Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Nelson's mayor is using a false claim from the new US President in his inaugural address to promote the city. Trump's list of Americans' claims to greatness included splitting the atom, which was achieved by Kiwi Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1917. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith's inviting the US Ambassador to visit the memorial to Rutherford. He says he wants to celebrate his heritage. "It was extraordinary that a small boy that grew up in a little place called Brightwater, Foxhill and Havelock who went to Nelson College went on to make some of the most amazing scientific discoveries." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's swift actions from the day he's taken office could indicate he's learned since his first term.  The 47th President has already signed a significant number of executive orders, relating to border security, inflation, and even gender issues.  In just two orders, he revoked nearly 80 of Joe Biden's presidential actions, and he's pardoned more than a thousand convicts from the January 6 Capitol riot.  Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian says Trump's showing he's prepared and eager for change.  "Now that he also has a Republican Senate and a Republican House, the wind is at his back with making sure that everything continues to go as smoothly as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As kids get ready to head back to school, educators are worried about a lack of teachers - with a shortage of about 346 full time teachers sparking concerns. The PPTA's Chris Abercrombie says New Zealand is competing with the rest of the world for staff.  He says New Zealand needs to be an attractive place for domestic teachers to stay, and for overseas teachers to move to.  "The Government could be looking at increasing pay and conditions at their upcoming collective agreement - we know that pay helps keep people in the profession." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's upcoming caucus retreat is set to take place tomorrow - as the Party recovers from Sunday's surprise Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Chris Luxon raised a few eyebrows following his ministerial shakeup, with multiple MPs being moved down the rankings and losing their portfolios. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon cares about generating results, and he's not above chopping and changing to move forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Serbian Council of Australia is calling for broadcaster Tony Jones to be sacked following his comments about Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Representatives claimed members of Australia's Serbian community filed complaints after Jones insulted Djokovic to a crowd of fans during a live cross. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says some fans were offended by the remarks - but others believe the outrage is unnecessary.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi doubles specialist Erin Routliffe faces a gruelling schedule in the Melbourne heat on day 10 at the Australian Open. Routliffe had her women's doubles quarterfinal with partner Gaby Dabrowski earlier today, before she returns to the court for her mixed doubles last-eight match with Kiwi Michael Venus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a growing push to make banking more accessible for the disabled - and one major bank aims to launch a solution. A new Westpac-commissioned found nearly one in four Kiwis have a disability, and can encounter barriers to accessing accounts and services. The bank wants to introduce a new 'basic' bank account, to help reduce numbers of people not using banking. Chief executive Catherine McGrath says it matches a UK offering, with specific features. "The don't have overdrafts, the types of transactions can be a bit restricted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire began today, with three Hamas hostages exchanged for 90 Palestinian prisoners. Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher were taken back to Israel by security forces after Hamas fighters handed them over to the Red Cross.   UK correspondent Gail Downey says it's unclear whether the hostages will reveal the conditions of their capture at this stage.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's energy sector is hoping Prime Minister Luxon's Cabinet reshuffle will lead to potential solutions to the country's energy crisis. Yesterday's shake-up resulted in Climate Change Minister Simon Watts picking up the energy portfolio from Simeon Brown. Octopus Energy's Margaret Cooney says more innovation is needed to boost the sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's inflation data will set the economic tone for the new year, but experts are hoping the final months of 2024 brought positive results. The latest inflation results from the December quarter will be out this Wednesday, and there's hope enough steam has been let out of the economy. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr explains what we can expect. 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!  What do we make of yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle? Do we need a Minister for the South Island? Is Simeon Brown a good fit for the Health portfolio? It's a big day for the US tomorrow, as Donald Trump takes back the keys to the White House in his inauguration ceremony. What are we predicting for his return to the Oval Office? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday January 20th, 2025, Homegrown director Andrew Tuck explained why the festival 'outgrew' Wellington following the news it would move locations in 2026. Influencers and e-celebs are wondering what the future holds amid uncertainty about TikTok. Influencer and advocate Jazz Thornton revealed how she plans to diversify her output. Over in the US, it's getting close to Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. Correspondent Simon Marks reveals the famous faces we can expect to see - and the ones we won't. The Huddle also wonders what executive orders will be signed upon Trump's return to the White House. 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.

