Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Government is taking action and giving Kiwibank a financial boost in order to bolster banking competition. A new Commerce Commission report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough - and offered up14 recommendations. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly says this is an important step - and signals key changes to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking to shake up how builders can meet insulation standards for new homes in a bid to reduce building costs. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has proposed several new changes - with a consultation period set to take place until February. New Zealand Certified Builders Association CEO Malcolm Fleming says this shows the Government is taking industry opinions into account. 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! The Government plans to inject more capital into Kiwibank in a bid to beef up competition among the banks off the back of a new Commerce Commission report. Will this work? Two new polls out tonight - and they're not looking too great for National or Labour. How can they turn their luck around? Businesses across Auckland have hit out at Auckland Transport over their 'bus to the mall' Christmas campaign. Is this a bad look for AT?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 December 2024, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announces how she'll inject $500 million into Kiwibank to boost banking competition. Former US ambassador to Syria Robert Ford speaks about the latest situation in Syria after Assad's fled to Russia. Plus, The Huddle debates whether AT has lost all its marbles after telling people to catch the bus to the mall. 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 is determined to ensure New Zealanders get access to more competitive banking services. A Commerce Commission report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough - and the Government is looking to make some changes. Nicola Willis says she doesn't want to threaten the banks, but she's hoping for better results for Kiwis. "That means fairer prices, that means more innovative services, that means a better range of services. And what the Commerce Commission - and others - have said is that we lack robust competition in our banking sector." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The police have missed out on a $6 million funding incentive for failing to issue enough speeding tickets.  The Transport Minister promised earlier in the year that police could expect to receive $72 million as part of their funding from NZTA - if certain road policing targets were met.  AA Road Safety spokesperson Dylan Thomsen says police managed to exceed alcohol testing targets this quarter - which the association is pleased to see. "Really, this is just part of a huge push from the Government here to increase the amount of enforcement around alcohol and drugs and speeding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TAB's boss is applauding Government moves to extend its monopoly. Racing Minister Winston Peters has announced plans for legislation to ensure the TAB can be the sole online provider of sports and race betting - as well as in person. Peters has expressed concerns about overseas betting sites. TAB chief executive Nick Roberts says bringing it back to New Zealand will grow revenue and funding. "It enables the support and growth of racing and sport in New Zealand - which is really what we're about here at TAB New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's beefing up Kiwibank - at the request of the Commerce Commission. Its report on banking has found the sector isn't competitive enough, and offered up 14 recommendations. Simplicity co-founder Sam Stubbs says the banks would be foolish to ignore Government warnings. He says the Prime Minister's telling the banks - the game is up. "Remember, the only person that can seriously do damage to the big banks in New Zealand is the Government, because they've got regulation powers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former US Ambassador to Syria says the collapse of the more-than-50-year Assad Regime in Syria is a happy coincidence for the US.  Leader Bashar al-Assad has fled Damascus for political asylum in Moscow.  US President Joe Biden's called it a 'historic opportunity' to build a better future.  Former ambassador Robert Ford says Biden shouldn't take credit - and Assad's control of major cities was very brittle.  "When pushed - that is, to say, when a serious armed opposition attack came - his soldiers didn't stand and fight. Instead, they ran away." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's helping boost competition in banking by bolstering Kiwibank.  The Commerce Commission recently painted the banking landscape as an oligopoly in a review - pointing to the domination by the big four Australian players.  Today, Prime Minister Chris Luxon's announced he wants to implement all its 14 recommendations and disrupt the status quo.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this boost won't make Kiwibank an equal to the big four in Australia - but a cash boost is good for consumers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, new polls paint a grim picture for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. A national Newspoll reveals Albanese's approval rating had dropped to 44 percent, with Peter Dutton's rating surging to 60 percent. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these results make a hung parliament seem more and more likely ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debate is building as to whether Tim Southee will play a 107th and final valedictory test in the dead rubber match at Hamilton this week. New Zealand are 2-nil down in the three-match series against England. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighed up the odds ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Transport has been forced to scale back its 'bus to the mall' campaign after facing pushback from local business owners. The campaign included a singing bus stop in Newmarket - but more controversially, billsticker posters placed throughout Auckland’s small retail villages. Karangahape Road business owner Muy Chhour says this campaign is a 'kick in the guts' to local business owners in Auckland. "It's not good at all - it tarnishes the relationships with business districts and Auckland Transport. It takes away the customers from local businesses and takes them to the mall." