Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive delivers the latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day. The show takes a straight down the middle approach to news coverage. It airs on Newstalk ZB, a New Zealand radio network. The podcast provides a daily summary of top stories and current events.
Episodes
Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the Government's new changes to the RSE scheme
Employers with a good track records on seasonal workers could soon get useful stamps of approval. The Government's planning changes to the RSE Scheme. It includes an accreditation system and clarifying employers' rules on claiming for costs like transport. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says trusted businesses will be treated with a lighter regulatory touch. "You provide good accommodation, w
Megan Shaw: Webb's art manager on Bill Hammond's art being auctioned at Webb’s
A large painting by acclaimed New Zealand artist Bill Hammond is expected to sell for between $1.4 million and $1.8 million as part of a major private collection being auctioned at Webb’s. The 1999 acrylic-on-canvas painting, Zoomorphic Lounge III, is part of a private collection of 100 Kiwi art pieces set to be auctioned off tonight. Webb's art manager Megan Shaw says it's going to be an 'excitin
Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on what's really behind the increased cost of living
The rising cost of living is down to more than global uncertainty, according to one expert. Stats NZ data shows costs for the average household jumped 3.2 percent annually to June, a more than four-year-high. Petrol was the biggest contributor - skyrocketing more than 27 percent. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says shocks like US tariffs and its war with Iran play a role, but core inflation
Wayne Mapp: former Defence Minister on Russia accusing a man of working with NZ Government to pass sensitive information
A former Defence Minister's calling Russia's claims of spying links to New Zealand 'sketchy'. The country's ambassador to New Zealand has confirmed a man's been accused of high treason - and trying to leak information to the NZSIS. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says New Zealand is guilty of nothing. Past minister Wayne Mapp says he believe Russia's selling a specific narrative.
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: What do the latest inflation numbers really mean for the 'squeezed middle'?
Nicola Willis will like the inflation number that's come out. More importantly, she'll like the story that number is telling. Remember, her target audience is the squeezed middle. This is the battleground. This is the fight for the soft centre at the election: Labour versus National. These are the voters both parties are targeting. The Stats NZ figure for the year to the June quarter is 3.2 percen
Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB reporter on National explaining why Labour can't see the social media bill just yet
Erica Stanford says she can't give out a copy of National's draft social media ban bill, but Labour MPs will get a briefing this week. It's understood National needs Labour support to pass it. Labour's Reuben Davidson says he's seen the draft in Stanford's office, but wasn't allowed a copy to show colleagues to discuss. Newstalk ZB's Azaria Howell says it's expected that more Labour MPs will see t
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the number of customers impacted by Origin Energy data breach
Origin Energy has confirmed the full extent of how many Australians were impacted by the recent hacking scandal. In an update to customers, the energy giant said 900,000 current and former customers had their data accessed. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the hackers got access to important information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and payment histories. LISTEN ABOVE  
Rojie Aguilar: Snowplanet general manager on the company teaming up with Sunergise to power the slopes
Auckland's Snowplanet has partnered with one of NZ’s leading commercial solar companies, Sunergise, to produce more snow for less energy. The new system features 2,317 ground-mounted panels on the hillside adjacent to the main facility, in order to create 80 cubic metres of fresh snow every week to keep the experience going for skiers. Snowplanet general manager Rojie Aguilar says the clean energy
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Lewis Clareburt winning New Zealand's first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Swimmers have continued to boost New Zealand's medal haul at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Lewis Clareburt has won the 200-metres butterfly after being second-to-last at halfway. New Zealand's 10th on the medal table with a gold, four silver and three bronze. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the wildfires tearing through France and Spain
A race against time for crews battling Europe's raging wildfires - as conditions tipped to heat up. More than a quarter of a million people have fled across Spain and France, reducing villages to ghost towns. French crews are fighting flames near Bordeaux, and efforts continue near Madrid to stop flare-ups. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacked the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnyst
Catherine Williamson: Mocka chief executive on the business launching a physical store in Christchurch
Kiwi furniture brand Mocka is preparing to open its first standalone physical store in New Zealand, nearly 20 years after it began operating. Originally selling kids’ furniture online, the business’ range expanded to curated collections across key sectors, and it's set to open its first bricks-and-mortar store in Christchurch. Mocka chief executive Catherine Williamson says the brand's not looking
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on Spark announcing strategic review of digital services
Telecommunications company Spark has reorganised its operations into two divisions to reflect an increasing focus on core services. The core telco and IT services will come under the direction of the Connectivity division, with the other division responsible for Digital Services. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati
The Huddle: Do the Greens have a point about data centres?
Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! National leader Chris Luxon has ruled out working with the Opportunity Party after the election, but leader Qiulae Wong has been adamant it'll will work with any party if it gains enough votes. What do we make of this? The Gre
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: Do we need a moratorium on data centres?
There's a bit of having your cake and eating it too when it comes to people who turn their noses up at these data centres. The Greens are jumping up and down about them. Of course they are. They say they'll suck up power from the grid, push up electricity prices and create only a handful of jobs. That's the problem, apparently. They're calling for a one-year ban while we sort out some regulations,
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the Government looking into next steps for fuel support package
The Government says escalation in the Iran war may move out the trigger-point for stopping temporary fuel-support payments. The $50 weekly payments for lower-income working families was meant to last a year from April, or until 91-octane stays cheaper than three-dollars a litre for a month. Finance Minister Nicola Willis expects we'll reach the four-week threshold this week - but the latest
Full Show Podcast: 27 July 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Ryan Bridge for Monday, 27 July, 2026, an Auckland Hospital patient tells us about her experience of a bug infestation. An expert says we're getting closer to having driverless taxis in New Zealand. Gareth Morgan on why he thinks the Opportunity Party shouldn't go into coalition. And on The Huddle, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson are at o
Qiulae Wong: Opportunity Party leader says she's keeping options open after National rules out working with the party
National leader Chris Luxon has ruled out working with the Opportunity Party after the election. Three recent polls have had the party nearing the five-percent threshold for getting into Parliament. Leader Qiulae Wong has been adamant it'll will work with any party, if it gains enough votes. "We kind of have to wait to see where the votes fall on election day, and we'll be
Gareth Morgan: Opportunity Party founder on why he believes the party shouldn't govern yet
The Opportunity Party is leaving the door open for National. The latest Talbot Mills poll put Opportunity on 4.7 percent, just a hair shy of the 5 percent threshold for making it into Parliament. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has ruled out working with the party, saying he won't go into business with those who want to increase taxes. Opportunity says it's ready and willing to work with parties across
Jon Duffy: Consumer NZ CEO on the owner of Frontrunner telling customers not to use in-store sizing and buy things online
Laurie Blyth, owner of the Frontrunner store, has told customers not to use the in-store sizing service, and then buy cheaper online. Blyth has put up a sign outside the store saying staff will ask customers if they intend on shopping online before they fit them. Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy says this will be difficult to enforce as customers could just fib, but there's nothing wrong
Ollie Norris: All Black on being named for the squad set to face South Africa in upcoming tour
Even in an extended squad of 44, Dave Rennie and the All Blacks selectors have managed to serve up a few surprises ahead of the South Africa tour. All 34 players selected for the July Nations Championship window have been retained, with a further 10 players added - including three uncapped players. Josh Jacomb, Siale Lauaki Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa were the main newcomers, with previous All Blacks Ol
Claudia Elliot: Auckland Hospital patient on taking a fall after spotting cockroaches in the hospital
There's reports of cockroaches and fleas at Auckland Hospital - and one patient took a tumble. Patient Claudia Elliot says she hit her head, after seeing a cluster of cockroaches in her shower. "I managed to crush one of them and tried to get the other two, and that's when I slipped and fell." The Heath New Zealand website says cockroaches thrive in unhealthy environments, and transmit
Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB reporter on the Government discussing the recent Family Boost scheme stats
The Government says the expanded Family Boost scheme's paying off. Almost 100,000 families have now received at least one payment to help with early childhood education costs. The Government lifted the ECE fee rebate, raised the maximum weekly payment and widened eligibility last year. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Australia testing new emergency alert
Devices across Australia formed part of the nationwide emergency alert system test, notifying users simultaneously. AusAlert is the federal Government’s new national warning system, and it's being tested ahead of the official launch in October. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says concerns have been raised about the technology, with experts wondering if it'll be working properly for
Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on the All Blacks squad named for the upcoming South African tour
Three newcomers and seven capped players have joined an expanded 44-strong All Blacks squad for their tour of South Africa. The 34 selected for this month's tests are joined by the uncapped trio of number eight Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, prop Siale Lauaki and playmaker Josh Jacomb. Ollie Norris, George Bell, Fabian Holland, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane and Emoni Narawa are the p
Melissa Clark-Reynolds: FutureCentre.nz founder on Tesla Cybercabs being tested in New Zealand
Tesla's self-driving Cybercab has been spotted on the roads of the South Island. Photos shared to the Rare and Unique Car Spotting New Zealand Facebook group show one of Tesla's gold Cybercabs travelling along Cardrona Valley Road, with reports confirming the vehicles are cold-weather testing. FutureCentre.nz founder Melissa Clark-Reynolds says Tesla's playing catch-up to robotaxi competitor
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Should we be worried about the state of professional netball in NZ?
