Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A world-first online survey is being presented as a chance to analyse how society treats those with limited time. Over 40,000 people die in New Zealand each year, with close to 90 percent often taking months or years. Hospice's Dying Reviews let respondents reflect and share their experience of a terminal illness. Hospice NZ CEO Wayne Naylor says they hope to shine a light on the experience of dyi...

There's hopes a new boss will bring fresh energy to the struggling Warehouse Group. Independent non-executive director John Journee has been appointed interim chief executive following Nick Grayston's abrupt resignation last week. The board is now looking for a new chief executive to replace Grayston, who was in the role since 2016. Board chair Joan Withers says elevating a member of the leadershi...

A Kiwi stuck in riot-stricken New Caledonia says they're dealing with a wait-and-see situation. The Defence Force is standing by for French authorities to green light flights to collect Kiwis. 231 are registered in the country. Alex Smeele says he's seen burnt out cars, a digger ripping up the road and flaming tyres on the verge. "I'm curious to understand the overall timeline on that - knowing ho...

The Housing Minister has responded to the 'mismanagement' impacting Kāinga Ora - and enacted some changes. A high-level review of the agency has revealed it's under-performing and isn't financially viable without significant savings. The Government has today appointed a new Chair, former Spark CEO Simon Moutter, and a refreshed board will be in place by July. Minister Chris Bishop says the Governm...

I think we’re about to find out whether this Government has got the cahones to make the tough calls that need to be made on one thing in particular: Asset sales. If you've been reading political commentary lately, including in the weekend papers, there's been a lot of talk of the need for asset sales. Why? Because as we said earlier, we have a structural deficit. Which is a very bad thing because...

Over in Australia, NSW authorities have arrested at least 500 people for domestic and family violence offences. A four-day operation was carried out from Wednesday to Saturday - where 554 people were arrested and 1,070 charges were laid. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson wonders why it's taken so long to carry out these arrests, given several had outstanding warrants.  LISTEN ABOVE See omny...

The Warriors have snapped a four-game losing streak in league's NRL by posting a win over the three-time premier Panthers. Tuaupiki's try in the 71st minute tied the game before his conversion from out wide proved the decider in the 22-20 win.  Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains the victory further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mental Health Foundation is appealing to the Education Minister to leave relationship and sexual education standards alone. Minister Erica Stanford says the Government plans to look into reviewing and replacing the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) guidelines, which were last updated in 2020. It's prompted an open letter signed by 175 schools, organisations and community groups - sen...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 17 May 2024, flights in and out of New Caledonia have been delayed until at least Tuesday as riots continue. Air NZ's Captain Hugh Pearce tells Heather how tricky the security situation is for crew and passengers.   Green MP Julie-Anne Genter has been doing the mea culpa media round, so will all be forgiven and forgotten?  Three A...

A man has been charged with attempted murder, over an apparent attempt to assassinate Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico.   Fico remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after being shot several times during a walkabout.   UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis Allan there’s been reports that the suspect is a 71-year-old, but other than that not much is known.   Grey sa...

Vladimir Putin has arrived at Harbin, China’s ‘Little Russia’.   He is visiting a China-Russia trade fair today to highlight the strong economic ties between the superpowers.   Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “Putin wants ongoing support from China, and access to China’s financial system.”   Lewis said Putin needs to pay for things in other than USD, because R...

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper wraps the political week.   We’re two weeks away from the Budget, the deadline by which government agency chief executives were asked to find 6.5 percent in savings.   But Chris Luxon says it doesn't end with the Budget -- he wants it to be the start of a permanent culture shift within ministries.  Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “Chris Luxon’s...

Donald Trump’s former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen has been accused of lying about phone call at Trump hush-money trial.   Trump has been charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for allegedly paying off film star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had sex with him. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis Allan “They were throwing everything they could against hi...

