Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and Nick Leggett of Infrastructure NZ joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  There's renewed debate to introduce means-testing for NZ Super. Is this a discussion we need to have? Donald Trump used the f-bomb when criticising Iran and Israel in front of reporters. How do we feel about the President using profanities? Can we say that Trump has succeeded by getting NATO countries to commit to increase their defence spending to 5 percent? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadband company Chorus is celebrating an endorsement from the Infrastructure Commission for its planed extension. Chorus seeks to extend its ultrafast broadband network to another 160,000 homes and businesses at a cost of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion. Chorus CEO Mark Aue says now is the time to boost New Zealand's rural communities.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 June 2025, New Zealand is not getting bang for buck when we spend on infrastructure, but is the Infrastructure Commission really telling us anything new? Israel's ambassador Alon Roth speaks to Heather to discuss the shaky ceasefire with Iran. Auckland's skyline is about to radically change after the Government decided it will force the council to allow 15-storey apartment buildings near central auckland train stations. Auckland councillor Richard Hills explains which areas will be affected. Plus, the Huddle debates whether we should cut off the more than 9000 people who receive super while also earning more than $200,000. 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.

Have you caught up on the drama between the academics and David Seymour? Can I just respectfully suggest that the academics need to harden up? They are upset because David Seymour has published a 'Victim of the Day' on social media, and he seems to be doing it reasonably regularly. It's featuring academics who are upset about the Regulatory Standards Bill - and then it's mocking them for that. Now, they're not happy. They're accusing him of breaching the Cabinet Manual. They say that his posts are unethical, unprofessional, potentially dangerous to those who are targeted, and that he's trying to silence them. Thereby proving his point that they really are victims, aren't they? Now, I'm surprised at how thin-skinned these academics are. Let's be honest about it, none of us like to be skewered. It can sting. But it kind of comes with the territory, doesn't it? If you are in public, and especially if you choose to put yourself in public - which these academics are doing by choosing to, for example, pen opinion pieces criticizing the bill - then they are inviting a response, and they cannot dictate what that response is. And actually, I could be wrong, but what I've seen doesn't seem that harsh. It just seems like a right of reply, but tongue in cheek.  Context is important here as well, because this David versus academic spat has actually been going on a fair bit. David Seymour, in my personal opinion, has been given a bit of a rough time by some academics - one in particular who I think is the worst offender. She has, in the past, said that she hopes he doesn't have kids, and then called his Government a fascist white supremacist Government, which certainly makes his response look adult. Now, if academics - and I'm not saying it's the same academics here by any stretch - but collectively, if they want to hand it out, they have to also be prepared to suck it up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope among Kiwi football fans after Auckland City FC bounces back from some disappointing matches.  After conceding a whopping 16 goals in their first two matches, the Oceania representative managed to draw 1-1 with South America's Boca Juniors in Nashville. Leon Grice, a businessman linked to Auckland City FC, says this feels like a step forward. "They play all over the world, they have the ability to rise and play." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussions are circling on whether now's the time to means-test Superannuation. 2023 Census data shows 33,000 over-65s earned $100,00-to-$200,000 dollars - and more than 9,000 topped that figure. Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says if there is a strong economic argument Super isn't affordable, means-testing could be worth it. "If you're earning more than, say, $180,000 a year and you're claiming the super, then the cost to the taxpayer might be questioned." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran and Israel have had their first quiet night in almost two weeks, as a fragile ceasefire continues to hold. President Donald Trump is slamming a leaked intelligence assessment suggesting this week's US strikes have left Iran's nuclear programmes largely intact. He's posted calling it one of the most successful military strikes in history. New Zealand's Israeli ambassador Alon Roth-Snir says it has at least removed the imminent nuclear threat. "We are very, very thankful for what President Trump and the United States army have done." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for New Zealand to get realistic about our infrastructure. The Infrastructure Commission's released a 30-year draft plan today  for future builds and upgrades to roads, hospitals and public buildings. It highlights how we're not getting value, despite spending a lot. Commission CEO, Geoff Cooper, says a large issue is our lack of spending on maintaining existing infrastructure. He explained we are running our assets into the ground, so repairs cost more - leaving less money for everything else. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can New Zealand plug its infrastructure gap by adopting spatial planning systems - or funding investment through user-pricing? They're among ideas mooted in a 30-year infrastructure investment draft, proposed by the Infrastructure Commission. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports claim US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities did not destroy the Iranian nuclear programme - and likely only set it back. Details of the initial damage assessment from the Pentagon's Defence Intelligence Agency were recently leaked and the White House has been quick to fire back against it. