Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar of Kiwiblog and Curia and Child Fund's Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! TJ Perenara raised a few eyebrows following his controversial haka at last week's All Blacks match. Was this appropriate to do before the game?  It's been a full year since the new Government was sworn in. What do we think so far? What have been their biggest wins - and losses? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 25 November 2024, former Black Fern and Silver Fern Louisa Wall comes out in support of TJ Perenara and his political haka against Italy. GPs say they can't get patients on hospital waiting lists, but hospital doctors say they're not gaming the system, they're simply being realistic about the number of patients they can treat. Heather asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis whether she's given up on getting back to surplus in 2027/28. Plus, the Huddle reviews the Government's first year in office. 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 hoped a new police station in Auckland's CBD will make people feel safe and make it easier for police to attend crime. The Federal Street facility will have 51 beat officers and staff, including prosecutors and firearms safety authority personnel.   Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this development will help make the city centre safer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's foreshadowing an update on whether the Government's books are still on track for surplus in 2027-2028.  Nicola Willis will deliver the half yearly economic and fiscal update in about three weeks.  She says that will illustrate the latest forecasts for a surplus - and seemed to caution against unrealistic expectations. "I've always been clear - I'm not going to chase a surplus at all costs. Forecasts move up and down. What I've committed to New Zealanders is that we will make sensible, prudent fiscal decisions to get the books back in balance over time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it's chosen a strategically good location for its new Auckland CBD police station. The Federal Street facility should be completed mid-2025, and will have 51 beat officers.  The College Hill station will continue its operations - and the old Vincent Street premises are still up for sale.   Police Minister Mark Mitchell says centralised police stations in the past were great. "I think the Federal Street option is just such a good option - it's centralised, our beat officers are covering the entire CBD, the feedback and anecdotal feedback has been just fantastic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased restrictions for HRT menopause treatment, as Pharmac finds ways shore up supply of oestradiol patches. It's changing its main funded brand to Estradiol TDP Mylan from supplier Viatris from next July. In order to ensure supply, it'll be the only funded brand available by December 2025. Menodoctor Clinical Director, Linda Dear, says those who can't use the Mylan brand will have other options. "Most women who get on with other, non-Mylan brands will get on with gel fine - but it means they'll have to start probably thinking about that transition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patients referred for hospital treatment aren't even making it onto waiting lists. RNZ's obtained part of a letter to a GP from an orthopaedic clinic that confirms some referrals are being knocked back. It says the decision's forced on them by a lack of resources to let them see all referred patients within the limits of Ministry of Health waiting time targets. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton says she thinks they're trying to inject some realism into the situation. "I think the point they're making is that if they put someone on a waiting list like that at this time, that person is never going to make their way up."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief from some that the All Blacks' support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti is a call for unity. As halfback TJ Perenara led the pre-test haka yesterday - he referenced the movement opposing the Treaty Principles Bill. Former Black Fern and Labour MP Louisa Wall says the tradition has evolved over time. She says it's a team decision who leads - and Perenara wouldn't have been acting alone. "He obviously talked to his teammates and coach about what the purpose and intent was behind the haka, so that's their choice, surely." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A review has been ordered to investigate bullying across Australian schools in a bid to stamp out the issue. The study will be funded by the Australian Government and results will be reported back to education ministers to develop a measured response. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says bullying has remained a persistent issue in Australia for decades. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' final match of the season against Italy raised a few eyebrows - over more than just the team's performance.  Departing veteran TJ Perenara voiced support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti, as he led his final haka. ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper unpacked the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Helen Clark foundation is calling on the Government to address New Zealand's growing obesity stats and improve access to healthy foods. The think tank's newly-released report revealed that one in eight Kiwi kids and one-third of adults live with obesity - the third-highest rate in the OECD. Health advocate and activist Dave Letele says it's important to invest in educational programs to teach families how to improve their help - but companies need to be regulated too. "These companies, these sugar companies, these fast-food companies - the most profitable places are all in the poorest areas. I think they should be made to invest in these communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, it looks like the rugby bosses may have already realised how big a mistake they made with that haka, because we've now learned they've cut TJ Perenara's political bit in the version they've uploaded to their social media accounts. And if they've done this because they realise they’ve made a mistake, they’re right. Big mistake from the All Blacks, big mistake from Scott Robertson to say yes to TJ when he said he was going to do this. Let's just clears something up first - TJ is entitled, like we all