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
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on King Charles addressing slavery issues as Caribbean tour gets underway
King Charles has arrived in the Bahamas to begin his tour of the Caribbean, and he's acknowledged the 'suffering of the past' in regards to slavery. There's growing calls for the King to make reparations for slavery, given Britain's historic role in the trade. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says people want more than just an apology - but it's unlikely anything major could come of this. LISTEN
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on how the OCR announcement will impact mortgages
The Reserve Bank moved to keep the OCR on hold today, surprising experts who were expecting an increase. The Monetary Policy Committee voted four votes to three to hold the cash rate at 2.75 percent. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this development could mean for mortgage holders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remy Wisenberg: Milford Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the OCR being kept on hold
The Reserve Bank moved to keep the OCR on hold, and it caused a stir among financial experts. The markets had priced in a 95 percent chance that the cash rate would go up - resulting in a sharp weakening of the New Zealand dollar. Milford Asset Management expert Remy Wisenberg explained the impacts further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Huddle: Which major party stands to benefit from an overhang?
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! There's speculation an overhang could make Parliament bigger than ever ahead of the 2026 election. Who really stands to benefit from this? NZ First has attracted some more controversy after they launche
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Here's why holding the OCR in place was the right move
It is fair to say the overwhelming reaction to the Reserve Bank's decision to hold the OCR was surprise and, in some cases, shock. Everyone thought the Reserve Bank would raise the OCR. ASB says it was 95 percent priced in. Even economists who believed the OCR should be held, so as not to kill the nascent recovery, were on record saying they thought the Reserve Bank would do it anyway. They expect
Full Show Podcast: 28 October 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 28 October, 2026, we ask Anna Breman if she didn't raise the official cash rate because of the looming election. How an interview with Barbara Edmonds turned into a love-fest. Ron Mark defends his stance on the hiring of the Manawanui skipper being "woke bulls***". And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame discu
Barbara Edmonds: Labour Finance Spokesperson on the party unveiling election pledges aimed at renters
Labour has unveiled their new renters' policy - aimed at increasing protections for tenants and creating new standards for landlords. Landlords will be required to give more notice before ending a tenancy, rent rises would be limited to once a year and proper curtains and blinds would be required under Healthy Homes Standards. Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds says these changes will giv
Ron Mark: NZ First candidate on Opportunity's Qiulae Wong considering ruling out working with party following DEI comments
Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong says the party is considering ruling out working with New Zealand First after the release of a controversial ad - and Winston Peters' defence of it. The ad was posted to social media yesterday, and it featured candidate Ron Mark blaming the HMNZ Manawanui sinking on DEI. Mark says his statements reflect what the Government was thinking when they repealed the DEI mand
Cam Mackinnon: Sauna Collective owner on the business being ordered to leave Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park
A popular Auckland beachfront sauna has been booted from Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park following a board vote. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board says the Sauna Collective is no longer compatible with the campground, citing multiple guest complaints. Business owner Cam Mackinnon says this is surprising, given how there was plenty of support from the community on Auckland's North Shore. "I can't se
Mike Atkinson: Aspire Property Management director on Labour pledging to bring back ban on no-cause evictions
One property management agency claims Labour's pledge to better protect tenants and demand more of landlords will hurt renters. Labour wants landlords to give more notice before ending a tenancy, requiring a valid reason, and would limit rent rises to once a year. It would also introduce a duty of care obligation for landlords, and require proper curtains and blinds under Healthy Homes Stand
Anna Breman: Reserve Bank Governor on why the Reserve Bank kept the OCR on hold at 2.75 percent
The Reserve Bank Governor is defending voting to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged for another six weeks. Three members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted to hike the rate to 3 percent. But four - including Governor Anna Breman - opted to stick at 2.75 percent. Breman says the effects of high fuel prices haven't been as severe as feared. "We've seen the indirect effects, so how fuel prices
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the Reserve Bank keeping the OCR on hold at 2.75 percent
