Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Over in Australia, unemployment rates have dropped to 4.1 percent - making a pre-Christmas cut to interest rates less likely. The economy added 64,100 more jobs last month, 51,600 of which were full-time roles. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this is good news for some people - but the reduced odds of a rate cut will put strain on homeowners. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend for Auckland-based sports fans, as the much-hyped Auckland FC gets ready for kick-off. The team will play their first-ever game against the Brisbane Roar this Saturday at a soon to be sold-out Mt Smart Stadium. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the challenges facing the team ahead of their debut. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tearfund is raising concerns about how many New Zealanders are shopping on ultra-fast fashion websites - and the hidden costs that come with lower prices. New reports show one in four adults have recently shopped on Temu and around 14 percent have shopped on Shein. The 2024 Ethical Fashion Report gives Shein a score of 20 out of 100 - and Temu a 0.  Tearfund's Claire Gray says many Kiwis are in a tough financial spot and will look for lower prices, but it's likely workplace exploitation runs rampant within these companies. "Our cost of living is rising and we're faced with situations where we need to buy items, clothes or other things from places that we know may not be treating workers well in their supply chains. It's a really tough position to be in."  Temu has released a statement responding to, and refuting the allegations of workplace exploitation. "Temu is committed to upholding ethical, humane, and lawful business practices, as outlined in our Third-Party Code of Conduct. Our business partners and third-party merchants must comply with strict standards regarding labor, safety, and environmental protection. We reserve the right to end relationships with those who do not meet these requirements. "We remain focused on building a safe, fair, and trustworthy platform for consumers and merchants.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployed people living with obesity in the UK could receive weight-loss jabs to help get them back into work. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced a £280 million investment from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly to develop new treatments to combat the rising obesity epidemic.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says illnesses relating to obesity cost the NHS billions every year - with negative outcomes set to impact the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world's ageing population is expected to grow over the coming decades, investors have turned their attention to vision care. As people get older, the need for corrective lenses and treatment goes up - meaning investors are looking to take advantage of increased demand. Milford Asset Management analyst Deborah Lambie reveals the companies that stand to benefit from this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Accident Compensation Corporation concedes there’s room for it to tighten its processes, as it proposes increasing the levies it charges to help pay for rising claims costs. ACC said, in its just-released annual report, that “lower-than-expected rehabilitation performance” contributed towards it reporting a wider-than-expected $7.2 billion deficit in the year to June. In the previous year, it reported a $911 million surplus. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the factors behind the deficit - and examined how the insurer could turn things around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been suggested that the New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) could be the ones to find Tom Phillips and his three children in Marokopa - but one expert has voiced disapproval about the optics. The four were recently filmed walking through the bush by pig hunters - the first sighting of them together since December 2021. Barrister and military lawyer Grant Fletcher says within the Commonwealth legal system, there are tight restrictions on when armed forces can be used to help the Government internally. "Obviously, there is a slightly murky area between what is a public service and what is a law enforcement role - and I think what's going to affect the decision makers in relation to this is that this is really stepping into a law enforcement role. Which is not the job of the military." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins is adamant he's staying on as Labour's leader - and he'd put money on leading the party to victory in 2026. A new poll says 75 percent of voters want Hipkins to stay on and lead Labour - despite the recent 1News-Verian poll showing Hipkins is down three points to 15 percent in the preferred Prime Minister stakes. In an earlier interview, Hipkins told ZB's Nick Mills that he's absolutely put money on himself winning the next election - but senior political correspondent Barry Soper isn't convinced. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 16 October 2024, we've won the war on inflation, baby! Economist Brad Olsen tells Heather whether we're out of the woods - and what this means for your mortgage rates. Wellington City Councillors have held an emergency meeting amid threats of Government intervention. Councillor Diane Calvert lifts the lid on the discussions - and whether they'll get the Government to back off. International media are going crazy about the story of the missing Marokopa family and the Daily Mail has even sent a reporter to Marokopa. Charlotte Karp tells Heather what she's found out since she arrived. Plus, the Huddle debates why the majority of voters think Chris Luxon is out of touch. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! According to a new poll, over half of Kiwi voters think Prime Minister Chris Luxon is out of touch. Why do we think this is? Is this a problem? Wellington Council held an emergency meeting to figure out how to address the multi-million dollar hole in its Long Term Plan. The council is set to meet with the Local Government Minister tomorrow - will they be able to avoid an intervention?  Donald Trump danced for 40 minutes on stage during a campaign event. What's going on in the US? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Government is set to ban debit card surcharges as part of an economic crackdown designed to bring financial relief amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Over on this side of the Tasman, the coalition Government has hinted New Zealand may follow suit and cap surcharge fees for debit and credit cards.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says he's committed to making sure Kiwis don't have to pay more than expected when they use their cards.  "If there's clarity around it, then the retailer or Air New Zealand. whatever, can look at their situation and adjust accordingly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The case of missing Marokopa man Tom Phillips and his three children is garnering worldwide attention.  Pig hunters spotted them almost two weeks ago, after not being seen together since December 2021. Their footage showing the four in camo gear with walking packs has sparked interest around the globe.  Daily Mail reporter, Charlotte Karp, has flown to Marokopa from Australia. She says the story's taken off in the UK. "I think the UK are really into 'missing people' stories - and they really like a survivalist story. And I guess this is the ultimate survivalist story."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yet another Black Caps test has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions. The team's opening test against India in Bengaluru was set to start at 5pm (NZT) - but the match has been temporarily paused because of rain. Former Black Cap Peter McGlashan says this delay could buy New Zealand more time to turn their match strategy around. "No-one will have necessarily finalised who's going to be in and who's going to be out - and I guess we all wait with bated breath to see one of the old, experienced players like Tim Southee get another crack or whether or not they go with some young bowlers like Will O’Rourke." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor believes Government intervention is necessary. Councillors have met urgently this afternoon to discuss changes to the city's Long Term Plan. The budget needs revision after the Council backed out of selling its airport shares, leaving a funding hole worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Mayor Tory Whanau will talk with Local Government Minister Simeon Brown tomorrow. Diane Calvert says she thinks they need a facilitator. "It's taken us two years for this to sort of come to a boiling point, but we've seen it building up over a time."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's pressure growing for the Reserve Bank to move more aggressively on the Official Cash Rate. New Zealand's inflation rate is officially back on target, at 2.2 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says that although the Reserve Bank has recently cut the OCR - it's still higher than it should be. He says the Bank probably needs to slash the rate faster than it originally intended. "It does open that strong possibility of a 75 basis point cut in November - because they'll be taking a 12-week break over summer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A campaign event for Donald Trump went in an unexpected direction in Pennsylvania. Trump cut the town hall event short yesterday, when he stopped taking questions and swayed on stage to music for 39 minutes.  He also reminded his supporters to vote in January - despite the US election being set to take place next month. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says his rival Kamala Harris has responded in a post on X. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps are aware of the challenge facing them ahead of the first test against India in Bengaluru. New Zealand have only beaten the hosts on Indian soil twice in 36 tests - with their most recent victory coming 36 years ago. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the team's odds of winning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga City Council will wait until mid-2025 to expand charges for letting businesses offer al fresco dining. The fee per-square-metre of footpath use was meant to apply from July.  Tauranga mayor Mahe Drysdale says delaying its introduction recognises the tough conditions for hospitality now. He says they're now rethinking how high the fee should be.  "That's a conversation we need to have with the people that are on the ground and using the space." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, how good is that inflation number out today? 2.2 percent - we're there, baby! We're pretty much bang on where inflation is supposed to sit - at 2 percent, halfway between 1 and 3 in the target band. We’ve made it. We have had inflation run out of control in this country for three years, but we have finally got it back to where it’s supposed to be. That is absolutely reason to celebrate - we're there. And yet we can’t, because of the Reserve Bank. Let’s talk about how badly these guys have stuffed this up. Even though I am stoked that we're at 2.2 percent today, it is also, unfortunately for the Reserve Bank, a pretty big signal that they’ve messed this up. Because look at where the Official Cash Rate is sitting. It is still at 4.75 percent. So we've got inflation exactly where we want it, and yet we have an Official Cash Rate that is still higher than what the Aussies have - where their inflation is not in the target band. Now explain that to me. Because