Nicola Willis says her new role in Cabinet is all about driving New Zealand's growth.  The Finance Minister has been given the Economic Growth portfolio, formerly known as the Economic Development portfolio It's been taken off Melissa Lee - who's been stripped of all ministerial responsibilities. Willis says she'll now be taking the lead at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.  "Through that role, I will be making sure that we're responding to businesses, industries, small business owners about what they need to have the confidence to be investing, to be hiring." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First-term MP James Meager is pledging to speak to those in the deep south - and the top of the Mainland. Meager is the first National MP elected in 2023 to become a minister, taking up the new portfolio of Minister for the South Island, alongside portfolios in Hunting and Fishing and Youth. James Meager says he wants to make sure the South Island can contribute to economic growth. "That's a big part of what the PM wants me to do - help us focus on what we can do to promote growth in the South Island."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online stars are scrambling to change platforms amid uncertainty about TikTok. The Chinese social media platform 'went dark' yesterday because of a US ban that aimed to force its sale to a neutral party.  Access is being restored after Donald Trump promised to delay enforcement. TikTok influencer and mental health advocate, Jazz Thornton, says the US ban affects New Zealanders by reducing engagement.  She says she's diversified by using YouTube. "For security - but also to be able to continue to reach the people that we do. There's so much uncertainty with all kinds of social media that you can't put everything in one basket." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Gloriavale leaver has outlined his 'livid' reaction to yesterday's apology from community leader Howard Temple.  The Royal Commission of Inquiry requested an apology, after establishing a pattern of abuse. Temple thanked those who'd reported it - and accepted the Commission's Safety of Care recommendation. But former member John Ready says the apology was insincere - and shows a complete lack of understanding of the damage caused. "The timestamp - 1950 to 1999 - leaves out the majority of the abuse from 2000." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famous faces are appearing in Washington DC - just 12 hours until Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President.  The blisteringly cold weather has moved the event indoors for the first time since 1985. Elon Musk and other billionaires - Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos - will be there, alongside all living former presidents.   US correspondent Simon Marks says, notably, Michelle Obama won't be there.  "I think it's not so much the climactic conditions that have kept her away from those events, but the inevitability of her having to rub shoulders with the Trumps at them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are wondering about the future of New Zealand's health sector after the Prime Minister made some changes in Cabinet. Chris Luxon stripped Shane Reti of his Health Minister portfolio and handed the role over to Simeon Brown instead. Meanwhile, Nicola Willis is picking up a new Economic Growth role, and Chris Bishop became the Minister for Transport. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks what this could mean for the health system. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TV presenter Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic for mocking Serbian fans at the Australian tennis Open. Djokovic vowed to boycott interviews from Australian broadcaster Channel Nine until he received a public apology, after Jones called him 'over-rated' and a 'has-been'.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Jones reached out to Djokovic's team after the story attracted worldwide attention.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia have won the latest SailGP regatta in Auckland, after beating Spain and Great Britain in the three-team final. The Australians won two fleet races out of seven and had three runner-up finishes to be the top boat heading into the decider. It was disappointment for the Black Foils, who missed out on qualifying for the final by two points. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacked the racing action from this morning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's Homegrown festival is set to move further afield - with organisers claiming it's outgrown the capital. The music festival's been operating at the region's waterfront for 18 years, but it's been revealed this year's upcoming two-day event will be the last held in Wellington before it moves in 2026. Festival director Andrew Tuck says they've been looking to expand Homegrown out further - and there's nowhere else in Wellington that can accommodate demand. "We looked everywhere to see if we could accommodate inside Wellington, we've been looking at that for the last couple of years. And unfortunately, there's nowhere where we could actually move the people in a comfortable fashion that'll actually tick all the boxes."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let me tell you, it was absolutely no surprise to me to see my Facebook friends going crazy over Trump winning the election last night - and there's been plenty of hysterical predictions now that he's won. My absolute favourite one was from my husband, who said that Trump would take us to the brink of war. Hello - the world is already at war, we don't need to be taken to the brink, we're already there.  