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The judiciary think that they are the ones writing laws, and they can just ignore what parliament wants, and they can call all the shots, and they act like parliament is full of a bunch of idiots and we need to be saved from them. The court of appeal decision was only one of the examples of this.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Commentator Andrew Gourdie and Sports Journalist and Commentator Lavina Good join Heather for The Huddle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're looking at the headlines about the boot camp trial today - these kids running away and one of them dying in a car crash, and your immediate reaction to this is to think that this is a complete shambles, then I reckon you are looking at this the wrong way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC will host the Wellington Phoenix in front of a sold-out Mt Smart stadium tomorrow afternoon. The home team remain unbeaten. Wellington Phoenix Head Coach Giancarlo Italiano talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open banking firm ‘Revolut’ has applied to become a registered bank in New Zealand. Revolut already offers a “one stop-shop" money management app here with payment, card and money management services. It says with a banking license it could further offer things like credit cards, consumer loans and mortgages.   Massey University Banking Expert Claire Matthews joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 December 2024, two people have absconded from the Governments new bootcamps - Act Party Leader David Seymour reacts to Labours call to shut the program down. Secondary Principals Association Vaughan Couillault talks about more disappointing NCEA results - with only 55% of students passing the compulsory numeracy tests.  Plus, Wellington Phoenix coach Giancarlo Italiano previews the sold out derby at Mt Smart Stadium.  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.

South Korean Lawmakers Move To Impeach President Yoon  South Korean MPs have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol hours after thwarting his shock move on Tuesday to impose martial law. This has triggered the country’s worst constitutional crisis in decades. The president had said martial law was needed to protect the country from "North Korea's communist forces" and to "eliminate anti-state elements” and “normalise the country”. The order was unanimously rejected by the opposition-controlled legislature. Chinese Exporters Front-Load Shipments To Dodge Trump Tariffs Exporters from China, Canada and Mexico are seeking to front-load shipments to the US after president-elect Donald Trump pledged to impose new levies on goods from the three countries on his first day in office. At a giant supply chain expo in Beijing last week, logistics company representatives said the number of customers asking about bringing forward shipments had increased following Trump’s threat to impose an extra 10% tariff on Chinese goods, the Financial Times reported. EU To Crack Down On Asian Online Retailers Temu & Shein The EU is preparing a crackdown on the growing flood of packages from Asian online retailers such as Temu and Shein, following a big increase in ecommerce that largely evades EU custom checks, according to the Financial Times. The bloc’s safety authorities have detected a growing number of dangerous and counterfeit goods, many of which are dispatched directly to consumers. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French President Emmanuel Macron makes a national tv address after Prime Minister Michel Barnier was ousted in a no-confidence vote. The presidency says Barnier will remain in office on a caretaker basis with his ministers until a new government was appointed. But will anyone want the job seemed doomed to failure over cost-cutting tax-rising aims? Cash use in UK shops rose for a second year in a row after a decade of falls. According to retailers notes and coins were used in a fifth of transactions last year, as shoppers found cash helped them to budget better. The amount spent per purchase dropped slightly. Prince Harry said his life in the US is what his mother Princess Diana would have "wanted" for him. He added his family were able to access a degree of privacy and freedom they "undoubtedly wouldn't be able to do in the UK" due to concerns around security. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's bootcamp trial is under the microscope with news that one of the kids has died in a car crash and two have run away after attending his tangi. Labour are now calling on the bootcamps to be shut down entirely. ACT Party leader David Seymour has been an advocate for the camps and joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss what this means for them. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch man has complained about homophobia after a bar repeatedly refused to let him in because of his ‘man bag’. The man says the Rockpool Bar’s policy to not allow male patrons to bring bags in is homophobic. The bar’s owner says the ban is in place to stop people hiding weapons in their bags. Steve Armitage is Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive and joins the show to discuss this. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Final results indicate that barely half the teenagers who tried to pass the critical NCEA literacy and numeracy benchmark via online tests this year have succeeded. Only 55% of students have passed the compulsory numeracy NCEA entrance test. 66% of students passed the writing test and 70% passed the reading test. Vaughan Couillault is the Secondary Principals Association President and joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S Correspondent Dan Mitchinson gives the latest on the New York shooter who killed the UnitedHealthcare CEO. 'Deny' 'Defend' 'Dispose' written on the gun's shell casings. A large earthquake hit California today. An Insurance company halts their plan to put time limits on coverage for anaesthesia. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two teens are missing from the Government’s bootcamp, and one has died. ANZMIN meeting took place in Auckland today between Australian and New Zealand foreign affairs and defence ministers. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper is in studio discussing this and whether the bootcamps are working. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England overcome a rough start in the cricket, while the Black Caps display 'safer hands' in this test.  Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix to play their second derby tomorrow.  Weekend Sport host Jason Pine says the Wellington Phoenix are in for a shot despite Auckland FC not letting a goal in in 5 games.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A six-month facial recognition trial at 25 Foodstuffs North Island stores reduced harm by 16% across the board. The initiative prevented more than 100 serious in-store incidents, including assault. General counsel for Foodstuffs North Island Julian Benefield speaks with Heather du Plessis-Allan about this as well as the ‘onion trick’ being used at checkouts. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregg Wallace's ghostwriter is the latest person to come forward with sexual harassment allegations concerning the MasterChef presenter. Shannon Kyle, the ghostwriter behind Wallace's 2012 autobiography, accused him of inappropriate conduct and touching while she worked on Life On A Plate. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Kyle originally signed an NDA - but broke the contract because she felt it was important to bring this behaviour to light. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has sold its remaining 9.7 percent stake in Auckland International Airport. The sale will return at least $1.31 billion dollars for the Future Fund. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this means going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports show there's been a significant decrease in lambs for spring 2024, compared with this time last year. The B+LNZ 2024 Lamb Crop Report indicated 1.1 million fewer lambs were tailed/docked compared to 2023, bringing the total lamb crop to an estimated 19.2 million.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this means for the market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for energy reform to avoid New Zealand's de-industrialisation. Around 60 leaders from the Upper North Island energy sector gathered today to develop solutions to the sector’s deep-seated structural problems. Northern Infrastructure Forum executive director Barney Irvine says there's a serious supply and demand imbalance - and a solution is needed before demand ramps up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 5 December 2024, police bosses are warning the Government's election promise to train 500 new officers could take longer than its self-imposed two-year deadline. Associate Police Minister Casey Costello reckons the deadline is still very much achievable. Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister on the show with his take on how much to spend on defence, China, and New Zealand's potential membership in AUKUS Pillar II. Plus, Spotify Wrapped has got everyone talking. We reveal our top artists and songs, including the Prime Minister's. 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, Infrastructure NZ head Nick Leggett and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!   New research has revealed the Bank of Mum and Dad has helped a significant percentage of millennial and Gen Z Kiwis into their first home. What does this say about the state of the economy? It's Spotify Wrapped day - who made our lists? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy giant Fonterra has raised its forecast milk price payout to a midpoint of $10 - the second rise in less than a month. The company says this new forecast reflects strong international demand, particularly from China and Southeast Asia. Fonterra's CFO Andrew Murray says this news has been received positively by farmers. "US production is very flat and European production is down - so the demand from imports is pretty good from our perspective and we've had a strong start to the season as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister - and Defence Minister - says it's time to strengthen the relationship with New Zealand.  The Foreign and Defence Ministers of New Zealand and Australia are meeting tomorrow.  Australia's Richard Marles says in terms of relationships - his country's had more dialogue with China and reinstated trade, but there are also significant security anxieties.  "This is a time to be doubling down with friends - so many other countries in the region face the same challenges, but for Australia and New Zealand, there are no two countries as close to each other." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France has reportedly decided it’s not in their best interest to take a test against the All Blacks in the United States next year. Last week, it was revealed NZR was considering moving an All Blacks home test against France next year to the US as a potential test double-header with England and the USA Eagles. However,  French Rugby Federation president Florian Grill today revealed that all three tests of the July tour will be played in New Zealand. Former NZ Rugby chief executive David Moffett says there's not much of an audience in the US for rugby anyway. "The fact that France don't want to go to America has obviously killed that - and I'm not at all concerned that they have, to be perfectly honest." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking to crack down on merger rules. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is reviewing the Commerce Act - which could lead to blocking more proposed mergers and acquisitions.  It's also hoping to give the Commerce Commission more teeth. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayley says they're making sure the laws are fit for purpose. "We've got a number of industries where we've got a small number of players who've got very significant market shares - and it means less innovation happening and more New Zealanders paying more than they ought to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has faith it will hit its target of 500 new police officers by next November - despite the new Commissioner's scepticism.  