closer to where those roads are being built. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon's committed to the development of more EVs and solar panels - and those resources need to come from somewhere.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Australian election year gets underway, voters appear to be looking for a change in leadership. New polling data shows Peter Dutton holds a 39–34 lead over Anthony Albanese as preferred Prime Minister, according to a new Reserve poll - after they were tied at 35 percent in December. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's clear voters are swinging further to the right. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence snow sports will continue to thrive in New Zealand, despite the Winter Games being put on ice due to an avalanche of rising costs. CEO of Snow Sports NZ, Nic Cavanagh, admits losing the Games after 15 years is a big blow, but he's confident top athletes will still visit during the winter months.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is excited about the Government's new growth agenda. Minister-in-charge Nicola Willis is considering visa changes, hoping to pull in more tourists. Just over 321,000 people entered the country from overseas in November - 86 percent of pre-pandemic figures. CEO Rebecca Ingram says there's lots of room to build on that.  "So as an industry, we're delighted to see such a strong focus on economic growth from the Government with the new portfolio for Minister Willis." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A huge fire killed at least 76 people as it ripped through a hotel at a popular ski resort in northern Turkey. The blaze at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya broke out about 3.30am (12.30am GMT), sending huge clouds of smoke into the night air and sparking panic among the guests. UK correspondent Gail Downey says several young children and teenagers were among those killed in the blaze - with forensic investigations ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump officially got the keys back to the White House earlier this week - and his return to power could have an impact on NZX-listed businesses. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare produces medical devices sold in the US, and it's likely the incoming tariffs could leave an impact. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate the Indian Government is sounding out the nation's biggest businesses to determine how they feel about a trade agreement with New Zealand. The Indian Government reportedly sent an email to members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry asking for feedback on the idea of starting negotiations with NZ on a free trade agreement. India NZ Business Council chair Bharat Chawla explains what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auditor-General is upping the ante, urging the Government to change the law to require departments to better report on what their spending achieves. John Ryan is worried it can be difficult to track what comes of Government policies or programmes, and wants the issue investigated by the Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from 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 CEO of surveillance network Auror explained the new technology used to stop shoplifters in their tracks after the latest Golriz Ghahraman incident. Is this a step too far - or a necessary measure to combat retail crime? According to new reports, domestic inflation is still on the sticky side - what can this mean for the rest of the year? New data out of the UK reveals a concerning amount of Gen Z doesn't know how to do simple DIY tasks - and have turned to professionals to change their lightbulbs. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A media commentator says cuts at NZME are just the latest in a troubled industry.  NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB owner NZME is proposing a restructure, with a net loss of about 38 roles. Spinoff founder Duncan Grieve says all around the world massive cuts are taking place while other brands disappear completely.  He says it's not a problem which is likely to go away. "It wouldn't shock me if this was just setting off another year of that - and it might not be anything like the biggest we're going to see." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police can search the retail surveillance network that recorded a shopping incident involving former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, even when no complaint has been made. Ghahraman was stopped and questioned by store security at Royal Oak's Pak’nSave in the weeks before her High Court case in early October. Foodstuffs says it did not complain to police. Surveillance network Auror is used by retailers - including Foodstuffs - and confirms police can access the information those clients record. CEO Phil Thompson says the system lets all the parties work closely together. "Retailers are capturing information on crimes and attempted crimes that happen in their stores and making that visible to their own head office - and also to police." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 22 January 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis on our sticky domestic inflation and why Chinese tourists could bring a quick economic boost to the country. The Spinoff's Duncan Grieve reacts to news of almost 40 newsroom roles being axed at NZ Herald publisher NZME. Education experts are calling on the Government to do more to lift NCEA achievement rates of Māori kids. Plus, Resident Builder Pete Wolfcamp on news that Gen Z are so allergic to DIY they even hire a handyman to change a lightbulb. 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 revelation that almost a quarter of Gen Z adults would rather pay a professional to change their lightbulbs has raised concerns about self-reliance among young people. According to data out of the UK, some younger people spend up to £1,300 (NZ$2830) a year paying professionals to do household tasks, citing concerns around safety - lightbulbs being too hot, falling off ladders and a reluctance to tamper with electronics. The report also states that 30 percent of those surveyed could not identify a screwdriver. ZB's Resident Builder Peter Wolfkamp says it's important to encourage some self-reliance - and there's plenty of tasks that can be carried out independently.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence another substantial Official Cash Rate cut's on the cards, with today's figures showing inflation is still under control. Stats NZ says the rate for the year to December remained unchanged at 2.2 percent. Inflation is well down from the 2022 high of 7.3 percent, but still higher than the 1.5 percent reached in 2021. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says he's confident the Reserve Bank will slice 50 basis points from the OCR in February. "Non-tradeable inflation is still coming down - there's risks on the tradeable side, but I don't think there's enough there to sway the Reserve Bank towards going with a smaller 25 point cut." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's fired a warning to local councils - saying it's time for spending discipline and restraint. Stats NZ data for the year to December shows the inflation rate remains unchanged at 2.2 percent. Simon Watts has picked up the Local Government portfolio from incoming Health Minister, Simeon Brown. Nicola Willis says in too many cases, rates have been out of control. "We are looking at this concept of putting some limits on the level of rate increases that councils can do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's sending a strong message about its goals for 2025 - to grow the economy.  The party's holding its annual caucus retreat today, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon earlier addressed media with his goal for growth.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Government is looking to get back to basics with their latest plans. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US isn't appearing that united over new President Donald Trump's drastic reconfiguration of American policy.  He's issued dozens of executive orders since taking office yesterday, and says more changes are to come.  There's already pushback - with 22 states challenging his bid to end birthright citizenship - and many fearing for the justice system after his sweeping pardons of Capitol riot convictions. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says American Civil Liberties Union, immigrant organizations and an expectant mother have also taken action against Trump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz admits he was outplayed in a four-set quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Alcaraz won the first set but concedes he was overpowered by Djokovic, on the hunt for a 25th grand slam and 11th in Melbourne. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are urging the Government to step up and help boost achievement rates among Māori students. The latest NCEA data shows Māori students lagged 20 percent behind their Pakeha counterparts in reading, writing and maths. Education consultant Alwyn Poole says this is a huge disparity - and it's been a long-term concern.  "There are loads of examples of children from a range of situations arriving at school at 5 years old and being significantly behind - and it's been well reported on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business executives, academics, Government officials and civic leaders are expected to gather in Switzerland for the World Economic forum - and there's one key name on everyone's lips.  Donald Trump's return to the White House is set to be a topic of discussion, with experts set to participate in an upcoming '47th US Presidency, Early Thoughts' panel. UK correspondent Enda Brady says wars, misinformation and climate change are also expected to be discussed at length. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the unemployment rate increased to 4 percent in December - raising questions ahead of a potential interest rate cut next month. Unemployment is one of the key metrics the RBA uses to inform interest rate settings, and a weakening market could encourage the central bank to reduce rates. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big week for the US, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office for his second term as US President. His plan for tariffs has sparked concern among many key industries, with Kiwi farmers wondering what this means for one of New Zealand's biggest red meat markets. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December. The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, rose a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent to $9.23 billion in December from November, according to Stats NZ.  That brought total spending in line with levels last seen in November 2023. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is a sign green shoots are returning to the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Auckland City Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Herald's written a list of the pickiest and most peculiar advertising complaints of 2024 - what do we make of these? Have we turned into a nation of humourless whiners?  It's a big day for the US as Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office for his second term - and he's not wasting any time, having signed off on a number of executive orders on day one. What do we make of all this?  It's a tough market for job hunters - what do we recommend Kiwi job-seekers do?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian speaks to Andrew Dickens as Donald Trump gets to work at the White House.   Nelson mayor Nick Smith wants to call in the US ambassador over the question of who split the atom first. Should you put a photo on your CV? Recruitment expert Megan Alexander on how to stand out when looking for a new job. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on Donald Trump, and whether Kiwis have become humourless. 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.

It's a tough market for people on the job hunt in today's climate.  Seek data shows job ads fell 2 percent in December - and were down 22 percent compared to December 2023. Recent surveys also indicated at least 64 percent of employees are also hoping for a pay rise this year. Robert Half Managing Director Megan Alexander says applicants need to demonstrate proactivity and initiative - and follow through on the promises made in interviews. "You have to definitely have the full package in today's climate. You've got to have experience that is relevant for the job, you've got to articulate it really well, you have to demonstrate proactivity... all those people-skill elements." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports offer a look into the TV ads that struck a nerve in 2024. The Advertising Standards Authority received hundreds of complaints last year, but only accepted 100 for review. They include people disgusted about someone picking their nose, and outrage over cars not stopping at a pedestrian crossing. Chief executive Hilary Souter says they get a raft of complaints for all different reasons. "What's interesting to us about the people looking at ads is that they often pick up one issue in an ad that's running for, say, 30 seconds - it's a TV thing that pushes their buttons." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.