Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Liam Lawson might have his nose in front, but Red Bull insist no decision has been locked in over Sergio Perez's vacant seat for 2025. The Mexican driver has negotiated an exit from the Formula 1 team after a poor year, with the Kiwi vying against Yuki Tsunoda for the birth. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Far North District Council has issued a warning after a string of dog attacks in the region. An 8-year-old girl was hospitalised after being attacked by a dog on Wednesday at summer hotspot Taipā Beach - prompting calls for a solution. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says dog owners need to handle their pets responsibly to prevent similar incidents. "If you have a dog in the Far North, you make sure that you are looking after it properly and that it can't get out. You make sure that it's registered."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're less than a week out from Christmas - and some key stocks could be well-placed for a Christmas charge-up. The 'Santa Rally' phenomenon refers to a strong share market over the last 5 trading sessions in December, and the first 2 trading sessions in the new year. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor unpacks the phenomenon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The surprisingly large uptick in the amount of debt the Treasury is expected to issue in coming years will come at a cost, S&P Global Ratings warns. On Tuesday, Treasury increased its forecast bond issuance programme by a whopping 16 percent. It now believes it’ll have to issue $146 billion of New Zealand Government Bonds (debt) in the four years to 2027/28 - $20b more than forecast at the Budget in May. 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 Green Party has proposed a new bill requiring people to chip and register their cats? Is this a practical idea? Parliament has voted to strike down a bill to legalise trading on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Should we let this debate go - or will it come back again? A judge and senior lawyer made headlines for going feral at Winston Peters at the Northern Club. What should their punishments be?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh drinking water is an ongoing worry for those in Vanuatu following yesterday's 7.3 magnitude earthquake.  Early reports estimate hundreds are injured and more than a dozen people have died. New Zealand search and rescue teams, equipment and supplies are currently on their way. The airport is only open to humanitarian assistance - and the port is out of action. Vanuatu-based journalist Dan McGarry says power is out and water's being restored very slowly.  "We lost two large-capacity water tanks on the hills just outside of town, so water supply is going to be a continuing concern." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 December 2024, the hotly debated Fast-Track Approvals Bill has become law. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop tells Ryan Bridge what happens now and when we can actually expect shovels in the ground. The Greens want to get their hands on your cats... we'll find out what they want to do with them. Is Esports real sport? Esports New Zealand are upset they're not getting any funding from High Performance Sports for the next four years. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the feral behaviour from a judge and a senior lawyer at the prestigious Northern Club. 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.

Compulsory microchipping of pet cats could be on the cards with the introduction of a new Green Party bill.  The party is proposing a law obliging people to chip and register felines - to keep cats with owners and protect native wildlife.  MP Celia Wade-Brown says a lot of people will want it to include compulsory de-sexing, and this may come up during the select committee process.  "The first step is to get this bill to select committee so that we can hear the public's views, the experts' views, the animal welfare people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's expectations fast-tracked projects will kick in next year.  The controversial Fast Track Approvals Bill passed its final reading in the House last night - despite heated protest in the public gallery and from Opposition MPs.  It's being characterised as a one-stop shop, facilitating consents for large-scale development, infrastructure, and mining. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says people can apply from February - and he's certain many will start right away.  "We've got to get the expert panel set up as quickly as possible, so we're doing that work over the next six to eight weeks." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers are being given the green-light to wear jandals behind the wheel. The Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens has busted the myth insurance can't be claimed on a crash if the driver's wearing jandals. But she says people should still be careful. "If you know that your jandal's going to get stuck under the accelerator or there's a particular problem with the type of shoe you're wearing - then of course, you don't do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment that a bill has been voted down to remove trading restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The MP conscience vote landed on 74 to 49 against it. Retail NZ says it would have allowed better competition with online websites that still operate on both public holidays.  