are, to have a political opinion. No one will be surprised that he supported the hīkoi, because we know where he stands on things. He's already supported the Ihumātao and supported the Wellington women's team when they did their anti-Government haka. This is not a TJ problem, this is an All Blacks problem. Because the All Blacks are not in position where they can afford to lose fans and viewers, especially when so many of us are already talking about how much more we prefer watching the Warriors. The problem the All Blacks have got is that their most rusted-on viewers would be heartland New Zealand. Farmers, people from rural communities, old blokes who feel loyal to the game. And I reckon quite a few them would disagree with TJ on whether to support the hīkoi or not. And given how intense this Treaty Principles Bill and hīkoi debate is, I reckon a few of them will feel quite annoyed at TJ presuming that he represents the views of the whole country with that haka, because he doesn't.  He might find, based on the most recent polling, that almost twice as many Kiwis like Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill and therefore not the hīkoi. So for TJ, well-known anti-meat, anti-Government chap - there's no problem at all as he heads off on a new career. But for NZ Rugby fighting to retain its audience and Scott Robertson fighting to prove himself as the team's new coach - big mistake. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 22 November 2024, a nationwide whooping cough epidemic has been declared, and Director of Public Health Dr Nicholas Jones tells Heather it's a big worry especially for babies and the elderly. More than 12 gang members have been charged so far for flouting the gang patch ban, and Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham says police are following up reports of patch sightings and visiting gang members at home. Plus, All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen on a surprisingly strong team line-up for the game against Italy - and what did Ethan de Groot do??? 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 UK has expressed hesitancy at following through with the ICC’s arrest warrant for Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, despite strong support to oblige from the majority of the European Union. Former British Health Minister Matt Hancock has revealed the country came extremely close to running out of PPE during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, as he gave evidence during its inquiry. The mayor-elect of Canadian town Dawson City, in Yukon Territory, has voiced his hesitancy at pledging allegiance to King Charles III. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

45 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have been sentenced to four to 10 years in prison. They were prosecuted under its 2020 national security law for their roles in an unofficial primary election, which prosecutors said their aim was to paralyse the city’s government and force its leader to resign by aiming to win a legislative majority and using it to block government budget. Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Xi Jinping has been travelling South America talking up free trade and globalisation in the region. Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would be arrested if he left the country. The International Criminal Court's been served with an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes. 124 countries are obligated to carry out warrants. Auckland University Associate Law Professor Treasa Dunworth told Heather du Plessis-Allan countries like the UK and France have been cagey about whether they'd follow through. “When it was specifically asked what would they do if Netanyahu was in their country, they fudged the answer, so we just don’t know.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oceania Football Confederation media manager Matt Brown and Newstalk ZB Canterbury Sport reader joined Heather du Plessis-Allan on the Sports Huddle. The All Blacks have named a strong side to face Italy in their final test of the year, in what will be Sam Cane’s and TJ Perenara’s test rugby swansongs. The lads also discuss Doug Bracewell’s drug ban, after it was announced the all-rounder has received a one game ban after testing positive for cocaine. Rafael Nadal has officially retired from tennis, after Spain’s elimination from the Davis Cup this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have named a surprisingly strong side for their final test of the year against Italy in Turin. There are five changes from the 30-29 loss to France, with Sam Cane, Mark Tele’a, Ethan de Groot, Patrick Tuipulotu and Anton Lienert-Brown returning to the starting XV. It’s also the test rugby swansongs for Cane and TJ Perenara – who head to Japan for 2025. All Blacks assistant coach Scott Hansen joined Heather du-Plessis Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter/X alternative Bluesky has emerged as the next big trend in social media. Around 21 million people have signed up for the app, which has seen a large spike in users signing up for it since the US election. Tech commentator Bill Bennett joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public are already reporting gang patch sightings a day after the ban began. New Police powers let officers disperse gatherings, and gang insignia is banned in public. More than a dozen gang members have already been arrested under the new law - including an Auckland Head Hunters leader. Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham told Heather du Plessis-Allan they're being informed about breaches in multiple ways. “We’ve said that when this sort of stuff comes through, we’ll follow it up as quickly as we can, and today’s search warrant is a case in point where something was reported in the early hours after the law came into affect.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health authorities have declared a national whooping cough epidemic. Cases have been rising and ESR reports there've been 263 cases in the past four weeks. The disease is infectious and can be particularly dangerous and even deadly for elderly people and newborns especially. Ministry of Health Director of Public Health Dr Nicholas Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan we’re at the beginning of a serious epidemic. “It can go on for about 18 months. The last time we had about 4700 cases reported over that time period, and judging by what we’re seeing overseas, we’d be expecting higher numbers in that again.