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump's conduct has been 'surprising' for a world leader.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Oceania Football Confederation is proud of Auckland City's campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup. City bounced backed from two humbling losses by a combined 16 goals to draw 1-all with Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in Nashville. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland councillor says the Government requiring larger apartments in the neighbourhood of new CRL train stations is in line with other council requests.  The Government's announced Resource Management Bill amendments to allow apartments 10 and 15 storeys high around some central city terminals. Councillor Richard Hills says it ties into requests to remove medium-density residential housing rules. "We've also asked if we can downzone or restrict some areas in flooding and hazard zones - this change will legally allow us to do that, but on the proviso that we increase capacity elsewhere." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new design for the national memorial for Queen Elizabeth II has been unveiled - set to be built in St James's Park in central London. Lord Norman Foster's design team has been announced as the winner in the competition for a memorial to honour Britain's longest-reigning monarch. UK correspondent Enda Brady says a separate statue for the late King Philip will also be built. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Christchurch school kids are advocating to change the name of Rolleston Ave because of William Rolleston's involvement in leading the deadly invasion of Parihaka in Taranaki. Is there a case for a name change or should we refrain from erasing history? GPs will soon be able to diagnose ADHD - do we approve of this change or are we worried about people abusing this? Should the Government bring in rate caps for councils? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to one expert, last week's GDP figures are a sign New Zealand's economy is on the up. Stats NZ says our gross domestic product grew a strong 0.8 percent in this year's first quarter. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further, LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank Global Strategist Michael Every says Trump isn’t as “nutty” as people may think he is, as there can be upsides to trade wars and geopolitical crises. The Country's Jamie Mackay caught up with him ahead of the Primary Industries New Zealand Summit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have been going through a volatile period over the last couple of weeks, following the recent conflict in the Middle East. Prices spiked at the end of last week and then dropped as much as 8 percent, according to reports from earlier today. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I can see that this idea of forcing rate caps on councils is taking off. So can I just express my concerns about this early on? I personally love the idea of stopping councils from continually jacking up what they charge us, but I worry that this is not going to fix the situation, because it's not the actual problem, is it? The actual problem is that councils spend our money on stupid stuff. A la, the light up toilets in Wellington even when they've got no money. Wellington has got no money, but they keep on doing this stuff. So even if you stop them having much money because you put on a rate cap, they will continue to spend the money on the wrong things. A la, Wellington. So what will then happen if you put the rate cap on - is that after years and years and years and years of deferred capital expenditure, the pipes will break down cause Wellington hasn't spent money on them, and the roads will be in disrepair because Wellington hasn't spent money on them, and the buildings will need earthquake upgrades cause Wellington hasn't spent money on them. And then they will say - oh, look at all the trouble we've got. We need more money. And then some Government run by somebody like Grant Robertson will go - yeah, cool, we'll lift the rate cap. And they'll just make up for lost ground and go hell for leather and jack it up. Or what they'll do is for years and years and years and years, they will just run everything on the credit card and then they'll say - oh look, it's a debt crisis. We've got to pay back our debt, we need more money. And some Government run by somebody like Grant Robertson will go - oh yeah, that's cool. Let's lift the rate cap, and then off they go. And they'll just make up for lost ground. See what I mean? It'll make you feel good about it in the short term, but they will get you eventually, because the problem is that they aren't spending money properly - and that is actually what we need to fix here. Now, I don't know how. I think getting rid of some of our councils by canning the regional councils or canning the district councils or canning the local councils or the city councils may help limit the costs. But I'm not sure. Ultimately, I think we just need smarter people on council - and we need to hold their feet to the fire. But as long as you have numpties and council officials who are shady - and you're not watching them - a rate cap will only delay the problem. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 24 June 2025, geopolitical expert Geoffrey Miller on the ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel. Has Trump been proven right in attacking Iran's nuclear facilities? Darrin Bull from ADHD NZ reacts to news that GPs and some nurses will soon be able to diagnose and treat ADHD, hopefully shortening waittimes for people significantly. Wellington's got itself another controversy - this time it's some very expensive toilets that even come with its own lightshow! Are the disco dunnies out of order? Probably. Plus, the Huddle debates a call from a group of Christchurch high school students who want to rename Rolleston Ave for his dark past. 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.

