Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 22 October 2024, Wellington City Council is getting a Crown Observer as a first step of Government intervention. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown explains why he was concerned enough to make the move - and Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown admits he's lost his bet with Heather. Ex-Green MP Darleen Tana has been kicked out of Parliament by the Speaker - Chloe Swarbrick reflects on the longest drama ever coming to a close. Heather is upset with Ashburton's parents who want the Council to build more entertainment facilities for kids and young people. What ever happened to playing outside and riding your bike around town? Plus the Huddle debates whether the "beefed up" Three Strikes law is actually all that beefed up. 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 Local Government Minister is determined to fix the 'dysfunction' and uncertain financial conditions impacting Wellington City Council. Simeon Brown today confirmed he will appoint a Crown observer to help the council develop a new Long-Term Plan. He says he informed mayor Tory Whanau of his reasons before confirming this decision. "It was a professional conversation, I informed her of the decision I'd arrived at based on a number of reasons." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV's struck a deal with Warner Bros Discovery - ensuring it continues to be the home of HBO content in New Zealand. The company has stopped HBO’s Max app launching on our shores and confirmed Neon will keep streaming its original content - and several WBD franchises, such as Friends, Rick and Morty and The Big Bang Theory. Chief executive Sophie Moloney says it's good that viewers will be able to keep getting the HBO originals they love, plus access to a new back catalogue of content.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has been accused of 'jumping the gun' and changing the Three Strikes bill before receiving advice from the select committee. The qualifying threshold for a first strike will be lowered from 24 months imprisonment to 12 months in order to catch out more offenders. Labour has claimed this is the 'latest instance' of the Government making amendments to controversial legislation, pointing out changes to the gang patch ban and fast-track consenting bills. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says they've listened to people claim the regime needed to be tougher - and taken that feedback into account.  "What we're predicting now over a 10-year period is consequence and accountability for those serious, violent offenders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court in Christchurch has heard the first evidence in the murder trial of Tingjun Cao. He's accused of killing estate agent Yanfei Bao. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell says Bao's partner, Paul Gooch, realised something was wrong when Bao hadn't picked up her daughter from after-school care. "He said when he got home, he checked the dishwasher to see if Bao's lunch dishes were there - as usually, she'd come home and eat. But they weren't."  Court adjourned early today, for various reasons including translation issues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's scepticism from some as to whether a Crown observer will help Wellington City Council. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown is appointing an observer over concerns for the council's financial management. But councillor Tim Brown says many councillors think it will provide advice and help them work together better, but he's not convinced. Tim Brown says he thinks Simeon Brown's putting the observer there to undermine the council. "He's put somebody in the room so that they can go to him and say - hey Simeon, it's not working, let's fire these guys and move on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says the 13 young people who scaled an Auckland justice facility will face consequences for their actions. The group sat on the roof of the Korowai Manaaki Youth Justice Facility in Wiri yesterday evening - with seven staying overnight and causing damage to the roof. Karen Chhour says the youths will be criminally liable for damage done to the facility. "The ones that we have seen damage the property will be charged for that - and there will be more to come, but that's really up to the police to make those decisions now."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says she'll stick to her priorities - even as central Government intervenes.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has appointed a Crown Observer to help council develop its Long Term Plan.  Spending cuts are needed since the council's U-turn on selling its airport shares.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Tory has taken this well - but this intervention will come at a cost to Wellington ratepayers.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Australian senator's high-profile outburst has sparked discussions about the injustices that impacted the nation's Aboriginal population. Lidia Thorpe was removed from Parliament House after yelling at King Charles and accusing him of committing genocide yesterday. Thorpe's actions were criticised by MPs, including Tony Abbott and Amanda Rishworth, for being disrespectful. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Thorpe was also praised by others for shining a light on the wider issues. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby sevens, hockey and T20 cricket have been axed from the Commonwealth Games, but netball has survived. 15 sports have been binned off for the slimmed-down 2026 event in Glasgow. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are looking forward to moving ahead - as Darleen Tana's days in Parliament come to an end. The party today confirmed Speaker Gerry Brownlee has officially ousted Tana after delegates unanimously voted to put the issue to him. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says she is grateful to draw a line under this.  "It's been a several months-long process that has obviously ensued the likes of legal battles and otherwise - which I don't think has been a nice situation for anybody that's been involved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New evidence suggests more babies in the care of killer nurse Lucy Letby were harmed - and in one case poisoned with insulin. Letby was was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more, including trying to kill two with insulin at the Countess of Chester Hospital neonatal unit between June 2015 and June 2016. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says one of these babies was found to have suspiciously high levels of insulin after Letby had taken over the infant's care. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US election is heating up and it's still unclear whether or not Harris or Trump will emerge victorious in November. Based on recent polling data, financial markets are pricing in a Trump-led Government - a pivot from the projected Harris Government. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says investors are increasingly expecting a divided Government, as it's unlikely one party will control the Presidency, House and Senate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi start-up Nature Baby is looking to expand into the US market again. What started as a small business operating out of an Auckland flat has grown into a multi-million dollar business - and co-owners Jacob and Georgia Faull are looking to re-launch the brand overseas. Jacob says the brand's not immune to the effects of the current economic downturn - but the 'green shoots' in the economy are giving them hope. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is defending his Small Business Minister for not alerting him sooner over a complaint from a member of the public.  Andrew Bayly's apologised, after a worker claimed he'd told him to - 'Go home, take some wine, and F off'  and later made the  'L' sign on his forehead.  The Prime Minister says he received the complainant's letter on Thursday, but isn't necessarily surprised he didn't hear about it before.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the media's going too hard in criticising Minister Bayly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we think the America's Cup will be hosted in New Zealand? Following Team New Zealand's win, there's been more discussion about the nation hosting the next Cup. Can we afford this?  Andrew Bayly's under fire following some off-colour comments he made to a Marlborough worker. Some believe he should be stripped of his portfolios - can we justify this? Health NZ is under fire after spending $60,000 on catering for a three-day conference - including $9000 worth of canapes. Is this defensible - or unjustified, considering the agency's financial hole?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has voiced pride for Team New Zealand following their latest America's Cup victory - but she's unsure if the nation can justify hosting the event. Team boss Grant Dalton says New Zealand's absolutely in the running to host the next Cup. However, Nicola Willis says there's a number of factors that go into picking an America's Cup location - and New Zealand needs to be 'hard-headed' about its options. "Dollars are precious and dollars can go to many purposes - including schools and hospitals." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 21 October 2024, after New Zealand's most successful sporting weekend, Sports Minister Chris Bishop speaks to Heather. Is the Government going to try get the America's Cup organisers to bring the race back to NZ? In the Yanfei Bao murder case, the Crown has revealed what it alleges led to the Christchurch real estate being killed - revealing there may have been a sexual element to the case. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather he's received advice on possible intervention at Wellington City Council. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the Andrew Bayly controversy has been completely overblown or whether there's any point to calls for his resignation. 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 Local Government Minister has little to say about Wellington City Council's fate. The Government has signalled it's willing to intervene, after labelling the Council's Long Term Plan backtrack a 'shambles'. Simeon Brown last week asked the Department of Internal Affairs for advice on potential intervention. Brown says he's now reviewing it and is considering it. "It's a serious issue, but as I've said, I've received the advice and I'm now considering it."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have broken a 36-year drought and secured an eight-wicket victory over India in Bengaluru. Their performance has been regarded as one of New Zealand's best wins in almost 95 years of test cricket. Black Caps coach Gary Stead says a lucky toss, a strong lead and a solid performance from the guys helped them achieve this historic victory. "I thought the guys played really well throughout - and it's always nice to put India under pressure, cause they're a really tough team to beat." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christchurch real estate agent, Yanfei Bao reportedly knew the man accused of murdering her. Chinese national Tingjun Cao's trial began today - he's accused of killing the 44-year-old in July last year. Her body was found in a shallow grave on a farm, just over a year after she disappeared. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell is at the High Court. She says Cao was new to the country, and it appears Bao was helping him find a job. "And the Crown viewed that Cao had potentially lured Bao to a house for sale on Trevor Street - and it was there the Crown says she was assaulted."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sports Minister says he's up for conversations on hosting the next America's Cup. Team New Zealand has won a record-setting third Cup in a row. Team boss Grant Dalton says they've accepted a challenge from Britain's Ineos Britannia team and hosting in New Zealand is on the table. Auckland last hosted the Cup in 2021, during Covid. Chris Bishop says the ball is ultimately in the team's court - but there's a lot to weigh up. "Times are tight, as everyone knows - there's no magic money tree at the end of the garden. We don't have an unlimited checkbook and you're dealing with quite big sums of taxpayer money here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla's visit to Australia hasn't run as smoothly as expected. Security staff have removed Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe after she yelled ' not my king' and 'F the Colony' at the King after his speech at Parliament House today.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Thorpe's views aren't representative of the wider opinion.  "It's been the only speedbump in what has been, overall, a really joyous occasion. All the 24-hour news channels are wall to wall with people going to see King Charles." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's definitely been a memorable weekend in the world of Kiwi sports. Auckland FC started strong and beat the Brisbane Roar 2-0 in front of a sold-out crowd and Team New Zealand defended the America's Cup and became the first team to win the competition three times in a row. The Black Caps also made history and beat India on Indian soil for the first time in 36 years in a significant victory, the Silver Ferns defeated Australia 64-50 in their first Constellation Cup test and the White Ferns emerged victorious over South Africa in the T20 Cricket World Cup. Liam Lawson also showcased his skills by finishing ninth at the Texas Grand Prix in his return to Formula One. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped this historic victory for Kiwi sports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nurses Society is labelling Health NZ's $60,000 catering costs - a 'bad look' for the agency. The agency paid for breakfast and lunch for 300 senior executives at a conference in March.  Two days earlier, Health NZ told its Minister it would be imposing extra financial controls to rein in blown-out costs. The Society's National Director, David Wills, says the amount spent on food seems off, on top of venue costs - given the agency's current finances. "$109,000 on that venue and the conference - that's about the equivalent of hiring one nurse, to be honest." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As predictably as the clock striking 12 twice a day, here we are after an America's Cup win talking - yet again - about whether the Cup should be held in New Zealand. In one corner, there's Helen Clark - who says Kiwis want to witness a successful event at home. And in the other corner, there's David Seymour who says we're too broke. Look, I think I'm probably like most people - it'd be nice if it was here, but I just don't want us to waste money on it. This has, above all, got to be treated as a business decision. Because that's what this is. It's a business decision for Grant Dalton. He will sell the hosting rights to the highest bidder, like he did this time round with Barcelona, who were prepared to pay more than we were to host the event. And that is the right thing for him to do, he'd be a fool to take less than the highest offer. And it is a business decision for New Zealand too, we should be preprepared to pay to host the cup - but no more than we can make off it. There's no point whatsoever in losing money on the America's Cup, which is what happened last time when we lost more than $150 million - which, to be fair, was exacerbated by Covid. But we shouldn't be expecting any favours from Grant, just because he's a Kiwi citizen and we're a bunch of Kiwis. And if we accept it’s a business decision, we have to strip out the lingering anger at Grant Dalton's attitude, we have to strip out the nonsense about sailing being an elitist sport and we have to strip out any kind of sentimentality about having a nice event here. We don't 'deserve' a nice event if it's going to cost millions and millions of dollars that we don't have because we're broke. This is a transaction, in which we want to make money. We want to come out in the black on this one. And then, we also have to accept another fact - we're playing with the big boys and some of those guys have very deep pockets. So even if we put our best foot forward, it might not be enough and we have to leave it at that. Because if the event comes back, it should be because New Zealand wants to make money off it - and no other reason. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 18 October 2024, senior Minister Andrew Bayly speaks to Heather after having to apologise for telling a member of the public to "f off" and calling them a loser. About 600 Timaru meatworks employees will lose their jobs - but already Australian recruiters are circling to encourage them to work in Aussie. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates the magical start from the Black Caps against India - and can Team New Zealand shore up the win against Oracle Team UK? 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.

