Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

This is going to sound really harsh, but that Restore Passenger Rail protestor who was put in jail for two weeks yesterday deserved exactly what she got. I bear no ill will whatsoever to Rosemary Penwarden. She's a mum and grandmother, she seems like a nice lady, she's been nothing but lovely and polite every time she's been on the show and I admire her conviction, in a weird way. But she and ever...

Rotorua's mayor has expressed concern over recent attacks, and says at least one incident could have been gang-related. A 15-year-old girl was assaulted by three other girls outside Rotorua Library in the CBD on Monday afternoon. This follows a 13-year-old girl being beaten and left bloodied in an unprovoked attack last week. Mayor Tania Tapsell says she's working alongside the police to devise so...

Pop star Elton John has returned to full health after a slip at his villa in Nice. The singer was rushed to the Princess Grace Hospital’s centre in Monaco after the fall, where he was checked as a precautionary measure. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the 'I'm Still Standing' singer has returned to good spirits after the accident.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! TOP leader Raf Manji is confident he can win the Ilam seat, but the latest Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has National's Hamish Campbell leading at 33 percent and Manji on 14. Does Manji really have a hope here?...

Tourism Holdings appears to be on the road to recovery, post-pandemic. It's reported a near $50-million dollar profit in the year to June's end, a change reversing years of losses because of Covid. It was bolstered by merging with Apollo Tourism and Leisure. Chief Executive Grant Webster says this recovery has been faster than the company predicted, but they needed the extra boost. "We need it, fo...

Groundswell's co-founders are gearing up to drive their tractors through the country to protest 'unworkable' Government regulations. Bryce McKenzie and Laurie Paterson will travel from Invercargill to Auckland on September 22, and speak at Ellerslie Racecourse on October 1. The Country's Jamie Mackay says the pair plan to rally farmers to get out and vote against a third term of Labour. LISTEN ABO...

The economy faces another year of tepid growth- and the recession could drag on if Government spending isn't reined in, according to the IMF. In their latest report, they recommended the Government stop funding cost-of-living handouts, press ahead with fair pay agreements and prioritise climate change-focused infrastructure spending. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie says targeted, mea...

A supermarket giant says crime has surged in its North Island stores. Foodstuffs recorded 3900 separate incidents from the start of May to the end of July, a 59 percent year-on-year increase. Serious incidents including assault, robbery and burglary have more than doubled in the past year and are up 13 percent on the last quarter. Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin says the biggest issue is or...

Treble Cone skifield is rejecting claims it planned to can a skier's pass because he was coaching friends. A visitor says he was was approached by staff as he shared tips with two friends last weekend. He claims the worker said if he came with anyone else, and was seen teaching, they'd explore options with his pass. Treble Cone Experience General Manager Laura Hedley says a staff member did approa...

Confidence from The Opportunities Party front-man, Raf Manji- who's in the running for Christchurch's Ilam seat. He's TOP's only chance of getting into Parliament. A new Taxpayers’ Union – Curia poll has National's Hamish Campbell leading at 33 percent, Labour incumbent Sarah Pallett on 15, and Manji on 14. Manji says it's just the start of the campaign. "I've been here for the last 10 years, work...

A stark warning over our economy. A new International Monetary Fund report says our economy will grow about one percent next year, and inflation won't return to the target band until 2025. It's also warned the Government it should cut back on spending and raising interest rates. Infometrics chief economist Brad Olsen say the risk factors aren't good if inflation and wages challenges linger. "The R...

A tax expert says he's puzzled by what National's promises of new revenue could include. The party plans to release its tax policy tomorrow morning, alongside four new sources of cash for the Government to splash. Its' finance spokeswoman promises it won't pressure inflation and needs no additional borrowing. Dentons Kensington Swan partner Bruce Bernacci says he's looking forward to hearing it. "...

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi has been handed one of Parliament's most serious punishments. Speaker Adrian Rurawhe has 'named' Waititi and suspended him from the House for 24 hours after he appeared to break a court ordered suppression last week. Waititi wasn't in the House as the ruling was made- he was in Auckland for his Fashion Week appearance. ZB senior political correspondent Barry...

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has found himself in front of Australia's Senate to defend accusations of profiteering and 'misleading the Australian public'. The company is under fire for allegedly not disclosing the true value of unredeemed flight credits. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the airline owes customers an extra $100 in flight credits on top of the $370 million Qantas already owes...

All Blacks lock Scott Barrett has got off scot-free, at least from here. A judicial committee has decided his sending off in the warm-up defeat against South Africa on the weekend is sufficient and no further sanction is necessary. The red card was awarded following the receipt of two yellows- the first being for a technical offence and and the second for coming into contact with Springbok Malcolm...

Wellington City Council is looking to shake up rules for dogs in the Capital. An upcoming proposal could soon be up for public consultation on letting dogs off leads in nine more areas. On the less paw-sitive side- it would introduce a $300 fine for owners who don't carry waste bags. Councillor Teri O'Neill says they'll check out areas where people have been repeatedly offending. "We're going to s...

An internal investigation has been launched by Spain's football federation after Luis Rubiales activated their sexual violence protocol. The federation president was suspended by FIFA after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup win. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Luis Rubiales' actions have inspired protests and backlash- and the federation is taking this inve...

Tonight on The Huddle, current affairs commentator Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! National's Chris Luxon still won't say whether or not he'll collaborate with NZ First and Winston Peters- and claimed he wasn't thinking about the party at all in an earlier interview. Why hasn't Luxon completely ruled t...

One expert is warning about the dangers of a Trump comeback following his recent arrest. The former president was lined up for a mugshot in Georgia after he surrendered on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn election results. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says strategic shifts implemented during his administration influence current policy- and New Zealand needs to be alert to...

New research has found rising corporate profits have contributed to over half of current domestic inflation. This information conflicts with earlier reports that increased wages and supply costs were the bigger driving forces behind inflation. Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney says research shows that corporate profits have been boosting inflation all over the world- not just New Zeal...

The Finance Minister says spending cuts announced today are responsible savings, as they balance delivering services New Zealanders need. Finance Minister Grant Robertson has unveiled a push to slash contractors, trim back programmes and limit future budget allowances. He forecasts they'll save almost $4 billion dollars over the next four years. Robertson says Government spending has gone up signi...

A new social media trend is helping consumers justify any purchase- no matter how big or impulsive. #GirlMaths originated on ZM's Fletch, Vaughan and Hayley, when the trio justified the purchase of an expensive dress as 'basically free' if it got worn at least four times. RMIT University researcher Janneke Blijlevens has expressed concern about this phenomenon, and claims the trend has 'dangerous'...

National's police spokesperson says the Government's approach to crime is putting the public at risk. New information reveals nearly 50 people are on EM bail for 'homicide and related offences', alongside a further 70 accused of kidnapping and abduction. This comes as a leaked report shows people are taking advantage of the limitations of ankle bracelets and wrapping them with tinfoil to re-offend...

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors to own a precious piece of New Zealand art. Bill Hammond's Melting Moments I goes under the hammer tonight for the first time- and it's expected to get about $2.5 million.  It was painted during Hammond's three-year green and gold period. Webb's Director of Art Charles Ninow says a lot of interest is expected tonight. "These works are really sought a...

The Government has told public service organisations to cut spending. Finance Minister Grant Robertson has announced a push to slash spending on contractors and consultants, trim programmes and limit future budget allowances. Robertson says it'll save almost $4 billion over the next four years. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich says the Government's trying to make the books...