Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, Journalist Clare De Lore and Economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 40 years since the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. Ryan has been wondering.. for all of our opposition against nuclear and nuclear weapons; are they actually what is keeping the world from erupting into even more serious conflicts right now? The own...

Caleb Clarke as a power wing could be the tool that puts the ABs over France again, despite an underwhelming season. Head Coach Scott Robertson says he believes in the eye-test of what he sees, rather than what the stats say. He says it's about trusting players to step up, and for great players to stay consistent. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 10 July 2025, Victoria University's Emeritus Professor Jonathan Boston slams suggestion that thousands of homeowners should be left without the option of Government buy-outs when their homes get destroyed by weather related events. Forest and Bird's Nicola Toki explains passionately why we should put lizards before jobs when it...

Would-be customers are being charged for cancelling bookings. One customer was even pinged $250 for pulling out of a 5-person table. Consumer NZ Communication and Campaigns Manager Sahar Lone says people must be aware of the contract they enter when booking. However, she adds businesses must be reasonable and transparent with their policies to avoid controversy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/lis...

Political Editor Jason Walls talks to Ryan Bridge about new poll results showing NZ First nearly acquiring double digits. He points out Labour and National have taken notable drops in the survey, with their respective bloc-parties having to make up the deficit. As it stands, the left-bloc doesn't have enough to form a government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliot Smith joins Ryan Bridge to discuss the changes the ABs and Red Bull have decided to make.  Why would Christian Horner get sacked, and what does that mean for Max Verstappen's future with the team? What adjustments do the All Blacks need ahead of their second test with France? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's arguments against a recommendation the Government abandons property buy-outs.  An independent panel has prepared a proposal for flood adaptation to the Environment Ministry.  It says homeowners should be responsible for deciding to live in high-risk areas - and shouldn't expect the Government to stump up for weather-damaged homes.  Victoria University emeritus professor Jona...

Rotorua's Mayor, Tania Taspell, says a new water plan in the city addresses past wrongs.  The plan will see Karamū Tākina Springs co-managed by Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuara and Rotorua Lakes Council and land nearby will be returned to Iwi.  The springs provide 60 percent of Rotorua's drinking water.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Conservation's declined a permit to clear vegetation at the Central Otago site - citing missing details on rehoming thousands of lizards.  Resources Minister Shane Jones has voiced frustration it puts hundreds of jobs at risk.  But Chief Executive of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Nicola Toki, says the lizards' existence are already under threat so mining...

Winston's done it again. The old political workhorse of the Pacific just keeps getting more popular. New Zealand First has overtaken ACT in the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia Poll - it's now the third most popular party. I'll give you a break down of the numbers shortly, but this has got to be ego bruising for Seymour. He's just got his feet under the Deputy's desk and he's been overtaken in the po...

Germany has accused the Chinese military of targeting its aircraft during an EU operation over the Red Sea. The Chinese ambassador has been summoned to the German foreign ministry over the incident. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this comes as concerns mount over China's influence on critical technologies and security infrastructure in Europe. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Unions are urging Uber to consider New Zealanders needs - after drivers protested outside the Supreme Court today. It's over an Uber appeal of a 2022 ruling that deemed four drivers employees, allowed things like sick leave and holiday pay. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank left the OCR on hold at 3.25 percent - with the bank claiming it was waiting for more economic data. Economists widely suspected the RBNZ wouldn't cut rates any further, and they believe there's more cuts to come. Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan unpacked the market reactions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government wants beneficiaries to help with the flood clean-up in the South Island. Is this a good idea? Is there a case to make work available under these circumstances? There's a plan to revive the moa from extinction. Good ide...

An ACT MP claims cultural requirements in resource consents are creating extra costs and slowing down solar farm projects.  Undersecretary for RMA Reform, Simon Court says at one Hawke's Bay site local hapu have to be invited to perform karakia every time a native tree is removed.  He says ultimately it will be consumers missing out.  "What this means is that if solar farms can't ge...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 9 July 2025, Infometrics' Brad Olsen breaks down today's OCR decision and tells Ryan Bridge when we might get another cut to interest rates. The Government is keen to get unemployed job seekers involved in the flood clean-up in Nelson/Tasman. MSD's Craig Churchill tells Ryan so far just six jobseekers have put their hands up. Z...

The moa was a visionary bird well ahead of its time. Bringing them back from extinction makes perfect sense - we'll be setting them free. They can finally live their best life. Spread their wings - metaphorically, of course, cause they don't actually have wings. But they'll be free in this brave, new modern world. Firstly, they're vegan. So hip and trendy box number one - big tick. Wait till someb...

The Public Service Commissioner says there's signs of optimism and room for improvement in this year's survey of public servants.  The poll of 40 thousand workers found 80 percent think there's a staff shortage and workloads are too high.  Commissioner Brian Roche says AI, not more staff, could be the answer.  He says he's not making much of the finding - a third of public servants...

A lucky escape for a near-hypothermic Wellington tramper and his dog after the pair were rescued from freezing overnight conditions in the Tararua Ranges.  David Graham and Winnie were winched to safety in an Air Force helicopter about 4.30am yesterday, where he was given the best hot chocolate of his life.  Graham says he was well-prepared, but conditions deteriorated - and by 9pm, his...

600 Tasman jobseekers have the opportunity to help clean up flood damage in the upper South Island.  The Government's activated a beneficiary task force in Tasman and Marlborough. Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner, Craig Churchill, says they're targeting jobseekers closest to the area.  "We've actually had a lot of jobseekers register interest to help in events like th...

Another cut to the Official Cash Rate still looks more likely than not, according to one expert. The Reserve Bank's kept the OCR unchanged at 3.25 percent today, following six consecutive cuts. It's waiting for more economic data, before further moves. But Infometrics principal economist, Brad Olsen, says the bank's explicitly signalling the chance of more cuts. "If things continue to evolve as th...

The death toll from flash floods in Texas has risen to 111 - including 28 children - and the numbers missing have skyrocketed to 173. It's the US's deadliest freshwater flooding in nearly 50 years. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says fingers have been pointed at the Republicans in charge - claiming their cuts to emergency services have worsened the impact of the disaster.  LISTEN ABOVE See o...

Public hearings for the second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry got under way this week, and there's been speculation if Jacinda Ardern will make an appearance. Ardern says she will provide evidence to assist the Royal Commission of Inquiry, if asked to. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says key decision makers and senior public servants are set to speak next month. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudi...

Extra motivation for Queensland ahead of tonight's State of Origin series decider against New South Wales in Sydney. Maroons skipper Cameron Munster has returned to camp after the death of his father, Steven. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Otago University professor says extinction is forever and the moa isn't coming back. A US genetic engineering project with backing from Peter Jackson claims it might restore the extinct South Island moa to New Zealand within a decade. But zoology professor Philip Seddon says he's questioning the researchers' goal and whether it's even possible. "Its genetics will be different, its physiology wil...