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Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Newstalk ZB 12620 Episodes Jul 28, 2026

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
Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the Government's new changes to the RSE scheme Jul 28, 2026 380 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
Megan Shaw: Webb's art manager on Bill Hammond's art being auctioned at Webb’s Jul 28, 2026 266 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
Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on what's really behind the increased cost of living Jul 28, 2026 145 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
Wayne Mapp: former Defence Minister on Russia accusing a man of working with NZ Government to pass sensitive information Jul 28, 2026 151 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'?
Perspective with Ryan Bridge: What do the latest inflation numbers really mean for the 'squeezed middle'? Jul 28, 2026 142 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
Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB reporter on National explaining why Labour can't see the social media bill just yet Jul 28, 2026 284 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
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the number of customers impacted by Origin Energy data breach Jul 28, 2026 344 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 &nbsp
Rojie Aguilar: Snowplanet general manager on the company teaming up with Sunergise to power the slopes
Rojie Aguilar: Snowplanet general manager on the company teaming up with Sunergise to power the slopes Jul 28, 2026 197 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
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Lewis Clareburt winning New Zealand's first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games Jul 28, 2026 184 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
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the wildfires tearing through France and Spain Jul 27, 2026 377 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
Catherine Williamson: Mocka chief executive on the business launching a physical store in Christchurch Jul 27, 2026 330 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
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on Spark announcing strategic review of digital services Jul 27, 2026 198 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

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