Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Casey Costello believes slashing inclusive language will help the health system connect with women. The Associate Health Minister is directing Health NZ to refer to pregnant people as women, and to not use gender-diverse terms. Costello says we need to recognise women have significant health issues. "So we need to be clear - we are targeting women and we want women to reach out and connect as much as possible with health services." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Working from the office could set people up better for a promotion than working from home.  Recruitment agency Robert Half says 58 percent of workers believe opportunities to advance correlate with office attendance.  It says 54 percent would turn up more if it was needed to get promoted. Managing director Megan Alexander says there is a mentality of out of sight, out of mind.  She explained that relationship building is critical to climbing the career ladder - which is difficult when you're sitting at home not talking to anybody.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister is rejecting claims the last Government can be thanked for reduced victim numbers. The Government claims there are 28,000 fewer victims of violent crimes since the last election - exceeding its goal of 20,000. It admits the numbers are from a survey spanning 24 months - including the last months of the Labour's rule.  But Minister Mark Mitchell says Labour only made it worse. "We've definitely seen the numbers - and the police numbers starting to reduce. We've got a very different approach around public safety, we're putting victims first and I think we're staring to see the results of that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior doctors will be walking off the job in May, looking for a 12 percent pay rise.  The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists announced a 24-hour strike would take place starting on May 1. It could affect 4300 planned procedures or first specialist appointments - and up to 4300 radiology appointments.  Association executive director Sarah Dalton says claims specialists make more than $300,000 dollars a year are wrong.  "It's probably closer to $240,000 - which still sounds like a lot, right? But we have to think about what senior doctors actually do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says the patch ban for gangs has changed their behaviour, and made people feel safer.  Gang laws are among policies the Government's crediting for surpassing its target for reducing violent crime victims - although it admits the data is volatile.  NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the Government will still need to prove if they can keep meeting these targets long-term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A response from the Australian Prime Minister after being dissed in a rap song by the Liberal party. The track released by Peter Dutton's Liberal party takes aim at Anthony Albanese's leadership - claiming he's ruined the economy and risen the cost-of-living. The voice behind the song is an un-named 'commercial artist'. Australian correspondent Murray Olds has been quick to label this move as 'nonsense'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby remain happy with their player retention rates, despite All Blacks wing Mark Tele'a's decision to head to Japan after this season. The 28-year-old started four of five tests on the 2024 end-of-year tour. He's understood to have penned a three-season deal with Toyota Verblitz under former All Blacks coaches Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is cracking down on dog owners tying up pets for long periods.  SPCA and MPI Animal Welfare inspectors can now issue fines over dogs found tethered in poor conditions and displaying signs of frustration like excessive barking.  Practical exemptions are included for farm dogs.  Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says there was a 'gaping hole' impacting animal welfare inspectors' ability to handle people who mistreat their dogs. "They could either just offer advice or go the whole hog and take people to court - this is about having a middle step in there and hopefully preventing people from going to court and the rest of the rigmarole that goes with it."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 April 2025, Heather is back from maternity leave! The Finance Minister gets a grilling over tariffs and wool. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan on whether the stoush between Chris Luxon and Winston Peters is a media beat-up or real. A driving instructor tells Heather why he doesn't think the Government should get rid of the second practical driving test. Plus, the Huddle on the new Polkinghorne doco and whether it's okay to sleep in separate beds than your partner. 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.

Last-minute efforts to keep British Steel operating are to be carried out today, as the plant races to secure a supply of raw materials. The Department for Business and Trade said officials are working to keep British Steel operational - and ensure all staff at the  Scunthorpe site will be paid. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says efforts are in place to keep it open - but things still feel quite touch-and-go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration's tariff announcements have left a notable impact on financial markets - and experts fear we may not be out of the woods yet. Smartphones, computers and some other electronics from China will face 20 percent tariffs, rather than the 145 percent imposed on other Chinese goods. The White House says the exemption is not permanent. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson of Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  On the Peters v Luxon saga - is there a genuine disagreement between the pair when it comes to our trade response or is this just a media beat-up job? What do we make of this? The new Polkinghorne TV documentary is out - have we seen it? What did we think? New data shows people still don't trust the media - why do we think this could be? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demand is outpacing supply in the small business market, as sellers wait out tough trading conditions while buyer interest is at record levels. Recent data shows new business listings fell 10 percent in the year ended March, compared to a 10 percent increase in completed sales. ABC Business Sales managing director Chris Small says there's been an uptick in migrants gravitating to smaller businesses - which has left an impact on prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government is still looking to alleviate the impact of the US' tariffs on New Zealand. New Zealand's current rate is at 10 percent - in line with a majority of other countries. Nicola Willis says officials are determined to engage with their American counterparts to work out a solution. "We're pointing out that our tariff regime is very limited towards the US...we have very few non-trade barriers and as far as possible - we'd like to grow the trade between our two countries, so we'd prefer no tariff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big week for space enthusiasts and pop fans, as an all-female crew gears up for the Blue Origin NS-31 launch set to take place in a matter of hours. Katy Perry and TV host Gayle King will join four others on the first all-women expedition in 60 years - rocketing 100 kilometres above Earth tomorrow. They'll cross the internationally recognised space boundary - and float for four minutes. It's part of a mission to balance out the 90 percent of men dominating space expeditions. Asia Pacific Aerospace Consultants CEO Kirby Ikin says most of this crew have paid for the experience. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tourism Minister says hitting more markets will pay off in the long-term.  The Government has pumped $13.5 million into Tourism New Zealand for marketing the country as a holiday destination.  Louise Upston says efforts this year to promote to the Australian market are already paying off.  She says there's room for growth.  "We're only at 86 percent of the number of visitors we had back in 2019 - so there's lots of capacity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Texting words like LOL and OMG may not be as cool as it once was. A US study has found people using abbreviations or slang in texts sound 'stupid' to others. Massey University linguistics expert Dr Arianna Berardi-Wiltshire says slang seems to have become less common. She says changing tech may play a part - with phones now having full keyboards and predictive spelling. "Young people are much more relationally aware than people were in the past - they know, quite often, when it's appropriate to use them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A driving instructor says the full-license test is important for weeding out bad habits.   The Government is proposing scrapping that last exam for new drivers - letting them move from a restricted to a full licence after 18 months, as long as they have no driving offences.  It's calling the current system 'expensive' and 'inefficient'.  But A1 Driving School owner Harald Leeuwenburgh says it helps maintain high driving standards. "A lot of it is an observation - people are not just looking around and not scanning properly at intersections and making poor decisions. That's really a big one that causes lots of accidents." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's dismissing suggestions of tension with his deputy over US tariffs and trade.  Winston Peters last week said Chris Luxon was premature in calling other leaders - and yesterday labelled some language used around trade 'hysterical'.  But Luxon says all the Ministers responsible, which includes Peters, are aligned on the fact a trade war would be bad for New Zealand. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the trade issue has generated a bipartisan response, but it's unwise to draw too much attention to it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the Australian election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a new housing policy designed to 'unlock' 100,000 new homes for first home buyers. This scheme will only be available to first home buyers and the Government plans to make it easier to get approval for a mortgage. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says it's unlikely this promise will be able to address the root of the issue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett feels senior squad members let the team down in their heavy NRL defeat to Melbourne.  Their winless run against the Storm stretched to 17 games after the 42-14 drubbing at AAMI Park. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports reveal AI is seeing wider use across public and community services. The Public Service Association surveyed more than 900 of its members, with 55 percent of respondents saying AI is used at their place of work. Of this number, 45 percent admitted using it personally. PSA national secretary Kerry Davies says the increased use of AI isn't the key issue here - but the lack of training and guardrails is cause for concern. "AI in itself isn't so much the issue - it's the use of AI without proper supports and without proper training." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 11 April 2025, the Government's expanding the definition of who is a veteran... but is it just a token gesture? Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton on why skipper peter burling is stepping away after 10 years with the team Plus number of expelled students is skyrocketing - what's going on? 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.

It’s been another big week in politics. The Government has committed 12 billion over four years to defence, Winston Peters thinks the Prime Minister’s free trade talks are premature, and the Greens were the target of billboards by the sensible sentencing trust. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about all this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China appears to beattempting to form a united front against Washington, by drawing on support from other nations. President Donald Trump has temporarily backed down on his initial tariffs on most nations except for China. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the latest out of China, China’s President Xi Jinping heading to Southeast Asia, and why Japan might be the first to negotiate a deal with the US. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced local wool products will be used in future construction and refurbishments of state buildings. It's part of the New Zealand First coalition agreement with National. But producers of local buildings are saying ‘what about us?’ Kiwi timber organisations have been lobbying the Government for a similar deal for years, and are now feeling left out in the cold. New Zealand Timber Federation Industry Director Jeff Ilott talks to Ryan Bridge about the announcement.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oceania Football Confederation Communications Manager Matt Brown and Sportstalk Host D’Arcy Waldegrave join the Sports Huddle this week.   Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton said a big number was put in front of Peter Burling, but the offer was pulled when it wasn’t signed. What does the Sports Huddle make of Burling’s departure? Viewership numbers for Super Rugby have impressed this year, with a 12 percent increase here and 30 percent in Australia. What’s driving the success? The Sports Huddle discuss CTE impacts from rugby. Gary Stead is stepping down as the Black Caps white ball coach. Who will replace him? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've got to hand it to Winston Raymond Peters. On this his 80th birthday... he's jetting round the Pacific representing his country. Keeping us close to our friends in the region as China circles and America wanders. He's visited more than 40 countries since Luxon took over. The stamina. The discipline. The confidence. The work ethic... all things to be admired. Doesn't matter what side of politics you come from, hats off to you Winston. And Happy birthday. And what a contrasted pictures he paints in Parliament... One side of the house... draped in performative costume's... wearing badges and head pieces... and snapping their fingers... and doing TikTok videos.... And not bothering to learn the standing orders... Not bothering to turn up to work. Not bothering to engage in meaningful debate so that we might all get to a better place... you know... the essence of democracy. Winston is not perfect... he's flip-flopped and u-turned more times than you can count. He angered the right picking an inexperienced Labour party over the high-polling Bill English in 2017. Some will never forgive him for that. BUT. he's a man with a strategy. He's a man who doesn't mind hard work. He's a man whose politics you may not like, but who's character modern society cannot afford to lose or forget. He was born in 1945 - just a few weeks before Germany surrendered to the Allies in WWII. He's been in politics for nearly half a century. The Kingmaker... punching well above his weight in MMP system. In fact... a teacher of mine used to say the P in MMP was Peters. He's loves a bit of drama... he loves a fight... he's not above performative politics too, by the way.. remember the NO sign? Remember the Winebox inquiry? The donations sagas? BUT... and this is why kiwis keep giving him a chance... he takes seriously the things and people's he promised to represent... and he works day and night to get the political deals done to make them happen. The new generation of politicians should put their phones down, sign out of Instagram... and take a leaf out of Winston’s diary... Happy Birthday, Winne P.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese retailers like Temu and Shein could be looking to increase their influence in New Zealand.  The e-commerce giants will have excess stock after US President Donald Trump put a 145 percent tariff rate on China.  Ethically Kate founder Kate Hall talks to Ryan Bridge about why this might not be the best thing for New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longtime helmsman Peter Burling is departing Emirates Team New Zealand due to contracting disagreements. Burling was the youngest helmsman to win an America’s Cup, aged 26. Emirates Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton talks to Ryan Bridge about the departure. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is changing the definition of a veteran, expanding the term to cover roughly 100,000 more ex-soldiers, sailors and aviators. However, eligibility for support entitlements will not be expanded under the Veterans Support Act. The move comes as war hero Willie Apiata called on Chris Penk for better support for veterans. Veterans Minister Chris Penk talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is defending his absence from Parliament yesterday as the Treaty Settlement Bill was voted down. He said he doesn’t regret not being there as he was preoccupied with trade issues. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the Luxon’s absence, Phil Goff’s unfiltered comments on Trump, and Winston Peters 80th birthday. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

6 people have been killed after a helicopter crashed in New York City’s Hudson River. Three adults and three children were on a sightseeing flight when the helicopter lost control and crashed. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the crash, teething problems arising from Trump’s tariffs, and the athlete getting a billion dollar contract. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Burling is bidding farewell to Team New Zealand, after leading the team to three America’s Cup wins. Is Sail GP affecting the retention of sailors for the America’s Cup teams? Sports Contributor Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what the departure means for sailing in New Zealand, and are Moana Pasifika Auckland’s favourite rugby team? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Labour MP is pushing for change on alcohol sales on certain holidays. Kieran McAnulty's new bill will let licensed businesses already open on ANZAC Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas sell alcohol. It's been voted through to Select Committee today. McAnulty says he's open to amendments to get the Bill through. He says if it turns out the majority of MPs don't want Christmas Day included - he'll take it out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned the economy is likely to struggle regardless of the tariff situation. US President Donald Trump has adjusted every other tariff, except China's, to 10 percent for 90 days. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's clear negotiations between the UK and US are taking place behind the scenes - but the economy will still feel an impact. 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 following issues of the day - and more! One Gisborne District Councillor has copped some backlash once it was revealed they attended just 41 percent of meetings since October. Should attendance for councillors and MPs be mandatory? After today's big reading - the Treaty Principles Bill is officially dead. Was it worth all the debate and discussion and fuss?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursdsay, 10 April 2025, the Treaty Principles Bill is dead, but its architect David Seymour is already vowing a referendum might be his bottom line by the next election. China investment expert David Mahon on what New Zealand should do as the trade war between China and US escalates - who will blink first? Labour MP Kieran McAnulty on why he's championing a push for looser liquor laws on public holidays. Plus, it gets fiery on the Huddle as Ali and Jordan clash over making council meetings mandatory for elected councillors.   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.

It's been an interesting week for global markets - with figures dropping or rising at a rapid rate. As Donald Trump's tariffs spark fear - or elation - among investors, questions have been raised over how we can make smart financial choices during a turbulent time. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains how people can make investments amid the chaos. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United States beef prices haven't budged much since the implementation of the 10 percent tariff by President Donald Trump - but Kiwi exporters aren't safe. A subsequent tumbling in the value of the NZ dollar has pushed up farmgate prices in New Zealand dollars by nearly 5 percent. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this means for Kiwi beef exporters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports indicate the bond market ultimately prompted Trump to pull back on his stream of tariffs. The US President announced on social media that he paused tariffs against 75 countries for 90 days - with China being a notable exception. NZ Herald business editor Liam Dann explained further - and unpacked the market reactions since Donald Trump made his u-turn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR dropped 25 basis points again yesterday - but many homeowners have wondered why their mortgage rates haven't followed. Many people currently on floating rates have yet to see the impact of the cuts materialise, and there's usually a week-long delay OCR changing and banks following suit with their various mortgage rates. Kent Duston from the Banking Reform Coalition says it's unclear why it takes the banks so long to adjust things. "After all, it's no harder than just hitting the return key on the keyboard. Really, there's no reason why it should not happen on the exact same day that the Reserve Bank lowers the OCR." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New independent research conducted by Talbot Mills reveals only one in three parents have established rules around their kids' social media usage. While the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders believe parents should decide when young people can start using social media, there is also support for intervention and increased education. Make Sense co-founder Holly Brooker says many parents are struggling to keep up with evolving technology. "It's hard to implement that across many different platforms and devices - and often, parents aren't actually that aware of what their kids are doing online." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump today forged ahead with tariffs of 125 percent against Chinese goods - escalating the US-China trade war. Trump’s sweeping tariffs have unsettled the global economy since coming into force over the weekend, and China has vowed to fight back with tariffs of their own. Mahon China Investment Management CEO David Mahon says China won't blink first in the stand-off. "Trump's already blinked on all the other tariffs that he flung at countries quite randomly, so I don't think this is an economic argument. Reciprocal tariffs are another form of self-injury." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going, going - almost gone. MPs from all parties other than ACT are shutting down the Treaty Principles Bill today, with passionate displays of rhetoric. It's been called, 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country' during the debate. Architect of the failed Bill, David Seymour, says he'd be happy to push for a Treaty referendum  in future coalition negotiations.   "That is absolutely a possibility, we wouldn't rule that out. But sooner or later, the logic of this bill is going to prevail." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treaty Principles Bill is dead, voted down by all parties except ACT - 11 to 112 - before a packed gallery. Fiery moments included Labour's Willie Jackson being kicked out for calling ACT leader David Seymour a liar. The Speaker reminded people multiple times not to clap, sing, or interject during speeches - in which the Bill was labelled 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped a memorable day in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, stocks have surged after an earlier crash brought about by Donald Trump's new tariffs.  The ASX climbed more than 6 percent in early trade, while on Wall Street the S&P 500 climbed 9.5 percent. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this has prompted calls from economic experts to cut the OCR ahead of the Reserve Bank's next meeting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race for Joey Manu's signature on both sides of the Tasman - across both oval-ball codes - appears on. The Sydney Morning Herald reports the former Rooster - poised to leave Japanese rugby club Toyota for France in the coming months - now wants out of that Racing 92 contract on compassionate grounds. The report suggests Manu's considering a return to either Sydney or New Zealand. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's tariff backdown proves that Nicola was right and Barbara was wrong. Willis took the cool, calm, collected approach. Take advice, watch closely, don't react with haste, don't spook the horses even more. Trump's already doing that. Barbara Edmonds and Labour were hitting the panic alarm - firing off a press release yesterday saying that this is a crisis and that we need to up spending. Borrow more. Bigger Government will save the day. Which is nuts. Premature and nuts. Barbara came on this show last night and said Willis was sitting on her hands while the world crumbled around her. Earlier in the week, Hipkins said we needed to stand up to Trump a bit more - how's that working out for China? The last thing we need is self-serving politicians, or former politicians in the form of Phil Goff, grandstanding for their bash-the-bully-moment on television. This is the time for quiet diplomacy. It's time for your Winstons' and Rosemary Banks types - she's our Ambassador to Washington - get them out there. The bigger problem for Labour and the way they've reacted so far is that it reminds us why we didn't like them in the first place. When Covid hit they doled out the cash. They couldn't give it away fast enough. Grant spent from the country's purse like a housewife on holiday. And Barb - she wants her time with the Visa. Right when our Government debt is about to hit 46 percent of GDP - remember, it was 20 percent pre-Labour - and right when we're getting closer to at least balancing the Government books. This is a timely reminder from Labour that their fundamentals haven't changed. When a crisis comes, when storm clouds gather, their go-to plan is to make it rain cash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A US markets analyst suspects Donald Trump is trying to buy time by lowering tariffs on most countries to a blanket 10 percent for 90 days. But the US President's hiked them for China - to 125 percent. Scott Shellady says 75 countries are reportedly seeking an audience with the President.  "The 90 day pause is so he can get through the backlog of countries that said they want to do a deal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.