Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Sarah Fitt has resigned as the Pharmac chief executive after seven years. Last year a “short and sharp” review was undertaken into Pharmac’s internal staff culture and relationships with patient groups, Chair Paula Bennet announced at the time. Fitt recently faced criticism for these issues. Pharmac chair Paula Bennett talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Wellington City Council removed car parks near the botanical Gardens to create more space for cycleways, now they might be bringing them back. The council says residents were complaining after being unable to find parks to visit the gardens. Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has threatened to slap import tariffs on the EU. The US President has already slammed neighbours Canada and Mexico with levy hikes - and both quickly returned the favour. Holding his first Cabinet meeting, Trump says it will be 25 percent generally speaking, and mentioned cars as one target. He also claimed the EU formed to 'screw with the US'. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer...

There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of unusually low rainfall, particularly in Manaia, Hāwera and Kakaramea. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it's forced some farmers to feed-out livestock or sell earlier. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/...

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose four points to +58 in February, while expected own activity eased one point to +45. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these figures paint a 'mixed' picture of the future.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it could potentially mean extra security f...

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government plans to introduce a referendum to extend Parliamentary terms to four years. Do we think Kiwis will go for this? Do we need longer political terms?  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni has urged David Seymour to resign over his...

Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales as demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems, continued to grow. This has also boosted the company's stock. Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management says Nvidia has pulled ahead of...

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

New Zealand Rugby's unsurprised by Clayton McMillan's impending move offshore. NZR and the Chiefs have released McMillan from the final year of his coaching contract - he'll join Irish club Munster in July. General manager professional rugby Chris Lendrum says McMillan's been open about his plans to coach overseas - and it's just come early. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LIST...

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 February 2025, David Seymour talks about the Government looking to expand parliamentary terms from 3 years to 4. Energy Minister Simon Watts discusses the energy competition task force looking to level the playing field between gentailers and independent generators - will we have power pries? Mike Egan from the Restaurant As...

Thai tourism authorities, hoteliers and travel agents are gearing up for a surge in visitors off the back of the latest season of The White Lotus. The HBO series helped put  the spotlight on Hawaii and Sicily, cementing those destinations as bastions of luxury travel.  Dave Bernad, executive producer of the series, says he feels fortunate that so many people have responded positively to...

New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands.  The multi-national company has reported a 5.4 percent sales growth in the year ending December - reaching $1.39 billion. The Kiwi division's recorded the highest net profit - at $41.7 million - and the Australia and California markets had losses.  Restaurant Associ...

Steps are being taken to level the energy playing field. The Electricity Authority is proposing new measures to stop the big four electricity companies from giving preferential treatment to their own retail arms. It's working to increase competition - aiming to ultimately give consumers more choices and lower prices. Energy Minister Simon Watts says things need to change. He says prices are too hi...

Australia's Defence Minister has reminded the population to stay calm as the Chinese warships move further in. The Navy vessels have been moving west into Australia's exclusive economic zone. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says plans are in place to keep an eye on the ships until they leave. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader believes four-year Parliamentary terms would lead to more accountability. The Government plans to introduce legislation to go to a referendum - potentially as early as the next general election. The opposition would need to get more proportional representation in Parliament Select Committees, providing greater checks and balances. David Seymour says that would mean more debate. "I thi...

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Women & Property Report shows that 23 percent of women had sole ownership of a property compared to 20.9 percent for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56 percent. CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidso...

So we're all going to have our say on giving our politicians a four year term - or are we? The announcement from Goldsmith today was all over the place - David Seymour is largely to blame for that. He'll be on the show soon, so we'll ask him to explain then. But in principle, do I support a four-year term? Yes. Why? Because politics is too short-sighted. They spend one year getting in. One year do...

The UK has confirmed its biggest boost in defence spending since the Cold War, with its Prime Minister warning the world has entered a 'dangerous new era'. The UK says its spending will rise from 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.5 over the next few years. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this money will be taken out of the international aid budget - prompting criticism from advocates.  LISTEN ABOVE Se...

Ryman Healthcare has entered a trading halt as it proposes to raise $1 billion of new capital to reduce debt and reset the balance sheet. The retirement village operator was forced to offer shares at a significant discount to get investors on board.  Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports indicate over 9000 clubs, societies, trade associations and industry councils could be looking at a significant tax bill. Inland Revenue has changed the way it interprets a law - and they're keen to crack down on businesses they believe are 'masquerading' as charities to reduce their taxes. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains what this law change could mean g...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 26 February 2025, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith talks to Ryan Bridge about the Government's new citizen's arrests changes.  International relations expert Dr Keith Suter discusses whether China re-entering Australia's economic zone is an escalation. The Brewers Association   talks about why Kiwis are turning to the...

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more!  The Government is looking to make changes in regards to citizen's arrests, meaning businesses could potentially have the freedom to restrain offenders to cut down on shoplifting and retail crime. Do we think these changes are...

Media company NZME is considering separating its property brand OneRoof into an entirely new business. The company - which also owns Newstalk ZB and the New Zealand Herald - is reporting full-year earnings of $54.2 million and a net loss after tax of $16 million after impairment.  Operating revenue is up 2 percent, but earnings are down by 3.6 percent. Chief Executive Michael Boggs says they'...

Auckland Council's putting the hard word on unregistered dog owners. The council is set to issue 5500 infringement notices over the next few days to dog owners who've failed to properly register their pets. The council's general manager of compliance, Robert Irvine, says there will be a grace period - and people have the option to pay their registration fees to get their fines waived. "If you're a...