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
Full Show Podcast: 12 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Friday, 12 June, 2026, Mike Angove from the Walk Without Fear Charitable Trust tells us how disappointed he is at the watering down of "coward punch" legislation. A Field-good story. Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen on the success of this year's Fieldays. Hamilton mayor Tim Macindoe on why he's excited about plan
Max Rashbrooke: Senior research fellow of economic inequality chats world's first trillionaire
Elon Musk is set to become the world's first trillionaire as SpaceX finally hits the US stock market. Max Rashbrooke, senior research fellow of economic inequality at Victoria University of Wellington told Andrew Dickens, "we live in a world where a lot of people have got nothing or they're may be worth a dollar and it's sort of hard to think that someone is 1 trillion times more worthy or h
Karl Puschmann: Entertainment journalist on World Cup opening ceremony
The FIFA World Cup kicked off today with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match with performances by Shakira and Burna Boy. Although, entertainment journalist Karl Puschmann was not a fan of the festivities. He told Andrew Dickens he wished he'd stayed in bed as the show "was flatter than a day old soft drink." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tim Macindoe: Hamilton Mayor 'fully on board' with skyscraper proposal
A proposed new hotel set on the banks of the Waikato River could be Hamilton's first skyscraper standing at 25 storeys high. Kiwi high-rise developer Templeton Group presented the preliminary design for the Victoria Street Tower to Hamilton City Council on Thursday. Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe told Andrew Dickens he is 'fully on board' with the development. "There are all sorts of wonderful things
Mike Angove: Walk Without Fear Trust board member chats coward punch legislation
ACT and New Zealand First are in favour of a minimum non-parole period of 8 years for offenders who commit manslaughter by a strike to the head or the neck - the coward punch. But, National and the opposition parties are not keen. Board member of the Walk Without Fear Trust, Mike Angove, told Andrew Dickens he is disappointed in National's lack of support. "National have indicated that they're goi
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: Has Trump locked America into a 'forever war'?
So, it’s been more than two months since the president announced what he described as a ceasefire with Iran and suggested a major deal was just days away. This was back on April 7. The president said on social media that the two sides were “very far along”, adding that they just needed two weeks for the agreement to be finalised and consummated. But of course, that never happened. And yet, in the
Dan Mitchinson: US Correspondent chats 'tacky' UFC arena and thousands of Americans giving up citizenship
A large structure has appeared on the White House Lawn as the UFC match approaches on June 14 to mark 250 years of American independence. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson called the structure 'tacky' as Trump says he may keep it as a permanent feature. Mitchinson also discusses updates in the war with Iran and a mass exodus of American citizens willingly giving up their citizenship. He told A
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on rioters clashing with police as Belfast protests continue
Police in Northern Ireland are patrolling Belfast to prevent escalation after violent unrest. Masked rioters took torched houses and cars yesterday, after a Sudanese refugee allegedly stabbed a man. UK correspondent Enda Brady says police have turned to using water cannons to keeping rioters at bay. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what the SpaceX IPO launch means for investors
A lot of investor attention on Wall Street - with Space X heading to market on Saturday. The debut of Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and data centre company will be one of the most-watched in years. A chunk of shares will be available in a company that up to now, was exclusive to Musk and a select group of rich private institutions. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee om
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the mood of Fieldays 2026
Another Fieldays is taking place, with farmers and rural experts coming together from across the country. The major rural event's run across this week in Hamilton's Mystery Creek, attracting experts from across the board. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Full Show Podcast: 11 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Thursday, 11 June, 2026, Transport Minister Chris Bishop sets the record straight on plans for Budget funding earmarked for a rainy day and takes a swipe at Labour's public transport policy. We speak to the founder of a business offering ADHD assessments over Zoom, cutting wait times from months to weeks. The Prime Min
The Huddle: What can we do to stop people from smoking illegal cigarettes?
