Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

New figures from NZ Post’s latest eCommerce Market Sentiments Report show more Kiwis get last-minute jitters before they check out. The data shows 68 percent of shoppers would abandon their cart if the cost of delivery was too high and 57 percent would hit the exit button if free returns weren't available. Murray Crane from Crane Brothers says it's likely people are treating the cart like a 'Pinterest board' and saving things they like before they move to make a purchase. "And then they kind of do a review and realise they don't like it. There's a whole lot of factors contributing to them not going through with that last part of the transaction." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buyers could hold all the cards, based on a plunge in Auckland Council home valuations. Numbers have been released today for 630,000 properties across the region, and will affect how the spread of rates from next month. On average, residential homes dropped nine percent from 2021 CVs. Real estate agent, Rawdon Christie, says buyers could use it to help beat down prices. He explained they're making it clear they think they're making a good offer - given values have dropped. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says we must always keep an eye on corruption. An independent advisory panel has urged the Government to act against organised crime networks targeting Pacific borders. The report highlights the risk people working in customs and immigration will be targeted by bribery and corruption, to let groups smuggle in goods. Mark Mitchell says New Zealand's not immune to bad behaviour. "The key to it is acting on it quickly and making sure that it's purged out of our police." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of lawyers are taking the Government's climate policies to court. Lawyers for Climate Action have filed a judicial review, calling for a probe of the coalition cancelling the previous Government's projects - under the emissions reduction plan. They claim the plan fails to uphold the Climate Change Response Act. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explains why this is taking place - and what could come of it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple-murder-accused Erin Patterson's cross examination continues in Australia.  The 50-year-old is accused of intentionally serving a poisonous mushroom dish to her estranged husband's family in 2023. She maintains her innocence. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Erin Patterson has been accused of multiple inconsistencies - and appeared 'discombobulated during the trial. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape believes Moana Pasifika can win Super Rugby while he's there. Laumape has signed a two year deal, returning to Super Rugby for the first time since leaving the Hurricanes in 2021. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proposed anti-stalking laws are being strengthened - following recommendations from Parliament's Justice Select Committee.  Originally the proposed offence, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison, captured three specified acts within a one year period.  It'll now be triggered after two acts within two years, which Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says better recognises patterns of behaviour and the time that can pass between incidents. He explained they took feedback on board - and agreed to make some changes. "What we've seen is plenty of evidence that, in certain circumstances, these sorts of stalking behaviours can lead to more serious outcomes - and we're all aware of terrible examples of that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A British photographer has been hit by non-lethal rounds during protests in Los Angeles.   He has now undergone emergency surgery and is recovering at Long Beach Memorial Medical Centre. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US share markets have continued to pick up recently, sparking discussion among experts. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains the factors behind the change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council is being called on to review its rating system over fears increased rates are driving businesses out of the capital. Newly released figures show Wellington’s average commercial rates bill is $47,881. That compares to $20,716 in Auckland, $18,059 in Christchurch, $24,768 in Hamilton, and $25,670 in Tauranga. Director of The Wellington Company, Ian Cassels, says there's a lot of overspending going on - with 'eye-watering' levies impacting businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! NZ Rugby boss Mark Robinson has officially stepped down from the role. Are we surprised by this? How will he be remembered? The Auditor-General has pointed out some very lavish spending by some school boards on parties, overseas travel, and building work. What do we make of this? Is it normal to be an adult who's never tried KFC? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 June 2025, NZ Rugby's boss is calling it quits, and ZB Rugby Editor Elliot Smith has got the scoresheet on his performance. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says yet more action is coming on to crack down on the supermarket competition. Heather reckons schools need to take a long hard look at themselves, after the Auditor General pointed out excessive spending including overseas holidays, Pilates classes and lavish parties. The mystery author behind the unauthorised Jacinda biography reveals themselves. Plus, the Huddle was on fire, talking inappropriate school spending and is it normal to be an adult and never have tried KFC? 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.