Chief executive Carolyn Young says it's sensible to let businesses be open if they want. "People think everybody wants to have the day off with their family on that day - some people might rather work and get the penal rates and then be able to take the day-in-lieu that they get."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party won't keep pushing to remove trading restrictions from Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Politicians have toppled a bill today in a conscience vote - 74 to 49. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's 'incredible' the bill was voted down - considering the impact it would have on retailers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been charged with murder as an 'act of terrorism'. Mangione received an 11-count indictment in connection to the December 4 shooting in Manhattan. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this case has divided the nation - with many young Americans seemingly voicing support with Thompson's killing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic medal-winning sports have been given a boost in funding heading into the Los Angeles Games - but not everyone got lucky. Rowing, Yachting, Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling and Para Cycling, and Canoe Racing and Para Canoe are the Podium sports set for extra investment over the next four years. However, Hockey New Zealand is looking at cuts to personnel and a reduction in Black Sticks fixtures after High Performance Sport NZ slashed the sport's funding by $1.4 million dollars annually. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esports New Zealand is feeling disappointment after being left out of a funding boost ahead of the next Olympics. High Performance Sport NZ has confirmed it will invest over $160 million into various Kiwi sporting organisations over the next four years - with rowing, cycling, speed climbing and tennis among the sports set to benefit. Conor English, the President of the New Zealand Esports Federation, says this comes at at an unfortunate time, with the first-ever esport Olympics set to take place in 2025. "As a country, we are very well-placed because we've got a national sporting organisation that is in the esports area ahead of a lot of other countries, but we do need funding from the Government. And if High Performance Sport isn't going to deliver it, I guess the question is - how will we get some funding?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Sport has slashed UK Athletics' funding for the  Los Angeles Olympic cycle by nearly £1.75 million - and the organisation isn't happy. It's an 8 percent cut, and there's concerns it will impact funding for training camps and athletic coaches. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's half-year fiscal update paints a bleak economic picture for the years ahead.  It revealed the Government's debt path is steeper than previously anticipated - and surplus won't be reached until the end of the decade. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains how things got to this point - and how the Government can redirect the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government books are deeper in the red than expected - and it's going to get worse. Should the Government make harsher cuts than it is already - or introduce more taxes? Wellington City Council has voted to make a submission on the Government's Treaty Principles Bill. Is this really the council's business? The old SPQR will soon be reopened - under the new name Jacuzzi. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 17 December 2024,  I see red, I see red, I see red! Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Ryan Bridge after revealing New Zealand's financial troubles are even worse than feared.   The Chief Ombudsman says we need to treat our most dangerous prisoners better. The Black Caps finally deliver a win against England. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's a council's job to make submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill. 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.

A new survey out of Massey University has sparked concerns surrounding the number of Kiwis using prescription drugs recreationally. One out of four survey respondents reported using pharmaceuticals for non-medicinal purposes in the previous six months. General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says pain medications, sedatives like benzodiazepines, gabapentin and ADHD medications are most likely to be abused. "Most GPs are aware of the issue - and are very careful when prescribing these medications." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business advocates believe the latest minimum wage increase strikes the right balance during an economic downturn. The minimum wage will rise 1.5 percent - or 35 cents an hour - to $23.50. The Government says the moderate increase reflects the current economic climate and labour market.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Advocacy Head Alan McDonald says this won't cause businesses to cut jobs - but they will be more cautious.  "If you're thinking about hiring people - and people are still hiring people - if you can get someone for $25-$26 an hour who's done a few years in the workforce and has a proven track record - are you going on someone at $23.50 who doesn't?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa should make hiring migrants easier, and protect Kiwis in low-skilled jobs.  Amendments from March include altering the median wage threshold - and reducing minimum experience requirements for lower-skilled roles.  Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says previous settings skewed the market, as low-skilled immigrant workers had to be paid the median wage.  "Which is paying them more than the Kiwi standing next to them - and it's caused huge problems for employers, who've got their Kiwi workers living there doing the same job." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park is moving forward, after two reviews into allegations of unreported animal deaths and an unsafe workplace.  Both found Orana lacked a clear core purpose and vision.  It's halting incoming animal transfers for six months, while it adopts all recommendations.  Board co-chair Ken Hughey says these reviews reveal what the zoo needs to do to improve conditions. "We're really clear on what we have to do in the culture space - and now we're also clear in the other spaces." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's devised a new measure for counting its coins, which gives it a more positive look. Treasury reports the Government now won't hit surplus before 2030 at the earliest, rather than 2027. But the Finance Minister says the official measure will no longer consider the $4.1 billion ACC deficit, putting the books in the black mid-2029.  Nicola Willis says the Government inherited a tough set of economic conditions. "As we look ahead, we are seeing the scars that were left by the huge spending policies of the last Government in the wake of Covid - they set us on a path that was not sustainable and we've now got the tough job of cleaning it up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's painting a grim picture of the economy - signalling the Government will further cut into the Public Service.  Treasury's opened its books for the half-year economic and fiscal update - showing the expected surplus has been pushed out from 2027 to beyond 2030. Nicola Willis has adjusted the way the surplus is calculated, but says come Budget Day next year, she'll be forced to make some tough decisions.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government inherited a tough situation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Australian families are receiving medical assistance after a group of tourists fell ill in Fiji from suspected alcohol poisoning. Seven Australians who stayed at the high-end Warwick Resort have been hospitalised, after drinking pina coladas. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Australian experts will be conducting further investigations.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A triumph to finish the test cricket year for New Zealand. They have won the third and final match against England by 423 runs in Hamilton, but lost the series 2-1. That margin equals the country’s largest triumph by runs set against Sri Lanka at Christchurch in 2018 and marked an appropriate farewell to Tim Southee after a 16-year, 107-test career. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman says our treatment of New Zealand's most dangerous prisoners does not support rehabilitation.  The Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit holds 13 of the countries worst offenders, including the Christchurch mosque shooter.  Peter Boshier says their treatment is cruel, inhuman, and degrading - breaching the UN Convention against torture.  He says his conversations with inmates raised concerns about re-integration after release. Boshier says prisoners felt 'dead', 'full of despair', or 'hopeless' in confinement.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s foreign minister says Israel will close its embassy in Dublin over the 'extreme anti-Israel policies of the Irish Government'.  Gideon Saar said the Republic of Ireland had crossed 'every red line'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Israel has voiced fury and disapproval with recent moves from Ireland.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The finance industry is approving a shake up to KiwiSaver. The Government is looking at loosening the rules about where people can put their savings - as part of a package of reforms it's considering to unlock capital. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing demand for changes to building regulations to prevent new-build townhouses from overheating in the summer. Homeowners from across the nation have seen their townhouses reach temperatures exceeding 50C. Team Green Architects co-founder Sian Taylor says many townhouse windows aren't built with external shading - adding to summer heat issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The police are facing some pushback after they took an organised cultural trip to China. Was this a bad move? The Government has announced some changes to the Local Government Act to encourage them to get back to basics and cut down on pet projects and rate rises. Do we agree with these changes?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 December 2024, Local Government Minister Simeon Brown tells Ryan he's looking into limiting local government rates increases as part of a big council crackdown. Assistant Police Commissioner Sam Hoyle defends a group of police officers taking a trip to China amongst concerns they might have been victims of political interference. Plus, New Zealanders use twice as much data as Australians. So what are we using it for? 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 Finance Minister isn't feeling too optimistic ahead of tomorrow's financial outlook update.  