Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Warriors utility back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly poised for a move to the UK Super League at the end of the NRL season. The Love Rugby League website claims the 32-year-old is set to sign a multi-year deal with Wakefield Trinity.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave addressed the rumours - and speculated on what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's taking aim at pests, as it pays into work to make the capital an official predator-free city. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says $5.5 million dollars will go into to targeting pests over more than 18,000 hectares in Wellington over five years. Predator Free Wellington chair Tim Pankhurst says it's important for the city to protect what's already been cleared, so that new pests don't get into 'safe' areas. "We've got an enormous network of traps and cameras and so on...we cleared Miramar Peninsula a couple of years ago. We have had a couple of reintroductions, and we've tracked those by camera and tracked them down and dealt to them."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British police have confirmed they're investigating an online claim of responsibility for an arson attack after four volunteer ambulances run by a Jewish organisation were set on fire. Police have released a statement saying the attack is being treated as an 'antisemitic hate crime' and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the incident. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's believed the attack was carried out by a group with alleged links to Iran. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International airlines could be forced to cut flights in and out of New Zealand if fuel shortages lead to a rationing of supply. Concerns have been raised about airlines needing to make hard choices if fuel deliveries are disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict.  Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien says there's still a low risk of planes getting stranded in a shortage, but airlines will need to be prepared. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fight is on to run New Zealand's largest farm. Five contenders have put up their hand to commercially farm in Marlborough's Molesworth Recreation Reserve. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Iran conflict continues for another week - do we think Donald Trump is right that talks are taking place? Or do we think this is an exaggeration?  The Government has announced their fuel relief package. Plenty of people aren't happy with it, what do we think? Is the Government right to make it small-scale? ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has revealed she plans to step away from politics. What do we make of this? Has she made the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 24 March, 2026, help for families feeling the pinch at the petrol pump - we talk to the Finance Minister about $50 a week relief. Our youngest female cabinet minister tells us why she's leaving politics. An increase in prize money for Lotto Powerball - but it'll be harder to win it. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Phil Goff are in agreement - on Donald Trump's war in Iran. 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.

If you were listening to the previous show - Tyler’s show - you’ll have heard that not everyone loves the package the Government has just announced to help families pay their fuel bills, because it’s not for everyone. Pensioners have complained that they should be helped as well because they don’t have enough money. Beneficiaries have complained. Diesel users have complained because their fuel has actually gone up much more than petrol. Then, there are also wealthy people complaining because they don’t have kids - they’re saying they’re once again getting nothing while the 'breeders' are and that they’re the ones subsidising them. Now, I understand the sentiment from everyone. All of it is fair. But I think the Government is right to have limited this package the way they have because we are simply too broke as a country to shell out 50 bucks a week for everyone, including millionaires. Plus, we’ve just spent four years fighting inflation. We know what that feels like, right? We know how hard that is. The last thing we want to do is pump so much money into the economy that inflation goes up again and we have to start that fight all over. So if you have to choose who you give the money to, you choose workers because they have to get to work - beneficiaries don’t. You choose parents because their budgets are much less flexible. They have added fixed costs they just can’t escape: childcare, dropping the kids off at school and so on. I think the Government has actually done a pretty good job here of threading the needle with this package. It’s not inflationary if it’s only reallocating money that would have been spent in the Budget anyway. It’s not taking on any extra debt that wouldn’t already have been taken on because it’s in the Budget. It also has an off-ramp: the payment ends after a year or when the price of 91 drops below $3 for four consecutive weeks - whichever comes first.I think part of the reason so many people are complaining today is because Jacinda, Grant and Covid have got us addicted to Government help. If there’s a problem, we now default to expecting the Government to fix it, don’t we? And often we expect the Government to fix it with money. We need to get off that. We should have learned what happens next. When you turn on the Government money hose, you get inflation, then you get a recession. Being more targeted and more disciplined - even if most of us miss out - ultimately does mean less pain for us all. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor says the central bank is closely monitoring fuel prices, but won't rush into reacting. Anna Breman says the Iran war is likely to lead to higher inflation and lower growth in the short term. Breman says that's unlikely to make them hike the Official Cash Rate - but things could change if higher fuel prices pressure the economy. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says it's important to keep an eye on the 'second-round' effects from the conflict in order to determine future OCR changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international relations expert says Donald Trump's messaging on Iran could be misleading. The US President says he's holding off on threats to strike Iranian power plants for five days - after earlier promising to attack if Tehran didn't let ships through the Strait of Hormuz.  