Deputy Prime Minister Nicola Willis says the Michael Forbes situation is awful - but police have to have discretion.  The Prime Minister's acting deputy press secretary quit last week, over allegations he took compromising recordings of sex workers and photos of women he didn't know. Nicola Willis says these issues need to be managed well and she says the Department of Internal Affairs looking into the matter is positive.  She says police do have discretion, which is important.  "So it's never appropriate for ministers to dive in and say - we think you should prosecute this person or that person." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anyone who thinks that Mark Robinson resigning from New Zealand Rugby today is a shock clearly doesn't follow rugby's dramas with their brain fully turned on. This was not a shock at all. Anyone could see this coming. This was coming the minute that David Kirk took over as the chair. Now, I don't want to be seen to be saying that David Kirk forced him out. It is, in fact, quite possible that Mark Robinson just read the room and left of his own accord first - but it was always going to happen, wasn't it? Because David Kirk is the new broom, and the new broom generally gets rid of things that aren't working. And unfortunately for Mark Robinson, that wasn't working. Now, I've got no hard feelings towards the guy. He seemed like a really easy bloke, but he has not had the most glorious 10 years, has he? When he brought in the Silver Lake deal, which has yet to bear any fruit despite all of the drama it caused - and boy, did it cause drama. He totally stuffed up the Fozzy situation when he tried to fire Fozzy and then didn't fire Fozzy, and then eventually did manage to get rid of Fozzy - but by then, we all felt really bad for Fozzy. And he persisted with the Super Rugby competition that isn't working. All he's really managed to do with it is tinker, and it still isn't really working. The finances are terrible. The game has maybe managed to arrest the decline, but nothing much else - and the rugby community is bruised after that Silver Lake altercation. If there is a lesson here, I reckon it may be that New Zealand rugby might want to replace Mark Robinson with someone who isn't a rugby man, or a rugby woman, whatever. Someone who isn't sentimental about the game, who can look at all of this business with fresh eyes and say: why is that happening? That shouldn't necessarily be happening - and have the courage to change it, because they don't actually care about rugby that much. Someone who can drive the change that rugby needs, because if there's one thing we all agree on, it's that rugby needs change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The author of an alternative Jacinda Ardern biography says his book's different - because he's spoken to people across politics.  The Former Prime Minister's memoir, A Different Kind of Power, hit shelves last week.  David Cohen says he's writing his own book, backed by alternative news website, the Centrist. He expects it'll be out later this year. He says he's proud of the fact it brings in a multitude of voices - which he claims other Ardern biographies haven't done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Robinson's underlined dealing with Covid-19 as the biggest challenge of his tenure as New Zealand Rugby chief executive. Robinson will stand down at the end of the year, to move to Australia with family. He was only three weeks into the job in 2020 when the pandemic hit - shutting down the game. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith says this is the right move. "There's clearly a movement for change in New Zealand Rugby, Mark Robinson's got some family in Australia - so I think, ultimately, it's probably a good time for everyone to clear the decks." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland home values have fallen, down nine percent on CVs released in 2021. New capital values are being released tomorrow for 630,000 properties, with inner-city suburbs taking a bigger hit. Central Auckland areas - including Mount Eden and Maungakiekie - fell about 13 percent. Auckland Council Group CFO, Ross Tucker, says a few reasons have driven the slump. "We've seen apartments fall 12 percent, converted flats fall 12 percent as well - also, we're seeing some of the areas where there's a lot of development potential have bigger than average falls." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is speaking out over Israel stopping a civilian yacht carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli forces intercepted a yacht carrying prominent activists - including Greta Thunberg. Its Foreign Ministry says they're safe, and the cargo will be taken to Gaza.  But Green Party co-Leader Marama Davidson says that's not good enough. "We want to see Israel stop shooting at innocent people lining up for a kai and we're calling on the Government to sanction Israel for its violent occupation of Palestine." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour’s Willie Jackson says Te Pāti Māori needs to compromise and focus on the main issues facing New Zealanders, like health and housing, following three MPs’ sanctioning in Parliament this week. He’s also responded to comments from Kiri Tamihere-Waititi, the partner of Te Pati Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi and the daughter of the party’s president, John Tamihere. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says it's clear Labour's not impressed with Te Pāti Māori's more 'theatrical' antics as of late. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Government is set to make some tax changes - and it's got people worried about the future. Labor is looking to double the levy for to 30 percent for people with at least $3 million in their superannuation, with experts claiming at least 80,000 Australians will be impacted. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says there's plenty of vocal opposition to these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Fox has brandished the three wood - as Chris Wood and the All Whites have cheered him on to a Canadian Open victory. The New Zealand golfer's won the title in front of a group of All Whites players, who are in Toronto between games in an international friendly tournament. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federated Farmers has launched a petition calling for KiwiSaver rules to be changed to help young farmers get their foot on the ladder. The petition’s launch has been timed to coincide with Fieldays, where thousands of farmers, industry leaders and politicians will gather at Mystery Creek. Federated Farmers' banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says farming is very capital intensive and young farmers need a boost in the name of fairness. "Kiwi farmers are really struggling to put that money aside and a lot of them are actually deciding not to put money into KiwiSaver and basically scrimp and save because they know they need all the money they can get to actually get their foot in the door." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've been thinking overnight about the news yesterday that a second Christchurch school has decided to put the walls back up in their classrooms and abandon those modern learning barn style spaces that we were doing in favour of going back to the traditional single class.  The school is Shirley Boys High.  And then last year, Rangiora High School did the same thing.  Something that Rangiora High School's principal said struck me.  He said, the results have been a huge shift in engagement, in attendance, in achievement.  It is not what I was expecting. I was expecting a small shift, but it has gone through the roof. It's made a massive difference in everything in the school.  And that reminded me a lot of what the principals and the teachers said after we banned the phones in schools.  Remember that we banned the phones, and suddenly they were saying, well, the difference is huge.  But all we've done in both cases is the obvious thing, isn't it?  I mean, obviously, if you take the phones away from kids, they're gonna be less distracted.  They're gonna learn better, they're gonna talk to each other more, they're gonna play outside more.  And obviously, if you put 30 kids in a room by themselves, there will be less noise than if you have 120 kids in a big space together.  Why is it so hard for us to do the obvious thing?  Why was the Ministry of Education so hellbent on doing the wrong thing?  Because if you listen to educators or everybody else who's involved in this, they will tell you it was virtually impossible to get a school upgrade unless you agreed to take all the walls down and buy in, and yet, obviously it was a really big mistake.  It feels a little bit like the Ministry of Education went through a weird experimental phase that has cost our kids, with everything from classroom styles to weird ways to teach English when they didn't have to do it.  And when common sense would tell you that it wasn't gonna work, why is it so hard when it comes to schooling for us to do the obvious thing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping spoke over the phone last night.  They agreed to launch a new round of trade talks in their first known conversation since the US president returned to the White House in January. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis joins the show to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 6 June. 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.

Prominent New Zealand leaders are coming together to express their concern about the country’s foreign policy direction. In an open leader, Kiwi figures including Helen Clark, Sir David Carter and Dr Don Brash are warning the Government against taking an adversarial stance against China as part of an alignment with the US. It comes ahead of the Prime Minister’s upcoming trip to China. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the letter. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Journalist Andrew Gourdie and Oceania Football Confederation Spokesperson Matt Brown join Heather du Plessis-Allan for the Sports Huddle. Rob Walter has been announced as the new Black Caps coach - how big a loss is Gary Stead for the team? Super Rugby finals quarter-finals are on this weekend. What can we expect? And Red Bull have confirmed they will offer Yuki Tsunoda a luxury Liam Lawson was never afforded - “time and support”. The Sports Huddle discusses all this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new option has opened up to Kiwi’s in their end-of-life choices. New Zealand’s first water crematorium has opened in Christchurch and operates as a more environmentally friendly option than flame cremation. Christchurch Water Crematorium Director Deborah Richards talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the business. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SkyCity has filed legal proceedings against Fletcher Construction. The casino giant is seeking more than $300 million in damages caused by delays in building the Auckland Central Convention Centre. Fletcher Construction’s defending itself against SkyCity’s claim for further liquidated damages after already paying a significant sum. New Zealand Shareholders Association spokesperson Oliver Mander talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the situation. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man said to be New Zealand’s most successful cricket coach in history has been appointed coach of the Black Caps. Rob Walter replaces Gary Stead in all formats. He is he former South Africa, Otago and Central Districts boss and will take charge until the end of the T20 World Cup in November 2028. Rob Walter talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about his new role. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump and his now former-colleague Elon Musk are officially feuding. A disagreement over spending in Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ has led to mud to the pair flinging personal insults back and forth. In a series of posts on X, Musk called for Trump’s impeachment and claimed he was involved with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. KNX News Presenter out of Los Angeles Charles Feldman talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about where the relationship sits now. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new travel ban by Donald Trump is affectingpeople from a dozen countries from entering the United States. Those countries include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Hati, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It’s a resurrection of his first term policy. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the ban, Elon Musk and Trump’s blow up and are Walmart customers really having their shopping delivered by drone? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s on the cards in the first week of the Super Rugby quarter-finals? Weekend Sport host Jason Pine talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about what we can expect. And the Black Caps have a new coach in Rob Walter – what are his biggest challenges? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increasing levels of depression and anxiety have been recorded in young people since around 2011. The novel ‘The Anxious Generation’ makes the case that young people today are suffering because a play-based childhood has been replaced by a phone-based childhood. Its author, Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt from New York University’s Stern School of Business talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the issue. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday 5th June 2025, The Māori Party's Privileges Committee decision finally comes to a vote. Political commentator Bryce Edwards speaks to Heather. Matthew Lane, the general manager of Night 'n Day reacts to the Commerce Commission's latest attempt to crack down on anti-competitive practices from the supermarkets. Former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi says the Government is making good strides in its effort to avoid further tariffs from Donald Trump. Plus, the Huddle talks about Westgold raising their prices in response to butter raffles being held at schools around the country. 