The members of One Direction have paid tribute to their bandmate, Liam Payne. Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles say they are "completely devastated" and "the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever". Plus, the wife of a Conservative councillor has been jailed for 31 months after calling for hotels housing asylum seekers in the UK to be set on fire. She posted the expletive-ridden message on X on the day three girls were killed in a stabbing incident in NW England. And, several UK cabinet ministers have written to the prime minister two weeks ahead of the Budget, to voice concerns over the scale of cuts their departments may face. Steep spending cuts are forecast to plug a £40bn funding gap. In what’s an unusual move some ministers are “going over the head” of the chancellor, to address the prime minister directly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s exports and imports both missed expectations in September, raising concerns about one of the few bright spots in the world’s second largest economy. Plus, the world’s largest chipmaker has announced a US$10 billion profit for Q3. And, Hong Kong is making alcohol cheaper to boost the domestic economy. Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis joins Heather du Plessis Allan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about whether Darleen Tana will walk next week, Jacinda Ardern becoming a Dame, and the Solicitor-General reversing her guidelines for the judiciary. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Paul Allison and Sport Journalist Jim Kayes join Heather du Plessis Allan to discuss the Black Caps dismissal of India at just 46 runs in the first innings, Auckland FC's first game this weekend, and the White Ferns making it to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps-India test has resumed in Bangalore. The kiwis bowled the hosts out for a paltry 46 in the first innings. Former Black Cap Craig Cumming tells Heather du Plessis Allan the dismissal was unexpected, but brilliantly done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to touch down in Australia tonight – marking the first visit by a reigning monarch since 2011. The trip has rekindled debate about the nation’s constitutional links to Britain. Co-Chair of the Australian Republic Movement Esther Analotilistells Heather du Plessis Allan the nation needs a head of state who is dedicated solely to Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The confirmed closure of Alliance Group’s processing plant looks to be New Zealand’s loss and Australia’s gain. The vast majority of the meatworks’ 600 staff will be made redundant and Australian recruiters have captured the opportunity to poach workers. Managing Director of Australian Meatworks Recruiting and Training Organisation Wayne Herrod tells Heather du Plessis Allan the company would like to take between 50 to 200 people over the ditch. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small business affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has found himself in hot water after a member of the public complained he swore at, mocked and ridiculed him during a ministerial visit. The Prime Minister’s office has released a letter from the complainant which alleges Minister Bayly repeatedly called the person a loser and made an ‘L’ sign with his fingers on his forehead. Andrew Bayly has “unreservedly apologised” and tells Heather du Plessis Allanit was the person concerned who decided to make the matter public. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis Allan to discuss Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly being in hot water over his behaviour during a recent ministerial visit. Plus, Darleen Tana has successfully made a bid for her case to be viewed by the Court of Appeal on whether the Greens were right in sacking her. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US stock markets seem convinced of a Trump win in the upcoming election. Evidence of the swing can be found in a rally in bank stocks, shares in Trump Media & Technology Group soaring, and a rise in Bitcoin. Plus, the man behind The Apprentice tv show has said he regrets painting Donald Trump as a superstar businessman. And, the price of a slice of cake at Disneyland has been blasted as ‘obscene’. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian cricket fans were jarred when the Black Caps dismissed India for just 46 in the first innings. And, Auckland FC will play their first game tomorrow. Weekend Sport host Jason Pine lays out what we should expect from the side. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first Military Style Bootcamp has wrapped up and the ten young people are now transitioning back into the community. The youth spent 3 months in the programme and will now head into the 9-month community stage, which Minister for Children Karen Chhour says will look different for each young person. Chhour tells Heather du Plessis-Allan each person has a detailed plan and will work extensively with their mentor, social workers and whanau. During the programme, the youth were set up with items like a photo ID, bank account and CV to aid in being able to find work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tributes are flowing in from fans following the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne.  The 31-year-old fell off a balcony at an upmarket hotel in Buenos Aires - and was later pronounced dead. UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's been outrage directed at TMZ, who posted pictures of the body directly on their website. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to new reports, one in four New Zealand adults have bought something off Temu in the last three months. The Chinese e-retailer, alongside similar fast-fashion giant Shein, has experienced a significant rise in popularity thanks to cheap prices and free shipping. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this boom in demand is harming traditional retailers, who are experiencing loss in demand during the current economic downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns that the current shortages in New Zealand's aviation sector could do long-term harm to the industry. New reports show more pilots and engineers are needed every year, but the costs of tertiary study are locking prospective students out of training courses. Aviation Industry Association of New Zealand CEO Simon Wallace says the Government needs to increase the amount students can borrow to complete their training. "As far as domestic students are concerned, the student loan cap is set at $70,000. Tuition fees for training to be a pilot are $120,000 - students are having to fund $50,000 themselves."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has officially received her Damehood, with Prince William presenting the award in a ceremony this morning. How do we feel about this? Does Jacinda deserve this? Mayor Tory Whanau and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown met this morning amid threats of Government intervention at Wellington City Council. Simeon is keeping quiet on any actions he's considering - what do we think will happen next? Do we shop on Temu? Why do people love it so much? Is it better or worse than buying cheap products from Kmart? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social Development Minister Louise Upston isn't worried by the increase in Kiwis relying on the benefit. The Ministry of Social Development released numbers for the last quarter - showing nearly 205,000 people were receiving Jobseeker support, a 12.8 percent increase in a year.  Upston says more unemployment is common during an economic downturn - but she's pleased to note more people have cancelled their benefit payments because they found work. "I am really encouraged by the figures we've seen in the last quarter, where over 16,000 people have come off the jobseeker benefit and into jobs. That's really encouraging. So while I accept it's challenging out there, it's not impossible."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 17 October 2024, it's D-Day for Darleen Tana with the Greens set to vote whether or not to oust her from Parliament tonight. Labour leader Chris Hipkins explains why he thinks NZ should be bringing Jacinda Ardern back into the fold and use her starpower overseas. One Direction star Liam Payne's shock death in Argentina has rocked fans across the world. Buenos Aires Herald Editor Valen Iricibar tells Heather what we know about what led to the death. Plus the Huddle debates whether you would accept a knighthood despite being a Republican - and what we last bought on Temu. 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.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says New Zealand should use Dame Jacinda Ardern's star power.  Prince William bestowed Ardern her Damehood at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. Hipkins says Ardern could help New Zealand's image on the world stage in things like trade and tourism.  He says she's a uniting force.  "Actually, I know a lot of National Party people who didn't vote Labour, wouldn't vote Labour - but they still respect Jacinda. And they would still like to see her more positively reflected by the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southland District Council is clamping down on bad dog owners. Its infringements issued to those flouting the rules in the past year have risen by nearly 50 percent  - to 150. Many are attributed to unregistered dogs and biting is a growing issue. Mayor Rob Scott says staff take dogs from owners as a last resort, but he hopes infringements have taught people a lesson. "And for those that don't - we've actually got to look at their ability and if they should be owning a dog. Because they're letting the side down for everyone."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argentinian authorities say people shouldn't speculate about the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne.  The 31-year-old has died after a fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires He's famous for appearing in the Brit boy band on X-Factor aged 16, then developing a solo career. Buenos Aires Herald Editor Valen Iricibar says an autopsy will reveal more.  "On the ground, they've very much been saying - look, we don't know if there was a third person, we don't know if he simply fell, we can't rule out if this was on purpose." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political analyst suggests the Greens are already confident of the outcome from tonight's meeting on Darleen Tana.  More than 200 delegates will discuss whether to ask the Speaker to remove Tana from Parliament.  The now-independent MP has lodged an appeal against a High Court decision supporting the party's disciplinary process against her.  Victoria University's Bryce Edwards says this has dragged on and on for the Greens.  "I think they should have stepped back from this months ago - it's already an embarrassment - but now they've gone down the path. I think Chlöe Swarbrick would really need to know she's got the backing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacinda Ardern has formally received her damehood, more than a year after being granted the title. The former Prime Minister was presented the award by Prince William, at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper doesn't agree with this - and takes issue with her representing the nation overseas.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.