/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/rss ob体育接口 Tune into Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive, 4pm-7pm weekdays. Keep up with the latest news and developments from New Zealand and the world on Newstalk ob体育接口 Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:28:28 Z en /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-fonterras-job-cuts-and-the-climate-debate-within-the-national-party/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-fonterras-job-cuts-and-the-climate-debate-within-the-national-party/ Up to 120 jobs are on the line as Fonterra plans to shut its Hamilton packaging facility.  The closures due to 'challenging economic conditions'.  'The Country' host Jamie Mackay talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the closure and the climate debate within the National Party.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:25:27 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nick-brunsdon-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-positive-signs-from-the-latest-employment-data/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nick-brunsdon-infometrics-principal-economist-on-the-positive-signs-from-the-latest-employment-data/ Employment data out today shows filled job numbers rose 0.2% in March. Primary industries led the growth up 04%. Infometrics Principal Economist Nick Brunsdon says it's a reason to get excited. “It’s to be celebrated after a fair period of decline.” LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:14:09 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-29-april-2025/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-29-april-2025/ Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 29 April. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:11:49 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-the-latest-in-spain-and-portugal-s-power-cut/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-the-latest-in-spain-and-portugal-s-power-cut/ Spain has declared a state of emergency entire areas of the country and of Portugal are without power. The outage has disrupted trains, cut cell phone and internet networks and trapped people in elevators. Portugal’s power company said it may take a week to get the network back to normal. UK Correspondent Enda Brady joins the show to give an update on the situation. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:04:24 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-how-the-finance-minister-will-deliver-on-her-budget-with-a-tiny-operating-allowance/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-on-how-the-finance-minister-will-deliver-on-her-budget-with-a-tiny-operating-allowance/ The Government’s halfling their operating allowance in the budget out at the end of May. They say they have freed up “billions” in additional public service cuts to allocate more money into the country’s “most pressing priorities.” Economist Cameron Bagrie talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the announcement. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:56:32 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/simeon-brown-health-minister-on-the-new-rural-training-programme-in-taup%C5%8D-senior-doctors-strike-going-ahead/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/simeon-brown-health-minister-on-the-new-rural-training-programme-in-taup%C5%8D-senior-doctors-strike-going-ahead/ Despite reports of critical levels of vacancies for senior doctor positions, Taupō hospital now has accreditation to train rural doctors.  It will be the first North Island hospital to receive accreditation to deliver the training.   Meanwhile senior doctors are still planning to strike on Thursday, despite a new offer from Health New Zealand.  Health Minister Simeon Brown talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE.  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:49:01 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-conor-english-mike-munro-on-tory-whanaus-exit-david-seymour-asking-mayors-for-help-in-school-truancies-nicola-willis-halfling-operating-allowance-and-the-new-sport-that-has-people-concerned/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-conor-english-mike-munro-on-tory-whanaus-exit-david-seymour-asking-mayors-for-help-in-school-truancies-nicola-willis-halfling-operating-allowance-and-the-new-sport-that-has-people-concerned/ Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:33:51 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/scott-simpson-minister-for-acc-on-pausing-a-controversial-new-initiative-to-reduce-injuries-in-the-manufacturing-sector/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/scott-simpson-minister-for-acc-on-pausing-a-controversial-new-initiative-to-reduce-injuries-in-the-manufacturing-sector/ A controversial new initiative to reduce injuries in the manufacturing sector has been put on pause by ACC.  The tender process specifically focused on Māori and Pasifika workers.  ACC Minister Scott Simpson initially stood by ACC, saying its tender “aligns with the Government’s desire to support New Zealanders based on evidence of need”. However, he then U-turned by asking ACC to review the policy after the ACT Party complained.  Scott Simpson joins the show to discuss the initiative.  LISTEN ABOVE.  Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:25:42 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/ray-chung-wellington-mayor-candidate-on-tory-whanau-bowing-out-whether-she-will-be-andrew-littles-deputy-mayor-and-his-opinion-on-her-910-rating/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/ray-chung-wellington-mayor-candidate-on-tory-whanau-bowing-out-whether-she-will-be-andrew-littles-deputy-mayor-and-his-opinion-on-her-910-rating/ Wellingtonians have one less candidate to choose from as current Mayor Tory Whanau bows out of the race. She has instead endorsed Labour’s Andrew Little for the position. Wellington City Councillor Ray Chung is running against Andrew Little, and he talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the race and whether Whanau will now be Andrew Little's deputy. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:14:26 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/cat-tunney-cbc-senior-reporter-on-the-liberal-partys-mark-carney-winning-the-canadian-election/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/cat-tunney-cbc-senior-reporter-on-the-liberal-partys-mark-carney-winning-the-canadian-election/ Canadian Liberal Party leader Mark Carney has won the election, leading his party into a fourth-consecutive term in power. The former Bank of England boss had never held a political role before taking over from Justin Trudeau in March. Canada Correspondent Cat Tunney joins the show to discuss the win and the elections final moments. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:56:17 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-slashing-the-operating-allowance/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-slashing-the-operating-allowance/ The Government is set to half its operating allowance, through a $1b cut in the upcoming budget. It means a small number of government departments will receiveadditional funding this year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the cut. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:43:02 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-the-governments-major-cuts-to-operating-allowance-funding-kiwisaver-subsidies-and-tory-whanaus-exit/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-the-governments-major-cuts-to-operating-allowance-funding-kiwisaver-subsidies-and-tory-whanaus-exit/ The Government’s plan to reduce the operating allowance from $2.4 billion to $1.3 billion is the smallest amount of new spending in a decade. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has decided to make departments metabolise their own spending in order to get books back into surplus. New Zealand Herald Political Editor Thomas Coughlan talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the ‘big’ decision, KiwiSaver subsidies and Tory Whanau dropping out of the Wellington race. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:27:12 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-the-inquest-into-the-bondi-junction-stabbing-nrls-welcome-to-country-cancellation-and-the-beginning-of-a-trial-for-alleged-mushroom-poisoning/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-the-inquest-into-the-bondi-junction-stabbing-nrls-welcome-to-country-cancellation-and-the-beginning-of-a-trial-for-alleged-mushroom-poisoning/ An inquest into the Bondi Junction stabbing incident today heard from the police officer who shot dead the attacker. Amy Scott said she thought Joel Cauchi was going to kill her before she shot him. It’s been revealed that Cauchi hadn’t been treated for acute schizophrenia for five years. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds joins the show to discuss the details, the start of a trial for alleged mushroom poisoning and the NRL’s Welcome to Country cancellation drama. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:14:38 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/d-arcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-nrl-s-head-contact-crackdown-and-the-dangerous-sport-coming-to-new-zealand/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/d-arcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-nrl-s-head-contact-crackdown-and-the-dangerous-sport-coming-to-new-zealand/ The NRL’s calling on referees to crackdown on head contact. It comes as the sports latest round saw 18 yellow cards. But some are saying it’s part of the game and becoming too strict runs the risk of slowing the game down. Sportstalk host D’Arcy Waldegrave joins the show to discuss how the rules might change, a new game coming to New Zealand that has people concerned. LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:54:29 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/anita-baker-porirua-mayor-on-david-seymour-s-call-to-help-with-school-attendance/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/anita-baker-porirua-mayor-on-david-seymour-s-call-to-help-with-school-attendance/ David Seymour’s calling on mayors to help in reducing school truancies. The Associate Education Minister’s asking mayors to use the Government’s new daily school attendance dashboard to understand how regions compare to each other. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says Seymour's plea was vague. “So if he wants to play us a formal role, I think he needs to look at funding us." LISTEN ABOVE. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:35:54 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-can-nicola-willis-pull-off-her-no-new-money-budget/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/heather-du-plessis-allan-can-nicola-willis-pull-off-her-no-new-money-budget/ If Nicola Willis can pull this Budget off, it'll be impressive, because she has written a budget, by the looks of things, that is so tight, there is basically no new money. If you haven’t caught up on this, Nicola Willis gave a speech this morning in which she announced she was cutting back her new spending in this budget hugely. Her plan originally was to give herself $2.4 billion extra new money to spend. She’s just announced she’s cutting that basically in half to $1.3 billion. The last time a finance minister had that little to play with was Bill English in 2015 who gave himself only 1 billion in extra money that year. But it gets even better – because all of that money is already spoken for, last years budget promised this year’s budget would spend an extra $1.4 billion on health. Which basically means her $1.3 billion in new spending is already gone on that $1.4 billion health promise ... and she still has to find $100 million to make up the difference. AND ... she’s got to find another $150 million for the 26 new cancer drugs that were promised halfway through last year. So what that means is ... she has no new spending. In fact, add those two together and she’s already $250 million in the red and she’s going to find that by cutting public spending in other places. This is good. Because you don’t need me to tell the public service has got bloated and the spending of taxpayer money happens way too easily. Especially after Grant Roberton's free for all and going through spending with a fine-tooth comb and cutting what isn’t good or necessary is not a bad thing. It is a good fiscal discipline and the country will be better off for it. I for one am pleased that we will not be going to this year’s budget wondering what we’re each getting out of the lolly scramble But instead, wondering how much has been cut and from where. Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:31:49 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-the-government-has-a-bigger-police-problem/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-the-government-has-a-bigger-police-problem/ Look, maybe I'm being naïve, but I'm not that stressed at the news that 3 people were allowed to start police college without passing the fitness test. Were you? I mean, it seems to be more important to just have police officers and more police officers walking the beat and providing a reassuring presence than it is to be absolutely sure that they can do a vertical jump and run 2.5 km in 12 odd minutes. I don't know - when was the last time you saw Bobby sprinting 2ks down the road and jumping over a wall to catch somebody, right? Doesn't seem like it's all that frequently happening in modern policing - certainly in cities. But it doesn't mean we haven't got a problem. We've got a problem here. The problem is that the Government is still pretending that it can pump out 500 new police officers by November 27. That's not gonna happen. I mean, they are trying absolutely everything to be able to meet their target. They've bumped up the number of training spots they've got at the police college from 80 to 100, they're opening a new college in Auckland sometime this year. They're now suspected of having waved in three unfit coppers just to make up the numbers. But we know that 500 coppers by November 27 is not going to happen because we've had a whole bunch of evidence. The numbers are not keeping pace in order to be able to get to 500. The officials have warned the Government in the briefing papers that it's not going to be able to do it until midway through next year. And Mark Mitchell admitted last year that they weren't going to be able to do it, and then he got told off by Winston. So now he's gone back, he's gone back to pretending that he can do it - but he's using some weasel words. He just says the number is aspirational. Well, aspirational is a politician's word. That's a clue in and of itself. Look, I think, to be honest, that the Government itself just needs to be honest here. If it's not gonna make the number, surely it's better to be honest now and say you're not going to make the number than it is to keep on pretending and then miss the target in November, which is inevitably gonna happen. And surely it's worse for the police to be busted doing this, waving 3 unfit people through, even if it's fine that they do it. Being busted doing it is not a good look, and if that is what we now suspect they're doing in order to meet the 500, that's a very bad look - isn't it? LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 08:08:13 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-sas-names-and-ranks-being-published-online-for-over-a-decade/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-sas-names-and-ranks-being-published-online-for-over-a-decade/ New reports reveal the identities of serving members of Britain's special forces had been published online for more than a decade. This security breach saw the names and ranks of at least 20 elite soldiers listed in documents that were publicly accessible online. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacked the mass reactions to this development.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:49:57 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/shane-solly-harbour-asset-management-spokesperson-on-capital-markets-stabilising/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/shane-solly-harbour-asset-management-spokesperson-on-capital-markets-stabilising/ The first 100 days of the new Donald Trump administration have seen capital markets undergo a turbulent few months - but things appear to be stabilising. The tariffs have seen the markets take a noticeable dip, but things have turned the corner this week. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains the factors behind this. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:39:50 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-do-cops-still-need-to-pass-a-physical-test/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-do-cops-still-need-to-pass-a-physical-test/ Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  How do we feel about councils taking unpaid rates out of people's mortgages? Is this a fair move - or an over-reach?  Police are investigating after three recruits were admitted for training despite failing their physical test. Do we think police should still pass a physical test - or is this irrelevant?  How do we feel about tradies being able to self-certify their work? LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:30:12 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/billie-moore-nz-airports-association-ceo-says-air-new-zealand-needs-regulation-and-pricing-investigation/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/billie-moore-nz-airports-association-ceo-says-air-new-zealand-needs-regulation-and-pricing-investigation/ New Zealand's Airports Association has voiced disapproval with the latest review of their regulatory arrangements - and suggested the scrutiny needs to be on Air New Zealand. MBIE has launched another review of airport regulations, just three weeks after the Commerce Commission gave Auckland Airport the tick of approval for an upgrade. NZ Airports Association CEO Billie Moore says it's clear there's plenty of strain on the domestic market - and Air New Zealand has a 'monopoly' over that market. LISTEN ABOVE   Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:17:14 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-28-april-2025/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-28-april-2025/ On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 28 April 2025, reputable builders will be able to sign off on their own work without council inspections. Heather asks the Building Minister how any leaky homes-like disasters will be prevented. Dunedin councillor Jim O'Malley explains why his council won't be reducing speed limits around schools like the Government asked councils to. Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals she won't be announcing a tax on charities at the Budget - and throws her colleague Scott Simpson under the bus. Plus, the Huddle debates whether councils should be able to take unpaid rates from your mortgage, and whether cops should still have to pass fitness tests. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:11:40 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-urges-auckland-council-to-be-transparent-about-wait%C4%81kere-ranges-management-plan/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-urges-auckland-council-to-be-transparent-about-wait%C4%81kere-ranges-management-plan/ The Finance Minister is calling on Auckland Council to be transparent about its Waitākere Ranges management plan.  The proposed plan would see Iwi, the Department of Conservation, the Council and local boards on a committee.   Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she's heard a range of views about whether or not it equates to co-governance.  She says they should come clean about it to reduce confusion.  "And I think they should be very clear with their ratepayers about what they're doing - and why they're doing it." Auckland Councillor Richard Hills says the board doesn't have final say and is only for consultation and suggestions.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:43:18 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-warren-taxpayers-union-local-government-spokesperson-speaks-out-as-councils-chase-up-unpaid-rates-through-mortgages/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-warren-taxpayers-union-local-government-spokesperson-speaks-out-as-councils-chase-up-unpaid-rates-through-mortgages/ Councils are taking millions of dollars of unpaid rates through people's mortgages.  A little-known clause of the Local Government Act gives councils the power to force banks or finance companies to cover unpaid rates.  It's used as a last resort after exhausting all other avenues to getting rates paid. Taxpayers' Union Local Government Spokesperson, Sam Warren, says it wouldn't be needed as much if there was more sensible spending.  "I want to see a lot more done by councils to rein in that spending and get rates down as low as possible so this doesn't happen."  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:34:03 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/martin-campbell-firefighters-union-vice-president-on-the-equipment-failure-that-left-firefighters-trapped-during-north-shore-fire/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/martin-campbell-firefighters-union-vice-president-on-the-equipment-failure-that-left-firefighters-trapped-during-north-shore-fire/ The Firefighters Union says a recent life-threatening equipment failure at Thursday's massive North Shore Recycling Plant blaze wasn't the first. Two firefighters needed rescue when their aerial unit broke down above the dangerous Wairau Valley blaze. Vice president Martin Campbell says this again highlights that the fleet is ageing and poorly-maintained. "In the days leading up to it, there were several faults with it - but unfortunately, we just don't have the trucks out there to replace it with and they don't have the time and money to make sure it's working properly." LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:20:14 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/paul-ormerod-police-association-vice-president-on-the-applications-audit-taking-place-after-fitness-test-breaches/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/paul-ormerod-police-association-vice-president-on-the-applications-audit-taking-place-after-fitness-test-breaches/ The Police Association is underlining why aspiring recruits need to pass the physical aptitude test before joining police college. Police are doing an audit after revelations three applicants got in - even after failing to meet fitness requirements. Association Vice President Paul Ormerod says the college requires learning across driving, firearms, hand to hand combat - and more. "If your physical condition isn't up to at least the minimum level - invariably, you'll be injured and that'll put more pressure on your learning and it could probably even delay your graduation." LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:54:07 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-penk-building-and-construction-minister-on-the-governments-new-scheme-allowing-tradies-to-sign-off-on-own-work/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-penk-building-and-construction-minister-on-the-governments-new-scheme-allowing-tradies-to-sign-off-on-own-work/ A promise tradies have to get it right when they sign-off their own work under new rules. The Building and Construction Minister has announced a scheme to let approved firms and tradies like plumbers and drainlayers self-approve work on simple residential jobs. Companies deemed reputable could opt-in. Chris Penk says they'll have to undertake a process of promising quality. "And there will be standards, obviously, that they've got to continue to meet, they've got to have the right sorts of assurances and insurance in place as well - so they've got every incentive to get it right." LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:29:25 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-nz-first-and-act-voicing-opposition-to-wait%C4%81kere-ranges-plan/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-nz-first-and-act-voicing-opposition-to-wait%C4%81kere-ranges-plan/ New Zealand First and ACT are opposing an Auckland Council plan for the Waitākere Ranges.  The council wants to set up a committee including iwi, the Crown and Auckland Council.  NZ First MP Shane Jones says it could easily morph into co-governance and ACT leader David Seymour claims it could let unelected decision-makers close tracks and dictate land use. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the ball's in National's court on this matter. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:20:49 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/oliver-peterson-australian-correspondent-on-new-polls-showing-labor-has-an-early-lead-in-the-australian-election/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/oliver-peterson-australian-correspondent-on-new-polls-showing-labor-has-an-early-lead-in-the-australian-election/ There's less than a week to go before the Australian general election- but new polls show Labor is holding an early lead. The latest national Newspoll has given Labor a 52–48 lead, unchanged from the April 14-17 poll. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the Opposition has tried to turn their luck around over the last couple of weeks. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:10:39 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jason-pine-sportstalk-host-on-auckland-fc-securing-the-premiers-plate-in-their-first-season/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jason-pine-sportstalk-host-on-auckland-fc-securing-the-premiers-plate-in-their-first-season/ Eyes forward at Auckland FC as they shake off the dust of their A-League Premiers' Plate celebrations. The expansion side secured the silverware over the weekend and marked the occasion with a 1-nil home win over Perth. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacked some theories behind the team's success.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:57:30 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jim-omalley-dunedin-city-councillor-on-the-council-keeping-lower-speed-limits-around-schools-in-place/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jim-omalley-dunedin-city-councillor-on-the-council-keeping-lower-speed-limits-around-schools-in-place/ Dunedin City Council is planning to keep existing speed limits around the city's schools in place, despite a directive from Government. The report being considered at Wednesday's council meeting will recommend all but one school keep its 30km per hour speed limit - with the remaining school only increasing to 50km during non-peak hours. The council has been asked to provide a list of speed limit reversals on 'specified roads' to the New Zealand Transport Agency by Thursday. Dunedin City Councillor Jim O'Malley says these speed limits have been in place for a long time - and many in the community don't want them to change. "We know that when another Government comes in, they'll want them back to where they were before, so it would pretty much be a futile waste of effort, to be honest." LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:45:39 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-rachel-reeves-dashing-uk-hopes-of-early-us-trade-deal/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-rachel-reeves-dashing-uk-hopes-of-early-us-trade-deal/ The UK is still hoping to work out a trade deal with the US - but early reports indicate it's quite a way off. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently arrived in Washington DC, and she's warned negotiations will take time. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK economy needs the extra help, but it's unlikely a deal will come by the end of the week. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:06:05 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-dickie-fisher-funds-expert-on-donald-trumps-attacks-on-federal-reserve-chair-jerome-powell/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-dickie-fisher-funds-expert-on-donald-trumps-attacks-on-federal-reserve-chair-jerome-powell/ US President Donald Trump has spent the past week verbally attacking Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and it's prompted concerns from the markets. Trump recently claimed the US economy could slow down unless interest rates were lowered immediately - and said that Powell's termination 'cannot come soon enough'. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what this could mean for investors. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:58:30 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rowena-duncum-the-country-host-on-local-cheesemakers-voicing-concerns-about-presence-of-supermarket-cheeses/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rowena-duncum-the-country-host-on-local-cheesemakers-voicing-concerns-about-presence-of-supermarket-cheeses/ Local cheesemakers have voiced concerns about the competition created by supermarket-produced home-brands. Smaller brands have been forced to scale back on production to reduce their reliance on the supermarkets - in a bid to focus on filling niches that appeal to Kiwi cheese lovers. The Country's Rowena Duncum explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:48:54 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/liam-dann-nz-herald-business-editor-at-large-on-inflation-expectations-going-up-in-new-data/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/liam-dann-nz-herald-business-editor-at-large-on-inflation-expectations-going-up-in-new-data/ Consumer confidence has gone back up - but new data indicates people are also worried about inflation. The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey shows consumer confidence rose 5 points to 98.3 in April - but inflation expectations soared 0.5pts to 4.7 percent, the highest reading since July 2023. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked the factors contributing to this data. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:42:34 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-should-taxpayers-be-funding-more-locally-made-reality-shows/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-should-taxpayers-be-funding-more-locally-made-reality-shows/ Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! How do we feel about the fact that we're buying new cars - and paying for their maintenance - for our former Prime Ministers? Should taxpayers be funding more locally made reality shows?  ACT and National are at odds over the ACC's race-based policies - what do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:34:52 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-national-needs-to-stop-this-acc-business-before-it-loses-votes/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-national-needs-to-stop-this-acc-business-before-it-loses-votes/ Now, listen, I hope that this ACC business is a Scott Simpson problem and not a National problem, but I'm starting to get a little worried about it - because this is at least the 3rd case of race-based stuff still happening under National when we thought National was going to put a stop to it. I mean, with the free GP visits in Hawke's Bay for Māori and Pasifika kids and no one else - at least that stuff could be blamed on rogue public health staff, and it was killed as soon as we discovered it was happening. And at least with the co-governance stuff that's going on in the Waitakere Ranges - at a stretch, we may believe that the Government didn't know about it. Maybe. But this ACC stuff, the minister knows about. And even though he was told about it, he's not gonna stop it because as I told you in the Newsroom article, he stands by ACC - and he thinks it's okay.Now, I reckon this is gonna be just a little disappointing to a whole bunch of voters who put this Government in power to stop this race-based stuff that Willie Jackson and the Labour Party were pushing. And who would have thought that that directive to the public service that went out last year telling the public servants to stop the race-based stuff was actually going to stop the race-based stuff? National needs to cut the stuff out. They need to stop this. They either need to stop it themselves or they need to go along to to Scott Simpson and tell him to stop it, because otherwise, a lot of voters are gonna wise up to exactly what ACT was warning us at the election - which is that National is not actually going to change anything. National is just Labour in blue clothes. And if you think I'm going too far saying that, just take a look at what is going on. I'll remind you, Nicola Willis has spent more in her last budget than Grant Robertson ever spent. Scott Simpson clearly loves himself a little race-based target. Now, what did we complain about ad nauseam with Labour? We complained about too much spending, but we've still got that going on. We complained about too much racial division - we've still got that going on. So how is this any different currently? As I say, National needs to cut this out, or it needs to risk losing voters to its coalition partners, because the coalition partners at this stage are actually taking a tougher line on this stuff. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:21:24 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2025/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-24-april-2025/ On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 24 April 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis defends her Family Boost package after revelations that way fewer people are qualifying for the full amount. ACT's Laura McClure is ringing alarm bells over ACC's policy to target Maori and Pacifica manufacturing workers - and we get a late back-down from ACC Minister Scott Simpson. Should we be spending more taxpayer money on locally produced reality TV content? Plus, the Huddle debates whether we should continue paying for new cars for our ex-Prime Ministers. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:11:42 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/peter-lewis-asia-business-correspondent-on-donald-trump-reportedly-considering-slashing-tariffs-on-china/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/peter-lewis-asia-business-correspondent-on-donald-trump-reportedly-considering-slashing-tariffs-on-china/ New reports indicate Donald Trump is considering slashing tariffs on Chinese goods by more than half. No announcements have been made yet- but tariffs could reportedly come down to between roughly 50 percent and 65 percent, according to one senior White House official.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis says China has signalled it's open to trade talks - as officials believe this is the US blinking first in the trade dispute. "They see it as vindication of President Xi's strategy - which is to hang tough and not to be bullied and not to negotiate under duress." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:01:46 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/luke-bradford-royal-college-of-gps-medical-director-welcomes-inquiry-into-medicinal-cannabis-clinics/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/luke-bradford-royal-college-of-gps-medical-director-welcomes-inquiry-into-medicinal-cannabis-clinics/ Doctors are welcoming an inquiry into the prescriptions from medicinal cannabis clinics. The Medical Council's leading the investigation following patient complaints they weren't properly briefed on non-cannabis options at the clinics, or about the ongoing costs and side-effects of cannabis. The Royal College of GPs Medical Director Luke Bradford says regulation of the clinics is overdue. "Medicinal cannabis is lacking in evidence and should only be used once all other options have been trialled. And that's not happening in these clinics."  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:37:03 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/irene-gardiner-spada-president-on-the-calls-for-the-government-to-help-fund-kiwi-reality-shows/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/irene-gardiner-spada-president-on-the-calls-for-the-government-to-help-fund-kiwi-reality-shows/ There's growing calls among industry experts for the Government to give NZ-produced reality shows a funding boost. Local versions of shows like Married at First Sight and The Block currently don't get the 40 percent screen production rebate available to other programs - and Kiwi TV broadcasters are hoping to turn that around. SPADA President Irene Gardiner says these shows were originally funded by advertising revenue - which has dried up in recent years. "What's happened in our local industry is because of years and years of the big tech-ers operating here without regulation - advertising revenue has massively reduced and the spend that the big networks have for local content has basically gone down." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:25:36 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/laura-mcclure-act-mp-on-the-partys-criticisms-of-acc-measures-focused-on-race/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/laura-mcclure-act-mp-on-the-partys-criticisms-of-acc-measures-focused-on-race/ ACT is criticising ACC measures that aim to reduce disproportionate workplace injuries among Māori and Pasifika. It's written to the ACC Minister, asking if targets with an ethnic focus match a Cabinet requirement for need-based public service. Act MP Laura McClure says she hasn't seen evidence to back the targets. "It's completely lazy - and I actually think it is a bit racist to say one particular group of people needs specific targeted training." ACC says it's confident its services are based on need, not race. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:58:56 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-plans-to-adjust-familyboost-after-ird-gets-eligibility-numbers-wrong/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-plans-to-adjust-familyboost-after-ird-gets-eligibility-numbers-wrong/ The Finance Minister is preparing to tweak the Family Boost payment plan, admitting IRD had the wrong numbers on eligible families. Data to April 9 reveals 249 families received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter - since the scheme came into effect last year.  