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 US says the UK and all other NATO allies must agree to spend at lest 5 percent of national income on defence and security 'starting now'. Matthew Whitaker, Donald Trump's ambassador to the NATO alliance, made this statement earlier, and claimed these nations needed to make a 'commitment'. UK correspondent Elizabeth Callaghan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US debt burden has been thrust into the spotlight - and it's an ongoing point of concern. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains why this is happening. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The big debate on the Maori Party MPs punishment is taking place in Parliament this afternoon. What do we make of all this? Police investigated complaints against former Beehive staffer Michael Forbes, including him allegedly filming women through windows of houses - but decided against charging him. Do we think the police should have dug deeper into these complaints? Westgold has raised their butter prices after schools started doing fundraisers with their cheap butter. Is this an acceptable business practice?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay is celebrating another industry success - and he joined Heather to discuss the win. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s gas supply is reducing faster and sooner than previously forecast, new reports from experts warn. As of January 1, 2025, natural gas reserves have reduced 27 percent compared to last year, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said. Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO John Carnegie says there's reason to be concerned. "Put simply, with the rapidly reducing gas supply, our gas reserves are at historic low levels. New Zealand is facing higher energy prices, increased reliance on imported coal, uncertainty for industrial users." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has slammed the Government for not getting a better trade deal out of the current Trump administration. New Zealand currently has to pay a 10 percent tariff on all imports on New Zealand products out of the US. But the opposition has claimed the Government is failing Kiwis by 'being comfortable' with a 10 percent tariff. Former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi says the Government is watching and consulting with trading partners. "It's doing all those right sort of things. You have to remember that we are being charged as an additional tariff at the lowest end of the scale - we don't have a lot to offer the United States." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Brown and Desley Simpson have confirmed they'll run together in this year's Auckland mayoral race. It's scotched rumours Simpson would run herself. She's been deputy since Brown was elected mayor three years ago. She says she wants to do the right thing for Auckland - and she thinks this is the way to go. "Sometimes you've got to put Auckland first and not yourself - and the mayor has really delivered, this term, some very big changes for Auckland, and still has more to come."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns a former Prime Ministerial staffer hasn't faced charges after allegedly voice-recording sex workers. Michael Forbes has quit as acting deputy press secretary over allegations he took compromising recordings of sex workers, and photos of women he didn't know. A Wellington brothel complained to police last July, who found it didn't meet the threshold for prosecution. Sex Workers' Collective regional coordinator Cherida Fraser says sometimes it's just the tip of the iceberg. She explained more harm could occur, despite this seemingly being at the lower end of the spectrum. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's revisiting potential penalties for three Te Pāti Māori MPs - after the hearing was initially postponed so as not to distract from the 2025 Budget. Proposed suspensions for the three MPs in question are being debated in the House, in relation to their actions during last year's Treaty Principles Bill vote.  Political commentator Bryce Edwards has observed there's been plenty of fire from the major political parties - except for Labour. "They're trying to take a sort of middle way and it's hard work for Labour to sort of navigate when the public - or at least Labour's voters - are in favour of some tough measures against the Te Pāti Māori MPs." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are high in the House, as MPs go head-to-head over proposed sanctions for Te Pāti Māori MPs.  The Privileges Committee has recommended seven, and 21-day suspensions for three of its MPs - for actions during a haka performed at last year's Treaty Principles Bill vote.  NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks the action from the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Triple murder accused Erin Patterson faced more questions from the prosecution as the mushroom murder trial entered its' fourth day. Three family members of Patterson's estranged husband died after eating the lunch she prepared at her Victoria home in 2023. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Patterson was questioned about her food dehydrator - and admitted to lying about a cancer diagnosis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A key All Blacks returns at just the right time for the Crusaders as they begin their Super Rugby playoffs campaign. Will Jordan will start in tomorrow night's game against the Reds in Christchurch, after missing the team's final three regular season games with a knee injury. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission is proposing to give grocery suppliers a leg up in their dealings with the supermarket giants. The commission has proposed updates to the Grocery Supply Code, including stopping retailers charging suppliers for stocking shelves and requiring retailers to keep records on how they’re complying with certain parts of the code. Night 'n Day general manager Matthew Lane says this crackdown comes with encouraging implications for the sector. "What's most encouraging for us is that the CommComm's cracking down on the fact that other retailers are being charged more for their wholesale than what the supermarkets are actually retailing the same products for."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has managed to escape Donald Trump's recent executive order doubling steel and aluminium tariffs from 25 percent to 50 percent.  The order raises import taxes for US-based firms buying metals from other countries going forward.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the UK evaded these tariffs as a result of the trade deal between both nations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former market darling Ryman Healthcare's recently had a tough time financially - and the share price has dropped. Investors are already down over 30 percent, and experts have raised concerns. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.