Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's calls for a complete ban on the deadly engineered stone, primarily used in bench tops. The Australasian College of Physicians is urging the New Zealand Government to follow Australia's lead on the stone, which can give stonemasons the incurable lung disease, silicosis. RACP spokesperson Dr Alexandra Muthu says the organisation is calling for an outright ban on the material being imported i...

The Finance Minister insists that the Government's proposed tax cuts will be delivered by the end of the year. This follows an earlier interview that had experts concerned the Government planned to delay the scheme. Minister Nicola Willis says the cuts will need to pass through Cabinet- but Kiwis will still benefit from tax reduction soon. "I can assure you, tax reduction for working New Zealander...

The Government's crackdown on poorly-behaved social housing tenants is being welcomed by many. The Government's taking a harder line on Kāinga Ora renters, with the Prime Minister ordering the provider to axe its Sustaining Tenancies Framework. Lawyer Adina Thorn says this is a big step in the right direction for victims. "I get emails, unsolicited emails, from people talking about their neighbour...

Auckland's A-League team hasn't played a match yet, but they've found themselves in the public eye. During Saturday's Phoenix game at Eden Park, a pitch invader sporting an Auckland FC jersey dashed onto the field. Rumours are swirling, but Eden Park boss Nick Sautner is denying involvement with this stunt. "Encouraging that sort of activity has the ability to compromise their future aspirations f...

Some strong words are expected behind closed doors from China's Foreign Minister. Wang Yi has been in talks with counterpart Winston Peters in Wellington today, ahead of an official dinner. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says they'll be all smiles for the cameras. But he says behind the scenes, there may be harsh words about New Zealand's AUKUS moves. "Because this new Government that New Ze...

The Housing Minister claims social housing tenants misbehave because they know there won't be consequences. The Government's taking a harder line on Kāinga Ora tenants, instructing the provider to axe its Sustaining Tenancies Framework, saying this allows tenants to remain in a state house regardless of bad behaviour or unpaid rent. Chris Bishop says the cost of living crisis probably has affected...

Sports fans are investigating the curious case of an Auckland FC jersey-clad pitch invader. As the Phoenix defeated Sydney FC 2-1 in their final home match in Auckland, an individual clad in Auckland FC gear ran onto the field. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains the theories surrounding this incident. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whakarongorau's chief executive is correcting perceptions that the organisation is biased towards one particular group. The telehealth organisation has an option for Māori callers to be redirected to a separate queue with the touch of a button. Chief executive Glynis Sandland says this measure is designed to put callers in touch with a Māori clinician- and they get moved to the regular queue if no...

National is making noises that sound an awful lot like they might not deliver the full tax cuts in July like they promised. Finance Minster Nicola Willis was on the radio this morning, she was asked about it and she replied that she still intended to roll out the tax cuts in July- but it was subject to Cabinet discussions, so she could not give a cast-iron guarantee it would happen. Ooh, she's pla...

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit New Zealand in the first meeting between the two countries since last year’s election.   Winston Peters says the visit would be an opportunity to discuss the full breadth of New Zealand’s bilateral relationship with China.   Wang will also visit Australia, where the two have a frosty relationship, after Australia banned Huawei from operating in its telec...

A plane carrying British Defense Secretary  Grant Shapps  had its satellite signal jammed as it flew near Russian territory, the government said Thursday.   The government said the Royal Air Force jet carrying Shapps, officials and journalists “temporarily experienced GPS jamming when they flew close to Kaliningrad” on a flight from Poland to the U.K.   The Times of London, whose reporter was onbo...

Wellington councillors have voted to increase housing density in the city.   It will also strip some housing character protections, and increase the amount of housing near rail lines, as part of amendments to its District Plan.   Business commentator Rod Oram joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details continue to emerge about Green MP Darleen Tana’s husband and his bike business.   The Employment Relations Authority had already filed against Christian Hoff-Nielsen in a case in December – but it turns out it was actually two cases.   Employment lawyer Alex Kersjes joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s second A-League team has officially been unveiled.   Auckland FC will join the league from next season and will sport a black and blue striped kit.   Talks are underway for expanding the NRL further into New Zealand, with a Christchurch-based South Island Kea in the works.   Former NZR boss David Moffett is helming the project, with hopes to enter the NRL in 2026.   Australia and Eng...

The Government is facing the threat of a hole in its tax plan.   Its promised relief on the back-pocket is meant to be partially paid for with a levy on online gambling - bringing in more than $730 million over four years.   But the Inland Revenue Department has crunched the numbers... and figures it will only bring in $155 million.   Revenue Minister Simon Watts told Heather du Plessis-Allan thos...

Coin collectors and enthusiasts alike will have to wait a few years before they see King Charles lll on their legal tender coins.   In the new design, the King faces left - keeping with conventions that each new sovereign changes directions.   The Reserve Bank expects the 10 cent coin to be minted in 2025 - with the others following in 2027.   Director of Money and Cash Ian Woolford told Heather d...

An advocate for the worker accusing Green MP Darleen Tana's husband of migrant exploitation claims the MP knew what was happening.   Tana's been stood down after the allegations emerged at E Cycles NZ, a business owned by her husband.   Tana says she welcomes an investigation and intends to cooperate fully.   Advocate Nathan Santesso told Heather du Plessis-Allan he's sure Tana was aware of the si...

Suspended Green MP Darleen Tana says she intends to cooperate fully with an investigation after  allegations emerged of migrant exploitation at her husband’s company .   “I welcome an investigation and intend to cooperate fully, and I will not be commenting further,” Tana, who held the party’s small business portfolio, told the Herald in a statement.   Tana is the third Green MP in less than a yea...

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Thursday he’s assembling a team of investors to make a bid to buy TikTok.   This comes a day after  the House passed a measure to ban the Chinese-owned social media giant  or force a sale to a US-operated owner.   “It’s a great business and I’m going to put together a group to buy TikTok,” Mnuchin said in an interview on CNBC Thursday morning. Even tho...

The Wellington Phoenix are set to play their final ever home game at Eden Park against Sydney FC this weekend. The Nix are unbeaten in 11 games at the Garden of Eden, having won 6 and drawn 5. Meanwhile, the Crusaders could see their worst-ever start to a Super Rugby season since 1996 if they lose to the Hurricanes. The defending champions continue to reel from a host of injuries - with Scott Barr...

David Seymour says he backs Freyberg High School in any actions resulting from a student protest against him.   The Associate Education Minister visited the Palmerston North school yesterday – and faced students performing a haka, before one spat the ground in front of him.   Freyberg High School condemned the students’ behaviour, but Seymour told Heather du Plessis-Allan he can't say what sort of...

Over in the UK, Rishi Sunak is facing pressure to return a multi-million dollar donation from a controversial supporter. Businessman Frank Hester has gifted over £10 million pounds to Sunak's party, amid increased backlash over his racist and misogynistic comments. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Sunak is refusing to give the money back. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro and Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! Auckland bakery Daily Bread is under fire after a video of the business seemingly poisoning sparrows surfaced. Is this evil and heartless- or a necessity? Air New Zealand is still at war with the airports- with the Ai...

New changes to native land laws have been welcomed by New Zealand's farming community. The Government has suspended requirements for councils to map and impose Significant Natural Areas, while Ministers overhaul environmental legislation. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains why the nation's rural community is in favour of this update. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

The immigration boom is showing no signs of abating. Latest figures from Stats NZ show 133,800 more people entered the country than left in the year to January. That's only just below the record net migration of 134,400 recorded in the year to October. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what these figures mean for New Zealand's future. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener fo...