Richard Chambers says because he refuses to lower the quality of trained officers, June 2026 is a more realistic deadline.  Associate Police Minister Casey Costello says she has no reason to believe the date should shift. "I've been reassured that we are on track, that we are working hard - we have a massive recruitment pipeline, the biggest that they've ever seen. So we're driving forward on that November 2025 target." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister appears to be tempering expectations on delivering a free trade deal with India.  Pre-election, National promised to get an agreement within its first term. Todd McClay has met his Indian counterpart six times this year - and the Prime Minister had a sit-down meeting with President Modi in October.  NewstalkZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says McClay  won't confirm if this goal will be met within the Government's first term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spotify has released its annual Wrapped results for 2024 - and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese copped a bit of backlash after he shared his. Albanese posted his list to social media this morning, showing his top songs were Australia by G Flip, Letting Go by Angie McMahon, Still Have Room by Hockey Dad, Pedestal by Lime Cordiale and Get Me Out by Stingray. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the internet has had mixed reactions to the Prime Minister's post.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wellington Phoenix are readying themselves for a raucous reception in Saturday's return Kiwi football derby against Auckland FC.  One section of the sold out 26,000-seat Mt Smart Stadium has been dedicated to Phoenix fan group Yellow Fever. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains what fans can expect ahead of the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One in three first home buyers in New Zealand have received financial help from the Bank of Mum and Dad, new reports claim. A Kiwibank study has found high property prices are keeping young people out of the market - meaning more Gen Z and millennial buyers have turned to parental support to get on the ladder. Lesley Harris from the First Home Buyers Club says the Bank of Mum and Dad remains the nation's biggest lender for young buyers. "We're seeing such a massive disparity between people's incomes and ability to purchase a home, which is completely different to what it was 20 or 30 years ago." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, the new Covid corruption commissioner has launched his first investigation into PPE fraud. Chancellor Rachel Reeves appointed Tom Hayhoe to recoup billions in fraudulent contracts. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there was significant demand for PPE during the pandemic - and an investigation was needed.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It hasn't been a great year for the NZX, but one expert believes things are in place for a better 2025. The reduced interest rates could lead to a better outlook for investors going forward, according to new reports. Milford Asset Management's Sam Trethewey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled plans to reduce the amount aggrieved employees can be compensated by their employers – to zero in some cases. Minister Brooke van Velden has detailed proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act, which are aimed at giving egregious employers more power in disputes with employees, who have behaved badly themselves.  NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains how these changes could impact businesses and workers alike. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good news for New Zealand's universities - international students enrolments are back up again. There were 73,535 international enrolments between January to August 2024, up 24 percent compared to the same period last year. Universities NZ CEO Chris Whelan says a majority of these enrolments are coming from China or India - but other countries are contributing too. "We would like to grow in other markets... that's a set of ongoing conversations we'll be having, particularly with ministers and our immigration NZ colleagues."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Early Edition host Ryan Bridge joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Labour's Ayesha Verrall raised a few eyebrows after she accused Health Commissioner Lester Levy of 'cooking the books' in his previous DHB rules. Should we take these accusations seriously? Kāinga Ora has ruled out putting wool carpets in its houses - because it's more expensive than nylon alternatives. There's plenty of disappointment from the Government - what do we make of this? Public sector Christmas parties seem like they'll be a sad affair this time round - with some requiring staff to bring their own food or alcohol. Is this the right move?  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 4 December 2024, Tingjun Cao has been found guilty of murdering Christchurch real estate agent Yanfei Bao. Labour's Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall is refusing to apologise for accusing Health Commissioner Lester Levy of "cooking the books". Levy is considering defamation action. The science community is outraged after the Government decided that the Marsden Fund will no longer support research in the humanities and social sciences. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Kainga Ora should make a u-turn and consider wool carpets rather than nylon.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 Government has introduced new legislation set to limit the amount of full farm to forestry conversions. The rule changes will stop Category 1 to 5 land being converted into forestry - and those with Category 6 land will only be allowed to convert 15,000 hectares. Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay says National had promised voters these changes were coming - and took the full year to make sure they were implemented properly. "We're putting a moratorium in place so there can be no full farm-to-forest conversion, but we are allowing farmers to convert up to 25 percent of their own land to go into the emissions trading scheme, should they wish."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.