Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 14 June 2024, the Government has committed to completely overhauling our gun laws. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee tells Heather what she wants to change.   Health NZ's Chief People Officer explains why a hiring freeze across his organisation is needed to save money urgently - and why it won't affect your healthcare.  The...

The European Union's top court has fined Hungary €200m ($400m NZD) for failing to follow asylum policies.   The court will also penalise Hungary €1m a day until it changes its policy.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Hungary is a big recipient of funds from the E.U.”   Grey said “The E.U is annoyed with Budapest as they’re in breach of a 220 judgement.”   LISTEN ABOVE....

New Zealanders could soon find it easier to travel to China after yesterday's bilateral meeting between Christopher Luxon and Li Qiang.   It was the first meeting of a New Zealand Prime Minister and Chinese Premier on New Zealand soil since 2017.  Li Qiang has agreed to extend China's unilateral visa-free treatment to New Zealand, following similar agreements with other countries, and says his cou...

Labour's leader has revealed the previous Government had a major relationship breakdown with the agriculture sector at the end of its term in Government.   Speaking to the Country from Fieldays, Chris Hipkins said he was at the event to listen to the concerns of farmers.   Senior Political Correspondent, Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan farmers are the economic backbone of this country.  ...

In 2016, NZ Herald ran the headline: ‘Is Soumil Singh New Zealand’s smartest teen?’   Singh was Hamilton Boys High School’s Dux – now he’s a Harvard grad, with a $6 million A.I start-up in New York City.   Singh told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The landscape for investing in tech start-ups is good – and so’s AI.”   He said “I had the itch to go to Harvard since I was a kid.”   LISTEN ABOVE.   See om...

On the Sports Huddle this evening: Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentators Elliott Smith and Paul Allison.   The Black Caps lost to West Indies in Thursday’s crucial T20 pool game in Trinidad and Tobago – so they won’t make it to the knockout phase of the tournament.   Paul Allison told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he’s disappointed in the Black Caps loss, given their performance in recent T20 tournaments...

The Hurricanes will host The Chiefs tomorrow night for tomorrow’s semifinal at Sky Stadium.   Hurricanes Captain, Brad Shields, is one of only two remaining players from their winning 2016 side.   Hurricanes Assistant Coach Cory Jane told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The excitement of having a semifinal at home doesn’t secure a win - but it’s exciting to play in front of your crowd.”   Jane said he’s...

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has implemented a freeze on hiring for all non-frontline roles – to bring down spending.   This will include all hospital roles that are not patient-facing, and all public health roles that are not community-facing.   Health New Zealand Chief People Officer, Andrew Slater, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “That pause is likely to be on as we enter July-August as well.”...

The government will change the Arms Act by 2026 - as part of its planned firearms reforms.   Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said New Zealand’s gun laws had been in place for over four decades.   McKee told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We want to remove NZ Police from the administration, regulation and policymaking of firearms.”   She said this will allow Police to focus on enforcement - and...

Today marks 40 years since Robert Muldoon’s snap election – and Barry Soper recounts the former Prime Minister’s drunken media interview.   Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He was absolutely incoherent.”   “The Governor General, David Beattie, had to take over the interview, while Muldoon was bundled into his LTD limo, and taken back to parliament to sober...

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 10-year security agreement on Thursday – stating it’s a milestone in relations between their countries,   G7 leaders have also agreed to a $50 billion USD loan to help Ukraine in its conflict. Interest earned on profits from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral.   US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told H...

The Blues face The Brumbies tonight at Eden Park, for The Super Rugby semifinal.   The Blues have already beaten Canberra team this season – a major 46-7 win at Eden Park in April.   Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis-Allan “No Australian side has ever come to New Zealand and won a playoff game.”   Piney said “Hurricanes will have the home advantage – but no degree of overriding...

The Taxpayers Union has said that the New Zealand Film Commission needs to stop giving out film subsidies – because they’re not good value.   According to numbers compiled by former boss of South Pacific Pictures, John Barnett, the Film Commission has spent a whopping $88 million of taxpayer money on 54 movies over the last few years. However, they only made $14 million at the NZ Box Office.   Joh...

Today is 40 years to the day since Rob Muldoon called the snap election.   Which then, of course, led to his defeat. Which then, of course, led to the incoming Labour Government, realised we were nearly broke as a country. Which then led to them embarking on the most amazing set of reforms which they do not get enough credit for to this day - and get way too much grief for.   It is a really intere...

Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others, has gone on trial accused of the attempted murder of another newborn in her care. The 34-year-old was found guilty in August last year of committing the crimes between June 2015 and June 2016, while working as a nurse in the neonatal unit of a Chester hospital. The former nurse is now on trial at Manchester Crown Court...

Apple has made a plunge into the AI universe through its new offering: Apple Intelligence. The tech giant revealed how it planned to pair up with OpenAI in order to integrate AI into its devices and software. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained this development further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fitch ratings agency is casting doubts on New Zealand's economic future. The agency is considering bringing down the nation's rating, amid concerns surrounding increased debt and low immigration flow. NZ Herald Business editor-at-large Liam Dann unpacks the implications of this news.  LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he has discussed issues important to New Zealand's interests with China's Premier, Li Qiang. The pair held high-level talks this afternoon, following an official powhiri welcome to Government House. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the fanfare surrounding this high-profile visit. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 June 2024, China's Premier has touched down in NZ amongst new revelations of Chinese foreign interference. Transport Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather why he's increasing speedlimits again across the country. The Black Caps have had a horrific showing in the T20 World Cup. D'Arcy Waldegrave can't believe it. The Huddle deba...

Tonight on The Huddle, Men's Health Week director Mark Sainsbury and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The coalition Government has committed to reversing Labour's restrictions on speed limits. From July, speed limits will be readjusted to pre-2020 levels. Is this sensible or too risky? New research shows the difference be...

The Government aims to reduce the nation's gender pay gap through the development of a voluntary calculation tool. Current figures show the gap currently sits at 8.6 per cent - and has remained persistent at around 9 percent from 2018. Acting Minister for Women Louise Upston says businesses need a consistent and simple tool to measure their pay gaps, and then develop solutions. "We think this is a...

The decline in gas supply has led to production cuts and a 99 percent increase in coal-generated electricity, according to MBIE. Methanex, New Zealand's biggest energy consumer, has cut back on its methanol production as a result. Director of Enerlytica, John Kidd, says the system will adjust - but unfortunately this is not a costless exercise. "Structurally, we're short on energy - full stop. So...

The Black Caps' T20 World Cup campaign is in tatters after a 13-run loss to the West Indies in Trinidad, leaving their Super 8 hopes hanging by a thread. Their chase of 150 to win has finished at 136 for 9. Cricket commentator Bryan Waddle says the team wasn't properly prepared for today's game. "They got close, but not close enough. Conditions were difficult and the West Indies were too good for...

Speed limits around schools will become varied if proposed rule changes go ahead. The coalition Government is reversing speed limit reductions implemented over the past four years under the previous Government. Public input is open as the draft rule enters the consultation phase. Transport Minister Simeon Brown says slower school speeds will only apply at pick-up and drop-off times. "Rather than b...

Former SIS Minister Andrew Little says China's relationship with its diaspora community is often intense. Stuff has released a documentary covering allegations of Chinese Communist Party influence and interference operations in New Zealand. It comes as the Chinese Premier visits New Zealand for the first time in seven years. Andrew Little says New Zealand is no different to any other country with...