our inflation is where it’s supposed to be and we have an OCR of 4.75 percent, while Australia's inflation is still much too high and they have an OCR of 4.35 percent. How does that happen? Simple explanation - our Reserve Bank overdid it by punishing us. They've realised it, which is why they are now dropping the Official Cash Rate faster than they expected to. And I reckon they’ll have to go even faster. Just watch the number of economists lining up to say a 50bp cut in November is not enough and we need a 75bp cut to get that OCR down fast. Because the longer it stays that high, the more people lose their jobs, their houses, and their businesses - because that is the cost of the Reserve Bank making this mistake of overcooking it. And you wanna know the worst bit about them stuffing it up? Our economy will still be paying the price for the OCR being too high right now for probably another year. That is how long it takes the OCR to wash through the system. So we officially have inflation in the right place today - October 16, 2024. But we will still be punished for another year by that OCR being as high as it still is. So the inflation fight is over, but the punishment is not over. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One European hotspot has had enough of British stag parties and hopes to attract more 'cultured' visitors to the region. City councillors in Prague have banned organised night-time pub crawls put on by travel agencies - meaning travellers will need to amuse themselves in other ways from 10pm to 6am. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the city hopes to attract wealthier tourists looking to explore Prague's cultural offerings.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on Stats NZ's newest release tomorrow - as Kiwis brace to find out the official Consumers Price Index figures. Following the Reserve Bank's latest cut to the OCR, the bank is confident inflation has dipped below the 3 percent threshold. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham predicts whether or not inflation will drop back within the target band. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi farming experts are paying tribute to the women in their lives as part of this year's International Day of Rural Women. Plenty of organisations have taken the day to celebrate the women making waves in the nation's rural sector - and The Country spoke to some of the Kiwi women making a difference and smashing the 'grass ceiling'. Host Rowena Duncum explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The housing market remains subdued across the country, with slightly weaker prices, more stock available and houses taking longer to sell. New data from the Real Estate Institute (REINZ) shows the national median fell 2.3 percent, to $781,000. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says prices are likely to stay low - despite recent cuts to interest rates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 15 October 2024, the Government is threatening to intervene in Wellington City Council. A crown observer, commissioners and new elections are all on the table - but Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown tells Heather in a fiery interview none of that is needed. Big debate over Health NZ's directive to nurses to communicate in English in clinical settings - Heather thinks it's a terrible idea. Air NZ is refurbishing its Dreamliners - so what can you expect from the new seats, entertainment system and the new business class? Plus, the Huddle debates whether rich listers Anna Mowbray and Ali Williams are bad neighbours for wanting to fly a helicopter to and from their house twice a day. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour chief of staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Two Auckland rich-listers are looking to get a helipad built at their Westmere home. Environmentalists and NIMBYs have blasted this move - and the proposal will need to face more community feedback. What do we make of this? It's looking increasingly likely that the Government may need to step in and interfere in Wellington City Council's operations after they u-turned on selling the airport shares. Can the council avoid this? What do you make of Health NZ's directive to nurses to speak English in clinical settings? Is this cause for concern? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Party leader David Seymour has been quick to respond to the 'abhorrent' new prosecution guidelines set by the Solicitor General. The new guidelines have told prosecutors to 'think carefully about particular decisions where a person is Māori' - prompting backlash. Seymour has labelled these guidelines 'disgraceful'. "If New Zealand is based on anything, it's the simple idea that no matter who you are and how you're born, you get equal rights and a fair shot at life. It is absolutely un-Kiwi." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland rich-listers Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray will be facing community feedback on their proposal to build a helipad at their Westmere home. It will now be publicly notified, so opponents will get a say at a public hearing.  Herne Bay Residents Association co-chair Dirk Hudig says helicopters are incredibly noisy and dirty.  He says they're not needed in an urban environment - and explained there was a facility where they can launch 10 minutes from their house. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-awaited improvements to Air New Zealand's Dreamliner cabins are set to get under way. New seats, new carpets, new screens and new Business Premier cabins are among the features customers can expect after the planes get retrofitted in Singapore. The airline's General Manager of Strategy, Networks and Fleet, Baden Smith, says the upgrades will make better use of the space and give customers more comfort. "It basically has a bit more privacy and a little bit more space and a little bit more storage up there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Wellington City Councillor is not convinced the Government will intervene - and is defending the Council. The Local Government Minister's taking advice on potential intervention. Councillors must find cost savings after u-turning on plans to sell the 34 percent stake in Wellington Airport - estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Councillor Tim Brown says there is no ongoing dysfunction. "I would definitely bet a beer on them not intervening - but that depends on us being able to sort the problem ourselves. If we can sort the problem, why would they intervene?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darleen Tana's appeal isn't affecting her former Party's plans to meet this week, to discuss whether to invoke laws to boot her from Parliament.  The once-Green MP resigned after an inquiry found she likely knew of alleged migrant exploitation at her husband's business. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Greens are still looking to have their meeting deciding her fate this coming Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on the defence following his latest property purchase. The Australian leader recently bought a $4.3 million house on the New South Wales Central Coast - near his soon-to-be-wife's hometown. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Albanese has copped criticism over this purchase amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Expect a reserved leadership style from Hiroki Sakai when he dons the captain's armband in Auckland FC's inaugural A-League football season. The Japanese international will be assisted by two vice captains - All White Tommy Smith and Australian Jake Brimmer. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More universities have reverted back to testing students with pen and paper exams because of the difficulty securing digital exams from cheats. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more university courses have relied on virtual exams - allowing students to bypass protections and cheat their way into better marks. Professor Stephen Marshall, the director of Victoria University’s Centre for Academic Development, says they've caught a number of students cheating in digital exams - but the metrics are difficult to track. "It's actually very difficult to really nail down exactly what might be happening in a remote environment or on a remote device. We haven't actually, to my knowledge, pursued many formal cases, if any." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 A public inquiry is to begin later in Salisbury, England, to examine how a woman was killed in a 2018 poisoning blamed on Russian agents. 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess died after spraying herself with Novichok - the same chemical weapon used to target a former Russian spy four months earlier. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the inquiry will examine the circumstances leading up to the death and establish where the responsibility for the incident lies.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in China, officials have outlined plans to further stimulate the economy amid an ongoing downturn. China's Ministry of Finance announced that China would issue special sovereign bonds to recapitalise its largest state owned banks. It would also allow local Governments to use RMB 2.3 trn of local Government special bonds to buy unsold homes. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what this development might mean for the markets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Kiwi investor believes more New Zealand businesses should be putting money aside in order to expand internationally. Phase One CEO Mahesh Muralidhar says this would boost the nation's GDP and add to the economy. He says Kiwis have plenty of entrepreneurial ability - but they lack the ability to see scale like their international counterparts.  "The same entrepreneur, the same university student in the US or in India has the same level of skills as anyone in New Zealand - but they see scale and we don't. We have to go out of our way to start thinking globally from day one." 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! ASB's CEO is advocating for more taxes in New Zealand to pay for the infrastructure deficits. This comes after ANZ's Antonia Watson advocated for a capital gains tax. Can we find a better solution?  It's been one year since the latest election - how do we feel about the new Government one year in? Are we doing the same, better, or worse? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 October 2024, one year on from the last election, how is the Government faring? Political Commentator Peter Dunne and Heather deliver their report card. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hits out at Wellington City Council, calling the situation surrounding the council's finances "a shambles".   The Huddle debates why another boss of a big Aussie bank felt the need to advocate for more taxes in NZ - looking at you Vittoria Short from ASB! Plus Heather reveals the holiday read that's changed her life. 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 Finance Minister has called Wellington City Council a 'shambles'. The City Council is having to look at its 10 year budget again after a vote last week to reverse its airport shares sale. It’s having to find cuts as the decision leaves a gap estimated to be worth hundreds of millions. Nicola Willis says the Local Government Minister’s watching the situation closely. "There are a number of options that he has - you often hear people talking about a commissioner, but there are things other than a commissioner that he can do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has rejected the claim that Kiwis need to pay more taxes. ASB chief executive Vittoria Shortt says New Zealand has to bring in more tax dollars to fund the infrastructure the nation needs. This follows ANZ's boss calling for New Zealand to introduce a capital gains tax. OliverShaw Tax Partner Robin Oliver says the nation can't be taxed into prosperity. "Our issue as a country is - we struggle to pay the same rate as Australia, we're falling behind. That means we can't pay our doctors, nurses, police enough. We need to grow wages, grow the economy, that takes higher productivity, more investment and more innovation."