Tonight on The Huddle, artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! ADHD Simple is utilising technology and AI to get ADHD assessments done more quickly and at less cost than from traditional clinics. Do we trust this development? National has criticised Labour's numbers fol
Barry Barton: Waikato University climate law professor on the implications of not meeting 2030 Paris Agreement target
Failing to hit our 2030 emissions target could be a bad look for New Zealand, according to one expert. Treasury's predicted we could have to pay about five-billion dollars in overseas carbon credits to meet our Paris Agreement target. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they'll try, but won't be spending that. Waikato University climate law professor Barry Barton says failing our targets could h
Cameron Houston: ADHD Simple founder and CEO on the company's new service designed to speed up assessments
A new service aims to get ADHD assessments done more quickly and at less cost than from traditional clinics. ADHD Simple offers appointments in as little as three weeks, by holding online consultations. New rules for prescribing stimulant medication and diagnosing the condition came into effect this year. Company founder and chief executive, Cameron Houston, says they combine tech and
Bodo Lang: Massey University marketing professor on McDonalds lifting coffee prices for Super Gold cardholders
McDonalds is increasing the size of medium and large coffees for Super Gold cardholders. It had previously sold any size McCafe coffee, tea or hot chocolate for $3 but it has now increased the price for medium and large to $4 and $5, respectively. Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang says it's likely there will be some upset people as a result of these changes. "If the costs have increa
Chris Bishop: Transport Minister responds to Labour's public transport policy
The Transport Minister is denying weighing up using an emergency fund on public transport. Chris Bishop says a contingency fund in this Budget - is for targeted, timely fuel-crisis support - if needed. Bishop says if the Government wants to do something around public transport, it would look to infrastructure. "I'm not proposing, in fact, I never said we were proposing, it's been wildly misreporte
Glenn Carle: former CIA intelligence officer on Iran saying it'll close the Strait of Hormuz following US attacks
The United States has enough force to open the Strait of Hormuz, but the price is too high. The US has been attacking multiple targets, claiming it's self-defence. Iran has responded by saying it'll shoot any vessel attempting to traverse the Strait. Former CIA intelligence officer, Glenn Carle, says Donald Trump could order the military to open the passage, but it would involve
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the High Court banning return of seized gang patches
The High Court is quashing earlier court directions to return gang patches to some members. Open Justice reports two men caught wearing patches in separate incidents were prosecuted, and in each the presiding judge ruled they could get back their insignia. The Solicitor-General appealed those directions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined the terms of the ruling.
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the new reports uncovering bullying in NSW police force
A new report into the NSW police force has revealed bullying, incivility, and discrimination are at 'unacceptable levels' within the force. More than 5,000 current and former staff engaged with the review, which was undertaken by former Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the inquiry ran for 18 months, and uncovered hi
Casey Costello: Customs Minister on the Government seizing illicit tobacco
The Customs Minister insists the Government's had success seizing illicit tobacco, as a report outlines the reality of the black market. FTI Consulting's study - commissioned by tobacco companies - found more than a third consumed last year was illegal. It estimates the Government lost $817-million in excise and GST revenue last year. Casey Costello says despite more seizures than ever, smuggled a
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: Anyone else feeling sorry for Chris Hipkins?
Is anyone else feeling for Chris Hipkins right now? He's having a terrible week, and it just looks bad. A large part of the blame has to rest with the people below him just not doing their job. First, the Superintendent Naidoo schemozzle. Notification of his intent to run for political office on a Thursday, just before it's announced the next Monday, was an organisational failure. The superintende
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the latest with the Belfast knife attack
A man believed to be Sudanese is set to appear in court charged with attempted murder after a 'brutal' knife attack in Belfast. Video circulating online shows a number of people, including one wielding a hurling stick, confronting the apparent attacker until the police arrived. The victim is in a serious condition in hospital. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained the case further. LISTEN ABOVESee
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on ASB being ordered to pay $6.731 million for breaching anti-money laundering laws
The High Court has ordered ASB Bank to pay $6.731 million for breaching anti-money laundering laws. The penalty is the largest ever imposed by a New Zealand court under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained the case further - and whether it sets a precedent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/
Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the 'choppy' markets incoming for tech sector
Experts are warning investors to brace for a 'choppy' market in the tech sector. Some of the US's leading chip companies have been getting some extra attention on them, as the market looks set to change. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Full Show Podcast: 10 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Wednesday, 10 June, 2026, Labour Transport spokesman Tangi Utikere insists the party's got its numbers right with a plan to cap how much public transport users pay each week. We talk to Remuneration Authority chair Geoff Summers on more than $300,000 being spent for former prime ministers to use Crown cars they barely
The Huddle: Why didn't Labour make an appearance at Fieldays?
Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union 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! Do we think Labour's proposed public transport fare cap will get votes? How much of the country will this policy really help? And why wasn't Labour at Fieldays? Are we surprised Stewart Island is sti
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: Which roading measures could Labour plan to cut?
So here we go - some policy, ladies and gentlemen. Labour’s promising cheaper public transport. They want to cap weekly fares at $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and $10 everywhere else. Under the plan, once you hit the cap, the rest of the trips you take that week could be free. Labour says it would save regular users about $25 a week. They reckon it would save you about $1200 a year.
Katrina King: Franchise Association of New Zealand CEO on what current economic conditions mean for businesses
Tough economic conditions over the past six years have taken a toll on the survival rate of small and medium-sized businesses, but franchises appear to have fared better. International data supplied by the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) indicates about 75 to 85 percent of franchises were still operating after five years, compared with about half of independent small businesses. Franch
Aaron Conner: Stewart Island Community Board Chair on power prices potentially going up in Stewart Island
Stewart Islanders are bracing for more possible power price hikes just two months after bills jumped almost five percent. Prices on Rakiura are already double what city dwellers pay. The island's fully reliant on diesel generators - with a solar farm under construction. Community Board Chair Aaron Conner says in the meantime, they're just soldiering on. "It's the price we have for living in
Geoff Summers: Remuneration Authority chair on the Govt spending $300k per year on unused limos for former PMs
New data shows former politicians are taking the taxpayers for a ride. A new article in the Spinoff has revealed the Government has been spending around $300,000 per year to provide Crown limousines to former Prime Ministers and their spouses - even though the service goes mostly unused. Remuneration Authority chair Geoff Summers says it's unclear if these costs could be cut as a result. "All it s
Jonathan Boston: Victoria University Emeritus Professor on IAG criticising New Zealand's approach to climate change
Insurer IAG says political parties should join in making New Zealand more resilient to climate change. Its new report highlights our recovery bill is north of $4.2 billion dollars every year. It says New Zealand has major gaps in climate adaptation - and no clear strategy, a lack of consistent and effective rules, poor funding tools and no incentives. Victoria University Emeritus Professor Jonatha
Tangi Utikere: Labour transport spokesperson on Labour's plan to cap public transport fares
Labour's hinting it'll reprioritise Roads of National Significance projects in the Land Transport Fund, if elected this year. It's promising to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 everywhere else. It says it'll pay for it from the fund, at $65 million a year. National claims the fund's already oversubscribed. Labour's Tangi Utikere says
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Labour revealing they'll cap public transport fares
Labour's started unveiling some new policies ahead of the election, and they made a new announcement regarding public transport. It's promising to campaign on a weekly fare cap - $20 for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch - and $10 elsewhere. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper questions whether this is an affordable move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the US' response to Iran downing Apache helicopter
The US says its new attacks on Iran are a proportional response. An Apache helicopter was downed off Oman's coast near the Strait of Hormuz, with its two crew members rescued by an unmanned sea drone. The US claims the chopper was hit by an Iranian drone, with conflicting reports on whether it was deliberate. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says peace talks are still taking place, and Presid
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Ben Stokes's future as England cricket captain being in doubt
The future of Ben Stokes as England cricket captain is unclear this morning, as the investigation into a nightclub incident continues. Radio station Talksport claims Stokes will likely step down as skipper and retire from cricket, following a late night fracas. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Zainab Ali: Youth Inspire CEO on the charity facing closure over funding shortfall
A charity focused on helping Kiwi youth get ahead is at risk of closure after losing out on required funding. Lower Hutt-based charity Youth Inspire missed out on $60,000 worth of funding for its driving school, which provides lessons and training for at-risk Kiwis looking to build up their skills. CEO Zainab Ali says they're not sure why the Government isn't offering them the funding, and they've