He's claimed the US and Iran reached agreements in talks over the weekend, which Iran denies. International relations expert Matthew Schmidt says there may have been talks, but not directly involving Trump or the new ayatollah. "It's been cut-outs in between, and Trump is exaggerating what's going on and making it sound like it was more direct than it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lotto's ramping up its prizes and number of winners and lifting the biggest win from $50 million to $60 million. It's adding another four Powerballs - which reduces the odds of winning Division One from one in more than 38 million, to about one in almost 54 million.  Chief executive Jason Delamore says many things have changed since the last change-up to offerings 19 years ago. "Our population's actually increased by over a million people, so it's very normal for lotteries to tune the Powerball in their lottery games, in keeping with the population."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she won't stand at the 2026 general election. She made the announcement in Parliament earlier today, surrounded by her Caucus and leader David Seymour. Van Velden will continue to serve for the rest of this term as the MP for Tamaki and in her work as Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations minister. She says she's excited for the next chapter, but it was a hard decision to step away from politics. "I also, right in my heart, feel like I want to live a bit more of life and see what other opportunities there are out there for me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced $50 a week in temporary relief for low and middle-income families hit by high fuel prices. The in-work tax credit boost comes into effect from April 7, and the Finance Minister says it'll help about 143,000 working families with kids. Nicola Willis explained that the country's still recovering from the debt built up over Covid, and the Government had to make some hard choices.  "Just about every New Zealander and every business is feeling it right now, and I get it. Everyone wants relief - the Government finds itself in a difficult position." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 143,000 families are in the line for relief under a temporary Government boost to the in-work tax credit. The Finance Minister's revealed the targeted support will kick in from April 7 - to help counteract skyrocketing fuel costs.  It'll give eligible families with children an extra $50 a week.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says opposition parties have taken issues with this move, particularly the Greens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen have unveiled the details of a new trade deal today. This deal has been eight years in the making, and almost all EU tariffs will be lifted on Australian agricultural products such as wine, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, seafood, most dairy products and wheat and barley. Australians will also now have access to cheaper European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this deal is worth about A$10bn and will benefit both nations.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' new defence coach knows what he's getting into with his new job. Tana Umaga is one of three new faces under head coach Dave Rennie, with Jason Ryan the only assistant left standing from the last regime. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's shock from vegetable growers at news frozen food company McCain is shutting its Hastings processing plant next year. McCain says it reflects a shift in how it'll supply vegetables within New Zealand and Australia. Heinz Watties also announced this month plans to close its Hastings packing site, and three manufacturing sites. Process Vegetables NZ chairman, David Hadfield, says growers will have to start exploring other options. He says McCain didn't let anybody know this was happening - even larger growers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to chair an emergency meeting on the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has entered its fourth week, and concerns have been raised over the economic impacts - especially with living costs going up for households.  UK correspondent Kay Oliver says petrol costs keep going up, and it's getting 'scary'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports indicate more overseas visitors are cancelling trips to New Zealand, generating more concerns about the nation's economic recovery.  A new survey shows that 77 percent of tourism operators have seen more cancellations over the last month.  Tourism Export Council CEO Lynda Keene says she's not too concerned just yet, despite the ongoing international crisis impacting air travel.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have risen as the fall out continues from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Brent Crude oil rose about US$1 to be just above US$113 a barrel in early Asia trade. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. 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. Credit ratings agency Fitch has downgraded New Zealand's rating - should we be worried about this? Does this go bigger than the Middle East conflict? The Government has confirmed plans are in place to reveal a package to help households with the cost of fuel. Do we think this is a good idea? Winston Peters delivered his State of the Nation speech yesterday - what did we think of this? Do we think this will help NZ First in the election? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now we’ve got to talk about Winston. If you hadn’t noticed yet - or maybe you didn’t believe it - take a look at Winston Peters’ State of the Nation speech yesterday and you’ll see the proof that this election is shaping up to be New Zealand First’s election. More than a thousand people turned up in Tauranga to hear him speak. They even had to use two overflow rooms. Compare that with the same speech last election, which was held in a church with a capacity of just 100. More importantly, New Zealand First used the event to announce they’ve recruited Alfred Ngaro, the former National Party MP. Now, it was a bit of a running joke in the crowd that they didn’t know who Alfred was - but commentators do. And I think most of us can see this for what it is: the recruitment of an incredibly well-liked former National MP with a strong Christian faith. That won’t offend Winston’s older voters - in fact, it’s likely to appeal to many of them. More significantly, it’s a signal of what’s happening and what could accelerate as we get closer to the election: New Zealand First stealing National’s territory. In this case, it’s an MP. As the election nears, it could be votes. I count among my friends two people who used to be part of National’s parliamentary team. Both are now likely to vote for New Zealand First at this election because they’re conservatives - and Winston is positioning New Zealand First as the home of conservatism. This cost-of-living crisis - now also a fuel crisis - is going to play straight into his hands. He’ll go hard on smashing the power companies to bring down prices, something National has failed to do. He’ll argue for New Zealand retaining ownership of state assets, a position that resonates more now than ever Just think about the Marsden Point oil refinery and you’ll see what I mean. He’ll choose mining over climate concerns, which will appeal to working-class voters. Everything is lining up for him to significantly lift his vote. Keep an eye on the polling. He’s already sitting at more than 10 percent. If things continue the way they’re going - with the fuel crisis squeezing the economy and Chris Luxon unable to fire the National Party up - that 10 percent could, in my view, become 15 percent by election time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major credit rating agency Fitch needs more confidence our Government will lower debt before it will change our rating.  