The Reserve Bank has opted to keep the Official Cash Rate on hold at 2.75 percent, but it's likely future hikes could come. This goes against the initial predictions by economists, who had expected another increase to the cash rate. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Reserve Bank wasn't required to take the election into account - and they shouldn't have to. LIST
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Trump's latest fundraising appeal ahead of US mid-term elections
The US mid-term elections are due to get underway next week, with President Donald Trump launching his final fundraising bid. An email featuring President Trump was sent out over the weekend, and it featured him boarding a train and waving goodbye, with the subject line 'Farewell President Trump'. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump's already in a 'lame duck' position anyway, as a US Presid
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on India beating out the Black Caps in third T20 match in Wellington
India have chased 199 with six wickets and 40 balls to spare in the third T20 cricket match against New Zealand in Wellington. The visitors have won the five-game series with two fixtures left. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the match further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heath Milne: Development West Coast CEO on the new data showing the West Coast has higher than average advertised salaries
According to new data, one section of the South Island is the highest paid part of the country. New Trade Me jobs reporting shows the average person in the West Coast earns $78,000 annually, compared to the national average of $74,000. Development West Coast CEO Heath Milne says the cheap housing is attracting more skilled professionals to the region. "The other thing is, we are in the early stage
Enda Brady: UK correspondent ahead of Chancellor John Healey presenting UK 2026 Budget
Over in the UK, British finance minister John Healey is due to announce his first Budget on Wednesday - but people aren't feeling optimistic. Households and businesses are struggling to cover all their costs, and another winter full of rising energy bills is looming. UK correspondent Enda Brady claims minimum wage is set to go up for younger workers, but this won't be good news for businesses. LIS
Justin Tighe-Umbers: National Road Carriers Association CEO on the latest closure of the Awakino Gorge
The Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 is set to close again tonight for nine consecutive nights, but there's hope for a way forward. The route has been closed several times over the past year due to storms and adverse weather conditions, causing delays and detours for drivers. National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers is feeling hopeful - as this closure was planned so contra
Jamie Mackay: The Country host unpacks latest 1News-Verian poll results
The gap between the two major parties has narrowed again, leaving people speculating about how the election could go. According to the latest 1News-Verian poll, National has dropped to 29 points and Labour is holding steady on 27. Meanwhile, the Greens have dropped to 15, ACT is on 12, NZ First has gone up to 10 and Opportunity has fallen to 6. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacked the results
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Do Labour's complaints about early voting stand up to scrutiny?
Okay, you want to know what a party sounds like when it's preparing to lose an election? Check out Labour. They've started to ramp up their complaints about so-called voter suppression. Now, to be fair, this is not a new complaint. It's been going on all campaign. It goes back more than a year. But it really went up a level with Ayesha Verrall complaining that the first day of voting would fall on
Nicola Willis: National Finance Spokesperson on National pulling ahead in 1News-Verian poll
National, ACT and New Zealand First have moved closer to securing a coalition for a second term in power without needing Opportunity's help. In the latest 1News-Verian poll, National has dropped three points to 29, while Labour remains steady on 27. ACT's up one point to 12, while New Zealand First climbed two to 10. With voting starting up this week, National's Nicola Willis says these results ar
Full Show Podcast: 27 October 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 27 October, 2026, Kieran McAnulty tries to justify Labour's plan to help state tenants buy their own homes - with $100 a week from their rent. Is the "backing the gangs" ad featuring Chris Hipkins, Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick disinformation? One of the Front Bench of Trish Sherson, Barry Soper and Josie Pagani are accused
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Jacinda Ardern's new job in Australia
Dame Jacinda Ardern has scored a new job across the ditch, teaching Australians about leadership and social cohesion. Sydney University has just announced the former Prime Minister will join as a Professor of Practice, based in its School of Public Health. The new role comes eight months after Ardern and her family relocated to Sydney. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Ardern will step int
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the All Blacks squad named for end-of-year tour
Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry have gone from starting against the Springboks in Baltimore last month to missing the All Blacks end-of-year tour. The Blues locking combination have been left out of the 36-strong squad, and he Crusaders' Jamie Hannah has been preferred. Tuipulotu had a calf injury that kept him out of the Bledisloe Cup series but is now back running and technically available. Spor
The Front Bench: Are the claims of voter suppression legitimate?