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the UK Government making plans to ban social media for teens
Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to announce a crackdown on social media for teens in the coming days. A speech from the Prime Minister, which will include a new policy on social media, is planned for next week. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the tech companies aren't happy with this development, but Starmer has confirmed this is going ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privac
Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on Australian business confidence rising but staying low
New data shows Australian business confidence is on the up - but things are still gloomy across the Tasman. The survey from National Australia Bank showed its index of business conditions held at +3 in May, ending four months of losses. Confidence improved modestly to -14, from -23 in April. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on the Government promising to boost QEII National Trust funding if elected
Doubling funding for the QEII National Trust would be the best bang for buck conservation investment the next Government could make, Federated Farmers says. The National Party recently announced it will double the trust’s funding if it’s part of the next Government. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Huddle: Why are alcohol sales down?
Tonight on The Huddle, Brigitte Morton from Franks Ogilvie and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Apple has announced a significant overhaul of Siri, as well as a suite of changes to its trust and safety features designed to keep users safe - will this motivate us to buy new iPhones? The Government is moving forward with t
Full Show Podcast: 09 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Tuesday, 9 June, 2026, we ask Energy Minister Simeon Brown who'll pay for a billion-dollar liquefied natural gas import terminal now he's dropping the levy. We talk to Independent Children's Monitor chief executive Arran Jones about how Oranga Tamariki is letting down Maori children. Jetstar chief executive Stephanie T
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: We're all paying for this LNG project one way or another
So the LNG power plant is set to go ahead to protect us when renewables run low. The Government must be satisfied that the business case stacks up, because that’s what they said they would consider. At the same time, the Government will be cracking down on power companies during dry-year shortages. Fines for failing to secure enough backup electricity could jump from $2 million to as much as $10 m
Stephanie Tully: Jetstar CEO on the company celebrating 17 years in New Zealand
Amid the ongoing fuel crisis, Jetstar is celebrating a major milestone. The airline is celebrating 17 years of operating in New Zealand, and they see the nation as a solid growth market. Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully says it's a big milestone, and the company's marked the occasion with a big sale. "It's important for us, and we get excited when we have big sales - and we always have a big birthday s
Arran Jones: Independent Children's Monitor CEO on Oranga Tamariki letting down Māori children
A report on Oranga Tamariki has concluded the agency's letting down Māori children. The Independent Children's Monitor's found 65 percent of Māori who grew up in care, have children who follow the same path. It also shows 95 percent of Māori youth offenders had been the subject of reports of welfare concerns to OT. Monitor chief executive Arran Jones says Māori fare worse in the system under
Peter Griffin: BusinessDesk tech columnist on Apple announcing an AI upgrade for Siri
Apple's announced digital assistant, Siri, is getting an upgrade - expected later this year - to become Siri AI. The company is promising a better artificial intelligence experience for users. With the help of Google, Siri will remember past conversations, have a more conversational tone, and help across apps. BusinessDesk's Peter Griffin says Apple isn't trying to compete with
Simeon Brown: Energy Minister on the Government pressing on with LNG Import Facility
The Government is pressing on with their proposed LNG Import Terminal build, but they're binning a proposed levy to fund it. The Energy Minister says says gentailers are being consulted on a fair funding model, but Kiwis can be certain they won't be charged in their power bills. Simeon Brown explained it's the job of the big power companies to manage the dry year risk - and the Government's
Dylan Firth: Brewers' Association Executive Director on what less Kiwis drinking means for the Government tax take
Kiwis drinking less could hurt the Government tax take, according to new reports. Stats NZ data published last week shows total beverage volumes have fallen 10.7 percent since 2020 The Brewers Association estimates Treasury is likely overstating total alcohol excise revenue as much as $180 million dollars a year - up to 2029. Executive Director Dylan Firth says it's been overestimated in Budgets f