We've got two significant wars under way in two of the most worrying parts of the world - Europe and the Middle East - and neither of them are because of Trump, they started under Biden. It's got me thinking - we need a bit of perspective here. People are really losing their minds over this. We cannot predict what is going to happen in the future, but we have the past to guide us. So why don't we compare the last time Trump was President with the most recent period under Biden and see who wins at being the real crazy one here. Because as far as I can see, Biden is the one who's been far worse for New Zealand. Sure, Trump introduced the steel tariffs on us and started a trade war with China - but last time I checked, Biden hasn't removed those tariffs and he hasn't ended the trade war with China.  So as far as I can see, they're basically the same as each other on that. Under Biden, two new wars have started, both of which have put prices that we pay in New Zealand up. Under Trump, no new wars were started. My husband was quick to point out North Korea and 'Rocket Man' and how they came close to staring a war - but they didn't. It might have nearly, but it didn't. Nothing happened, despite all the warnings. Trump is too much of a crazy-maker - and other world leaders don't know how far they can push it with him and they suspect they can't, so they don't try at all. That is why Putin invaded Georgia under Bush, Crimea over Obama and Ukraine under Biden - but there were no invasions under Trump. Under Biden - never mind the threat of North Korea maybe doing something, two wars actually did happen. And they are worse than anything North Korea might have done. Under Trump, the withdrawal from Afghanistan was orderly, and under Biden, it was an unmitigated disaster - which he was at the centre of - and it completely undermined America's credibility. So before we get too hysterical about all the bad things Trump could do, how about we remind ourselves about all the bad things Biden did do? Get a bit of a grip, and ask ourselves - what would Trump actually have to do in the next four years to be worse than Biden? Why weren't we as hysterical about Biden? Or is the hysteria just something we reserve for Donald Trump? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several Greens members have been caught asking to use the private carparks belonging to Wellington retailers for a party event. These retailers were impacted by Green-led cycleway project, which took away on-street parking in the area. Independent Business and Residential Group chairwoman Urmila Bhana says this cycleway has negatively impacted several businesses. "Businesses are down 60, 80, 100 percent, they're either moving, closing, or heading into liquidation. And that's nothing to do with the recession, it's the carpark removal." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newsflash: Tui 'Yeah Right' billboard accused of being bad taste.  Whoa, for a moment there I thought I'd been transported back to 2006. Is it in good taste? No. Of Course not. It's a billboard for a beer company, for goodness' sake. Of course it's in bad taste. I don't think anyone has ever accused Tui of good taste. Given the extent to which the sensational details in the Polkinghorne case have scandalised the nation, it's hardly a surprise to see the billboards pop up. I'll be honest with you: It doesn't upset me. But if I were Pauline Hanna's family I might, quite reasonably, feel a bit miffed at a company trying to cash in on something related to my death.  And here's the thing: Even if it did upset me, sometimes the most effective strategy to oppose something is to contain your outrage.  I actually feel the same way about aspects of the Treaty Principles Bill. I wonder if the most extreme opposition to ACT's proposal might not ultimately help ACT's cause. And perhaps a more considered opposition might be calmer, quieter, and ultimately starve the issue from the attention upon which it'll thrive.  Tui is banking on controversy. It has literally set up a feedback line so people can voice their outrage. But if you really have a problem with their billboards... Don't give them the attention. And don't buy Tui. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electricity Authority's report in to a toppled pylon has found the collapse was entirely avoidable. The Transpower pylon north of Helensville fell - cutting power to 88,000 people in Northland - after unsupervised, inexperienced maintenance crews undid three legs at once. The report found there was evidence removing all the nuts wasn't a one-off event. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this incident came with significant economic impacts to Northland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A charity boat was bringing 147 migrants that they'd rescued in the Mediterranean to Italy but the Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini refused.  This has now come to court and Matteo Salvini is accused of kidnap and dereliction of duty over that refusal to allow the the boat to dock, and prosecutors in Sicily have asked judges to sentence him to 6 years in jail. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to talk about this and the Minister who's responsible for tackling corruption in UK financial markets is now alleged to be involved in a massive embezzlement in Bangladesh. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Roger Douglas is disappointed with the ACT Party's response to this week's bleak Treasury forecasts.  Douglas supported NZ First MP Shane Jones' response to the figures in which he made in an urgent debate in Parliament.  David Seymour has 'annoyed' his party's founder.  ACT Party Founder Sir Roger Douglas discusses this with Ryan Bridge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 20 December. 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.