Every week until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks her panel whether the claims of Donald T
Louise Parsons: Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesperson on the Greens condemning election billboard ads
The Sensible Sentencing Trust has temporarily taken down digital billboards displaying the leaders of the Green and Labour parties with the line - 'Backing the Gangs'. Greens, Labour and Te Pāti Māori candidates have met with gang members during the campaign, with the Labour candidate resigning in the fallout. The Greens have lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority over the bil
James Ryan: Genesis general retail manager reveals how much powering your home with an EV could save
How much money could you save by powering your home with an electric car? Genesis is trialling tech to let owners charge their car battery off-peak for use in the house at peak times, effectively making it a power-storage unit. The three-month test on a four person home let the car feed electricity to the household, drawing little from the national grid. General retail manager James Ry
Edward Miller: Public Futures Aotearoa report author on the increased spending on private healthcare
A reminder political whims can guide our public health sector - as revealed in a new report. A report by multiple health workforce unions shows private providers have captured 80 percent of the $3 billion increase in Health NZ and ACC spending since 2022. Report researcher, Edward Miller, says not putting money into public health makes us more reliant on the private sector. "It will cost us more a
Kieran McAnulty: Labour Housing Spokesperson on the party's rent-to-buy scheme for state housing tenants
Labour wants to help state tenants to get a foot on the property ladder. It's proposing a rent-to-buy scheme, with Kainga Ora putting aside $100 rent a week, working up to a deposit. The party would also lift the income cap for five percent deposits, to $300,000, making more buyers eligible. Labour Housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty says getting these renters out of the 'poverty trap' will benef
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: I'm shocked by Nick Hill's rugby argument
Nick Hill is the principal of Christchurch Boys’ High School, and I have no doubt he is a very good headmaster with the best of intentions. But I am not exaggerating when I say I am shocked by the argument he seems so keen to advance. Last month, he wrote an article for the Herald, and this month he has doubled down on those views in a letter to principals. In that letter, he urges schools to stop
Shaun Newman: TrailLite joint Managing Director says younger kiwis are taking an interest in motorhomes
For the first time, the odds driving past an NZ-built motorhome are higher than ever. After a boom-bust cycle during COVID, New Zealand's motorhome market is starting to stabilise, and it's no longer a boomer-dominated market. Kiwi motorhome company TrailLite's joint Managing Director Shaun Newman says, "for a lot of people, a holiday house isn't a viable option for them anymore." He says mo
Full Show Podcast: 23 October 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 23 October, 2026, is the election over for Chippie after the gang fiasco? We question the Labour leader. An expert's warning to check your connections after a cyber security flaw takes down websites around the world. Business is booming for motorhomes - and it's not just Boomers buying them. And one of our Sports Huddlers, Nathan
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: I cannot see Chris Hipkins winning the election
Oh, I tell you what, I cannot see Chris Hipkins winning the election now. I mean, if you thought that Mongrel Mob fiasco was bad before, it's got so much worse for Labour. Their candidate has quit and Chris Hipkins himself now looks like he's been fibbing to the public. It turns out, now that we've seen the video of Kerrin Leoni at the Mongrel Mob event, that it wasn't at all the family gathering
Barry Soper: Senior Political Correspondent wraps the week in politics
Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper sits down with Heather du Plessis-Allan to review the week in politics. Labour candidate Kerrin Leoni has cut ties with the party after a video circulated of her campaigning with the Mongrel Mob. The debates are wrapped up, Barry picks his winners...and losers. And the founder of the Opportunity Party says the party is leaning too far to
The Huddle: Can the Northland Taniwha win the NPC?
Tonight on The Huddle, NZ Herald Sports Journalist Nathan Limm and Sports Commentator Lavina Good join Heather du Plessis-Allan to the review this weeks' sports. The Northland Taniwha have soldiered to the NPC final, can they defeat heavyweights Canterbury and take the trophy home? The Constellation Cup continues over the ditch, can the Silver Ferns maintain momentum? And why was Grace Nweke
Scott Styris: Cricket Commentator and former Black Cap reviews India's first game against the Black Caps
India have won the first match against the Black Caps of the T20I series. They beat the Black Caps by a narrow four wickets at Hagley Oval, taking the first win of the 5 match series. Cricket Commentator and former Black Cap Scott Styris told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, 'the six frontliners on that surface, which looked a good one for betting, didn't quite have the key to unlock tha
Matthew Hague: Military Lawyer and Former Member for the Defence Force comments on Chief's resignation
The Defence Force Chief is resigning after 42 years of service due to an undisclosed inappropriate relationship. Air Marshal Tony Davies says he's taking responsibility for errors of judgement he made in the past. He says he regrets not disclosing the relationship when given the opportunity, and his actions run contrary to Defence Force values. Military Lawyer Matthew Hague told Heathe
Chris Hipkins: Labour Party Leader responds to resignation of Kerrin Leoni
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he wasn't told the full truth about the gathering that led to Kerrin Leoni's resignation as Tāmaki Makaurau candidate. At a debate this week, Te Pati Māori's Oriini Kaipara accused Leoni of visiting a gang pad a week before she did - which Leoni denied. Footage surfaced yesterday of her campaigning this month at a family event including gang members, we
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on UK judges being given new powers for criminals who miss sentencing hearings
Tough new sanctions on criminals who skip their sentencings will come into effect next year. Judges in England and Wales will soon be given stronger powers to block prison visits and keep offenders in their cells for weeks after the fact. UK correspondent Enda Brady explained these new terms further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on what the SpaceX financial result means for investors
It's been a big week for the tech sector, with Meta and SpaceX recently publishing their earnings. Elon Musk recently claimed third-quarter revenue went up to $14.6 billion year over year, beating out the $12.86 billion analysts projected. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie unpacked what this result means for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Federated Farmers voicing support for keeping agricultural and horticultural science available for Year 11
Feilding High School has called for agricultural and horticultural science to remain a standalone subject for Year 11 students, and Federated Farmers has voiced support for this move. Under proposed changes to the school curriculum, agriculture would be folded into general science for Year 11 students, with Year 12 and 13 instead having the option to take Food and Fibre Systems from 2029. Th
Full Show Podcast: 22 October 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 22 October, 2026, are TVNZ workers making a political statement by going on strike just before the election? A mum jailed for bashing her baby is going to the Court of Appeal - for a second time. We talk to the journalist who's campaigned to overturn the conviction and sentence. Why young people are being urged to add video to
The Huddle: Do we need to be getting ready for more global conflicts?
Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! NZ First has recently unveiled their plan for defence spending, including increasing defence spending to 3 percent of GDP, merging the Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters, capping executive pay, creating a NZ Marine Force and inc
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Is the TVNZ strike politically motivated?
I'm surprised because TVNZ journos basically never strike. The last time they did was 20 years ago, in 2006. Yet, when they finally decide to strike, they choose to do it just nine days before an election. Surely they're smart enough to realise how political that's going to look. Now, I'm not saying they're necessarily trying to be political but I'd bet the two unions organising the strike absolut
Louise Saviker: Student Job Search CEO on the increase in job seekers being asked to submit videos
New reports indicate more young job seekers are being asked to submit short videos - alongside the traditional tailored CV, cover letter and filled-in questionnaire. While this trend is more popular overseas, more Kiwi employers are looking to utilise videos to sort through applicants as well. Student Job Search CEO Louise Saviker says many of the roles advertised through the platform are front-fa
Beth Greener: professor from Massey University's Centre for Strategic Studies on NZ First unveiling new defence plan
One expert says it looks like New Zealand First is preparing for conflict with its new defence plan. The party wants to increase defence spending to three percent of GDP, up from the current goal of two percent. It proposes merging the Army, Navy and Air Force HQs, creating a Marine Force and increasing personnel by more than 5,000. Massey University Professor Beth Greener says it does
Winston Peters: NZ First leader on the High Court overturning ban on puberty blockers