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Select Committee has issued more guidance for submissions to the Treaty Principles Bill. It's planning to hold hearings from the last week of January. It’s also outlined the criteria which makes submissions unacceptable, including racist material, characterising other people as racist, anything with swear words, and abusive personal reflections on MPs. Meanwhile, one of the first Government boot camp participants has been charged with burglary and unlawfully taking a vehicle. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have named a strong line-up for their final test of the year against Italy in Turin on Sunday. The side is looking to finish the year on a high, as they aim to bounce back from last week’s 30-29 loss to France in Paris – in what will also be the last games in black for Sam Cane and TJ Perenara. A-League newbies Auckland FC are back in action after three weeks of rest, as they travel to Sydney for their first game in Australia against Macarthur FC. The Black Knights – who have won all three games this season – had a bye week, followed by another week off with international football. Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President-elect Donald Trump tapped Pam Bondi, a staunch ally who helped defend the ex-leader against impeachment, as US Attorney-General following firebrand Matt Gaetz’s withdrawal from the running. Gaetz’s retreat amid sexual misconduct allegations signalled limits to Trump’s power, even as the President-elect prepares to retake the White House with his Republican Party also in control of both chambers of Congress. The nomination of Bondi, a former Florida Attorney-General who served as a surrogate during the 2024 campaign and pushed to delegitimise vote counting in swing state Pennsylvania in 2020, could be seen as a useful tool for Trump in his attempt to settle personal grievances. “For too long, the partisan Department of Justice has been weaponised against me and other Republicans – Not anymore,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network in announcing Bondi’s nomination. Bondi, 59, was a member of Trump’s legal team during his first Senate impeachment trial, in which he was alleged to have pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, using aid as leverage, to hand over political dirt on Biden. “Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again,” Trump wrote, adding that she is “smart and tough, and is an AMERICA FIRST Fighter”. Trump has made several eye-catching selections for top roles, including Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defence Secretary, vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy jnr as Health Secretary and billionaire Elon Musk to head a government cost-cutting unit. The exit of Gaetz, 42, was the first setback for Trump and Vice-President-elect JD Vance in placing key allies in top positions, but his confirmation by the Senate was widely seen as doomed because of lack of support from fellow Republicans. A congressional panel has been investigating alleged illegal activity by Gaetz, including sexual contact with a 17-year-old girl – which he denies – as well as drug use and misappropriating campaign funds. “I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday,” Gaetz said on X. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the critical work of the Trump/Vance Transition.” Gaetz was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and won reelection recently, but he resigned as a congressman shortly after Trump picked him to be Attorney-General. “Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do,” Trump said in response to his withdrawal. The ethics probe into Gaetz, a deeply polarising Florida congressman, was effectively ended after he resigned from the House. Gaetz is known as a political disruptor who earned the enmity of some House colleagues, including by engineering the ouster of fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy as speaker last year. The latest transition upheaval ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20 came as new lurid details emerged about Defence Secretary nominee Hegseth. He was investigated for sexual assault after a complaint from an unnamed woman at a 2017 conference in California. The New York Times reported details from the police investigation, which was closed without Hegseth being charged. The married woman told officers that her memory of the episode was hazy and thought her drink might have been spiked, while Hegseth said the encounter was consensual. - Agence France-Presse LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An airline group is casting doubt on demand for sending long-haul flights into Wellington Airport. The Airport's announced a $500 million five-year upgrade plan – which includes extending its runway. It will let bigger planes land – with hopes it'll attract non-stop flights from Asia and Los Angeles. Board of Airline Representatives chair Cath O'Brien told Heather du Plessis-Allan it costs a lot to fly to New Zealand. “If I look at air services demand for New Zealand in total, I don’t see any real growth at the moment. So, Auckland Airport is looking at pretty much a flat scenario.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tell you what, it’s a tough time to be the UN. I can’t help but feel that the UN’s credibility is increasingly on the line at the moment with how often it’s being ignored. Take for example what’s just happened overnight: the International Criminal Court – which was set up through the UN and endorsed by the UN's General Assembly – has issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. That's ballsy. That's the first time they’ve gone after a world leader who is democratically elected. Trouble is, it doesn’t sound like at least three significant international powers are necessarily going to respect this. The US: they won’t arrest Netanyahu, they’re not a member of the ICC. The UK: they won’t commit publicly to arresting him. And nor will France. They say it’s legally complex. That's awkward, isn’t it? If three permanent security members won’t say they'll arrest him, doesn't that undermine the ICC and its parent the UN? Then what about the other big UN event at the moment: COP29? That is a bigger joke than COP28 last year which was already a joke. The big names haven’t turned up: Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, Narendra Modi. For the second year in a row, the host nation has been busted using the climate conference to strike secret fossil fuel deals on the side. And it looks like they’re going to have to extend the conference by maybe a day to try to stitch together a final deal and stop this becoming a complete flop. And that’s without even mentioning the fact that the incoming leader of the free world is preparing to pull out of the UN’s Paris Agreement. So, tough time to be the UN because we are increasingly, by the looks of things, starting to tire of its overreach and ridiculous targets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