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on police investigating the state of Australia's criminal underworld
A drive-by shooting targeting a funeral has prompted a bigger investigation carried out by Australian police. In an exclusive interview, Assistant Commissioner Scott Cook from NSW Police said the recent surge in shootings, kidnappings and firebombings was a sign of a 'shift' in the world of organised crime. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says police are investigating 'violence brokers'
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on former Warriors forward Kane Evans coming out
Former Warriors forward Kane Evans has come out as gay - and opened up about a long battle with addiction and his mental health. Evans says he's also dealt with homelessness and has told Channel Nine he's lived in denial for years. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nadia Steedman: Front-Line Training chief operations officer on the launch of the 'Mini Woolies' supermarkets
Two new Woolworths stores have opened in the South Island, but you can't get the weekly shop done there. The educational facilities in Dunedin and Invercargill are giving young people with disabilities training for jobs in a supermarket environment, creating 'launchpads' for future employment. Front-Line Training chief operations officer Nadia Steedman says this will allow people to work in
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the stats on patients dying in UK hospitals
Over in the UK, the number of patients dying after enduring long waits in A&E departments has risen almost tenfold in a decade. Nearly 16,000 deaths in England last year were linked to such delays - the equivalent of more than 300 every week. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the Government needs to look into a long-term solution to bring these figures down. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com
Full Show Podcast: 08 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Monday, 8 June, 2026, Labour leader Chris Hipkins defends the process followed by police Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo before being named on the party's list. Otago University zoology teaching fellow Hanna Ravn tells us what to do if confronted by a sea lion. We talk to the most talkative MP in Parliament - the Greens'
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on what caused the latest drop in the US sharemarket
The US sharemarket took a hit last Friday, largely due to weakness in the information technology sector. The semiconductor sector was hit hard, and experts are unpacking the economic implications. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Grant Bradley: aviation industry expert on Air New Zealand's engine struggles easing
Air New Zealand has indicated its long-running engine problems may have come to an end. Air New Zealand’s chief has claimed the airline reached a breakthrough in Brazil this weekend after years of crippling engine issues. Aviation industry expert Grant Bradley explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Huddle: What did we make of Labour's list?
Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's no policy out of Labour just yet, but the party's unveiled their list. What did we make of it? Who stood out? Should Rakesh Naidoo have been allowed to stand? New data shows Kiwi renters are better off than they were a yea
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: Why is there no trace of policy out of Labour?
Something has finally emerged from the silent, yawning abyss that is the Labour Party. Unfortunately, it’s not policy - it’s their list. Seventy-two names, 30 new candidates. Party president Jill Day and leader Chris Hipkins say the lineup reflects modern New Zealand. They’ve got candidates from business, farming, the public service, unions, and community services - Rhodes scholars, Fulbright scho
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister says more details will come regarding billion dollar pre-Budget allocation
The Finance Minister is promising more detail is coming regarding a billion dollar pre-Budget allocation. The funding's been labelled 'secret spending' by Labour. Nicola Willis says this reflects the Government's provision for a potential capital to operating forecast change in transport spend - that can be subject to future decisions. "That is literally what it is, and we will be taking policy de
Nikki Cripps: Auckland Council regional animal shelter manager on animal shelters trialling Afterpay
Auckland Council is trialling Afterpay at its dog pounds as owners grapple with pet costs amid the rising cost of living. After one month of the eight-month trial, 15 percent of payments at the shelters had been made through the option. Auckland Council regional animal shelter manager Nikki Cripps says the trial is still in its early stages, but it's seen positive results so far. "We have seen an
Lawrence Xu Nan: Green MP on speaking more words than anyone in Parliament this term
