Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The UK Government is looking to plug up a multi-billion dollar financial hole - leading some to speculate about the possible introduction of new taxes. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has advocated for the Government introducing a tax on wealth. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this suggestion has prompted backlash, with experts claiming wealth taxes have historically never worked. LISTEN ABOVE...

The Reserve Bank of Australia has defied market expectations by leaving its cash rate target unchanged at 3.85 percent. Market expectations were for the central bank to cut its rate by 25 basis points. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham this came as a surprise to experts - but the central bank opted to wait ahead of the CPI release. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson has takne home the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. The 26-year-old was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year last weekend after the final event in Invercargill.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle Ali Jones from Red PR and former National ministerial advisor Brigitte Morton joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The second stage of the Covid-19 inquiry is still going on - and Labour's Chris Hipkins has suggested this gives conspiratorial views a platform. Do we think these comments are out of line?  TVNZ is set to launch an ind...

On Heather Du Plessis-Allan Drive with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 8th of July 2025, Brooke van Velden responds to Chris Hipkins saying the Covid inquiry terms of reference provides a platform for conspiracy theorists. Donald Trump has met with Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, Managing partner of Firehouse strategies & Former Chief of staff for Marco Rubio's 2016 campaign, Matt...

The Reserve Bank is expected to take a breather when it reviews the Official Cash Rate on Wednesday, before pushing on with cuts later in the year. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3.25 percent. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the central bank runs some risks if they cut at this point. "What they risk is that the CPI...

A property lawyer says new proposals take a major burden off realtor's shoulders.  The Government is streamlining the process for selling a house held by a family trust - as it makes changes to laws preventing money laundering.  It says real estate agents must currently collective excessive amounts of information about the trust. But McVeagh Fleming Associate Mario Thorne says documents...

TVNZ is set to launch an independent review of its news content to check for balance and bias. This follows Media Minister Paul Goldsmith expressing interest in seeing trust in media improve - particularly for the state broadcasters. NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie says viewers have taken issue with the 'editorialising' of the news. "The reporter comes in at the end and gives an opinion or anal...

Small moves have been made that could help achieve a Gaza ceasefire - but no certainty. The US President hosted Israel's Prime Minister at the White House, as the world holds onto hope the war will end. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest in working together for peace in the Middle East, but seemed to downplay the prospect of Palestinian statehood.  Former Secretary of Stat...

There's claims comments by Chris Hipkins on the Covid inquiry are 'unhelpful' and 'divisive'.  The Labour leader said the terms of reference for the second phase - currently underway - provide a platform for conspiratorial views. He pointed out they exclude decisions made when New Zealand First was in Government . But Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, told Ryan Bridge the terms we...

Chris Hipkins won't commit to appearing before the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid response. The Labour leader earlier said the terms of reference for the second stage - which is currently underway - provide a platform for conspiracies. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Hipkins has some good points - but the Government at the time did make dec...

Australian convicted triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been accused of tampering with prison food, which has reportedly made a fellow inmate sick. Patterson was reportedly given a job in the prison kitchen while awaiting trial, with accusations surfacing after her conviction was announced. Australian correspondent Charles Croucher says investigations are still ongoing - and more will come to ligh...

France will avoid Hamilton and instead base themselves in Auckland for as long as possible before their test series finale against the All Blacks next week. A spokesperson confirmed that following the second test of the three-match series, Les Bleus will relocate from Wellington to Auckland, citing preferred facilities. ZB sports reporter Nathan Limm explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.c...

A group planning a concert venue at Auckland's Western Springs want council approval to get on with it.  A different bid recommended by council staff - for an arena backed by Auckland FC rich-listers - has been withdrawn. The council says more assessment's needed to find a path forward.  Eccles Entertainment Founder Brent Eccles says he's thrilled the competition's pulled out.  He s...

King Charles led commemorations on the 20th anniversary of the 2005 London transit bombings - the deadliest attack on the capital since World War II. 52 were killed and over 700 were injured when four men inspired by al-Qaida blew themselves up on three subway trains and a bus during rush hour on July 7th, 2005. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says King Charles spoke of the importance of unity. LISTEN...

Time's ticking for US trade partners to sign tariff deals with Donald Trump. In April, the President announced most countries, including New Zealand, would face a 10 percent minimum levy - but has delayed their implementation.  This week, he's promised to send out what he's calling 'take it or leave it' letters.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly revealed how the markets reacted. LI...

New Zealand has a limited range of ventures producing medicinal cannabis - but the most successful distributor doesn't even sell directly to Kiwis. Medical marijuana company Puro has just signed a $16 million distribution deal in the UK, but co-founder Tim Aldridge says red tape is stopping the business from selling domestically. Aldridge says there's no manufacturing or packaging companies that c...

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's concerns broadening citizen's arrest powers could endanger young people - both thieves and retail workers. Do we need to find a better solution? The second part of the Covid-19 inquiry is under way - do we think Jacinda Ar...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 7 July 2025, the jury has found mushroom cook Erin Patterson guilty on all charges - three cases of murder, and one case of attempted murder. 1 News correspondent Aziz Al Sa'afin tells Ryan Bridge there were several pieces of slam dunk evidence. Should former PM Dame Jacinda Ardern give evidence before the Royal Commission of Inqu...

Should Jacinda Ardern return to the country and face the Covid inquiry music? The answer, I think, must be yes. I confirmed this morning on my Herald NOW show that the Royal Commission has reached out to Jacinda and asked her to attend in August. The KC running the show would not answer whether she'd replied or whether she'd lawyered up, but he did say that the only way to get out of attendin...

Health Minister Simeon Brown has revealed the make-up of the new Health Zealand Board - who will take over in a fortnight. They, along with a Crown Observer, will replace the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners appointed last year. Experienced clinical director Doctor Andrew Connolly, and current Deputy Commissioner Roger Jarrold are among those appointed. Brown says Commissioner Lester Levy wil...

There's fears broadening citizen's arrest powers could endanger young people. The Government has proposed allowing the arrests at all times of day - and wants to clarify when reasonable force can be applied.  Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said it could allow children to be restrained until police arrive. Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad says citizen's arrests won't prevent ste...

There's slim options for Takapuna Golf Course, which looks likely to halve in size under an Auckland Council plan to turn it into a flooding wetland. The Council's final proposal converts the course into a flood-protection area. Public consultation is planned for later this year, including how to use the dry half.  Auckland Council Head of Sustainable Partnership, Tom Mansell, says they don't...

The second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry has begun, with many voices from business, tourism, and events venting frustration over the response. The Royal Commission of Inquiry will run until Thursday - and many are wondering if former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be called up to weigh in. Sir Ian Taylor says it would be 'wonderful' if Ardern found a way to give some answers. "It would perhaps...

Australia's Erin Patterson is facing life in prison after being found guilty this afternoon of triple-murder.  The 50-year-old appeared emotionless as a jury delivered its verdict to the Supreme Court, ending seven days' deliberations. It agreed Patterson deliberately fed members of her estranged husband's family a beef wellington laced with death cap mushrooms, killing three and attempting t...