Winston Peters has voiced his disapproval with the High Court overturning the ban on puberty blockers. The Government last year banned the treatment for new patients with gender dysphoria and incongruence. The court's ruled in favour of the transgender support group fighting the regulation. labelling the ban discriminatory and disproportionate. The New Zealand First leader claims allowing the medi
Rachel Mackintosh: E tū national secretary on TVNZ journalists and other staff going on strike next week
TVNZ journalists will walk off the job next Thursday for the first time in two decades. About 140 unionised newsroom staff will strike for an hour from 1pm, protesting the state broadcaster's 2.5 percent pay rise offer. E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the broadcaster is in a better financial position than expected following the success of the World Cup. "They are actually in a bette
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on inflation dropping to 3.7 percent in the year to September
The September quarter's reprieve from inflation is likely to be temporary, according to one expert. The Consumers Price Index measure of household expenses rose 3.7 percent in the year to September - down from 4.1 annually to June. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says changes since mean it'll go up again - pushed by many costs. "Going through into building costs, we've seen the likes of
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Labour's Kerrin Leoni denying gang pad visit following Te Pāti Māori allegations
Labour's leader says he's confident candidate Kerrin Leoni didn't visit the Mongrel Mob, as alleged by a Te Pāti Māori MP. Oriini Kaipara and another party MP visited the mob HQ - alongside a Green Party MP and candidates, posting photos online. In a Whakaata Māori election debate, Leoni denied Kaipara's claim she'd visited the week before. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper sa
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on MP Helen Haines losing both legs after recent attack
Australian MP Helen Haines has now lost both of her legs after she was struck by a vehicle outside her electorate officer earlier this week. Haines' left leg was amputated shortly after the attack, and surgeons recently confirmed her right leg had to be removed as well. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says she's 'critical, but stable' and people from across the country have been wishing
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the Silver Ferns beating the Australian Diamonds again 62-50
The Silver Ferns have managed to hold onto the lead following their second Constellation Cup match. They've defeated the Diamonds 62-50 in Christchurch, taking a 2-nil lead in the four-match Constellation Cup series. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped last night's match further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Melanie Reid: Newsroom investigative journalist on Newsroom taking Starship case to Court of Appeal
The case of a mother who was jailed after Starship Hospital doctors testified that her baby had been deliberately injured is set to have her conviction reconsidered by the Court of Appeal. The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the conviction after new evidence was uncovered in an investigation led by Newsroom. The Newsroom investigative journalist leading the charge, Melanie Reid
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor on Milford Asset Management's performance hit against competitors
KiwiSaver provider Milford Asset Management’s performance has been lagging compared to its competitors in recent times. In the year to September, its active growth KiwiSaver fund returned 3.4% (after fees and before tax) – a result well below others in the market that delivered above 10%. NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenee Tibshraeny joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to break down why, and if
Full Show Podcast: 21 October 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 21 October, 2026, Christopher Luxon and Chris Hipkins both say they're open to life sentences for child abusers. But is it a good idea? A firefighter tells us how difficult it was to rescue a base jumper whose leap from a central Auckland hotel went wrong. Daryl Mitchell on how pumped the Blackcaps are about facing powerho
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Is this the moment National started to win the election?
All right, it was either a rogue poll, or it was the moment National started to win this election. I think there's a good chance it's the latter. If National is now winning the election, it will be because they have finally started talking about the things they're good at: education and crime. Thank you very much to the Mongrel Mob for the latter. Not that annoying "nine new taxes" nonsense that w
Barbara Edmonds: Labour Finance Spokesperson brushes off poll showing Labour down to 27%
The National Party has gained four points, building to a five-point lead over Labour in the latest 1News Verian poll. This is the Nats' strongest result since February, but Labour are at their lowest since the last election. Labour Finance Spokesperson Barbara Edmonds dismissed this poll, saying 'we are focused on the things that New Zealanders are saying that matters to them.' LISTEN
Chris Abercrombie: PPTA President discusses National's promise to expand Maths Acceleration Programme
National is aiming to improve confidence with maths among our year seven to 10 children. It's promising to expand the Maths Acceleration Programme to 40 thousand more students if re-elected. PPTA president Chris Abercrombie told Heather du Plessis-Allan that we have significant unmet needs, so it's good to see this type of action on the agenda. He says we need high expectations a
The Huddle: Why are the Nats back on the rise in the polls?
