Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Media and Communications Minister says cutting funding for NZ on Air and the Film Commission isn't on the table.  The Government is asking for feedback on five proposals, aiming to help local media go up against international competitors.  One includes merging the Commission and NZ on Air. Paul Goldsmith says the two categories are becoming far less distinct - and a merger could even...

Over in the UK, the Government has launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants. The Labour-led Government has revealed that since they came to power, they have deported 19,000 people out of the UK - including failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this may have been inspired by Nigel Farage's Reform Party - which is seeing a significant boost in the polls. LI...

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round. This follows two disappointing showings for the coalition in the polls, with Chris Luxon's standing as preferred Prime Minister taking a hit. Luxon has stayed optimistic - and Infometics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is hopeful things will turn around later in the year. "Those interest rates...

The Country's Jamie Mackay took a trip up to the Big Smoke - and got to sit in on a memorable parliamentary session. Both Luxon and Hipkins got some jabs in at each other, and Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick questioned the quality of the coalition's school lunch plan, and challenged the Prime Minister to eat one. Jamie Mackay joined Ryan Bridge to recap the day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/li...

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Kāinga Ora has unveiled their tougher new approach to address rent debt. Is this move justified - or a step too far? Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick brought some lunchboxes into the House and challenged Prime Minis...

Questions have been raised over how much tax Netflix is currently paying in New Zealand. Research indicates there are over 1.3 million Netflix users in New Zealand paying at least $18.50 per month each. However, new reports reveal the company apparently doesn't meet the $11 million revenue threshold to make finances public - indicating Netflix pays a smaller-than-expected tax bill. Edward Miller,...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 November 2024, Kainga Ora boss Matt Crockett tells Ryan Bridge the state housing agency is going to start evicting tenants who don't pay rent. Trade Minister Todd McClay reacts to Donald Trump's announcement of 25% taxes on NZ steel and aluminium. NZ Rugby is suing its major sponsor Ineos, alleging the company breached its six...

The Tai Rāwhiti mill that ran for 30 years before it was shut down in late 2023 is set to re-open in the coming months, with new Australian owners. About 87 staff were impacted by Japanese-owned Juken's decision to close the mill - amid financial difficulties and weak demand for Japanese housing wood products. Millari Group of Australia confirmed in a statement that it will upgrade and re-establis...

The Trade Minister is laying bare the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs for New Zealand.  The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - and says there'll be no exceptions. Todd McClay says that's not surprising, following similar moves by Trump in his first term. He says it won't significantly impact us, especially compared to exports like beef and wine.&n...

An economist says New Zealand needs to have a tough conversation about superannuation. Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday told Newstalk ZB the scheme needs to become sustainable and a debate about age eligibility will be needed eventually.  Bagrie Economics says raising the age makes sense, with the average life expectancy up a lot. Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down...

One of New Zealand Rugby's major sponsors has found itself offside with the national body. In a recent statement, NZR has confirmed they're launching legal action against petrochemical company Ineos for breaching a deal worth around eight million dollars a year. NZ Rugby views Ineos' non-payment of the first instalment of 2025 as confirmation they've exited the six-year agreement early - and have...

Kāinga Ora's hoping more tenants will stay on top of rent after it's written off debts.  It's announced a tougher stance on rental debt - and will end tenancies for people who skip rent with no attempt to get back on track.   But it also says it'll forgive and reduce debt for consistently paying customers owing more than 12 weeks’ rent. Chief executive Matt Crockett says the debt otherwi...

It was Chris versus Chris in the House this afternoon, as Hipkins went toe-to-toe with Luxon in the House today The Prime Minister drew first blood in his response to accusations from Labour that he's unable to control his Cabinet.  Chris Hipkins was quick to fire back - and asked if Nicola Willis was more likely to replace the Interislander ferries or Luxon as Prime Minister by the end of th...

There's uncertainty whether or not Australia will get off scot-free from Donald Trump's latest tariffs. The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - saying there'll be no exceptions.  But he's also told Australia's Prime Minister the trade surplus with Australia will be taken into consideration. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the AUKUS pact...

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw believes a new 'quartet' captaincy model reflects the selection tussles ahead for the Super Rugby side. 2024 skipper Brad Shields is joined by Du'Plessis Kirifi, Billy Proctor and Asafo Aumua in a new franchise model of four captains for 2025. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First's Winston Peters is determined to give Kiwis the right to choose as part of a new bill. The Party has introduced a member's bill that aims to repeal a 2021 fluoridation law - requiring councils to hold a referendum.  It would look into the law giving the Director-General of Health authority to mandate having fluoride in local water supplies.  Peters says people have had a r...

Over in the UK, a second Labour MP  has apologised for comments made in a WhatsApp chat after Andrew Gwynne was dismissed over comments he sent to the same group. Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said in a statement that the comments he made were 'unacceptable' and he regretted not speaking up about them sooner.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listene...

US President Donald Trump has signalled an incoming announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.  Trump also reaffirmed that he would announce 'reciprocal tariffs', meaning the US would impose import duties on on products in cases where another country has levied duties on US goods. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what this means for the N...

Banks are clearing a backlog of lending requests after 'unacceptable' delays of up to five weeks, which caused stress for borrowers before Christmas.   A significant drop in interest rates late last year resulted in a surge of new home loan applications and refinancing and restructuring requests, according to mortgage brokers.   Loan market advisor Michelle Isemonger says the weeks befor...

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Two new polls are out - and they show that the left bloc has overtaken the coalition and could form a new Government if an election was held tomorrow. Should the current Government be concerned - or is this too far away to wo...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 10 February 2025, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop talks about the 100 global investors the Government's inviting to put their money into NZ projects. Act leader David Seymour defends the decision to write to police about their treatment of Auckland eye-surgeon Philip Polkinghorne - and why he drove up the stairs of Parliament...

Two new polls show a shift in the political mood - but National's Nicola Willis isn't too worried about these results. Both the Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll and the 1 News Verian poll - out today - show Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori would have the seats to form a Government. Both also have Chris Luxon losing support in the preferred Prime Minister stakes. But Willis says polls move around -...

Labour is cautiously optimistic a new poll might spell trouble for the coalition. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll earlier today showed it could not form a Government - pushed by drops in support to ACT and NZ First.  Leader Chris Hipkins says it shows the country's heading in the wrong direction. "We know we've got a lot of work to do - we've still got a year and a half to go, so polls at thi...

The Government could be willing to let more foreign investors into a summit it announced today, as demand exceeds spaces. The Prime Minister's announced the two-day event in March - designed to encourage foreign investment in New Zealand projects and industries.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says the Government funded, 100-person, invite-only event is already over-subscribed. He says...

Fresh off the back of a successful Grammy Awards sweep, rapper Kendrick Lamar played his Super Bowl half time show today. Lamar's performance happened in the midst of an ongoing defamation suit over his song Not Like Us - with Lamar getting in plenty of digs in at Drake before he performed the track. The performance also featured special appearances by Samuel L. Jackson, Serena Williams and SZA. V...