Halter, a New Zealand tech company specialising in virtual fencing and animal management technology, has raised $165 million in a Series D fundraising round, valuing the company at $1.65 billion. Started in 2016, Halter’s solar-powered, smart collars were guiding thousands of cattle by sound and vibration cues, allowing farmers to get rid of fencing on paddocks. CEO and founder Craig Piggott says the technology helps farmers be more productive - and sustainable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of Christchurch high school students want Rolleston Avenue renamed - after learning about its history. It’s named for William Rolleston, who led the 1881 invasion of Parihaka in which 1600 Maori were forced off their land and left to starve. Hagley College students told The Press keeping the name feels wrong. Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt says it's worth a discussion. "That's the first step - anything outside of that, we can't do anything drastic, obviously. And Christchurch has got its own identity and it's currently ever-changing, so it's something I really appreciate them coming to the table with." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington Councillor's calling out her peers over a new $2.3-million-dollar CBD public toilet. It replaces an old block that had become a crime hot-spot. The building's wooden panels are lined with a $150,000 lighting system, designed to display a night-time show. Diane Calvert says spending in the Capital follows a pattern. "This is the culture in the organisation - it just has to change. Toilets are really important in our CBD, but did we need to take three years building them and over $2 million dollars and light them up like a glowing monument?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope and relief from the ADHD community over prescription rule changes to improve treatment access.  From February, GPs and nurse practitioners will be able to prescribe treatments from the outset - without a specialist recommendation.  Wait times for specialist appointments vary, but can be over a year.  ADHD NZ spokesperson Darrin Bull says over-diagnosis can be a concern, but these changes will still be enforced by medical professionals.  "We're comfortable that the benefits of such a change outweighs the risks of some overdiagnoses - but the training is essential." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sun's rising in the Middle East - on an uncertain kind of ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Iran State Television has claimed a ceasefire now applies - although Israel's made no official comment yet. Earlier today, US President Donald Trump announced hostilities would pause between Israel and Iran, saying they want peace. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says a very strange, staggered ceasefire reportedly applies. "There's now, according to Donald Trump, you've got a 12-hour window until 4am NZT tomorrow in which Israel will be allowed to strike Iran - but Iran will not be able to strike back." Iran retaliated overnight to US strikes on its nuclear sites - with its attacks intercepted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is accusing the Greens of being one sided on the Middle East conflict. The Foreign Minister's official statement says it's not a 'black and white situation'. Peters says proxies for Iran, including Hamas and Hezbollah, have killed so many. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury is set to begin its deliberations in Erin Patterson's trial over the deaths of three relatives and the attempted murder of a fourth. Patterson pleaded not guilty to deliberately poisoning Don and Gail Patterson and Heather and Ian Wilkinson with death cap mushrooms at a lunch at her Leongatha home in 2023. After eight weeks of evidence and closing submissions from the prosecution and defence, Justice Christopher Beale has delivered clear final instructions to the jury. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Justice Beale went through a long list of evidence for the jury to take into account. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster is resigned to spending more time without wing Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. He's out for four to six weeks with a high ankle sprain suffered in a hip-drop tackle against Penrith, his second long injury break of the year. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A single Treaty settlement is being drafted by New Zealand First for the country's largest iwi. Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith has signalled he's open to settlements with smaller groups - within iwi. Ngāti Hine leader Pita Tipene says they continue to hold talks with Paul Goldsmith, but not Shane Jones. "He is the minister, that's who we have conversations with and that's how we want to keep it. We don't want to be talking to the minister - or anybody else for that matter - through the media." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK and its NATO allies have agreed to increase spending on defence and related areas to 5 percent of GDP by 2035.  Ambassadors of all 32 alliance member states signed off on the new spending pledge ahead of a major summit of leaders. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Market reactions after the US strikes on Iran have been more 'muted' than expected, especially compared to the response from a week ago. Reports indicate investors have brushed off this escalation.  Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Management explains further. 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! Should the US have intervened in Iran? Where could this go from here? How do we feel about All Black Caleb Clarke being discharged without conviction - despite fleeing police in a high speed chase? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, US certainly ramped things up over the weekend, didn't it? And if you feel like this is an incredibly serious situation right now, you're not wrong, because there are very few examples - if any - of the US involving itself in the Middle East or surrounding areas and making things better. For the most part, it just ends up backfiring or ending badly. I mean, there are some really obvious ways with regards to Iran that this could go badly. First of all - if Iran wasn't making a nuclear weapon, and I have my doubts about that, but if they really weren't, then this may convince them that they really need to get on and make that nuclear weapon because there is only one way to ensure that you don't get bombed by the US, and that is to have a nuclear weapon. This could also incentivize other countries like Russia to give them a nuclear weapon, which has been a threat from Russia in the last few days. This could spiral into some sort of instability in the country if there's a regime change in Iran that is worse than the current one, and that's always possible and often is the case. This could create instability in other parts of the world. If the US gets involved more deeply in Iran and ties itself up there, other countries will have a look at it, see the US is distracted and take their chances in another part of the world. All of that is absolutely fair to be worried about. However, I would like to caution us all against thinking that Iran is some sort of an innocent victim here, which I think is something that we tend to do in this country. We don't like the US meddling. We can see from a distance how bad that is. So we see the US as an aggressor, meddling in another country, and then we feel sorry for that country, for the US coming and bullying them. Do not feel sorry for Iran. Iran are not good guys here. I personally think you'd have to be naïve to believe that they weren't working on a nuke. They've got their facilities underground, for God's sake. What do you think that's for? And they are motivated to have a nuke, as I said before, to avoid exactly this happening with the US bombing them.So they've got the motivation, circumstantially it looks like they were up to something, right? And they are by the way, remember, the ones who supported and funded Hamas, who started this war with Israel in the first place on October 7, 2023. So they are not good guys at all. Now, they probably had this coming actually. The only thing that we can hope for right now is that it ends with this and to be honest, it's probably a long shot. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's keeping a close eye on the economic impact of volatility in the Middle East. Economists worry it will impact oil, driving up prices at the pump for Kiwis.  Nicola Willis says this is a concern.  "Our position now is that we support all efforts at diplomacy and de-escalation. That is good for the world." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the recent US strikes on Iran, experts have voiced concerns over whether Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is considered a significant oil 'choke point' with one fifth of global oil supplies and a third of liquefied natural gas passing through it. International relations expert Stephen Hoadley says it's an option Iran's considering - and warns closing it will come with significant implications. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 June 2025, David Kilcullen, former advisor to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan on the odds of Trump bringing in regime change in Iran. Exclusive polling shows Kiwis don't think Cook Islanders should continue to get automatic access to citizenship, healthcare and superannuation if the country continues with its foreign policy push towards China against NZ's will. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is refusing to tell Heather the price of the new Kainga Ora wool carpets. All Black rookie Brodie McAlister on finding out he'd made the team - and the first person he told. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the situation in Iran and whether saunas are taking off in NZ. 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.