Tonight on the Huddle, Auckland Councillor and former National Minister Maurice Williamson and Host of Saturday Mornings and Q&A Jack Tame join Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the days' big issues. On the table tonight: National are looking up in the polls, what's caused this boost to their numbers? "Should child sex offenders be jailed for life?" was a question brought up in last ni
Darren Gussey: Firefighter who saved base jumper from Auckland tower recalls unique rescue
A Belgian man was left clinging to the outside of the Hotel Indigo on Albert Street after a base jump gone-wrong. Fire and Emergency’s high angle rope rescue team had been deployed, and worked to reach the stranded jumper. Rescuers eventually brought them in through an apartment window. Firefighter Darren Gussey was part of the team that pulled the man in to the hotel window, and he to
Andrew Little: Wellington Mayor calls for government buildings to pay rates to city
Wellington City Council believes it could earn another $21 million in rates if government buildings paid commercial rates. At the moment, government buildings do no pay council rates. This includes parliament, schools, hospitals, and so on. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, "More cities and towns provide infrastructure that those government buildings use, and
Denise Ritchie: Stop Demand founder calls for longer prison sentences for child sex abuse cases
Strong support for looking at longer sentences for child sexual abuse cases. Both National Leader Christopher Luxon and Labour Leader Chris Hipkins have said they're open to exploring life sentences for child sex offenders at last night's Stuff Leaders' Debate. Sexual harm prevention group, Stop Demand founder Denise Ritchie told Heather du Plessis-Allan that a crack down on sentences and parole t
Barry Soper: Senior Political Correspondent discusses latest 1News Verian poll
The latest 1News Verian poll is out, and National are looking up. National have climbed 4 points to 32%, but Labour have slipped down to 27%. The Green party has also made ground, reaching 16%. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says this will give the National Party some confidence. 'That'll no doubt Chris, Luxon some encouragement, and that's probably why, I don't know whethe
Gordon Robison: US and Middle East Correspondent discusses the US midterms
The US Midterm elections are fast approaching, and American candidates are campaigning hard. US Correspondent Gordon Robison says lawn signs are everywhere, and TV ad breaks are wall-to-wall political ads. Trump is also looking to make another modification to the White House, saying he's looking at turning a briefing room in to a swimming pool. Robison joins Heather du Plessis-Al
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on match 2 of Constellation Cup
The Silver Ferns are set to face Australia in round 2 of the Constellation Cup, after claiming victory in match 1. But Sportstalk Host D'Arcy Waldegrave told Heather du Plessis-Allan that doind the double is, 'no easy task'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on French police enforcing curfews following riots and looting
France's Government says it won't be dictated by breakers, thieves and thugs, as it moves to put a stop to mass protests. Local police are enforcing overnight curfews in parts of central Paris and other cities, following riots and looting across France. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the protestors reportedly have more planned for next weekend, and French President Emmanuel Macron has copped som
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on whether the 'Australia dream' is fading
Over in Australia, unemployment is on the rise and wages haven't kept up with inflation, leaving many to wonder if the trans-Tasman dream is at risk. The Australian unemployment rate has reached 4.7 percent, and one expert has warned the nation is on track to have the largest increase in unemployment in the developed world over the next year. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says disposable
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what the latest poll means for rural New Zealand
National's shot up while Labour's slipped in the latest 1News-Verian poll, but both sides still need Opportunity to form a coalition. National's up four points to 32 percent, while Labour's fallen one to sit on 27. The Country's Jamie Mackay examined the results and weighed in on which outcomes would benefit rural voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Huddle: Could the Opportunity Party be a serious kingmaker?