Analysis has showed first-term MP Lawrence Xu Nan has spoken more in Parliament than any other MP this term. The Sunday Star Times says the Green MP has said 420,000 words, more than four times the 102,000 word average. Xu Nan says the job of MPs as part of Parliament is to do two things - scrutinise bills and legislation, and budgets. "I think that everyone should hold this ability to
Matt Ball: Property Investors Federation advocacy manager on whether New Zealand renters are better off
A new report has found New Zealand renters are better off than a year ago. The Regional Rental Affordability Index found affordability improved in most of the country over the past 12 months, as rents ease and incomes rise. Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball says it's not the same story in every region, but renting is definitely more affordable. "If you look at Auckland - ren
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader on the party revealing their list for the 2026 election
Labour's leader says Rakesh Naidoo's decision to run for Labour is all above board - as he comes under fire. Commissioner Richard Chambers says Naidoo's candidacy makes his role as a senior police officer untenable, and he'll be removed. Chambers says he only found out last night. Chris Hipkins says Naidoo took all the required steps. "Rakesh Naidoo told his supervisor at police that when he
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Chris Hipkins defending using taxpayer-funded private super scheme for holiday home
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended using a generous publicly funded private superannuation scheme to pay off the mortgage of his family holiday home. Hipkins confirmed he pays the maximum contribution, but he also contributes to KiwiSaver, meaning the full amount of contribution will not be paid towards the super scheme that owns his home. MPs are allowed to direct these savings into private
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on One Nation leading in new poll
Pauline Hanson's One Nation party is continuing to see a surge in popularity, according to new reports. The latest Newspoll recorded a four-point rise in One Nation’s primary vote to 31 percent, while Labor dipped one point to 30 percent and the Coalition fell two points to 18 percent. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this isn't quite enough for One Nation to lead the next Government,
Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on the All Whites losing to England in second World Cup warm-up match
The hard work won't stop for the All Whites following a creditable 1-nil loss to world number 4 England in a Football World Cup warm-up in Tampa. A Harry Kane header late in first half added time provided the only goal as New Zealand worked tirelessly in oppressive heat. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the match further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hanna Ravin: University of Otago zoology expert on the rise in sea lions blocking Dunedin roads
Dunedin drivers are being warned to watch out for sea lions on the road as more of them keep venturing inland. The New Zealand Sea Lion Trust said it was now receiving daily reports of the endangered species on roads around the lower South Island, and indicated this could become more common. University of Otago zoology expert Hanna Ravin says although their population is in decline, their numbers
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: Has the rates problem really been solved?
So, I was listening to the radio and a story really jumped out at me. I thought, “Wow!” The headline was: Porirua City Council has achieved a 0% average increase in rates. Zero percent! You can almost hear the whole country saying, “Wow - could I have that, please?” This milestone comes alongside zero cuts to services. Double wow. However - depending on your QV valuation - you may still see some i
Full Show Podcast: 05 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Friday, 5 June, 2026, a constitutional law expert questions the soaring cost of government agencies dealing with Official Information Act requests. We hear from School Board Association president Meredith Kennett about ACT's vow to lower the cost of school uniforms. Air Chathams chief executive Duane Emeny talks about
Barry Soper: Political Correspondent chats banned MPs, fringe parties, and local councils
Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the political week that was. They discussed the MPs banned from China following a Taiwan visit last year, the Government moving to ban unelected members from voting in local councils, and the rise of the fringe parties. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michael Burgess: Sports journalist gives on the ground updates of FIFA World Cup
On Sunday (NZT) the All Whites will face off against England in a warmup game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Journalist Michael Burgess is on the ground in Florida and gives us updates on the teams, ticket sales, and Tim Payne's newfound fame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duane Emeny: Air Chathams CEO contributes Auckland to Kapiti route axing to fuel costs