There's belief the New Zealand-Cook Islands 'special relationship' will hold, despite an unfavourable poll. The Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China - without sharing details with New Zealand.  46 percent of respondents to a Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll believe Cook Island citizens should no longer have automatic access to New Zealand passports or citizenship. Pacific security expert Anna Powles says she doesn't see that change happening - and there's a lot to lose. "For many Cook Islanders, it's very divided and fairly complex - and there are significant benefits, particularly with respect to healthcare."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has unveiled the 35-man squad set to play France - and there's some new names in the batch. Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister is among the new faces included in the All Blacks squad. He says he didn't get a heads-up about this development - and he says he's in 'shock'. "I'm just looking forward to getting in there and getting stuck in." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Immigration Minister says the first proper data will be collected on the value overseas investors bring to New Zealand.   The Government's confirmed almost 200 applications have been received from overseas investors since settings loosened in April.  Erica Stanford says applicants have six months to find and make an investment. But she explained what happens after the initial funding is often more significant.  "We know through the data that we do have that they invest a whole lot more once they get here and they see the ecosystem and they fall in love with the place - and they're quite big philanthropists as well."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A past-advisor to a former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says a clear and timely assessment of damage to Iran's nuclear programme, is unlikely. David Kilcullen says the US is presenting its strikes as complete destruction. "There's really no way to tell that until somebody gets in there and takes a look - and there's very little chance of that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than a third of respondents to a poll believe the Cook Islands should still get New Zealand services. Last week, the Government paused aid after the Cooks signed a partnership with China, without sharing any details with New Zealand.  The Taxpayers' Union-funded Curia poll asked participants whether the Cooks should continue to have automatic access to New Zealand passports, citizenship and healthcare when pursuing foreign policy against New Zealand's wishes.    Only 30 percent believed they should and 46 percent said not - with the remaining 24 percent unsure.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls unpacks the results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia supports the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities - but has voiced concerns about potential escalation. Albanese indicated no Australian resources or support were contributed towards the Trump administration's actions in the Middle East. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the Prime Minister has maintained Iran must not be allowed to possess atomic weapons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Du'Plessis Kirifi's decision to turn done an offer from Japan has been vindicated. The Hurricanes flanker is one of five new caps in the All Blacks squad to face France. He's also one of only five loose forwards in the 33 names read out today - with coach Scott Robertson opting to maximise game time of those selected. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has expressed interest in scrapping regional councils as part of the new RMA reforms - and it's sparked debate among experts. NZ First's Shane Jones has expressed similar sentiments, having recently told a local Government forum he doesn't see a compelling reason for maintaining regional Government.  Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter says there's a need to amalgamate local authorities. "Local Government's been up for that issue for quite a while for quite a number of years now - it's nearly 36 years since local Government reform gave us the current structure that we've got." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 June 2025, New Zealand has pulled almost $20 million of funding to the Cook Islands. Cook Islands News journalist Rashneel Kumar broke the story, he tells Heather how he found out and how terrible our relationship is right now. Kiwibank's Jarrod Kerr is celebrating a surprisingly good GDP number for the first three months of the year - but still thinks more cuts to the OCR are desperately needed to boost the economy. Another talkback-walkback! The Government u-turns on proposed changes to Fringe Benefit Taxes for utes. Heather speaks to the only one person in the country who can prescribe magic mushrooms, Professor Cameron Lacey. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it was a mistake to pull funding from the Cook Islands. 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.

Prime Minister  Sir Keir Starmer recently chaired a meeting to discuss the  UK’s response to the crisis in the Middle East. There's growing concerns the conflict could escalate further, should the US enter the conflict between Israel and Iran. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK Government will be weighing up a series of options, as the US hasn't revealed what actions they plan to take. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Wellbeing Economy Alliance director Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Farmers are up in arms over new changes to the FBT that could potentially impact ute owners. What do we make of this? Do we see the Government changing this? Was it a mistake for New Zealand to pull funding for the Cook Islands? How bad do the optics look here? Shane Jones is floating the idea of getting rid of regional Government altogether. Is this a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Israel-Iran conflict has continued on for a week - and it's seen markets dropping as more fear the conflict intensifying. Experts also believes markets are likely to drop further if the US gets more involved in the conflict. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains the market impact of the conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan Attrill, of Caiseal Trust in Taranaki, has been announced as the 2025 National Ambassador for Sustainable Farming and Growing. Attrill received the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the National Sustainability Showcase at Tākina in Wellington. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data out of Stats NZ reveals the country's gross domestic product grew by 0.8 percent in the first quarter of 2025. It's a stronger result than predicted by the Reserve Bank and Treasury. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks these results - and voices his concerns about the future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research indicates New Zealand may be removing more carbon than it produces. A new study from NIWA has highlighted a potential carbon sink in Fiordland's native forests - and researchers found our environment absorbs at least 170 million tonnes of carbon per year. NIWA atmospheric scientist Beata Bukosa says it's still unclear where the carbon goes - and more research needs to be carried out. "It's maybe potentially exported somewhere else, so that's something we still need to figure out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.