Is professional netball in New Zealand now in a death spiral? Unless something really significant happens to change the trajectory, are we watching the death spiral of a sport? I think all netball fans should be very concerned about the financial revelation from Netball New Zealand's chair: the organisation is expected to run at a loss of $6 million a year and it does not have enough money to abso
Full Show Podcast: 24 July 2026
Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 24 July. 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.
Ryan Fox: Golf Open Champion on returning home
Ryan Fox returned to New Zealand on Friday, July 24, bringing along the Claret Jug following his triumph at the Open Championship on Monday. He spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the feeling of extra pressure going forward. "There's gonna be a whole lot more eyeballs on me, and there's gonna be a whole lot more expectation." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio
Joshua Tan: ExportNZ Executive Director on Trump's 12.5% tariffs
The United States has announced it will impose new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including New Zealand. After his previous tariffs were deemed illegal by the Supreme Court, Trump is using the excuse that the countries are not doing enough to stop the imports of goods associated with forced labour to justify the increase. ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan told Heather du Plessis-
Heath Milne: Development West Coast CEO on giving away flights between Wellington and Westport
A new campaign offering free round-trip flights between Wellington and Westport is the latest bid to save a regional airline route operated by Nelson-based Originair, but those taking up the offer must book a rental car in Westport first. The campaign hopes to draw interest while the Government decides whether to support the route in the long-run. Development West Coast CEO Heath Milne joined Heat
Steve Watt: Police Association President discusses the impact of Lyn Fleming's killing on officers
Hayden Donald Jason Tasker sentenced to at least 22 years in prison for the murder of Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming on New Years Day 2025. Police Association President Steve Watt said despite justice now being served, the impact the event has taken on her colleagues around the country will remain. "Our members often will carry that emotional weight of what they've witnessed, what they've exper
Gil Barndollar: Former US Marine on Trump threat of "massive" attack on Iran
US President Donald Trump says he is close to deciding whether to launch “a massive attack” against Iran. But, senior fellow at Defence Priorities and a former US Marine Gil Barndollar believes that that like many of Trump's threats, this is unlikely. "He's already killed the Supreme Leader. He's already done a tremendous amount of damage to Iranian infrastructure..." he told Heather du Ples
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: The amalgamation plans are descending into chaos
If you're a fan, like I am, of scrapping as many councils as possible because of how poorly the numpties on those councils are running the place, you're about to learn, as I am, that just because you and I like an idea doesn't mean everyone else does. We are two weeks away from Chris Bishop's deadline for councils to submit their amalgamation plans so that we end up with a few large councils inste
Ah-Leen Rayner: Forbidden Pharmacy Spokesperson on cost of medicines that aren't publicly funded
The Forbidden Pharmacy is an art pop-up in Auckland's Shed 10 that took place on Friday, July 24. In the installation there are over 200 medicines that are currently unfunded in New Zealand but needed by patients. "The literal cost of living here is what it costs patients to either live, extend their life, or live well," Forbidden Pharmacy Spokesperson Ah-Leen Rayner told Heather du Pl
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Andy Burnham announcing 20 percent cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues
Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England will get a 20 percent cut in business rates from next April, as confirmed by Andy Burnham. This is the new Prime Minister's third policy, after he announced most bus fares in England will be capped at £2 from January and VAT will be cut from household electricity bills in October. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this sector has been hit hard amid the o
Charlotte Bell: One Year Out author on her story of overcoming addiction
Folly Press is set to release their first book - about one woman's story of addiction, rehab and recovery. One Year Out covers Charlotte Bell's addiction journey, mental unravelling and an unexpected move to Bali where recovery collides with wellness coaches and influencers selling their products. Bell says the book is full of essays about her journey, as she looked to avoid uncomfortable feelings
The Huddle: Was Paul Henry really threatening Chris Hipkins?
Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paul Henry has copped some backlash from Labour after saying he'd shoot Chris Hipkins as part of a risqué radio game. Does this really count as a death threat - or is Labour making a big deal abo
Full Show Podcast: 23 July 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 23 July, 2026, we ask New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones if Stuart Nash's criticism of a rival taking maternity leave really was a resignation-level offence. We talk to the brother of builder Michael McGrath, murdered by his childhood friend David Benbow in 2017, about the no body, no parole bill. One Year Out author Ch
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Why would New Zealand First make Stuart Nash resign?
Right, is it just me, or is there anyone else out there who thinks it's mighty rich of New Zealand First to force Stuart Nash to resign, given the candidates and MPs they have defended for some of the most outrageous things they have said? Is it not rich that Shane Jones was on the radio saying, "Mm, yeah, sensible for Stuart Nash to have resigned," when he is the guy who referred to the Prime Min
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the impacts of the current El Niño weather pattern
New Zealand’s agriculture sector should be able to withstand the current El Niño weather pattern, although it may lead to increased farm costs, an agricultural economist says. Earth Sciences New Zealand this month confirmed El Niño conditions have been reached the tropical Pacific and are expected to strongly influence New Zealand's weather. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LIST
Stew Hamilton: Mercury Energy CEO on the company taking a 12.7 percent stake in Datagrid NZ
One of New Zealand's big power companies is throwing their support behind a firm planning to build a large data centre in Southland. Mercury has invested $53 million for a 12.7 percent minority equity stake in Datagrid NZ. Mercury CEO Stew Hamilton says the company's looking to invest in a new growth sector - and there's potential to make more investments like this down the track. LISTEN ABOVESee
Phoenix Karaka: Mystics defender on the uncertain future of the ANZ Premiership
Amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of the ANZ Premiership, new data has indicated there's significant growth in audience and engagement. Netball New Zealand has emailed staff and coaches at the Stars, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and Mainland Tactix to say their contracts at this stage will not be extended past July 31. The ANZ Premiership is currently without a broadcast deal or c
Warwick Bagg: Dean of the University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences on the university launching Department of Cancer Studies
There's across-the-board interest in tackling our biggest killer, as Auckland University launches its new Department of Cancer Studies. It brings top experts under the same roof - in a step towards a comprehensive cancer centre. Yearly cases are forecast to jump from 30,000 to 45,000 by 2044 - as our population grows and ages. Professor Warwick Bagg says now's the time to act. "We've got a s
Simon McGrath: brother of murdered builder Michael McGrath on the proposed 'no body, no parole' law
The family of a murdered Christchurch man whose body was never found is welcoming a renewed push for a 'no body, no parole' law. A Bill from National MP Tom Rutherford would only let convicted murderers be released, if they reveal where to find their victim's remains. A similar push in 2020 didn't get through. Simon McGrath - whose brother Michael was killed - says he’s not sure this law would've
Shane Jones: New Zealand First Deputy Leader on Stuart Nash stepping down following controversial comments
New Zealand First Deputy Leader Shane Jones says it's a sad outcome for Stuart Nash to give up his candidacy. Nash has resigned - after outcry over revelations he'd called his Napier opponent MP Katie Nimon lazy, for taking leave after having a baby. Leader Winston Peters announced the party has accepted Nash's offer to quit. Jones says Nash did an honourable thing - to avoid distracti
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Stuart Nash resigning following backlash over recent comments
New Zealand First has swiftly picked a new candidate for Napier after the resignation of Stuart Nash. Te Kira Lawrence, who was previously announced as the Party's East Cape candidate, will now stand in Nash's place. Stuart Nash resigned from New Zealand First last night, after a text was revealed where he called Napier MP Katie Nimon the laziest MP he'd ever come across, for taking le
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Australia's unemployment rate remaining at 4.4 percent in June
Australia's unemployment rate stayed at 4.4 percent in June, according to the latest Labour Force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The rise in employment was driven by a 47,000-person rise in part-time work, pushing it to more than 4.6 million people, with full-time employment also rising up by 29,300 to over 10 million people. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Ba