Nicola Willis had said 21,000 families were eligible when launching the policy, but now concedes the modelling was wrong. She says she wants to make sure families in need get the money. "We put aside hundreds of millions of dollars for this policy because the uptake has been lower than the IRD basically estimated - we're not on track to actually get all that money out the door." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:38:55 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-the-government-incorrectly-estimating-familyboost-eligibility/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/thomas-coughlan-nz-herald-political-editor-on-the-government-incorrectly-estimating-familyboost-eligibility/ There's a new push for changes to the FamilyBoost scheme, after the Government incorrectly estimated the number of families eligible. New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year.  21,000 were originally forecast to be eligible. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explains the impacts that come with this. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:23:42 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-the-fatal-stabbing-of-a-shopkeeper-in-darwin/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-the-fatal-stabbing-of-a-shopkeeper-in-darwin/ An elderly man was recently the victim of a fatal stabbing in Darwin - prompting outrage and concern from residents. Northern Territory Police have arrested the 18-year-old suspect over the death of  Linford Feick, 71, who ran the Friendly Grocer store in Nightcliff in the region's north. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the 18-year-old had only just been granted bail for sexual assault charges - and shouldn't have been out. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:13:32 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/darcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-nz-crickets-new-partnership-with-north-americas-major-league-cricket/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/darcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-nz-crickets-new-partnership-with-north-americas-major-league-cricket/ Embattled ventures into America in other sports aren't swaying New Zealand Cricket boss Scott Weenink's confidence in their new investment. They've become the first national body in the code to invest in a franchise T20 league - taking a stake in an expansion team in North America's Major League Cricket. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:55:37 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-bishop-transport-minister-on-the-south-auckland-mill-road-project-getting-an-additional-funding-boost/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-bishop-transport-minister-on-the-south-auckland-mill-road-project-getting-an-additional-funding-boost/ The wheels are in motion for South Auckland's Mill Road project. Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced $91.1 million has been approved for completing design and consent work on the Manukau to Alfriston sections. It includes a four-lane general traffic corridor, with a westbound bus lane at the northern end. Bishop says the road will be tolled - allowing the road users to help pay the cost of the road. "All the new Roads of National Significance that we want to build around the country - we said, as a starting point, they will be tolled, because that's a way of bringing forward the investment." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:48:40 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-the-popes-body-being-moved-to-st-peters-basilica/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-the-popes-body-being-moved-to-st-peters-basilica/ Pope Francis' body has been moved to St Peter's Basilica, in front of crowds of worshippers.  The late pontiff lies in a simple coffin of wood and zinc, wearing a red robe with a rosary in his hands.  The Pope's coffin will remain there following the Liturgy until his funeral on Saturday. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says crowds are coming in to pay tribute - and tens of thousands will be expected to come through in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:56:08 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jenee-tibshraeny-nz-herald-wellington-business-editor-on-nicola-willis-rejecting-claims-of-political-interference-on-the-reserve-bank/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jenee-tibshraeny-nz-herald-wellington-business-editor-on-nicola-willis-rejecting-claims-of-political-interference-on-the-reserve-bank/ The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank. Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:42:45 Z /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/stephanie-batchelor-milford-asset-management-expert-on-the-sections-of-the-market-that-have-held-up/ /on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/stephanie-batchelor-milford-asset-management-expert-on-the-sections-of-the-market-that-have-held-up/ Despite the negative press and volatile climate, some financial markets have managed to hold up solidly throughout 2025. The consumer staples industry - food, beverages, household products - and all the brands tied to that sector have managed to stay strong throughout the year. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:35:52 Z