Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Three people have been arrested in connection with a suspected foiled bomb attack outside the Bank of America's headquarters in Paris. An initial suspect was detained at the scene after he placed an explosive device, and two more have since been arrested in connection with the attack. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are taking place, and authorities are warning people this could be...

KiwiSaver is undergoing some reforms, and former Mercury head Fraser Whineray is hoping to make it more competitive with Australia.  The new changes are set to kick in this week, with the default contribution rate for both employees and employers rising from 3 percent to 3.5 percent. Whineray explained how these changes will benefit Kiwis in the long run. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/liste...

The Brent crude oil price is on track for a record surge as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Oil prices have been climbing all month as a result of the conflict and experts have raised concerns. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's looking at ways to keep hold of even more fuel than legally required.  Fuel stocks have risen as of last Wednesday, with 27.9 days of petrol, 21.7 of diesel and 25.3 of jet fuel in the country.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's now exploring more options to guard against supply risks "We want to be prepared if the worst happens and they can't get enou...

A fixture between Tottenham and Auckland FC has offered former Spurs defender Ledley King the chance to finally come to New Zealand. The two sides will play a match at Eden Park on July 26. The former Tottenham captain turned club ambassador said this will be exciting news for Kiwi fans. "Judging by the reaction, judging by the fans that I've met just in my short time here - and I've heard about t...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 30 March, 2026, we ask a defence expert if a US ground invasion risks prolonging the war in Iran. We talk to an education official about what can be done with half our secondary students ignoring a ban on phones in schools. Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King tells us why he's excited about his club playing Auckland FC. And on Th...

Geez, that old LNG terminal idea didn’t last long, did it? Seven weeks - that’s it. From the moment it was announced on February 9 to the first knife stuck in it today, seven weeks to the day. Now, before you come at me arguing that the LNG terminal hasn’t been killed - yes, it has. It is dead. The Herald report this morning that multiple ministers are privately admitting they may have to kill the...

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's debate around the rules surrounding street art after prolific graffiti artist Karl Truell was charged in Auckland. Is there a place for this?  Donald Trump has revealed he's weighing up seizing the key Iranian island...

Street artists are calling for clearer rules around their craft, after one prominent artist was charged. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul has voiced support for prolific graffiti artist Karl Truell - aka 'Pork' - after he was fined in Auckland. Auckland street artist Jesse Jensen says there's no spaces for people to paint legally - and changes need to be made. "There just isn't an outlet, it's l...

A sovereign citizens expert believes the death of Aussie fugitive Dezi Freeman will be seen as evidence of corruption.  The 56-year-old's believed to have been killed by police this morning. The self-proclaimed sovereign citizen - a person who doesn't recognise the state - was wanted for allegedly murdering two officers in Victoria's Porepunkah last August.  University of New South Wales...

The Government wants to keep more fuel in New Zealand as the Middle East conflict threatens supply chains.  Fuel stock levels have risen as of last Wednesday, with over 50 days worth of petrol, diesel and jet fuel remaining or en route.  The Government's exploring ways to increase fuel stocks above minimum obligations to guard against supply disruptions.  Newstalk ZB senior politica...

A defence expert says a US ground invasion into Iran would be high risk and may not achieve its stated goals.  Donald Trump has told the Financial Times he's considering seizing Iran's major oil terminal on Kharg Island. Defence Priorities Senior Fellow Gil Barndollar says the island's deep in the Strait of Hormuz and difficult to get to.  He says Trump probably wants it for leverage.&nb...

Victoria's Police Commissioner is calling the hunt for Dezi Freeman the biggest in Australian history, crediting New Zealand for its assistance. Local media's reporting the 56-year-old's been shot by police after more than seven months on the run.  Freeman killed two police officers executing a warrant at his rural Porepunkah property last August.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterso...

Warriors co-captain James Fisher-Harris admits some honest reflection is required after a mauling at Mt Smart Stadium in league's NRL. After three straight wins to start the season, they're contemplating their first defeat after an upset 32-14 loss to the Tigers. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith unpacked the loss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A push for tougher consequences, as concerns grow over compliance with the Government’s school cellphone ban. The Ministry of Education says only about half of secondary students are following the rules. The Education Review Office is calling for phones to be confiscated more often, and for parents to contact students through school offices instead. Chief Review Officer, Ruth Shinoda, says the ban...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 27 March, 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis' "keep calm" message as she sets out what it'll take to start fuel rationing. New Zealand First's plan to put millions of dollars into a Christchurch Cathedral rebuild. Lord of the Rings actor Bruce Hopkins on why the film's still a big drawcard for tourists. And on The Sports Huddle,...

The Warehouse Group has reported a first half net profit after tax of nearly $16 million. CEO Mark Stirton told Heather du Plessis-Allan he is 'pleased' with the result But, like most of the world, concerns over Iran and fuel costs plague future outlooks.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 25 years since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring.  Actor Bruce Hopkins, who played Gamling in the series, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the ongoing popularity and tourism pull in New Zealand.  Hopkins said the support for the franchise is 'astounding'.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

Now look it may not altogether surprise you today to hear that the International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women from competing in female events because this was so obviously going to happen once Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the IOC. She was clearly going to do it, given that she campaigned on doing exactly this. But, you may be surprised to realise what an enormous U-tu...

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat the latest news out of the USA.  As the war with Iran continues questions over the likelihood of a peace deal remain, meanwhile, in California gas prices are quickly coming up to $6, $10 NZD, per gallon.  And, controversy over Southwest Airline's 'fat tax' booms online. "They are singling out people that are overweig...

Today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones announced the four-stage fuel plan in response to fuel supply concerns stemming from the war in Iran. Phase one of the plan focuses is on monitoring global developments, phase two would involve active co-ordination between the Government and industry, including supporting efforts to reduce demand, phase three and four,...

In three days Spark is set to switch off their 3G network for good.  Spark Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer, Leela Ashford, told Heather du Plessis-Allan only about 0.2% of Spark's total data traffic still uses 3G.  "There's still people on there, and that's why we are encouraging them, to move off to use this weekend, get into a store and get onto a 4G capable device," Ashford...

Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force alliance. The focus of the talks will be Russian aggression in Ukraine, but Starmer says that there's 'a war on two fronts'. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the defence solutions being discussed.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The private credit sector has given investors cause for concern. Questions have been raised about the sector's future amid a flood of redemption requests among some high-profile private credit funds. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s Federated Farmers High Country Field Day is set to take place on 27 March at Glenaray Station. The event will give  Ministers, MPs, officials and sector leaders insight into the work carried out by high-country farmers. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.