All White Clayton Lewis reportedly among three A-League players arrested by New South Wales Police for match-fixing.   This comes as the A-League’s finals rapidly approach - Wellington's Sky Stadium has sold out Saturday’s semi-final between the Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory.   Weekend Sport Host Elliott Smith told Heather du Plessis Allan “They couldn’t have picked a worse time for thi...

All White Clayton Lewis is reportedly among three A-League players arrested by New South Wales Police for match-fixing. According to Australian media, all three play for Macarthur FC. Lewis was arrested alongside captain Ulises Davila and midfielder Kearyn Baccus. Australian Correspondent Murray Olds told Heather du Plessis Allan “Davila was possibly taking instructions from a Mexican cartel.”   L...

Air New Zealand has confirmed Nouméa airport in New Caledonia is closed until Tuesday, as civil unrest continues.   Air New Zealand says it will only resume services when it can guarantee safety for ground staff and customers.   Air New Zealand’s Captain Hugh Pearce told Heather du Plessis Allan that it’s one thing for the airfield to be opened and operating, but it’s another thing for people to s...

Green MP Julie Anne Genter has publicly promised her outburst will not happen again.   The Rongotai MP is facing formal complaints after shouting in Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey's face.   Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “Today she was laying it on with a trowel.”   Soper said “She’s trying to circumvent what she could face before the Privileges Commit...

The Wellington Phoenix will face the Melbourne Victory tomorrow night in the A-League semi-final.   Meanwhile, the captain of Macarthur FC has been accused of paying two teammates up to $10,905 NZD to deliberately receive yellow cards.   Newstalk ZB sportsreader Andrew Alderson told Heather du Plessis Allan “You’re asking for trouble” - regarding the involvement of sponsorship and betting companie...

Coastguard and Surf Life Saving New Zealand will get an extra 63.6 million dollars in funding over the next four years.   The money would be divided as $19m for Coastguard and $44m for Surf Life Saving NZ.   Coastguard CEO Callum Gillespie told Heather du Plessis Allan “We’re going to spend it on our volunteers.”   Gillespie said “We’ve got 2,200 amazing volunteers across the country – they give v...

The Warehouse CEO Nick Grayston has quit, effective immediately.   The board is looking for a replacement, and Board Chair Joan Withers said fresh energy is needed.   Devon Funds Head of Retail, Greg Smith told heather du Plessis Allan “It’s not a surprise, truth be told it hasn’t been working for some time.”   Smith said “It’s tough out there for retailers.   LISTEN ABOVE.     See omnystudio.com/...

Wellington's Sky Stadium is officially a sell-out for tomorrow’s A-League football semi-final between the Phoenix and Melbourne Victory.   The Nix may make their first-ever A-League final in the club’s history.   Former Wellington Phoenix player Paul Ifill told Heather du Plessis Allan “They’ve been doubting all season by everybody, but now they’ve found themselves one game away.”   Ifill said “On...

Te Huia, the Waikato to Auckland commuter train will continue to be funded by NZTA at reduced rate.   Waikato councils will soon be deciding how they will help fund the Te Huia train service between Hamilton and Auckland.   NZTA's committed around 12 million dollars from the National Land Transport fund to extend the service until April 2026.   NZTA Chief Executive Nicole Rosie told Heather du Ple...

Over one million trays of kiwifruit found on a Zespri shipment with a mouse infestation will be destroyed. After mice were found on the company's first shipment to Europe for the season, the company worked to salvage what they could. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains the extent of the damage.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB is the latest major New Zealand bank to drop their mortgage interest rates for three and four year terms. This follows BNZ and Kiwibank bringing down their interest rates, as wholesale rates have trended down. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains why these banks are making these moves, despite the RBNZ holding rates steady. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

President Zelenskyy has postponed all foreign trips as Russia launches its' most serious border incursion since the start of the war. Ukrainian forces have pulled back from two strategic points in the Kharkiv region in order to avoid 'unnecessary' losses, according to Ukraine’s General Staff. New Voice of Ukraine editor Euan MacDonald says this is the result of US aid being held up over the past s...