It reduced New Zealand's AA+ rating outlook from stable - to negative - over the weekend.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it's proof of the importance of fiscal discipline. Agency primary rating analyst Sagarika Shandra says the Government has a plan to reach a surplus, but needs to stick to it.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones on why we'll now let Australian-grade fuel into New Zealand. New Zealand Cricket backs an NZ20 franchise competition - but a former international's quit the board as a result. How a social media post on Rocky the dog got tenants in trouble with their landlord. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani on how Winston Peters is whipping up his party's popularity in election year. 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.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed plans are in place to unveil a package to help households with the cost of fuel. She says more details will be revealed tomorrow, and she's worked with Inland Revenue and Treasury officials to develop this planned relief. Willis explained that this plan won't go against the Government's fiscal strategy ahead of the upcoming election. "We will be funding it from this year's Budget operating allowance...we are going to prioritise our Budget in order to be able to fund this in a temporary, timely and targeted way." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lower Hutt couple have been taken to the Tenancy Tribunal by their landlords after they refused to disclose they had gotten a dog. A video surfaced on social media revealing the couple had gotten a dog without asking, confirming the landlords’ suspicions after the smell of urine had gotten so bad the carpet had to be replaced.  Solicitor Mike Thornton says the landlords were entitled to use the publicly available information in their investigation. "If there's publicly available information, once the landlord knows about it, they can go to the tenant and say - hey, I've learned this, do you have a dog? And that's exactly what happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Fonterra's strong result today is unlikely to climb much more. The dairy giant's reported a 2.8 percent rise in first-half net profit to $750 million. It's also announced a 20 cent lift in the farmgate milk price - and a $9.70 midpoint per kilo of milksolids. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says given global uncertainty, he doesn't think the midpoint will reach $10. "The futures market is sitting around the $9.70-$9.80 mark, so Fonterra's got it pretty much where the futures are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Energy Minister says 'finicky' differences have barred Australian-standard fuel here. The Government's relaxing our specifications to harmonise with Australia's, to combat global shortages.  Shane Jones says it'll give importers a wider pool and hopefully bring some relief at the pump. He says it's compatible with Kiwi vehicles and meets safety and quality expectations.  Jones says it could run for 12 months. "It's temporary, but obviously the PM on various other occasions has talked about how it's overdue for harmonisation between Aussie-Kiwi, and who knows? It could very well be permanent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's bracing itself for fuel pipeline disruptions down the track. As of Wednesday, the country had seven weeks of petrol reserves, and more than six weeks of diesel and jet fuel.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they'll announce details of cost relief measures for low-to-middle income households tomorrow.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates ahead of the announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labor has comfortably won re-election in South Australia, but One Nation has achieved its best electoral result in decades. The Liberal Party was polling at 19 percent of the vote, while Pauline Hanson's controversial party beat them out at 21 percent. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this should send a warning to the opposition parties ahead of the next federal election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket's trans-Tasman counterparts believe time will tell over whether choosing NZ20 over a Big Bash team is the right play. NZC have given conditional backing to a new franchise league - rejecting an entry into the Australian tournament. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZ20 consortium are confident - but not adamant - they will get off the ground for next January. The franchise league has been given conditional support by New Zealand Cricket. NZ20 establishment committee chair Don Mackinnon says this conditional approval is enough to get things going at this stage.  "We do have a backup, NZ Cricket's very aware that it could push to January '28, but that's not our goal at the moment. We're going to work really hard to deliver it in the timeframe we've got."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 20 March, 2026, baby snapper could soon be legally caught by commercial fishers - but recreational anglers aren't happy about it. A new study says car pollution is killing hundreds of Aucklanders a year. Winter is coming - and so is a serious new strain of the flu. We've a warning from GPs. And on the Sports Huddle, Andrew Alderson and Nick Bewley debate whether it really is the Warriors' year. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taranaki’s Three Sisters Brewery is purchasing Sunshine Brewing, including the Gisborne Gold brand. Three Sisters founder Joe Emans said he plans to keep the brands distinct and "keep them doing what they're good at." Emans joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the purchase and the future of New Zealand's beer industry.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has targeting energy facilities across the Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar in response to an Israeli attack on Iran's South Pars gas field - the largest natural gas field in the world.  