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the future of domestic netball in NZ after Netball NZ job cuts
Former Silver Fern and MP Louisa Wall is unimpressed Netball New Zealand is cutting jobs at ANZ Premiership franchises, while the national side prepares for the Commonwealth Games. Wall says new chair Alastair Carruthers should be working on the sport's domestic concerns rather than travelling to Glasgow. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener
Bill Butzbach: United Fire Brigades Association CEO on a bill being drawn to extend ACC cover to volunteer firefighters
A step towards giving volunteer firefighters the same ACC protection as fulltimers. Labour MP Kieran McAnulty's Accident Compensation Amendment Bill has been drawn from Parliament's biscuit tin today. The legislation would extend cover for work-related injuries and illnesses to volunteers. United Fire Brigades Association CEO Bill Butzbach says it's important for it to pass. "If we can't keep supp
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on France looking to launch their own social media ban
France's parliament has approved a law to ban social media for under-15s from January 2027 - making it the first European nation to block teens under these restrictions. The law will mean everyone in France must verify their age to access social media, with French President Emmanuel Macron welcoming this move. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this comes after families in France have launched
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on rents rising at their slowest rate in 25 years
Recent data has unveiled a silver lining in the latest June-quarter inflation figures. Rents rose at their slowest rate, annually, in 25 years, according to Stats NZ. The country’s stock of rents rose by 0.5 percent between the June 2025 and 2026 quarters, continuing the trend of softening increases that began towards the end of 2024. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained
Andrew Curtayne: Milford Asset Management expert on the factors impacting the tech stocks
It's been an interesting time for the tech sector, with many big companies reporting their results. Tech stocks recently reversed some of the recent selloff last night - with the Nasdaq up 1.9 percent. Milford Asset Management's Andrew Curtayne explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Huddle: Was Stuart Nash out of line?
Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson 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! Stuart Nash has copped some backlash after criticising opponent Katie Nimon over her move to take a few months off after giving birth. Was this out of line? Is the ANZ Premiership over and done? We've heard t
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: It's a tough situation for Netball New Zealand
Okay, here's the news on the netball front. Objectively, I don't think what I'm about to tell you is good news. We've heard the administration staff of the three Netball New Zealand-owned teams, the Stars, the Magic and the Tactix, have been told their contracts are up at the end of this month and will not be renewed, at least for now, for next year. This has to call into question whether we're ev
Dr Kerry McInerny: Auckland University AI expert on OpenAI's artificial intelligence hacking into another company
ChatGPT maker OpenAI said its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company on its own - and they're launching a full investigation. AI startup Hugging Face said last week that it had detected an intrusion into its data processing systems that it suspected was caused by an AI agent acting on its own. Auckland University AI expert Dr Kerry McInerny says AI has been used to hac
Full Show Podcast: 22 July 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 22 July, 2026, netball's ANZ Premiership is thrown into more doubt. We talk to Stars general manager Jane Bennett about staff contracts ending in a matter of days. Post Primary Teachers Association president Chris Abercrombie explains why barely half of students are passing NCEA numeracy tests. Napier MP Katie Nimon responds to
Katie Nimon: National MP responds to Stuart Nash's comments about her Parliamentary leave
National MP Katie Nimon says she'd hate women being put off becoming a politician if parents weren't welcome in Parliament. NZ First Napier candidate Stuart Nash sent a text calling opponent Nimon one of the laziest MPs he'd come across, and claimed she'd taken nine months off on full pay. Nimon went on Parliamentary leave last year, days before giving birth. She says she took 10 weeks off,
Gary Mortimer: Queensland University of Technology Marketing Professor on the rise of free 'dopamine apps'
A new trend has emerged, where people are ordering fake takeaways and filling online shopping carts knowing they'll never receive a thing. This viral trend is gaining popularity, with one platform, FoodNeverComes, claiming nearly 1 million 'cravings satisfied' to date. Queensland University of Technology, Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, says this gives consumers a version of t
Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on whether it's illegal to sell drug paraphernalia in stores
Retail NZ says it's clearly illegal for retailers to sell meth pipes and bongs. The Post reports an Auckland businessman claims an officer told him it was perfectly legal when he reported a new store selling them. Health Minister Simeon Brown says the sales are already illegal - and he wants police to do more on enforcement. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says anyone selling drug parapher
Jane Bennett: Northern Stars general manager on the uncertain future of the ANZ Premiership
The body blows keep coming for netball's ANZ Premiership as the uncertainty rolls on over what shape, if any, the competition will take next year. Administration staff at the three Netball New Zealand run franchises - the Stars, the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic and the Mainland Tactix - have been told their contracts will not be renewed at this stage. Stars general manager Jane Bennett says she rec
Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB reporter on Stuart Nash commenting on National's Katie Nimon taking Parliamentary leave
Stuart Nash has blasted National MP Katie Nimon, claiming she took nine months leave after giving birth - and is the 'laziest MP' he's ever come across. Nash made the claim in a text to former MP Chris Finlayson, who shared it on his podcast. Nimon, who's facing Nash in the Napier electorate this election, says she only took six months away from Parliament, and continued working full time in
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on US President Donald Trump imposing 50 percent tariffs on Canada
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday imposed 50 percent tariffs on most Canadian goods, and concerns have been raised about the economic implications. The new tariffs would exclude energy products, potash, fish and critical minerals, but would cover goods that had previously been protected from import taxes by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Canadian
Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President on the drop in students passing NCEA numeracy assessments
The secondary teachers' union isn't alarmed by a drop in students passing a key NCEA numeracy assessment. Just over half passed the compulsory NCEA maths co-requisite assessment in May, more than five percent down on last year. Pass rates changed little for reading and writing. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says the numeracy assessment tests maths in real-world contexts, rather than straightfor
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the growing concerns over the future of the ANZ Premiership
The lack of information about the future of netball’s ANZ Premiership has sparked concerns among players and industry experts. It's currently unknown if the tournament will take place in 2027 and beyond, prompting some players to question where they currently stand. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kieran Spillane: Rhythm and Vines CEO says relocation necessary for growth
Rhythm and Vines festival has announced 2026 will be their final year in Gisborne after 24-years in the region. The new location is yet to be revealed. CEO Kieran Spillane told Andrew Dickens they want to make this years R&V 'the biggest and the best' so far. "We really want to go out with a bang and say a huge thank you to the wonderful people of Gisborne who have helped, and supported
Michael Reddell: Former Reserve Bank senior economist discusses the latest inflation numbers
The Consumers Price Index (CPI) has increased 4.1% in the 12 months to the June 2026 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. As expected, the increase can be partially contributed to the US-Iran war as the largest upwards contributor to the annual inflation rate was petrol, up 27.5%. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is labelling annual inflation hitting its highest level in more th
Full Show Podcast: 21 July 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Tuesday, 21 July, 2026, former Reserve Bank senior economist Michael Reddell on what a higher inflation rate of 4.1% could mean for interest rates. Rhythm and Vines is about to bow out of Gisborne. We find out why with chief executive Kieran Spillane. Ponsonby News editor Martin Leach is baffled by a threat he's receiv
Carlo Dade: Director of International Policy at University of Calgary chats 50% tariff for Canada
President Donald Trump on Monday announced sweeping tariffs against Canada, including 50% on electrical equipment and machinery which are among the steepest tariffs his administration has levied against any country. Director of international policy at the New North America Institute, University of Calgary, Carlo Dade said they are concerned that pushing back against the tariffs would result in con
Martin Leach: Ponsonby News editor 'shocked' at threatening email from Wayne Brown