The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update will give Kiwis more insight into financial and economic forecasts for the next few years - in comparison with last May's Budget. Nicola Willis says the Government's inherited some very challenging economic conditions for their first year. "Tomorrow, the Treasury will share their updated forecasts and we will share our response to that. What we've been consistent in saying is - this is a time when we need to be very careful with how we spend New Zealanders' money." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Assistant Police Commissioner says a trip police officers took to China is no different to any Kiwi going on holiday. More than 30 police staffers visited in October.  Concerns have been raised over the potential for foreign interference, but police say it was a private, self-funded trip to encourage cultural competency. Sam Hoyle says individuals paid for every little part of the trip. "Our staff are allowed to travel to China - they did all the checks and everything sensible you expect people to do to take a holiday in China if you work for the New Zealand Government." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fijian resort at the centre of a suspected alcohol poisoning debacle is said to be cooperating with investigations. A number of Australians staying at the high-end Warwick Resort are understood to be critically ill after drinking Pina Coladas at its bar. Fiji Tourism CEO Brent Hill says investigations are underway. "The resort's been great - they're very distressed, but they have been really helpful. The bar person responsible for serving at the time has been there for 16 years, he's a long-standing employee."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average New Zealand home chews twice as much data each month, as its Australian counterpart. Chorus recorded its busiest day for ultrafast broadband fibre on November 2, driven by an update to the video game, Fortnite. Of this year's 17 biggest spikes - 14 came from Fortnite updates. Chorus network strategy manager Kurt Rodgers says fibre is the main difference with Australia. "Fibre's really the key to having good quality broadband at home. The Australians have taken a different path, they've got multiple technologies, particularly a lot of copper." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a suite of reforms set to hold councils to account. The Local Government Act is being stripped of well-being requirements - as part of Cabinet efforts to prioritise the basics.  It will also benchmark performance with a yearly report on financial and delivery outcomes.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government is helping put council decisions back into the hands of ratepayers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Act is being scrubbed of requirements to consider social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being.  The Government says its reforms will refocus councils on basics - like fixing pipes, filling potholes, and delivering core services.  It will also benchmark council performance and modernise rules to drive cost savings.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says this'll stop councils spending lots of money on things they argue fit within the four well-being objectives.  "They won't be able to use that excuse when they go out to consult on their annual plans or their long-term plans as to why they want to spend money on those activities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Prime Minister's thanking the Indonesian President as five men arrested almost two decades ago in a drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia. Five remaining members of the group known as the Bali Nine are back on Australian soil. The group was arrested in 2005 after an attempt to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin out of Indonesia. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there are still plenty of questions lingering following the release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson has been dismissed for 156 - after recording his 33rd test century - as New Zealand build an imposing lead over England on day three of the third test in Hamilton. Moments ago the Black Caps were 353 for five, leading by 557, with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell at the crease. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic travel prices are rising as the year draws to a close. Stats NZ says fares rose nearly 11 percent in November on the month before - the biggest lift since July last year. Aviation commentator Peter Clark says, to a degree, it's down to supply and demand.  "Then I think sometimes the airline doesn't have the supply to offer, so they capitalise on filling every seat at the last minute - and know that they can demand a fairly high fare." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's worse than somebody who doesn't give a s*** about poor people and victims of domestic violence?  