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transporting New Zealand is in favour of boosting diesel reserves. Resource Minister Shane Jones is asking for feedback on increasing the minimum diesel stockholding obligation of 21 days - to 28.  Transporting New Zealand interim chief executive, Dom Kalasih, says a strong diesel supply is an important thing to have. He explains more diesel will increase the resilience of our domestic supply chain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more criticism of central city roadworks in Wellington. Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ and the Bus and Coach Association are asking the council to review its Golden Mile pedestrianizing project. A number of businesses say roadworks and cycleway projects have forced them to close. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it's 'disappointing' that mayor Tory Whanau says the Golden Mile is a bottom line. "We know that the issues around Thorndon Quay are significant, that businesses have really struggled and are closing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some experts believe the Government can't rest on its laurels.  A recent 1News Verian poll found 40 percent of people think the country is in worse shape since election day, a year ago.  Former United Future Party leader and political commentator, Peter Dunne, says people aren't happy - but there's no sign they prefer the Opposition more. He says other recent polling shows National needs to improve.  "It shows they've managed to retain most of their support  - but the big message moving forward is that they've got to grow that significantly in the next election." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Public Service Minister will serve for two years and eight months - not the usual five-years.  Sir Brian Roche will step into the job on November 4.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says time will tell if this is the right move from the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, there's growing calls to base speeding fines on the offending driver's individual income. A new report by think tank The Australia Institute claims flat-rate traffic penalties for speeders are 'unfair' amid the current cost-of-living crisis. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this might bring down the death toll on Australian roads - but other solutions should be considered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bristling but unbowed - Sir Ben Ainslie's backing Britannia to recover from a 3-nil deficit in the first-to-seven America's Cup match against Team New Zealand. The British skipper's taken umbrage with a misunderstood question from the host broadcaster that his syndicate is somehow inadequate off the coast of Barcelona. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand's biggest summer music festivals - Bay Dreams - will not go ahead in 2025 as promoters struggle to draw big artists into the country. The organisers had hoped to book Kendrick Lamar as a headliner, but a successful 2024 for the rapper meant the costs to bring him here doubled. Rhythm and Alps founder and director Alex Turnbull says many brands are putting themselves in a 'dangerous' position by relying too heavily on big names. "There are so many more lines that contribute to a festival brand - such as the experience, that's a really key thing. Whether it's the biggest festival that's been cancelled, I'm really not sure."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Friday 11 October 2024, the Electricity Authority has been told to get more competitive as it tries to curb soaring electricity prices. Energy Minister Simeon Brown joins Francesca to discuss the Government's expectations. Sailing Professor Mark Orams discusses Team New Zealand taking on the British team of INEOS Britannia as the 37th America's Cup gets underway on Sunday morning. Kiwis are leaving the country in record numbers and Professor of Sociology at University of Auckland Francis Collins explains what this means for NZ's future population. 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 British government is investigating 37 UK-linked businesses for potentially breaking Russian oil sanctions. The sanctions were introduced when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, but critics have claimed they’re ineffective with latest figures showing Russia’s economy is growing. It’s thought a lot of the affected businesses under investigation are maritime insurance firms, which are potentially enabling Russia to exploit a loophole in the sanctions if proven to be true. Elsewhere, the Portuguese government is looking to slash taxes for people aged under 35 to encourage people to stay and emigrate to the country, and Princess Catherine has made her first official public engagement since finishing chemotherapy in Southport. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One New Zealand has been given the green light to begin testing of their Starlink satellite to mobile service over the next 10 weeks. It'll allow texting and messaging from many places currently without coverage. Currently 40 percent of the country has no mobile coverage, and the telecommunications company says satellite to cell plays a vital role in keeping people connected. One New Zealand chief executive Jason Paris joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.