Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Over in the UK, concerns have been raised over the drones that were spotted over RAF bases in four English counties. The drones ranged in 'sizes and configurations' according to new reports. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unclear who is behind these incidents - but experts suspect Russia is involved. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year is drawing to a close and Christmas is on the horizon - meaning Black Friday is nearly upon us. The shopping event began as a one-day sale for American consumers the day after Thanksgiving, but it has since expanded around the world. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie examined the history of the sale - and revealed what consumers can expect this year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener...

The recent burst of sunny weather has brought good results for New Zealand's primary sector. Flowering has surged two weeks ahead for sauvignon blanc producers in Marlborough - meaning they'll harvest earlier than expected. The Country host Rowena Duncum explains some of the other positive impacts that come with this recent burst of good weather. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

The Reserve Bank moved to cut the OCR by 50 basis points in its final decision for 2024. New Zealand's biggest banks have adjusted their floating rates accordingly - but no significant cuts have been reported yet.  NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Covid-19 response inquiry is out - and it's very critical of the vaccine mandates and aspects of the lockdowns. Do Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins need to apologise to the country?  Another plant based food manufact...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 28 November 2024, the first part of the Royal Commission into the Covid response has criticised vaccine mandates and the length of the lockdowns. Heather asks Chris Hipkins, former Health Minister, whether he thinks he should apologise for decisions made. Watercare's Mark Bourne with an update on the arsenic levels in the Waikat...

More details have emerged in the wake of SolarZero’s shock liquidation, which affected 160 employees. The company revealed on Tuesday that the business was unable to continue trading, citing 'unsustainable operating losses and liquidity constraints'. Former employees have since spoken out against the company -  and one of them, Mike, has unveiled some concerns ahead of a planned protest tomor...

The 'captain's call' may become a thing of the past - and former Minister Stuart Nash isn't a fan. New changes impacting party policy decisions are going to a vote at Labour's conference this weekend. It would mean the leader could only change the party manifesto with sign-off from MPs and Labour's policy council. Nash says a captain's call absolutely should not be banned. He explained the Prime M...

The Free Speech Union is considering legal action over a far-right US commentator being banned from the country.  Candace Owens promotes antisemitic conspiracy theories, has downplayed aspects of the Holocaust and has made offensive comments about Muslims.  Immigration New Zealand has denied her a work visa for a speaking tour - because she was banned from Australia.  Free Speech Un...

Test results reveal drinking water in Waipā and Waikato District has slightly elevated arsenic levels - and Auckland's supply is back within safe levels. Auckland's Watercare and Hamilton City Council yesterday revealed levels were fractionally above the maximum amount in recent samples from Waikato River. Watercare's Chief Operations Manager Mark Bourne says they're tracking down the cause. ...

The former Covid Response Minister says our vaccine mandates during the pandemic went too far.  Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has received the first phase of the report from the Royal Commission Inquiry, with its 39 recommendations. It found some vaccine requirements were too broadly applied and continued too long. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he hasn't drawn any conclusions...

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe was suspended from Parliament after she threw pieces of paper at Pauline Hanson after a row over racism erupted. Labor Senate leader Penny Wong moved the motion to oust Thorpe - with Government, coalition, Senator Hanson, David Pocock and Ralph Babet among those who voted in favour. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Thorpe was escorted out - and has refused...

England have brought themselves back into the game late on day one of the first cricket test against New Zealand in Christchurch. Soon after removing Kane Williamson for 93 - the visitors have taken the wicket of Tom Blundell for 17 - bringing debutant Nathan Smith to the crease. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the match. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chef says meat replacements turned out to be a bit of a fad and they've declined in popularity. Plant-based food manufacturer Sustainable Foods has recently gone into liquidation. Pea protein meat alternative producer - Sunfed - also shut this year after losing investors. Restaurateur Martin Bosely says the products were popular to start with, but diners have now stepped away. "There was concern...

The UK is moving closer towards the vote on the new assisted dying bill - but some former leaders don't approve. Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Baroness May are among the former Prime Ministers who have joined the voices opposing the bill. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says the current Health Secretary and Justice Secretary also don't support the bill - and it's unclear if it will pass. LISTEN ABOVE S...

The OCR was slashed by 50 basis points today - but some markets believe it could have gone lower. Some experts believed a chunkier 75 point cut was on the way before the Reserve Bank took its summer break. Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager Katlyn Parker unpacked the response further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plan to relocate the flood-prone West Coast town of Westport is being considered. Westport has been repeatedly inundated by flooding - with disasters escalating further in recent years. Buller mayor Jamie Cleine says this will be a gradual process, and other ideas to keep the town safe have been considered. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many mortgage holders will be relieved to hear that the OCR has been brought down by an addition 50 basis points. Despite this, one expert is warning that borrowers might need to keep their enthusiasm about the interest rates in check. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained that there were other factors impacting interest rates. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paper bags - Early Edition host Ryan Bridge has slammed the exorbitant cost of paper bags at the supermarket and criticised their effectiveness. What do we think? The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR down by 50...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 27 November, the OCR has dropped another 50 basis points to 4.25 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explained what might come next. Price comparison service PriceMe has issued a warning about deceptive Black Friday deals, with CEO  Gavin Male explaining the techniques retailers use to drive up spending. Ele...

Elevated levels of arsenic have been detected in the Waikato River, affecting water supplies in Auckland and Waikato. The Government has been briefed this evening and sought assurances that water supplies are safe. Authorities are carrying out further testing with results due back tomorrow. Watercare is also rejigging the way it processes water to reduce the amount of arsenic in the city’s water s...

Kmart's New Zealand operation is approaching the $1 billion turnover mark, as it plans to open its largest store in the country yet.  BusinessDesk reports annual earnings lodged with the Companies Office show Kmart NZ Holdings declared just shy of $1 billion total revenue in the year to June 30.  Auckland University marketing professor says Kmart has managed to create quality products an...

Newstalk ZB's own Ryan Bridge has hit out at the cost of paper bags at the supermarket. Woolworths currently charges customers 40c per paper bag after plastic bags were banned from further circulation in July 2019. The retailer has defended these prices - claiming the cost is designed to encourage customers to bring their own bags. The Early Edition host says these bags are 'annoying' to use - and...

Price comparison service PriceMe has issued a warning about deceptive Black Friday deals. New research reveals 76 percent of the 100 most popular products last year were more expensive on Black Friday than other times of the year.  It says one in four Kiwis are sceptical of the sales, but many shoppers still expect to save 40 percent on fashion and tech. Chief executive Gavin Male says retail...

There's fears of potential flow-on effects from more cost-cutting at Health New Zealand. The Public Service Association says the health agency is cutting a net 1478 roles, with about 700 already vacant. Health NZ says it's spending more than it has in its budget - and these savings will strengthen its front-line. PSA health sector lead, Ashok Shankar, says these cuts will impact Health New Zealand...