Somebody who says they care about them, spends billions of dollars in vain trying to fix it and actually makes the problem worse. At the weekend, Minister Karen Chhour launched the family violence action plan, which is basically a re-do of a 25-year plan that her predecessor, Marama Davidson, launched during her three years in office. And we all know the prevailing narrative - nobody cares about the poor and the downtrodden quite like the Greens. So, they had these two very important portfolios in the last Government - homelessness and family violence. People are already trolling poor Karen over her plan, but let's take a look back at the Greens' results, shall we? And remember - in the three years prior to the Greens, it was Labour in charge. So, fellow travellers, homelessness in the Census from 2023 - which is when Labour was booted out of office - those people living in severely deprived housing was up 2.1 percent, an extra 13,000 Kiwis. So that's a big fat F for fail. Family violence - in June 2023, the numbers tell us 177,000 family harm investigations were recorded by the New Zealand police. That's a 49 percent increase on 2017. So that's a big fat Fail with a capital F. So the minister who supposedly cared more about these issues than any other, from a party who cares more deeply than any other, took our most vulnerable backwards. All that, despite being part of the highest-spending Government in this country's history, who doubled our national debt to GDP ratio and pumped hundreds of millions extra in dollars into wellbeing initiatives - and wrote a 25-year plan. What is that, anyway? What major company do you know writes a 25-year plan? It's nonsense. 10 at most, yes, but 25? Here's a prediction - by the time this plan turns 25, nobody in Parliament will remember it. The dust collected on it so thick, you could probably house the homeless underneath it. The point here is, just because somebody tells you they care more about something, it doesn't mean it's true. And most importantly - it doesn't mean they can turn care and compassion into action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Sports Journalist Nicky Styris and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison talk all things sport.  Does Tim Southee deserve to play in the Black Caps test against England in Hamilton tomorrow?  The FIFA World Cup is going to Saudi Arabia and Kiwi's are complaining about it.  This and more on The Huddle.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is making changes to get more capital flowing around the economy.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bailey says he is going to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to invest in unlisted companies and assets.  Financial Services CEO Kirk Hope talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ferry debacle, what a way to finish the year! The big four trade banks are being told to become more competitive while Kiwibank'sto get a $500 million cash injection. Greyhound racing gets the chop by Winston the dog lover. Opinion polls out this week, ACT the big winner in the Curia poll. The Māori Party leadership and the Haka leader sent to the Privileges committee along with Labour's Tau Henare. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It should come as no surprise to anyone, driving on our roads is about to get more expensive. Simeon Brown's come out this afternoon and whacked tolls on 3 new highways or expressways. Otaki to north of Levin -  $2.70 for a car. $5.40 for a truck. Takitimu North Link - that's the Tauranga to Te Puna. 4 lanes. $2.10 off peak. $3.10 peak. Double that for trucks. Penlink in Auckland - $2 off peak. $3 peak. Again.... trucks double. These prices will increase with inflation. This does not bother me at all, in fact, I welcome it. If we keep relying on governments to fund infrastructure off their balance sheet with borrowing, we'll keep getting the same woeful results we have thus far. Roads that are shoddy and unsafe. Roads that aren't big enough or wide enough. And not enough roads being built to drive regional economic growth. The last government cancelled a bunch of RONS and put some of that money into public transport instead. Hopefully if a road has a toll attached to it it'll be harder to justify them doing that when they get it next time. What we don't yet know is whether existing roads will be tolled, which I don't think is a fair thing to do. The government has changed the rules to allow tolling of existing roads if a new corridor or extension is being added. But it hasn't yet been specific - does that mean the whole road or just the new bit. They need to clarify that cause it's hardly fair if you've bought a house and commute you ran your sums on the basis it wasn't tolled... if they turn round and whack you with a charge then that's not on. On the whole I say build the roads. We'll pay for them. Just get it done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday,13 December 2024, the Government has agreed to toll three new roads following public consultation - Transport Minister Simeon Brown explains the decision. Far-right expert Byron Clark talks about officials u-turn on allowing Candice Owens into New Zealand. Plus the Sports Huddle debates whether or not Papua New Guinea should have been given their NRL licence. 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.

President Yoon vowed to “fight until the last moment” on Thursday, in his second public appearance since his unsuccessful martial law gambit. Yoon lashed out at critics of his failed attempt last week to impose military rule on the country. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power party, signalled he was preparing to support Yoon’s impeachment on Saturday. On Wednesday, South Korea’s corruption investigation office for high-ranking officials reportedly said it would seek the detention and arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol if conditions are met. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitals in England are being hit by a "tidal wave" of flu and other winter viruses, NHS bosses say. Data released showed there were an average of nearly 1,900 beds occupied by flu patients last week – up 70% on the week before. The service is running at near bed capacity and getting worse. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.