Regional airline Air Chathams has made the decision to cancel their Auckland to Kapiti route with CEO Duane Emeny contributing the axing to major fuel costs. Emeny sad it is costing the company an additional $1500 per return flight from Auckland to Paraparaumu just for fuel, on average an extra seven paying passengers. "That's definitely caused the tipping point," he told Andrew Dicken
Graeme Edgeler: Constitutional law expert says AI could work for 'simple questions'
Government agencies are being urged to proactively release more information and use artificial intelligence to respond to information requests, including OIA's. This comes after it was revealed that Government agencies spent $183.6 million answering requests in the 2024/25 financial year. Although, constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler doesn't believe this number is necessarily accurate.&
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: Why local news media is so important
So, obviously, this is the night after the Radio Awards, and with all this talk about awards, I’d like to congratulate a winner in my community. His name is Rob Drent. He is the editor and publisher of the Devonport Flagstaff and the Rangitoto Observer on the North Shore of Auckland. Rob was recently named best senior news journalist at the New Zealand Community Newspaper Awards — and it’s well de
Dan Mitchinson: US Correspondent says GOP members 'distancing' themselves from Trump
US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joins Andrew Dickens to chat about the latest news out of America. People born post 1970's are dying younger, former National Security Advisor John Bolton has plead guilty, and Trump's popularity continues to decline. As the midterms approach Mitchinson says some GOP members are 'slowly distancing themselves' from Trump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/li
Meredith Kennett: School Board Association President says the Government can't make school uniform decisions
ACT plans to campaign on reducing the cost of school uniforms at state schools by allowing a maximum of three branded items. School Board Association President Meredith Kennet recognises the high costs of some uniforms but explains that it is not a decision for the Government to be making. "It is a school board decision on how a school is governed and the policies that are in place, so
David Smith: Washington Bureau Chief for The Guardian says republican votes against Trump's war a 'nasty surprise'
The US House of Representatives has passed a measure to halt US President Donald Trump from taking further military action in Iran with a 215-208 vote. The vote resulted from four Republicans joining the Democrats. The action must still pass through the majorly Republican senate. Washington Bureau Chief for The Guardian David Smith said the Iran war has gone badly for the President, and ther
Sonya Cameron: Salvation Army food security manager concerned about funding dry-up
Budget 2026 allocated an annual $8 million in baseline funding to pay for food distribution which includes collecting surplus and donated food, and delivering it to places like food banks. Food banks have also been allocated $7m in 2026/27, but no more after that. Salvation Army food security manager Sonya Cameron told Andrew Dickens that she is concerned about the lack of ability to provide extra
Full Show Podcast: 04 June 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Thursday, 4 June, 2026, Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee is bemused by a ban on four MPs from entering China for a year because they visited Taiwan. A former police detective tells us about Spark's new way to detect spammers on your phone. We hear about plans to almost double the size of the Remarkables skifield in
Kimberley O'Sullivan: Otago Senior Research Fellow says solar subsidy should replace winter energy payment
Otago Senior Research Fellow Kimberley O'Sullivan reckons the money for the winter energy payment should be instead put towards a solar subsidy. "What I do think that we need is an off-ramp, a way to permanently reduce household exposure to rising electricity costs so that we don't have to keep paying the winter energy payment and perhaps in 20 years we won't need it at all," O'Sullivan told
Perspective with Andrew Dickens: We can't retaliate against China, but we must object
Four New Zealand MPs have been quietly banned from China for a year after travelling to Taiwan on a junket. The group—ACT’s Laura McClure, New Zealand First’s David Wilson, Labour’s Duncan Webb and National’s Maureen Pugh—travelled as part of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taiwan, which promotes cross-party engagement and economic ties. China didn’t like it. They decided to impose a sanction
Paul Anderson: NZSki CEO chats The Remarkables 262 hectare upgrade
NZSki has lodged an application with the Environmental Protection Agency to upgrade Queenstown ski field The Remarkables and expand into neighbouring Doolans Basin which would increase the size of the ski area from 449 hectares to 711 hectares. The expansion would almost double the daily visitor capacity for from 3500 to 6000. NZSki CEO Paul Anderson told Andrew Dickens some of the growth is comin
