Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A new report exploring the tech sector has raised concerns among experts. A new survey by Tech Beyond Gender found that over half of all female and gender diverse technology workers who took part in the study have contemplated leaving their positions - while a third considered leaving the sector altogether. Tech Beyond Gender founder Meena Satishkumar says many of them have experienced microaggres...

There's fears stricter regulation of event organisers could hurt smaller promoters most.  Three companies connected to Juicy Fest and Timeless Summer have gone into liquidation - with ticket holders yet to receive refunds.  Eccles Entertainment co-founder Brent Eccles is pushing to force ticketing companies to hold money until an event has ended.  But Lo-Fi Productions Managing Dire...

New research shows investors looking for the best returns might be better off putting money into whisky or Lego, as opposed to the share market.  University of Auckland finance lecturer Gertjan Verdickt has released new research into alternative investments, including Lego, instruments, classic cars, wine, whisky and baseball cards. Verdickt says there's value in adding an additional componen...

Confidence in the labour market is shrinking, according to new reports. The Westpac-McDermott Miller index shows employment confidence has reached its lowest level since mid-Covid - in September 2020. It fell in 4 out of 11 regions - including the biggest jobs market - Auckland. Westpac senior economist, Michael Gordon, says businesses are advertising fewer jobs. He explained some are just looking...

An Auckland Councillor says he's leaning towards choosing an improved Eden Park to be Auckland's national stadium.  The other option is a new stadium at Quay Park.  Council staff say neither proposal is entirely feasible - relying on funding from the Council or the Government. Stadium Working Group chair Shane Henderson says Aucklanders want certainty - and they need to decide in Thursda...

Feedback is being sought on a major shake-up of electorates. The Representation Commission is proposing replacing Wellington's Ōhāriu, Mana and Ōtaki, with new electorates, Kapiti and Kenepuru. A number of Auckland  boundary lines would be redrawn, including New Lynn, Kelston, Te Atatū - becoming Waitākere, Glendene and Rānui. Panmure-Otahuhu would become Ōtāhuhu. Newstalk ZB senior political...

Over in Australia, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to hand down  the Albanese Government's newest Budget tonight. This is the last Budget ahead of the upcoming federal election in May - so the pressure's on for Labor to outline their policy agenda.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds outlines his predictions ahead of this evening's announcement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/li...

Captain Chris Wood expects the excitement of qualifying for next year's Football World Cup to be a slow burn for the All Whites. The win over New Caledonia in the Oceania final booked New Zealand a berth at the tournament for the third time in the team's history.  They're just the fifth team to qualify for the 48-team event so far - alongside co-hosts the USA, Canada and Mexico - and Japan. S...

Health NZ says it is investigating in depth as to how an 11-year-old girl was taken to a Hamilton mental health facility in a case of mistaken identity.  She was mis-identified as a 20 year old patient seen climbing Fairfield Bridge's railings - then cuffed and injected with antipsychotic drugs.  Health NZ Deputy Chief Executive Cath Cronin says they're deeply sorry and are working with...

New reports have revealed power was available to keep London's Heathrow Airport open throughout the recent shutdown. Two other substations remained operational and capable of powering the airport - but the shutdown was called due to the time it took to switch from the damaged substation to the other two. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this update came as a shock to many people who got stranded....

The global economy has gone through an interesting few months - and it's got markets worried. Trade concerns are impacting markets all over the world, especially the US.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 24 March 2025, Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she's shocked by revelations of Oranga Tamariki's grievous privacy breaches, including informing a woman's former partner of her address - leading to her physical abuse. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop tells Ryan Bridge he's ready to rip up the RMA - but what's it going to be r...

A return to profit for troubled Canterbury milk processor Synlait. Its half-year result to January's end shows earnings of $63 million before interest, taxes, and depreciation. It follows a tough 2024 for Synlait, which saw a shareholder bailout via a $218 million capital raise to repay debt. Acting Chief Executive Tim Carter explains how the company managed to bounce back. LISTEN ABOVE See omnyst...

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Local Government NZ is warning against putting a cap on council rates, worried this will have a negative impact on its interest payments. But should we accept councils just ramping up rates that exceed inflation by multi...

The Finance Minister says there will be an announcement in the next week on the Government's next steps to encourage more competition in the supermarket sector. Nicola Willis has previously indicated intentions to encourage a third player into the market to challenge the two incumbents. She explained while it's good to have a niche provider opening - unless someone is opening multiple stores, it's...

Local Government New Zealand is warning a proposed rate cap on councils will increase debt costs and place additional burdens on ratepayers. This comes after S&P Global Ratings released its downgrade of the New Zealand local Government institutional framework score last week - lowering the credit ratings of 18 councils and three council-controlled organisations. LGNZ President Sam Broughton sa...

The All Whites are welcoming direct entry for Oceania to next year's Football World Cup - ahead of kickoff in their qualifying final against New Caledonia at Eden Park. It's the first time the winner from the region automatically qualifies for the tournament.  Former All White Ben Sigmund is feeling hopeful ahead of the big match. "If they play like they did on Friday night against Fiji - I t...

Oranga Tamariki's privacy standards are in the spotlight after a critical review.  The report highlighted nine cases it described as a 'snapshot of issues'.  They include a locked cabinet of client files being donated to charity, and social workers giving a mother's and child's address to a father accused of rape.  In another, a mother suffered more abuse - after her file was shared...

Land owners will have more control of their property under the Government's new Resource Management Act system.  It's scrapping the RMA to replace it with two acts focused on land use and environmental protections.  Cabinet is hoping to pass it before the next election - to be in place before councils start 2027 long-term plans.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says building and ex...

There's potential for some bi-partisanship as the Government reveals key features of a replacement Resource Management Act system. Two replacement acts will include clearer environmental boundaries and prioritise property rights.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says it also has common sense ideas - like standardised zoning countrywide. He says he'll reach out to Labour and the Greens to loo...

Over in Australia, the Albanese-led Government has recently promised to extend energy rebates until the end of 2025, providing another $150 in energy bill relief. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to giving Australians cost-of-living relief ahead of the upcoming federal election. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the upcoming Budget will also unveil more relief solutions for...

The All Whites are gearing up to punch their ticket to the football World Cup. New Zealand square off against New Caledonia at Eden Park tonight. The winner secures automatic entry to next year's tournament, while the loser faces an intercontinental playoff.  Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been growing calls to make churches pay more in tax - and the Government is set to review this in the upcoming Budget. But after over a decade of research, one academic has changed her mind and now believes churches should pay less taxes and receive more funding from the Government. Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts, Associate Professor at Waikato University's Faculty of Law, says she's been resea...

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they were slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis.  The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue.  LISTEN ABOVE.  See omnystudio.c...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 21 March 2025, the Government is vowing changes are coming to the building consent process.. after revelations that two in three approvals are delayed. The Warehouse boss tells Ryan Bridge how he managed to lead the company back to profit. Celebrity chef Al Brown explains why he's not serving Bluff oysters this year. Plus, Ryan co...