Local newspaper Ponsonby News received a threatening email from Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown earlier this month after publishing an opinion piece by councillor Mike Lee. In the email, sent on July 3, Brown said, “if you are just going to publish Mike Lee bagging me then your paper will die”. "You know, I've been publishing and editing magazines since 1990, and I've never ever had an email like that,
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: "This cost of living crisis is not going away anytime soon"
So, this cost of living crisis is not going away anytime soon, despite what any number of New Zealand political parties promise they can do about it. The inflation figures are out. It's gone up by one percentage point and there's now a four in front of it. A large part of that cost is petrol, which we can do nothing about. Diesel is up 7.1%. But even excluding tradable inflation, which we can't in
Paul Goldsmith: Treaty negotiations minister responds to Labour's RMA and enrolment concerns (1)
Today, opposition party Labour has hit out at two of National's policies. Labour has said the RMA reforms and dissolving of council agreements with local Māori will result in a need to renegotiate existing Treaty settlements. And, Labour justice spokesperson Camilla Belich told Andrew Dickens Labour has concerns about the voting law changes disrupting democracy. But, Treaty negotiation
Paul Goldsmith: Treaty negotiations minister responds to Labour's RMA and enrolment concerns
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Murray Olds: Australia Correspondent chats Barnaby Joyce publicly snapping at dog
Former deputy prime minister and One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce grabbed headlines after snapping at a misbehaving dog on live TV. This isn't the first time Joyce has been caught in dog related controversy, as he once threatened to kill actor Johnny Depp’s dogs. Australia correspondent Murray Olds said, "you have to yell at your dog from time to time, but it was honestly, I think anyone who was watchi
Camilla Belich: Labour justice spokesperson on electoral commission concerns
Labour is concerned that the Electoral Commission is not doing enough to enrol voters ahead of this year's election following changes to the law made by the current Government, which mean that voters cannot enrol or update their enrolment on election day or during the advanced voting period. This means that if the contact details associated with your enrolment are incorrect, your vote could be dis
The Huddle: The election energy policy battle
Tonight on The Huddle, Childfund CEO Josie Pagani and Sherson Willis co-founder Trish Sherson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The big topic of debate is the latest election policy announcements out of NZ First and Greens both focusing on drastically different approaches to energy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister chats decision behind Golden Bay Cement bailout
Finance Minister Nicola Willis joined Heather du Plessis-Allan for their weekly chat. On the Golden Bay Cement bailout, Willis defended the Government's decision to not change the ETS and instead provide funding directly to the company. "If we had said 'actually no, the ETS doesn't apply to you, Golden Bay Cement', there would have been a conga, well, there could have been a conga line of others w
Full Show Podcast: 20 July 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 20 July, 2026, Sir Bob Charles tells us why he's such a big fan of the way Open golf champion Ryan Fox plays. Resource Management Reform Minister Chris Bishop explains how the government's getting rid of iwi agreements with local councils. We look at how you can get a kitset granny flat - and what it'll cost you. And on The Huddle
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: The fun outweighed the controversies at the World Cup
Well, I think we can probably call it: in the end, no one cared enough about the controversies at the Football World Cup. We all just had a really good time watching it. Anyone hoping, and there were definitely people hoping, that this would be the World Cup where the corruption would finally be too much, the controversies would finally be too much, and something would be done about it, will be ho
Chlöe Swarbrick: Green co-leader on Kiwipower energy policy
Today the Green Party announced their new energy policy to build a publicly owned electricity company called Kiwipower. The policy has a proposed $980 million four-year appropriation with the goal of cutting power bills and expanding renewable energy. "It's creating something called firming, which effectively is the power that kind of rumbles on in the background and is constant," Greens co-leader
Jamie Sinclair: Watercare CEO on Auckland's new mega-pipe
The $1.66 billion mega-pipe solution to some of Auckland’s water woes was officially opened today. Watercare’s Central Interceptor tunnel runs for 16.2km from Point Erin in Herne Bay to the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant. "What it does is it creates, basically, a new backbone for our wastewater system, and will over time really reduce those overflows that are occurring into our harbours,