It is believed that 17% of Qatar's export capacity has now been wiped out, and could take up to five years to repair. Qatar-based journalist Courtney Hammond said the attack in Qatar "marks a huge escalation in this war." She told Andrew Dickens that there are concerns of retaliation from the targeted states as energy facilities are a strong-hold of the Gulf countries' economies.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So welcome to the fuel crisis — which is starting to feel a bit like COVID Junior. The government is apparently developing targeted support for low-to-middle income households facing rising fuel prices because of the ongoing international fuel crisis. Australia is already launching these measures. They’re focused on delivering aid quickly through the tax and welfare system. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s another tax-credit scheme. Now the problem with that, and with so many other tax-credit schemes National has come up with, is that it’s such a faff.  Who can actually be bothered, in our busy lives, to jump through all the hoops to get a few dollars back? Does anybody, in this day and age, really take advantage of all those cashback offers? Gosh, it’s hard work. Take FamilyBoost - it under-delivered, cost more than expected and benefited higher-income families more than lower-income ones.  Nearly a quarter of the money allocated went on administration rather than to families. So now Nicola Willis is thinking about another tax-credit scheme on fuel prices. She says the scheme needs to be simple. But New Zealanders want something even simpler. They don’t want to have to apply to get money back. They don’t want to leave the money in the pump in the first place. They want it to stay in their wallet — not have to apply to get it back later.  They want the price at the pump to go down, but Nicola Willis won’t touch the existing fuel excise tax, nor will she reduce the fuel-tax increase coming later on. What is it — 18 cents a litre? Nor will National suggest working from home or subsidising public transport because they’ve taken such a hard line against those policies in the past. Of course, Chris Hipkins came out and floated that. What Nicola Willis has been doing today is talking to fuel companies, and will that really be any more effective than the fireside chats she had with the supermarkets, or with Fonterra over the price of butter? It really is starting to feel a little bit like COVID 2.0, isn’t it? Wacky schemes to get your money back, promises that you’ll get your money back, but somehow you never do. And, the government flapping its gums while nothing really happens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hidden in the amendments to the Fisheries Amendment Bill, published online on Wednesday, are changes deemed “outrageous” by recreational fishers. The changes mean the minimum legal-size limit for a range of species, including snapper, tarakihi, butterfish, blue moki and trevally would be removed.  The major concerns of letting baby fish be caught is the reduction in populations, "anyone who failed science can still understand that," NZ Sport Fishing Council's Mike Plant told Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has said he's 'not putting troops' on the ground in Iran and is expecting the war to soon come to an end, whereas Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says there's still months to go.  In the meantime, Trump has backed Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chair, but ties to Jeffery Epstein may stand in his way.  "It just seems to be one of those things that are being held up again and again, and which Trump has been trying to brush under the under the rug," US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens.  And, in brighter news, a 100 year old war veteran has become the world's oldest organ donor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doctors are noticing an increase in respiratory illnesses at the moment as a new flu strain moves in to the country.  GP New Zealand chairman Dr Bryan Betty joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the new strain - Super-K. "We know it's in New Zealand, but the cases haven't increased yet," he said. "What we think is going to happen is there's going to be a take-off as soon as winter comes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles III is set to visit the US, despite growing calls to postpone the trip following Trump’s repeated criticism of Sir Keir Starmer. The US President said he was 'looking forward' to meeting with Charles - and the visit has been confirmed to go ahead amid the ongoing UK backlash directed at Trump.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says the trip will last four days, and Charles will visit Washington DC, New York and an unspecified rural part of America. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has raised its inflation forecast as it held interest rates steady, citing an 'uncertain' economic outlook because of the war in Iran. Rates were kept steady at a range of 3.50 percent to 3.75 percent, with officials flagging one expected cut by the end of the year. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Originair says it's already had to reduce flights between Westport and Wellington - and the route's now set to be axed by May. Do we think this is the right move? Should we try to fund it? The Government says it's working to find a solution as the Middle East conflict looks to impact fuel supplies and make prices go up. What do we make of this? Why has the Government's tone changed?  Stats NZ data out today has GDP rising 0.2 percent in the December quarter and 0.9 percent in the September quarter, after contracting in the three months to June. This isn't what economists were hoping for - do we think things will get better?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wattie's restructure is likely to have a significant economic impact, where more people could be affected by the shutdown.  Heinz Wattie's has proposed closing manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and a Hastings packing facility - impacting about 350 jobs.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explained how the farmers and growers could be affected by this change.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 March, 2026, prepare for the worst on fuel - we talk to Finance Minister Nicola Willis about why the tone of the Government's suddenly got more urgent. An expert on why party drugs are cheaper and more easily available. We ask the boss of a popular way to lose weight whether it's a wonder drug. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Oscar Kightley with differing views on whether the Government should help a regional airline. 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.

