Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Queenstown's tourism growth has remained steady over the last few months with tourism levels now reaching 97% of pre-Covid numbers.  Queenstown Mayor John Glover joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about growth management, the potential for increased flight prices as fuel costs become a concern, and the pipeline from visitor to resident.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for...

University of Auckland PhD candidate Olivia Rooke-Devoy has offered a 'low-mow' alternative to protect the lawn environment.  She claims that over-mowing is letting off too much CO-2, and destroying the habitats of insects and bees.  Rooke-Devoy told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's an 'environmental disaster'. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Iran has sparked worldwide concerns of fuel shortages after the Strait of Hormuz was shut. The passage carries roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply.  The final oil tankers that made it through the strait before it's closure have now reached Singapore.  Although, Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas says the fuel crisis might come later than expected.&nb...

According to a new PBS poll public support for Donald Trump is in decline as more than half of US citizens oppose the war in Iran.  Dan Mitchinson spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the questions arising surrounding the progression of the war, including the possibility of robot soldiers and security risks at the Oscars.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

The Select Committee report on the Government's proposed Greyhound Racing ban has come back, with the committee saying they want the bill passed.  But, ACT has some concerns surrounding the impact to the livelihood of a 'lawfully acting industry'. ACT MP Cameron Luxton sat on the Select Committee, and joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the party's proposed changes.  LISTEN ABOVE...

The UK Prime Minister was warned of the risk of appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, given his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released by the UK Government include advice warning Sir Keir Starmer the relationship continued after Epstein's conviction. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this will create extra political pressure for Starmer, especially following the recent loc...

There's growing concerns about the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Flurries of missiles are still crossing borders and the BBC reports Israel's launched more strikes on Lebanon. UAE officials are responding to Iranian missile threats and Qatar has intercepted several drones.  Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Karn Dhaliwal was the New Zealand recipient of the Zanda McDonald Award, and it's a big honour in the rural world. Dhaliwal built a diverse horticultural and cropping business and is recognised for his entrepreneurial approach to growing, leadership within the vegetable industry. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked concerns about the future of the global oil supply, and the Government is looking into solutions in case our supply gets low. Do we need to find an alternative solution - or e...

Now look, I don’t think there’s any reason to panic, but if you’ve been reading the news closely - and especially if you’ve been reading more widely than just the New Zealand news - you’re probably starting to feel a little nervous about what might happen to fuel supplies here and the possibility that we may have to start rationing. The Strait of Hormuz is still effectively shut. The Iranians have...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 12 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones tells us about emergency fuel measures as the Iran war goes on. Heath Mills on his hopes for a private franchise T20 league as he quits as the Cricket Players' Association boss. A new star-studded Lord of the Rings movie - we ask a film reviewer if it's starting to lose its a...

The Social Development Minister is certain it's only a matter of time before beneficiary numbers fall from a 12-year high. New figures show 427,000 people were on a main benefit in December - including more than half on Jobseeker.  That's despite the Government declaring it would curb welfare dependency shortly after taking office.  Louise Upston says businesses sentiment is improving. "...

A legal battle is looming over primary teacher pay deals. The NZEI's taking action over the Government letting non-union teachers accept individual pay offers. The Public Service Commissioner yesterday confirmed boards can directly approach about 10,000 teachers, after the union’s rejected three recent pay deals. Lead negotiator Liam Rutherford says they're frustrated and angry about the timing. "...

Kate Winslet is set to return to New Zealand shores for a new role in Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, which is set to start production this year. Andy Serkis is set to reprise his role as Gollum and direct the movie, and Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are set to return too.  Entertainment journalist and film reviewer Dominic Corry says there's clear demand for new Lord of the Rings cont...

One expert has suggested Jetstar won't follow Air New Zealand in cutting upcoming domestic flights. The airline plans to cancel about 1100 flights over the next six to eight weeks because of fuel price hikes - impacting about 44,000 passengers. It's already raised fares to help cover costs. Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien, says Jetstar's unlikely to do the same...

All options are on the table for conserving fuel if the US-Israel war on Iran continues. Iran's retaliating with hits on neighbouring countries, and blocking shipping transit through the Strait of Hormuz - sending global fuel prices spiking. Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says the Government's working on a plan in case our supplies come under threat. Jones says we have 50 days fuel here and...

MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi isn't saying if she has confidence in Te Pāti Māori's leadership, after her reinstatement. A High Court this week ruled her expulsion last year was unlawful. She says she'll maintain separate offices from the Party  for now, and consider the ruling with whanau and iwi. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio...

Over in Australia, Queensland senator Matt Canavan is set to take over the Nationals - signalling a new change for the party. Canavan will work alongside fellow conservative Angus Taylor, and experts are speculating about what this could mean for the future of Australia's right bloc. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Canavan has spoken out against the Paris Agreement and called for new coa...

One of the biggest advocates for New Zealand cricketers is going to be looking after every professional player around the globe. After almost 25 years in the role, Heath Mills is stepping down as New Zealand Cricket Players Association chief executive to become executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio....

One of New Zealand sport’s biggest powerbrokers is stepping down. NZ Cricket Players Association boss Heath Mills has announced today that he will be leaving in June, after 25 years with the association. Mills says the time's right to step down, as he wants to focus on his new role as executive chairman of the World Cricketers’ Association. "The time's right for me now to step aside as CEO of the...

Meghan Markle is set to headline a weekend retreat hosted by the Her Best Life podcast in Sydney this April. The event will be held during a visit to Australia by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, concluding earlier speculation.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the event will take place over three days, and reportedly includes sessions with a psychologist, yoga, and other activities. LISTEN AB...

A proposed crackdown on companies that give shareholders loans, rather than pay them taxable income, appears dead in the water. Inland Revenue has been eyeing the whopping $29 billion shareholders currently owe companies, questioning the extent to which companies are issuing shareholders loans, rather than paying them dividends or wages. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explai...

The US President's social media posts suggest he's worried about the price of oil, as the US and Israel bombard Iran into an 11th day. More than 1700 have been killed in the Middle East - most in Iran, and hundreds in Lebanon. Despite this, markets appear to have calmed down following the initial shock, and Milford Asset Management's Brendan Larsen explained why. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/li...

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Public Service Commissioner raised a few eyebrows when he confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Do we t...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 March, 2026, we talk to the Public Service Commissioner on why he's given a pay increase to non-union primary school teachers. Heinz Wattie's is shutting factories affecting about 350 jobs - an employers advocate warns there'll be more to come. An academic's call for sick leave to be accrued - and taken from job to job. And...