Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is excited about the Government's new growth agenda. Minister-in-charge Nicola Willis is considering visa changes, hoping to pull in more tourists. Just over 321,000 people entered the country from overseas in November - 86 percent of pre-pandemic figures. CEO Rebecca Ingram says there's lots of room to build on that.  "So as an industry, we're delighted to see such...

A huge fire killed at least 76 people as it ripped through a hotel at a popular ski resort in northern Turkey. The blaze at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya broke out about 3.30am (12.30am GMT), sending huge clouds of smoke into the night air and sparking panic among the guests. UK correspondent Gail Downey says several young children and teenagers were among those killed in the blaze - with f...

Donald Trump officially got the keys back to the White House earlier this week - and his return to power could have an impact on NZX-listed businesses. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare produces medical devices sold in the US, and it's likely the incoming tariffs could leave an impact. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

New reports indicate the Indian Government is sounding out the nation's biggest businesses to determine how they feel about a trade agreement with New Zealand. The Indian Government reportedly sent an email to members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry asking for feedback on the idea of starting negotiations with NZ on a free trade agreement. India NZ Business Council ch...

The Auditor-General is upping the ante, urging the Government to change the law to require departments to better report on what their spending achieves. John Ryan is worried it can be difficult to track what comes of Government policies or programmes, and wants the issue investigated by the Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explai...

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The CEO of surveillance network Auror explained the new technology used to stop shoplifters in their tracks after the latest  Golriz Ghahraman incident. Is this a step too far - or a necessary measure to...

A media commentator says cuts at NZME are just the latest in a troubled industry.  NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB owner NZME is proposing a restructure, with a net loss of about 38 roles. Spinoff founder Duncan Grieve says all around the world massive cuts are taking place while other brands disappear completely.  He says it's not a problem which is likely to go away. "It wouldn't shock me if...

Police can search the retail surveillance network that recorded a shopping incident involving former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, even when no complaint has been made. Ghahraman was stopped and questioned by store security at Royal Oak's Pak’nSave in the weeks before her High Court case in early October. Foodstuffs says it did not complain to police. Surveillance network Auror is used by retailers -...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 22 January 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis on our sticky domestic inflation and why Chinese tourists could bring a quick economic boost to the country. The Spinoff's Duncan Grieve reacts to news of almost 40 newsroom roles being axed at NZ Herald publisher NZME. Education experts are calling on the Government to do more to...

The revelation that almost a quarter of Gen Z adults would rather pay a professional to change their lightbulbs has raised concerns about self-reliance among young people. According to data out of the UK, some younger people spend up to £1,300 (NZ$2830) a year paying professionals to do household tasks, citing concerns around safety - lightbulbs being too hot, falling off ladders and a reluctance...

Confidence another substantial Official Cash Rate cut's on the cards, with today's figures showing inflation is still under control. Stats NZ says the rate for the year to December remained unchanged at 2.2 percent. Inflation is well down from the 2022 high of 7.3 percent, but still higher than the 1.5 percent reached in 2021. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says he's confident the Res...

The Finance Minister's fired a warning to local councils - saying it's time for spending discipline and restraint. Stats NZ data for the year to December shows the inflation rate remains unchanged at 2.2 percent. Simon Watts has picked up the Local Government portfolio from incoming Health Minister, Simeon Brown. Nicola Willis says in too many cases, rates have been out of control. "We are looking...

National's sending a strong message about its goals for 2025 - to grow the economy.  The party's holding its annual caucus retreat today, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon earlier addressed media with his goal for growth.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Government is looking to get back to basics with their latest plans. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

The US isn't appearing that united over new President Donald Trump's drastic reconfiguration of American policy.  He's issued dozens of executive orders since taking office yesterday, and says more changes are to come.  There's already pushback - with 22 states challenging his bid to end birthright citizenship - and many fearing for the justice system after his sweeping pardons of Capito...

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz admits he was outplayed in a four-set quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Alcaraz won the first set but concedes he was overpowered by Djokovic, on the hunt for a 25th grand slam and 11th in Melbourne. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are urging the Government to step up and help boost achievement rates among Māori students. The latest NCEA data shows Māori students lagged 20 percent behind their Pakeha counterparts in reading, writing and maths. Education consultant Alwyn Poole says this is a huge disparity - and it's been a long-term concern.  "There are loads of examples of children from a range of situations ar...

Business executives, academics, Government officials and civic leaders are expected to gather in Switzerland for the World Economic forum - and there's one key name on everyone's lips.  Donald Trump's return to the White House is set to be a topic of discussion, with experts set to participate in an upcoming '47th US Presidency, Early Thoughts' panel. UK correspondent Enda Brady says wars, mi...

Over in Australia, the unemployment rate increased to 4 percent in December - raising questions ahead of a potential interest rate cut next month. Unemployment is one of the key metrics the RBA uses to inform interest rate settings, and a weakening market could encourage the central bank to reduce rates. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

It's been a big week for the US, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office for his second term as US President. His plan for tariffs has sparked concern among many key industries, with Kiwi farmers wondering what this means for one of New Zealand's biggest red meat markets. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December. The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, rose a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent to $9.23 billion in December from November, according to Stats NZ.  That brought total spending in line with levels last seen in November 2023....

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Auckland City Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Herald's written a list of the pickiest and most peculiar advertising complaints of 2024 - what do we make of these? Have we turned into a nation of humourless whiners?  It's a big day for the US as Donald T...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian speaks to Andrew Dickens as Donald Trump gets to work at the White House.   Nelson mayor Nick Smith wants to call in the US ambassador over the question of who split the atom first. Should you put a photo on your CV? Recruitment expert Megan Alexander on how to stand out w...

It's a tough market for people on the job hunt in today's climate.  Seek data shows job ads fell 2 percent in December - and were down 22 percent compared to December 2023. Recent surveys also indicated at least 64 percent of employees are also hoping for a pay rise this year. Robert Half Managing Director Megan Alexander says applicants need to demonstrate proactivity and initiative - and fo...

New reports offer a look into the TV ads that struck a nerve in 2024. The Advertising Standards Authority received hundreds of complaints last year, but only accepted 100 for review. They include people disgusted about someone picking their nose, and outrage over cars not stopping at a pedestrian crossing. Chief executive Hilary Souter says they get a raft of complaints for all different reasons....

Nelson's mayor is using a false claim from the new US President in his inaugural address to promote the city. Trump's list of Americans' claims to greatness included splitting the atom, which was achieved by Kiwi Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1917. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith's inviting the US Ambassador to visit the memorial to Rutherford. He says he wants to celebrate his heritage. "It was extraordinary...