I’m sorry to say it’s a bit of a bad day - a day of rather unpleasant economic news, I’m afraid. Let’s start with the GDP number. It came in at 0.2 percent for the final quarter of last year, which is very much at the low end of expectations. We were looking for something in the range of 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent, with 0.5 percent being the Reserve Bank’s forecast. The problem with that is those were the good times. That number was recorded before the Iran war kicked off, so it’s not much of a place to be starting from, is it? Now the good news is that at least we are recovering. Yes, it’s slow - it’s grinding - which we always knew it would be but it is real. We recorded 1.3 percent growth for the year. That’s not a lot, but it is growth and it marks the first time in more than two years that the economy has posted annual growth. Because the GDP result is at the low end, it also gives the Reserve Bank a bit more latitude when it comes to its OCR decision. It can look through the inflation spike that the Iran war will almost certainly cause, which means it doesn’t need to be in such a hurry to raise the Official Cash Rate in response. The second piece of bad news today is that the war has escalated. Israel has struck Iran’s oil fields, pushing the price of oil past US$110 a barrel. It’s noticeable that the Government’s tone has shifted on fuel supply. In an update, officials sounded far less relaxed about fuel availability into the medium term - around eight weeks out - than they did earlier in the week. There is, again, a small piece of good news here. We are largely reliant on South Korea and Singapore for our oil and they are still supplying their customers. Australia, by contrast, is much more reliant on China - and China has banned exports. So, if we’re looking for a bright side: our supply situation looks better than some and at least we are growing. That gives us some reason not to panic on a day of not-so-great economic news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novo Nordisk, the Danish drugmaker behind famed weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, is leading the way in the semaglutide trend.  The drugs help people lose weight, but they've also proven to be helpful in reducing health conditions like heart disease and kidney disease. CEO Mike Doustdar says more people are starting to recognise that Novo Nordisk's output goes beyond an agent that reduces sugar for diabetics.  "It has some very serious health benefits around it, be it cardiovascular protection, liver protection, kidney protection - and more to be tested. So it's a breakthrough innovation."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originair says it's already had to reduce flights between Westport and Wellington - and the route's now set to be axed by May. The regional carrier stepped in when Sounds Air withdrew from the service in 2024. Now, it says it's struggling with the small market and increasing operating costs. Managing director Robert Inglis says it's cut the service back to three times a week - which went well over summer. "But winter's another thing, and then, of course, the additional doubling of fuel price - we've just unfortunately had to make a hard call." Originair has applied for Government funding to help it continue the service. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says South Korea and Singapore will continue to export fuel, as concern rises over continuity of supply.  The Government says they'll now give twice-weekly stock updates - as the war in Iran pressures global oil prices.  Nicola Willis says South Korea's limiting orders to 2025 levels,  but New Zealand has a strong relationship with Singapore.  "Including an agreement that we will prioritise them in areas of critical shortage, particularly food, and they'll prioritise us in the areas of critical shortage, particularly fuel." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ketamine is becoming much more popular in the Kiwi party scene. The New Zealand Drug Trends Survey shows 73 percent of respondents have no trouble getting their hands on the dissociative anaesthetic. The inflation adjusted price of MDMA has tumbled 47 percent since 2017. Drug testing agency KnowYourStuff general manager, Casey Spearin, says use of ketamine's climbed since 2018. "We hear, anecdotally, of students not drinking as much, people not drinking as much - and ketamine is certainly a way to have similar effects without the price and the hangovers the next day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says it's getting harder to know how much the economy's growing or shrinking. Stats NZ estimates GDP rose 0.2 percent in the December quarter, below most forecasts. But Reddell says it's also revised the figures for previous quarters. He says the 0.2 for December could still potentially be revised up as high as 0.5 percent, or as low as minus 0.1. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.