Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The New South Wales government feels no guilt for attempting to poach Kiwi police. The state is 1500 officers short, and it today announced it'll fast-track New Zealand officers as recruits. Training requirements will be shortened and Kiwis can keep their current rank - up to senior constable. Police Minister Yasmin Catley says it's just another measure to bolster numbers. "Queensland's been doing...

There's been a clinical breakthrough with Hollywood's new favourite drug, which could work for more than weight loss. Research has found semaglutide, known by brand name Ozempic, could reduce heart attack risk by 20 percent. It also could improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. But Auckland University Molecular medicine professor Peter Shepherd says it takes years of real...

We've got to talk about the brain drain that’s going on. Today, the NSW Government has announced it is going to come for our Kiwi cops. It's got a shortage of 1500 police, and they're extremely worried about it. So the Chris Minns Government has announced it’s going to slash red tape, cut down the course time required by more than half and fast-track Kiwi cops into their force. And Kiwi cops will...

Researchers have found the injectable weight-loss treatment Ozempic could reduce the risk of heart attacks across the UK. A study revealed semaglutide, a key ingredient in treatments including Wegovy and Ozempic could likely boost the cardiovascular health of millions. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's likely Ozempic will be routinely prescribed in the UK by the end of the decade.   LISTEN ABO...

The Australian Government has opted to ban live sheep exports from 2028 onward, a move that has farmers disappointed. The Government as promised a $107 million transition package to support the sector over the next five years. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains why farmers disapprove of this decision. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to deliver the 2024 Budget tonight, and economists are raising their eyebrows at some promises. The reworked stage 3 tax cuts and energy bill relief are expected to be included in a set of nationwide cost-of-living support measures, but Chalmers is insistent they won't fuel inflation. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham is sceptical these measures won't add t...

A record number of New Zealanders have left the country, according to new data. Stats NZ says the nation had a net migration loss of over 52,500 citizens in the year ending March. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen suspects concerning economic figures are driving young Kiwis to find greener pastures overseas, particularly Australia. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Taxpayer support for the Christchurch Call will soon end, as it transitions to being a non-governmental foundation. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the Call's work will continue, but it now has a new structure and will be self-funded. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says founder Jacinda Ardern's intentions were noble - but it wasn't enough. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Over in Australia, treasurer Jim Chalmers is expected to deliver the nation's federal Budget for 2024. Chalmers has warned Australians not to expect a 'cash splash' as the nation continues to fight a war with inflation. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Government is still promising cost-of-living relief in key areas, including energy and adjustments to rent assistance. LISTEN ABOVE Se...

There's a lot of speculation in the rugby world, as fans and experts predict the next All Blacks captain. Incumbent captain Sam Cane has revealed he plans to step down at the end of the 2024 season - and Scott Barrett and Ardie Savea are the leading contenders. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave joins in on the speculation - and shares his personal pick - here today. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 14 May 2024, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster tells Heather about his plan to crackdown on gangs - but he seems unsure it'll actually work. Prime Minister Chris Luxon speaks to Heather about the decision to turn the Christchurch Call into a charitable foundation - without taxpayer funding. The Block host Mark Richardson on findi...

Over in the US, President Joe Biden is set to announce new 100 percent tariffs for Chinese EVs. This is the latest bid from the Biden administration to keep China from undercutting US companies and impacting manufacturing jobs, as Biden fights for a second term in the US election. Drive Electric Chair Kirstin Corson says " LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour chief of staff Mike Munro and Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors NZ joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced a new National Gang Unit, which is designed to tackle increasing gang crime. Will it make a real difference?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed he plans to turn the Christchurch Call...

One New Zealand-based whisky producer has walked away from the San Francisco World Spirits Awards with an impressive haul. Pōkeno Whisky brought home two Double Gold Awards, a Gold and two Silver medals by the end of the event. Founder Matt Johns says this is great for the company's international credibility. "We're just focused on making the best single malt we possibly can with no compromise on...

Four Auckland townhouses are on the market, as The Block NZ joins the local television scrap heap. The Brown's Bay homes were nearly ready for contestants on the house renovation show. But Newshub owner Warner Brothers Discovery has confirmed today it's pulling the next season. Host Mark Richardson says it's a shame to see the end of the show, which has been part of his life for 12 years. "It was...

The Police Commissioner says the new scheme designed to tackle gang crime will set police up for future measures.  The specialised National Gang Unit will have 25 to 30 people, and up to seven ring-fenced officers in every police district. Commissioner Andrew Coster says these units will examine the gang activity happening in various districts to combat harm. "We know we're going to need to move r...

Education-based unions are picking apart the Government's scheme for charter schools. The coalition's putting more than $150 million in the Budget for 15 new charter schools - and converting 35 state schools. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says we shouldn't privatise a public good, and believes there are 'better uses' for the money. "Strengthening the state system and not siphoning money out of...

The Prime Minister says the Christchurch Call has done good work. The Government has decided to pull taxpayer funding for the initiative, launched by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the Christchurch mosque attacks. From July, it will run off donations with Ardern staying on as patron - rather than New Zealand's special envoy for the foundation. Chris Luxon says eliminating violent extre...

Well, you can’t keep a good idea down, can you? Strike Force Raptor is back! Do you remember that? That was Simon Bridges' big crime plan when he was the National Party leader in opposition. He announced a dedicated anti-gang police squad called Strike Force Raptor which would go around "harassing and disrupting gangs every single day”. He was mocked for it and the idea was put to bed. And guess w...

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns the UK is at a 'crossroads' ahead of some 'dangerous' years in a pre-election pitch. The UK Prime Minister says the years ahead will be 'challenging' for the nation - and that he's the best person to get everyone through them. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says security is set to be a significant issue ahead of the UK's general election. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.c...

The legal dispute between Children's Minister Karen Chhour and the Waitangi Tribunal is set for another round. The Court of Appeal recently overturned a High Court decision to block a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal to Minister Chhour. National Urban Māori Authority chair Lady Tureiti Moxon says this case has wider implications for New Zealand's Māori community. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudi...

Tauranga Businesses have released their key priorities for prospective council candidates. The city is having elections in July after being under the control of commissioners since 2020. A Tauranga Business Chamber survey found 82 percent of respondents agreed with the direction the commissioners set. Chief Executive Matt Cowley says that may not be love for the commissioners but a dislike of the...

The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision, that had said the Waitangi Tribunal couldn't summon Minister Karen Chhour. But despite the ruling, it's too late for the Tribunal to call her to front up. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains what comes next. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The export of live sheep from Australia will be banned from May 2028 onwards. The Government has promised a $117 million transition package to support the sector over the next five years. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this will be disappointing news for farmers - who weren't properly consulted before the legislation was implemented.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

The Finance Minister has promised Budget 2024 will address fundamental areas - and help the nation aim for growth.  Despite concerns that the budget will be focused around austerity, Nicola Willis says the budget will offer some hope for the future.  Willis says she's focused on helping boost growth to get New Zealand out of this economic patch. "We are doing a lot of work across Government - we'r...