Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world.  Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says markets surged after the election with thoughts that Trump might promote growth.  He says there might not be a quick fix for the issue.  "I suspect it's goi...

A combination of factors led to former ACT Party leader Richard Prebble stepping away from the Waitangi Tribunal. He's resigned after being appointed in October. The tribunal was established in 1975 in a bid to deal with unresolved Treaty grievances. Prebble claims the Tribunal doesn't take any notice of Parliament - and says it believes there's two Treaties. He says it's creating more grievances....

Auckland has expressed interest towards Emirates Team New Zealand around returning the next America's Cup defence to the City of Sails. Tataki Auckland Unlimited have confirmed they are in talks around potentially hosting the 38th edition, likely to be held in 2027. Sailing professor Mark Orams says the interest is there, but it requires investment from multiple key partners.  "What is the re...

The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously.   US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the world after lumping tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, who are promising retaliation. Todd McClay says it'll directly affect New Zealand companies in those countries - such as Fisher and Paykel in Mexico. He says it could move us even closer to Ch...

There's surprise among economists and industry experts after Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr abruptly resigned today.   Orr was almost halfway through his second five-year term. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says no one's received an adequate explanation as to why Orr chose to depart today - and it's not good enough. "Maybe he really is just exhausted - but still, you don't j...

Today's surprise resignation by Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has left experts with plenty of questions. Neither the Prime Minister nor Finance Minister are giving any details of why the most powerful, non-elected person in Government has abruptly quit.  Not only have Nicola Willis and Chris Luxon gone to ground - the Reserve Bank will not answer media questions about the departure. ...

Donald Trump says tariffs will make the US rich again.  The President's been delivering his first Congress address since commencing his second term.  He's talked up the 119 sweeping changes he's already pushed through - drastically reshaping domestic and foreign policy.  He says the US has been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth - and he won't let that happen an...

Black Caps coach Gary Stead is adamant South Africa will be unfazed by a pointless trip to Dubai heading into tonight's Champions Trophy semifinal in Lahore. South Africa flew to Dubai in case they played India in the semis but instead boarded a plane back to Lahore after the Black Caps lost to India to finish second in their group. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE...

A new report shines a light on the balance of power gangs hold in prisons - and how it impacts other inmates.  A Corrections-commissioned study, chiefly authored by criminologist Jarrod Gilbert, shows gang-affiliated prisoners has doubled over the past decade.  Corrections deputy director for men's prisons, Neil Beales, says there's been a noticeable increase in violent acts carried out...

It's uncertain how Ukraine can fare against Russia as the US pauses military aid and stops all equipment destined for Ukraine. Europe's been scrambling to pick up the pieces since Donald Trump began talks with Russia.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says Friday's outburst was a clear warning for Zelenskyy by Trump. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown faster over the December quarter, but the effect of inflation still linger. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has indicated tariffs on imported agricultural products could take effect as soon as April. This announcement has generated concern among Kiwi farmers, who export billions of dollars worth of meat and dairy to the US every year. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks what this could mean for the nation's primary sector. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data from Stats NZ shows that in the year ended January 2025, there were 33,812 new homes consented, down 7.2 percent compared with the year ended January 2024. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/li...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 4 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Malcolm Nance about Donald Trump pausing military aid to Ukraine. Associate Education Minister David Seymour discusses why he didn't attend a meeting with Erica Stanford over the problematic school lunches. Nathan Guy from the Meat Industry Association talks about whether New Zealand's agricultu...

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The school lunch saga carries on, with David Seymour stepping up to reassure Kiwis the programme's problems are being dealt with. What do we make of this? Congestion charging appears to be getting closer, as a new bill allowing...

As Hyundai is back on the table for a potential Cook Strait ferry deal, Winston Peters is reiterating his view that the previous deal wasn't a good one.  The Government set aside $300 million to resolve all exit costs for the deal. Peters says the idea that breaking the previous deal with Hyundai alone will cost $300 million is 'just wrong'.  "We cannot afford this blowout in costs for b...

The Associate Education Minister claims problems with school lunches are being addressed. David Seymour's revamped programme, delivered for millions-of-dollars less than Labour's, has been plagued by complaints of late deliveries and sub-standard food.  Seymour claims lunches are now delivered nearly 100 percent on time.  He says he's committed to fixing the other issues. "I think we wil...

Congestion charging is expected to trigger a change in driver behaviour.  A bill allowing councils and local authorities to set charges for people using busy routes during peak hours has passed its first reading in Parliament.  A report released today revealed congestion costs Auckland $2.6 billion a year.  Infrastructure New Zealand policy director Michelle McCormick says people ne...

It's a waiting game for our meat industry - with US tariffs looming large.  President Donald Trump has confirmed tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China will begin in the coming hours.  He's recently claimed agricultural products are next in the firing line for tariffs as early as April.  Meat Industry Association chair, Nathan Guy, says our industry's ridden the wave of geopolitical un...

There's belief from some that Europe can fill the gaps in support for Ukraine. The US is pausing all military aid to the country - including weapons in transit and waiting in Poland.  The Presidents of America and Ukraine had a heated exchange at the White House over the weekend. Former US Navy Senior Chief Malcolm Nance says only 20 percent of weapons and equipment in Ukraine come from the U...

The Opposition's sharpening its knives, as MPs continue to call out the Government over its school lunches programme. Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori weren't pulling their punches in the House today, taking aim time and time again over the issue. Education Minister Erica Stanford has called on David Seymour to explain some of the scheme's shortfalls. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls s...

Supermarket shelves in Queensland are being stripped as locals prepare for Cyclone Alfred. The category two storm is brewing off Australia's coast, causing heavy surf and high tides.  It's expected to hit at the end of the week, bringing winds up to 120 kilometres an hour. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says heavy rain, erosion and flash flooding are expected to batter the Sunshine Coas...

Hoskins Sotutu has been handed a three-week ban, which can reduce to two with a stint at tackle school, for a dangerous tackle in the Blues Super Rugby win over the Hurricanes in Wellington. The number eight was shown a red-card for shoulder-to-head contact on loose forward Peter Lakai. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

There's hopes new Cook Strait ferries will be rail-enabled. Minister for Rail Winston Peters is promising more details by the month's end. He's confirmed Hyundai - the company whose ship and infrastructure deal was dumped by the Government - is in the running for a new contract. The break fee on the original canned deal is $300 million. Maritime Union national secretary Carl Findlay says the cance...

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has stressed the importance of needing the US for supporting Ukraine. European and Canadian leaders have held an emergency summit in London, to discuss a new plan to guarantee peace in Ukraine. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says more meetings are set to take place this week - but it's unclear if all the EU nations will be on board.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnys...