Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

I think we can quite accurately use the word 'brilliant' to describe the latest move from the Government’s man in the primary teachers’ pay negotiations. Brian Roche, the Public Service Commissioner, has gone around the union and offered a 4.7 percent pay increase to primary teachers who are not in the union. If they agree to it, the first chunk of the pay rise will kick in 19 days from now and th...

The balance sheet is looking strong for Briscoe Group, which managed to score a few goals late in the game.  The retailer's posted record annual sales of close to $800 million, for the year ending January 25th.  Its homeware brand Briscoes saw 1.42 percent sales growth - while Rebel Sport trailed with growth of 0.13 percent. Managing director Rod Duke says the business just changed its p...

Federated Farmers thinks it's unlikely the live export ban will be reinstated, now the Government's backtracked. A campaign promise for National and ACT vowed to return the $370-million-dollar trade with improved animal welfare.  The Labour Government banned it in 2023.  Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard says there were more pressing matters this term. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair...

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week. Otago Universi...

There's predictions Heinz Wattie's won't be the last to shutter operations this year. It's proposing closing three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and packing operations in Hastings - with 350 jobs at risk. It also plans to phase out sales of products including frozen vegetables, impacting growers. The Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald says oth...

The Public Service Commissioner says giving about 10,000 non-union primary teachers the option to accept pay offers has been a long time coming. Sir Brian Roche today confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Education Minister Erica Stanford says they can get pay rises of up to 4.7 percent within 12 months....

Winston Peters believes the Covid inquiry has been 'deficient' and 'biased'. The second phase of the inquiry has found some mandates went on too long and the Government failed to communicate well enough with Kiwis. New Zealand First's Leader says many people perceive the inquiry as one-sided, and the damage is done. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined Peters' concerns....

Thousands of travellers have been waiting in hours-long queues at US airports this week, due to increased spring travel and limited security personnel. Security staff have been working without pay during the partial US Government shutdown, and airlines have sent out warning to expect travel delays. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says travellers can be expected to wait an extra 3 to 4 hours during...

Potential T20 international cricket debuts loom for Katene Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox as New Zealand prepare to host South Africa in five matches, starting this Sunday. Much of the Black Caps' World Cup squad will be rested. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader is denying changes to Auckland's housing intensification rules might have 'backfired'.  The Government has ordered Auckland Council to reduce total capacity plans from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. Councillors have now opted to zone less density in areas with poor public transport access and in outer suburbs. David Seymour says this doesn't necessarily mean his central Epsom el...

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an 'unprecedented' naval deployment in the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France will deploy eight frigates, along with two amphibious helicopter carriers and the country’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes as the UK has appeared to have paused sending a warship to Cyprus. LISTEN ABOV...

It was a big weekend for New Zealand's rural community, with the country's shearers dominating the 2026 Golden Shears event. New Zealand claimed an unprecedented five wins in six events at the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, which ended in Masterton on Saturday night. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the action.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has complained to the Real Estate Authority about the increase - following a sharp drop in 2023.  iFindProperty founder Maree Tassell says there's a lot of deception that comes with flipping properties, and vendors often don't find out until it...

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors and former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 were released today, concerning lockdowns and vaccine mandates. What did we think of this? What can we learn?  Wellington mayors and social leaders wrote an...

The big Covid inquiry - the Royal Commission of Inquiry - is out and to be honest, I don’t think it’s a game-changer. It doesn’t tell you anything you didn’t already know or at least strongly suspect. Aucklanders, who were the most affected, lived through it. We already knew that Grant, Jacinda and Chippy kept us in that 2021 lockdown for too long. We already knew the Auckland border could have be...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 March, 2026, Aucklanders were in lockdown for longer than even Ashley Bloomfield recommended during Covid - we hear from the Covid Minister at the time, Chris Hipkins. How New Zealand's playing a big part in research on a male contraceptive pill. We talk to the owner of Formerly the Blackball Hilton about a demand to get rid o...

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strai...

The former Covid Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, is being questioned over the latest findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The report was released today - finding New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Chris Hipkins says he thinks it's a fair report, although he doesn't accept every recommendation. "I t...

A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables and chairs fell outside the licensed boundary. Owner Cynthia Robins says they've been there for decades - and never caused a problem.   "They're becoming much more strict with what's within the licenced area. We said - well, until this is...

An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices.  The airline's adjusted fares - lifting domestic flights $10 and long-haul flights $90. It's suspended its guidance from less than a fortnight ago, expecting second-half earnings similar to the $59 million first-half loss. Irene King says the airline could slash i...

The Health Minister has raised some concerns after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19’s final report was released. The report found that New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the previous Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Simeon Brown says the data shows that the previous Government kept New Zealand locked down for far too long and spent t...

The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings.  The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown.  Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice...

Australia will deploy a military surveillance ‌aircraft to the Middle East and send missiles to the United Arab Emirates, but the Government's ruled out sending troops. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says this support will help the Gulf countries defend ⁠themselves against attacks from Iran - but he's claimed Australia is 'not a protagonist' in this conflict.  Australian correspondent Murray...

Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will return to the White Ferns for five games against South Africa, as the defence of the T20 World Cup looms in June. Neither featured in the Zimbabwe series - the first time a New Zealand squad was named without one or the other since 2006. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Progress is being made on a world-leading male contraceptive. The next stage of tests run by New Zealand Clinical Research will give participants multiple doses to see if the oral pill is safe for daily use.   Phase one demonstrated it was tolerable after a single dose.  Lead research physician, doctor Rohit Katial, says they'll also learn how long effects last. "Even though you might st...