Tonight on The Huddle, Property Investors Federation Advocacy Manager Matt Ball and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's shock and horror across Australia, after MP Helen Haines was struck by a vehicle and lost a leg in the incident. What do we think of this, how shocked are we? Do we need to start protecting our MPs mo
Full Show Podcast: 20 October 2026
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 20 October, 2026, a political colleague tells us about the shocking attack on an Australian MP. The drum and bass act that could attract more than 30,000 people to Dunedin's big stadium. We talk to former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen about prostate cancer. And on The Huddle, Matt Ball and Phil Goff on whether Opportunity cou
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Erica Stanford doesn't need to apologise for raising standards
All right, we need to talk about a news story that has been written in such a way that you're supposed to be alarmed by the fact that nearly half of all Year 12 students might fail Erica Stanford's NCEA replacement. The story is this - at the moment, 15 percent of Year 12 students fail NCEA Level 2. But modelling suggests that once Erica Stanford replaces NCEA with her new secondary school qualifi
Jim Jackson: National Party donor creates billboard condemning Government for stalled East West Link
Auckland businessman Jim Jackson is a big supporter of the National Party, but he's raised concerns over a stalled project. The proposed East West Link has been on hold for over a decade, and Jackson recently put up a billboard condemning Luxon for not getting the project done. He says he's been involved with the development of the expressway for the past 19 years, and he's not happy with the pros
John Battersby: Massey University Defence and Security expert on the growing concerns around MP safety
A security expert says security threats against MPs have risen as anger grows in society. Australian MP Helen Haines is critically wounded and has lost a leg after a vehicle rammed her outside her office, and an anti-logging campaigner is in custody. Massey University defence and security expert, John Battersby, says violence is never acceptable, but events here and around the world are 'rark
Sir Steve Hansen: former All Blacks coach on his new role in prostate cancer awareness campaign
Former All Blacks coach Sir Steve Hansen has teamed up with comedy icon Te Radar to help raise awareness for prostate cancer. The nationwide campaign, run by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, encourages men to ask for a prostate blood test in order to catch adverse symptoms early. Hansen says it's a 'wonderful cause' and he's happy to lend his name to the campaign. LISTEN ABOVES
Erica Stanford: National's Education Spokesperson on the new report indicating thousands of students could fail NCEA replacement
National's Education Spokesperson is brushing off concerns over previously unseen modelling suggesting the NCEA level two replacement could make pass rates plummet. Ministry of Education documents released to the PPTA show Year 12 attainment could fall 27 percent under the New Zealand Certificate of Education. Erica Stanford says it's an old paper produced at the beginning of the curriculum
Ged Kearney: Australian Labor MP on MP Helen Haines being struck by a vehicle
There's shock and sadness across Australian politics after an attack on an Independent Victoria MP. Helen Haines is still in a critical condition and has lost a leg after a LandCruiser ploughed into her outside her electorate office. A 43-year-old anti-logging campaigner, Brendan Nugent, is in custody. Close political colleague of Haines, MP Ged Kearney says she's at a loss how someone could
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on what the latest The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll means ahead of the election
Labour and National are regaining a little ground in the latest The Post/Freshwater Strategy poll, but both major parties remain well below 30 percent. The poll has Labour up to 28.7 and National up to 27.6, the Greens are unchanged on 14.3, New Zealand First is down to 11.8, ACT is unchanged on 9, and Opportunity is down to 5.4. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Hipkins
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the investigations taking place into attack on MP
There's shock and outrage across Australia, after an MP was struck by a vehicle yesterday. Helen Haines has lost a leg and is still in a critical condition after the attack outside her Victoria electorate office, described by police as 'deliberate'. Reports claim police have 43 year old anti-logging campaigner Brendan Nugent in custody. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson reveals what w
Nick Bewley: Sportstalk host on whether Christchurch is the new sports capital of New Zealand
It's a big week for sports, with many high-profile events set to take place in Christchurch. The Silver Ferns' second Constellation Cup clash, the start of the Black Caps-India series, the Rugby League World Cup double-header and the NPC final are among the big sports events set to take place in the coming days. Sportstalk host Nick Bewley discussed what this all means for Christchurch. LISTEN ABO
Phil King: Dunedin Venues CEO on Chase & Status being confirmed to play at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium
Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium is set to host its first international concerts in two years. British drum and bass duo Chase & Status will headline the venue in early March, in what's being billed as New Zealand's biggest enclosed-stadium electronic event. Dunedin Venues CEO Phil King says the organisation had a good plan to draw in more international acts over to the region. "It just fe
The Front Bench: The political fallout of visiting the Mongrel Mob
Every Monday until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks the panel about the potential fallout