European allies of Ukraine are bracing for a response from Russia.  Ukraine has fired US, and now UK-made missiles into Russian territory.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says all eyes are on Putin's possible response. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nvidia's reported third-quarter earnings have surpassed expectations - and left the chip maker feeling optimistic about its future. The company's earnings delivered a better-than-expected forecast for the next quarter. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Denmark has agreed on how to implement the world’s first tax on agricultural emissions - including flatulence/farting/burping by livestock. This comes after months of negotiations between the country’s major parties, farmers, the industry, trade unions and environmental groups. From 2030, farmers will have to pay a levy of 300 kroner per tonne of methane (as per carbon dioxide equivalent) on emissions from livestock including cows and pigs, which will rise to 750 kroner in 2035.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is set to meet for the last time this year to review the Official Cash Rate. Economists predict a cut will come - but it's unclear if the Bank will cut as high as 75 percent. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacks the odds. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Erica Stanford raised a few eyebrows after she allegedly called Labour's Jan Tinetti a 'stupid b....' in Parliament. Jan Tinetti says this is proof the rules of the House need to be enforced. What do we make of this? The gang patch ban is officially in force today - do we think this will make a difference?  15 economists have signed an open letter saying the Government's spending policies are dragging out the recession - and Kiwi households and businesses are being hit hard. How can the Government improve things? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 21 November 2024, the Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati speaks to Heather about new advice on the use of puberty blockers - essentially there's no evidence they're safe or effective. "Stupid b***"! Labour MP Jan Tinetti tells Heather why she decided to complain about Education Minister Erica Stanford calling her a bitch in Parliament. Westpac CEO Catherine McGrath on whether it's hypocritical to invest in fossil fuel industries while also punishing farmers for their emissions. Plus, the Huddle debates whether NZ media has gone crazy sympathising with the gangs about the new patch ban. 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.

Westpac has been accused of hypocrisy over punishing Kiwi farmers for their emissions while investing in fossil fuels. Westpac is among the major banks that introduced emissions reduction targets for farmers - including reducing the emissions intensity of the dairy farms it finances in Australia and New Zealand. However, these targets translate into Westpac Australia allowing Australian dairy farmers to continue producing more CO2-equivalent emissions per tonne of milk than New Zealand dairy farmers. Chief executive Catherine McGrath says Kiwi dairy farmers start at a better level than their Australian counterparts. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As social media advances, some parenting influencers have pulled back on posting their kids for fear of their digital footprint and other safety concerns. The founder of Happy Mum Happy Child, Maria Foy, revealed she's pivoted from her 'mumfluencer' brand and stopped posting her kids as they've gotten older and voiced concern about the consequences. Foy says kids deserve their privacy - and she doesn't feel comfortable sharing their intimate moments as teenagers.  "Now they're coming up to a point where I don't feel comfortable talking about certain things - even though as a parent, you yearn for that connection...but they deserve that privacy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Jan Tinetti says consequences for rule-breaking in the House should apply across the aisle. Tinetti claims Education Minister Erica Stanford called her a 'stupid b....' after a fiery exchange during Question Time.  Stanford withdrew and apologised.  Last week, Labour's Willie Jackson was forced to leave the House when he wouldn't apologise for calling David Seymour a liar.  Tinetti says it's fair to also call out Stanford. "Willie got thrown out of the House by the Speaker for that. So, you know, there is a consequence to that, that's why we have the rules and that's why we have consequences."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are warning the Government's policies designed to reduce the deficit and bring down inflation are worsening the impact of the recession on households and businesses. Former Productivity Commission Chair Ganesh Nana has led group of 15 economists who've written to the Prime Minister claiming spending cuts are harming the economy. Nana explained that fiscal policy should not be targeting inflation. "We want fiscal policies to do other things, which is to focus on that external debt that seems to be being ignored by many." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Director-General of Health says she expects puberty blocker prescriptions to continue to fall.  The Ministry of Health has released an evidence brief showing a lack of quality evidence backing their effectiveness and safety for gender dysphoria. It says they should be prescribed by a clinician experienced in gender-affirming care, in a team offering wide support. Dr Diana Sarfati says use was already declining.  "The peak prescription for puberty blockers was around 2021- and in the last couple of years, we're already starting to see a drop-off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Jan Tinetti has accused Education Minister Erica Stanford of using derogatory language in the House.  Stanford was forced to apologise, after the Speaker was made aware of the minister using unparliamentary language. Tinetti claimed to reporters Stanford called her a stupid B-word. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Stanford withdrew and apologised - a clear admission of guilt. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Melbourne teen has died in Thailand after drinking a suspected methanol-laced cocktail in Laos. Bianca Jones is the fourth person to die associated with the poisoning, along with one American and two Danish tourists. Her friend is still critically ill. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says reports claim the liquor bottles may have been topped up with methanol as a cost-saving measure. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's plenty for Scott Robertson to ponder ahead of the final All Blacks team naming of the year. The New Zealand side is expected to face off against Italy this coming Sunday. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian school is taking a unique approach to educating students about social media and internet safety. Pymble Ladies’ College has launched a 'Wise Phones' initiative that gives students in Years 4 to 8 age-appropriate smartphones that block social media and the internet until they reach Year 10 or 16 years of age. Principal Dr Kate Hadwen says it's important to teach kids about the technology slowly as they age - rather than banning phones outright. "It's a little bit like learning to swim - when we have our children, we don't throw them into the ocean, we teach them slowly and take them with us on the journey. And that's what I believe about the use of technology as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral of former One Direction star Liam Payne will be held in a private ceremony in the Midlands, UK. Payne died on October 16th after falling from a hotel balcony in  Buenos Aries. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Payne's former bandmates will make an appearance - but his family have kept the details private so the fans don't gatecrash.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more surgical procedures around the world are being carried out by trained robots. The latest field to benefit from the use of robotic technology is orthopaedic surgery - an area with plenty of room for growth as the population ages. Milford Asset Management analyst Deborah Lambie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior Reserve Bank official has taken aim at the big banks and accused them of stifling innovation and competition by underinvesting in technology. Addressing delegates at a Payments NZ conference on Tuesday, the banking regulator’s director of money and cash, Ian Woolford, claimed there was a role for better regulation to push banks to keep up with their peers overseas. But the banks have pushed back - with Westpac head Catherine McGrath saying regulations were holding the banks back. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the regulations impacting the banks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Richard Chambers is set to take over as New Zealand's new Police Commissioner. Do we expect any new changes? Will we get more old-school policing under Chambers' watch. Should Auckland Transport stop fining people for parking in their own driveways? What do we make of this?  It's been revealed NZTA spent $800 million on traffic management and road cones. Do we need to rein this spending in? New research says young people are drinking less - is this good news or cause for concern? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions have surged around the world - but there's concern from experts that we might be overdoing it. In New Zealand, prescriptions for the relevant medication have increased tenfold since 2006 and Pharmac has reported a 140 percent rise in demand for these medications. General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says it's a complex diagnosis - and there are several conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms. "ADHD is very complex, there's a list of diagnostic criteria. It's really really important that assessments give a proper diagnosis, because the treatment can be life-changing - and it's really important to understand that. However, it can mimic a whole lot of other things." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, the new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers tells Heather he will bring a different style to police leadership than his predecessor. Transport Minister Simeon Brown reveals the Transport Agency has spent almost $800 million on road cones and traffic management over the past three years. Heather reckons we need to be careful when celebrating the drop of alcohol consumption among young people. Plus the Huddle debates Auckland Transport's decision to fine people $70 for parking in their driveway. 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.

There's more power pain to come next year - as Kiwi households can expect a slight increase to their bills come April. The Commerce Commission has warned the average power bill will go up by $10, and there's room for additional increases to come. Commissioner Vhari McWha says additional funding is needed to create a safe and reliable power network. "For Transpower in particular, some of their assets are quite old and they need to be replaced - and some of them are less old and they'll be maintaining those." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has pledged $10 million to a global fund to help developing countries respond to climate change damage.  Minister-in-charge, Simon Watts has made the commitment at the UN Climate Change Summit in Azerbaijan. Watts says the contribution will help deliver effective support to help people in the most-affected regions build stronger communities. He explained that this will come out of New Zealand's overseas aid budget. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern for hundreds of Kiwi workers as one of New Zealand's biggest pulp and paper mills looks to halt production. Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill plans to halt paper processing by June 2025 - with 230 jobs on the line. E tū negotiations specialist Joe Gallagher says these jobs cuts will have a ripple effect that impacts the rest of Tokoroa. "Tokoroa was born out of the fact that a lot of people migrated to the area to work at Kinleith - a lot of people rely on Kinleith. 230 jobs is not insignificant and that's not counting the downstream of people in cafes, doctors, nurses and all those other jobs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.