Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Halter has launched a world first direct-to-satellite service for its smart collars to enable beef cattle farmed in remote areas to access its virtual fencing technology. The new technology will provide the tech to beef farms that were previously out of reach due to connectivity limitations, particularly for regions like central Otago, Gisborne and Southland’s high country. The Country's Jamie Mac...

Tonight on The Huddle, artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's been some infighting between National and NZ First over the last few days - what do we think of this? Is this a sign the coalition will fall apart, or is this just Winston being Winston?  More p...

The NZ Transport Agency has proposed a $4.50 toll on the proposed new highway between Warkworth and Te Hana, and it's proven controversial. AA has called on the Government to lower the proposed toll price for the first stage of the Northland Expressway. NorthChamber chair Tim Robinson says this is going to bring a significant benefit to the region economically, and the toll is fair. "Those of us h...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 30 April, 2026, we talk to former Prime Minister Helen Clark about the spat between Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters. We hear from activist Samuel Leason after Israeli forces intercept a flotilla on its way to Gaza. A therapist tells us if using AI for advice on relationships is a good thing. And on The Huddle, we ask Tim Wi...

A New Zealander involved in the latest Gaza-bound flotilla attempt says four other Kiwi activists have been kidnapped by Israeli forces.  About 19 ships were reportedly intercepted near Greece. MFAT says up to six New Zealanders were onboard - and Consular officials are trying to find out if any have been detained. Activist Samuel Leason, who remains with the flotilla, says there are still do...

Sometimes in relationships, conversations can be difficult to carry out, and more young people are outsourcing their issues to AI. New reports show a significant chunk of Gen Z are turning to AI to fix their interpersonal conflicts, and experts are concerned it could be stunting their emotional growth. Therapist Jo Robertson says this technology could be useful - but it's important to also discuss...

A former senior economist at the Reserve Bank is calling releasing details of who voted which way on the Official Cash Rate a 'baby step'. It's been agreed by the Minister of Finance and the Monetary Policy Committee that vote details will be released publicly if committee members are unable to come to consensus on the OCR. The charter comes into effect today.  Michael Reddell says it's fairl...

Helen Clark reckons political polling's behind disagreements in the coalition. Winston Peters' office released emails showing Prime Minister Chris Luxon was advised against supporting the US and Israel's strikes on Iran. National's Nicola Willis believes Peters is playing politics - and should have informed them before releasing the emails. Willis separately accused NZ First of race-baiting in the...

TVNZ's Maiki Sherman's had her access to Parliament suspended for five days, after an altercation with an MP.  The decision comes after National complained to TVNZ, alleging Sherman aggressively banged on party whip Stuart Smith's office door for several minutes.  TVNZ says it has a different view of events.  Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent Barry Soper the issue could l...

An interim report from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has made some recommendations in order to strengthen strengthen counterterrorism responses. The commission is examining the circumstances surrounding the December 14 attack in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says some of the recommendations...

LIV Golf's future could finally come to a head overnight. The Wall Street Journal report that LIV will tell players in the coming hours that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will stop backing the circuit after this season. Reports first emerged a fortnight ago, but LIV pushed back on those claims at the time. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com...

Hopes some relief for businesses will be on the cards in a public meeting to discuss the future of Mount Maunganui this evening. Mauao has been closed to the public ever since a landslide killed six holiday-makers almost 100 days ago. The Mt Maunganui Ratepayers, Residents and Retailers Association expects discussions tonight about allowing one route to the top of the mount. President Michael O'Ne...

King Charles reiterated the importance of NATO and other alliances with the US in a 'contested world' as part of his toast at a White House state banquet. Charles’s appearance before the joint session of Congress was the first royal address of this type in over 30 years -and the royals are set to spend the next couple of days in the US to mark the 250th anniversary of independence.  UK corres...

The recent burst of bad weather and growing concerns about inflation have prompted Kiwis to worry about their insurance premiums going up. Insurance premiums have dropped back down and more buffers have been built since Cyclone Gabrielle, but concerns have been raised. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Following the market downturn in March as a result of the Iran conflict , things appear to be more hopeful towards the end of April. The ceasefire caused a significant market rally and the S&P 500 saw a boost as a result. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Should the woman who almost lost her house in a liquidator mix-up be compensated, after she had to pay nearly $1800 in legal fees? What do we make of this? King Charles delivered his speech to the the US Congress as...

From the commentary I’m seeing online, it’s clear there is a perception that no one reported on the Maiki Sherman revelation because the media were protecting one of their own. I can tell you that perception is true. It’s not imagined - it is true. It is not true for Newstalk ZB. And I’m not saying that because I’m employed by Newstalk ZB; I’m saying it because I was involved in some of the phone...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 29 April, 2026, we talk to a Middle East analyst about whether the UAE pulling out of OPEC will lower fuel prices. ACT accuses Ngai Tahu of demanding millions of dollars before refusing to support a gold mine project in Central Otago. Why a homeowner's changing her name after almost losing her house. And on The Huddle, Jordan W...

Concerns have been raised by iwi Ngāi Tahu over the Central Otago gold mine proposed by Santana Minerals. At a hearing of the Fast-track expert panel in Dunedin on Tuesday, Kā Rūnaka, made up of four rūnaka representing southern Ngāi Tahu hapū, said they opposed the project.  ACT's Simon Court says Ngāi Tahu reportedly asked for shares in the gold mine - or for an alternative deal to be estab...

A Palmerston North woman almost lost her house when a liquidator mistook her for someone else. The woman, 29-year-old army medic Kim Dwyer, was mixed-up with an Auckland company director with the same name. Dwyer says the liquidator has refused to compensate her for the $1735 she paid in legal fees. "He says that I should have contacted him, which, obviously, I don't know how I would have done tha...

Questions have been raised over the media's handling of an incident concerning TVNZ's political editor, Maiki Sherman. Reports have emerged that TVNZ threatened to sue Newstalk ZB after a producer raised questions with the state broadcaster about Sherman's alleged use of a homophobic slur. Massey University Journalism Programme Leader James Hollings says TVNZ has handled this situation poorly. "It...

The Government's crackdown on the misuse of nitrous oxide appears to target the areas of most harm.  The gas is increasingly becoming a health risk - particularly when it is inhaled in high quantities.  Imports of the gas will soon need approval from the Director-General of Health, while large canisters, also known as nangs, will automatically be classified as psychoactive substances. Th...

The UAE's exit from OPEC will deliver a painful blow to the oil cartel and its de-facto leader.  The Gulf State is walking away from the group after nearly six decades - following longstanding tensions with Saudi Arabia. The UAE suggests this will help it meet growing global energy demand in the long term, and give it more flexibility. Middle East Analyst Gordon Robison says OPEC is already a...

Nicola Willis has taken aim at Shane Jones' 'butter chicken tsunami' comments today, following the Government signing the NZ-India trade deal. NZ First has criticised the free trade agreement, with Winston Peters claiming both National and Labour have signed the country's future away. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the gloves were off in Parliament today, as we get clo...

King Charles has highlighted the special relationship between the UK and the US, while speaking at the White House State Dinner. He also addressed Congress this morning, marking only the second time a British monarch has spoken on Capitol Hill. US-UK relations have been strained since the US launched its war on Iran. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the speech was well-received, and King Charl...