China has been desperate to boost its economy but the consumer does not want to spend.  Youth unemployment is close to 20% in the country, which is a contributor factor as well as worries around healthcare.  The South Korean Government has voted to impeach President Yoon and now the constitutional court has 180 days to review that decision.  There is a potential for a merger between two car makers Nissan and Honda.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's my last day at work for the year... and I'm off to the beach... Every year... because I'messentially an angry and quite grumpy person.... I go to the beach and I get mad. Angry at people doing dumb stuff... The problem with the beach is it's public. I can't yet afford my own private one. Until then... here's my top five 5 things NOT to do at the beach this summer: Rubbish Bins. They get full quickly. So everybody just piles their shit sky-high a biohazard version of jenga. Don't do that... it's unsightly. If the bins are full please dispose of your rubbish in the ocean... It's far less visible to your fellow beachgoers.. Seriously... Though... Just put it in the boot and take it home. Or. Save it up all summer and do a mass dumping at the council chambers in January. Music. Just Don't. You may like Coldplay or Cardi B, others prefer the soothing sound of the actual ocean. It's quite hard to hear with Chris Martin whaling out of your stupid UE boom. The beach (and the bush, for that matter) are not just visual spectacles, but also an aural experience. Try closing one's eyes to the sun... and listening to the sound of the waves. The birds. The magic. But not your music. Togs. There's always some wozer in the Herald over summer whinging about a woman's bikini being too revealing... too much skin for my liking. It's just not right! Honestly, just look away. People can wear whatever they like. Just ensure your nips and bits are covered... other than that... dental floss bikinis are A-OK. And if you're one of those people who complain... are you incensed at the woman's body, or the fact your husband drooling behind his dirty dog sunnies? Swimming in jeans and t-shirts. Do you have a death wish? 86% of drownings happen during summer and you're a lot heavier in denim. That is a fact. You see this out at Piha... people being rescued wearing trackpants. Honestly.  Take a leaf out of the dental floos book. Finally... I love a good sunshade tent... the pop-up ones... some people have a full almost-camping set up. I'm all for it. But you cannot.... and I've seen this... set it up and leave it for days on end at a busy beach... overnight. You cannot bags bits of the beach. It belongs to nobody and everybody and that is entitled and shameful behaviour. Wishing you all a warm, quiet, easy breezy beach experience this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, Newstalk ZB Sports News Director Clay Wilson and Sports Journalist Jim Kayes discuss all things sport of the week.  The Huddle agrees Liam Lawson bagging a spot on Red Bull's team is an example of perseverance and talent.  ESports are disappointed because they have missed out on funding this week. The Huddle discusses.  How do we feel about sport on Christmas day?  This and more on The Huddle. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YouTuber Mr Beast has come out with his own reality TV show called Beast Games.  The show will see one thousand contestants playing to win a grand prize of $5 million.  Entertainment reporter Richard Martin joins the show to discuss this and the new 'Bluey' movie on its way.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Hospital is cutting back on some of its bowel cancer screening procedures, and Health New Zealand is unable to say if this is happening in other regions around the country.  852 patients who are at a high risk of developing cancer are on the waiting list for a colonoscopy in Palmerston North. Professor and Medical advisor at Bowel Cancer New Zealand Frank Frizelle said this will result in people having cancer who otherwise would not.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter Luigi Mangione has been extradited to New York. Earlier this week the 26-year-old faced 11 charges at the state level, but now the FBI and and the US government have levelled federal charges against him.  41% of young voters say the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO was acceptable, according to new research.  The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a month-long ban on drone flights over much of New Jersey after thousands of drones flew over military bases.  International Correspondent Mitch McCan joins the show.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds has posted to Facebook an incorrect graph that claims the Ardern-Hipkins government has reduced New Zealand's debt by $31 billion in its second term. Finance Minister Nicola Willis said Edmonds mistake was extraordinary fiscal ignorance.  The government is pushing forward with replacing the Air Force's passenger jets despite the current economic climate.  Labour, Te Pāti Māori and the Greens are figuring out ways to team up.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks with Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What everyone hoped would happen has happened: A kiwi has made it to a full time drive with Formula One.  Liam Lawson goes into the Red Bull team alongside big name Max Verstappen.  Auckland FC will play back at home tomorrow.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine think they are able to keep their winning momentum going, despite a few injuries among the players.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Lawson has been promoted into Red Bull's senior team in Formula One. He'll race alongside Max Verstappen next season after Red Bull parted ways with Sergio Perez.  Founder of the Toyota Racing Series Barrie Thomlinson says Red Bull will have chosen Lawson based on his future talent.  Thomlison says if Lawson performs at a high level, he will likely be the person to replace Max Verstappen.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study has revealed the amount of steps you take per day could lead to a reduction in depression symptoms. Spanish researchers have debunked the earlier finding that 10,000 steps a day is the optimal amount - and revealed that 7,000 will translate to better mental health outcomes. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the results of the study - and reveals the role step trackers can play in generating positive results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the US, share prices have slumped after the US Federal Reserve hinted at a slower than expected pace for rate cuts in the new year. The Federal Reserve set its key lending rate in a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent - down a full percentage point since September. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay has been catching up with politicians and farming experts to discuss their picks for Ag Person of the Year. There's been a diverse range of favourites - but who is Jamie's? He revealed his favourites for 2024, ahead of his final show for the year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This was a dire week for the economy - but experts say things can only go up from here. Stats NZ revealed that GDP was down 1 percent in the September quarter, and had been down 1.1 percent the previous quarter. This is the biggest drop since 1991, excluding the Covid-19 lockdowns. Despite the gloomy outlook, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this will likely be as bad as things get before things pick up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 December 2024, the GDP has taken a massive fall, plunging New Zealand into the biggest recession since 1991. Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce talks to Ryan Bridge. The Prime Minister won't be going to Waitangi on Waitangi Day next year. Waitangi national trust chairman Pita Tipene says he's disappointed. The Huddle debates the economy, and what you might find if you come to visit Stuart Nash unannounced. 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, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is looking to strengthen free speech at universities. Should universities be allowed to decline hosting controversial speakers? It's been a dire week for the economy - with today's GDP results revealing we're in the worst recession since 1991, excluding the Covid-19 lockdowns. Can we get back on track? Can we acknowledge some bad decisions were made by the Reserve Bank?  The holidays are getting closer - is it okay to drop by a friend's house unannounced? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mastercard is pushing back against the Commerce Commission's plan to put a cap on credit card fees. The Commission says regulation for credit and contactless payments could deliver $280 million in savings a year for merchants and consumers.  But Mastercard New Zealand says the draft decision is disappointing, will undermine competition, and set back the local economy. Mastercard NZ Country Manager Ruth Riviere says these suggestions by the Commerce Commission will bring down interest in investing in New Zealand. "We're really clear that there's these unintended consequences of what's being proposed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new bill looks to make universities less 'risk adverse' over freedom of speech.  When introduced in March, it will amend the Education and Training Act and require universities adopt a 'freedom of speech' statement.  They'll also have to report on its commitment yearly.  Tertiary Education Minister Penny Simmonds says this will ensure they have policy and procedures around allowing and promoting possibly controversial issues.  She explained there are also requirements about having to record and being transparent about complaints.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travellers with Air New Zealand can now use Apple AirTags to find their lost luggage.  The carrier is enabling a feature letting customers share the live location of trackers in their baggage with its customer service team.  It means they can tell airline staff where the bag was last scanned and its most recent location.  Chief digital officer Nikhil Ravinshankar says it also comes with security safeguards.   "When a customer shares their AirTag location with us, we get to keep that only for a temporary timeframe - or until the bag gets reunited with a customer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Northland Maori leader says Waitangi Day could be more volatile than ever.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon's decided against attending celebrations at the Treaty Grounds.  He says he'll join events in other parts of the country - and is expected to send ministers in his place. Luxon and the coalition have faced mounting pressure over ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene says he's wondering where else Luxon could rather be.  "Any Waitangi Day is a cauldron - let alone what's going to happen next year, given the Treaty Principles Bill and everything else that's going on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People will have questions, after one of the country's worst quarterly GDP dips in decades. Stats NZ figures show New Zealand's gross domestic product crashed down one percent in the September quarter. It's put the country in the deepest recession since the Covid-driven slump in 2020.  Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce says the Reserve Bank Governor, Adrian Orr, needs to speak up and explain. "I think there is some legitimate questions to be asked - I can remember, quite recently, him saying he's got it all under control and that this is going to be a soft landing. Well, quite clearly, it wasn't."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's revealed he will not be at the historic Treaty grounds for Waitangi Day celebrations next year.  Chris Luxon says he'll instead take part in celebrations elsewhere around the country. It's understood Luxon will be sending Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and a couple of other Ministers to the Treaty Grounds to represent the Government. Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper is unsurprised by this development, given the contentious Treaty Principles Bill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Olympic breakdancer Rachael 'Raygun' Gunn is demanding $11,000 in legal fees from the owner of a Sydney-based comedy club who planned to stage a show based on her. Raygun the Musical was set to star Stephanie Broadbridge - but it was pulled at the last minute after promoter Anthony Skinner was sent a legal letter claiming the musical infringed on Gunn's intellectual property.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Skinner offered Gunn's legal team $550 in compensation - a bid the team swiftly rejected. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.