Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US president condemned the UK's response to the Iran conflict. Reports claim the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and military cooperation between the UK and US. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says many details of the call are unknown, but it can't have been pleasant for Starmer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystud...

There's growing concerns about the economic impacts of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 - and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents over the weekend. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says these attacks are directly impacting key fuel sources, which has got economists worried about future prices. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystud...

There's growing debate about the future of asteroid mining, as technology keeps making new advancements. These new developments have prompted concerns about how this process can be regulated, as it looks more likely asteroid mining will take off by the end of the decade. Waikato University Senior Lecturer in Law Anna-Marie Brennan says there's plenty to be mined from asteroids - and it will likely...

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  There's bee plenty of speculation over the weekend about Luxon's political future, but after today's round of interviews, it's unlikely he's going anywhere just yet. Do we think National will roll him eventually?  The Gov...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones warns we may have to ration fuel if the Iran war drags on. More people are learning Te Reo Maori - but there's an issue with getting enough teachers. A Waikato University lecturer tells us we're close to mining asteroids - and New Zealand's playing a big part. And on The Huddle,...

Look, I know we’re all going to have different points at which we think the media reaction to a news story gets silly but for me, that point was this morning.  Members of the media chasing the Prime Minister through Wellington Airport, asking whether he was considering resigning and whether he had the full support of his caucus seemed a little bit silly to me. Silly because it’s not as i...

The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time in three years - and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents in the weekend. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's working with key industries to keep an eye on prices, in c...

There's growing calls for the Government to pay rates on Crown land. Wellington mayor Andrew Little has announced he'll lobby for changes to the Local Government Act to repeal the measure as part of his council’s triennium plan. Currently, most property owned by central Government, such as schools and hospitals, is exempt from paying rates. Little says local councils provide a lot of infrastructur...

There's belief not enough children are learning Te Reo to become a bilingual nation. New data shows more than 28,000 students were taught the curriculum through Māori more than half the time last year, 71 percent up on 2000. Māori language advocate Stacey Morrison says 250,000 kids still aren't taught anything in Te Reo - so there's work to do. "I do think it's an 'everybody' thing, not just the t...

The NZX has fallen 3.1 percent as the US and Israeli war on Iran dents people's investment portfolios.  Closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz has ignited supply concerns over crude oil - now costing more than $100 US dollars a barrel.  Shares in Auckland Airport and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare have tumbled.   Generate investment specialist Greg Smith says the market's accounting...

The Government's working to stay ahead of the effects of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 USD a barrel for the first time since 2022, and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents over the weekend. An economic security Ministerial Oversight Group is being set up - to focus on fuel and supply chains. Associate Energy Minister and Resources Minister Shane Jones says it'll need high...

The Government's setting up a Ministerial Oversight Group on economic security to focus on fuel and supply chains. The Middle East conflict's forced crude oil over $100 USD a barrel, and made New Zealand's sharemarket plunge, 3.27 percent down so far. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the group will be briefed by MBIE weekly and have input from Treasury, the Reserve Bank, MFAT and others. ...

Australia's sharemarket has taken a hammering as investors voice concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. After it resumed trading today, the ASX 200 slumped 260.30 points or 2.9 per cent to 8590.708 - and dropped by 4 percent overall. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this is the worst day for the Australian markets since last year's 'Liberation Day'. LISTEN ABOVE See...

The post-mortem has begun into New Zealand's 96-run T20 World Cup cricket final loss to India at Ahmedabad. The hosts defended their title and won the tournament for a third time after amassing 255 for five. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has always led in track and field at the Commonwealth Games, but concerns have been raised ahead of the 2034 event. New Zealand is in the running to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games, but there's currently no suitable athletics venue to host the sport. Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell says if we're looking to host the 2034 Games, our infrastructure needs improvement.  "If...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 March, 2026, prime minister Christopher Luxon is adamant he's not standing down after another poor poll for the National Party. We talk petrol prices with one of our fuel companies. TVNZ's chief executive insists its news coverage isn't biased. And on the Sports Huddle, Elliott Smith and Clay Wilson discuss the Warriors chances...

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to wrap the political week.  The war in Iran and it's implications are top of mind, including the potential effects on New Zealand's fuel prices. They also chat about today's National Party and Luxon news following the release of a damning poll this morning. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has revealed it's latest plan for Western Springs including allowing space for concerts of up to 30,000 people, while still retaining the Ponsonby Rugby Club.  Councillors are set to make a final vote on the plan by the end of March.  Concert promoter Brent Eccles joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the plan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the latest news out of the United States.  Department of Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem has been sacked, and is set to be replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin at the end of the month.  Trump also wants to see changes in the Iranian government as he seeks to be involved in the appointment of th...

The Taxpayers'-Union Curia poll revealed this morning that Christopher Luxon’s National Party has sunk to its lowest result in the poll since 2021. National is sitting on 28.4%, down 2.9 points from February’s poll. The result sparked conversation around whether Luxon should step down.  Luxon joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to defend his position and says he is 'absolutely not' stepping down....

Queues are forming at petrol stations as concerns over increasing fuel prices brought on by the war in Iran. International oil prices have increased since the start of the war as traffic halts in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s crude oil is transported. Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the near-future of our gas prices.  LISTEN...

The UK is preparing a British warship to protect a military base in Cyprus, but it's not expected to sail until next week, according to new reports. The HMS Dragon is being loaded with ammunition in Portsmouth, as defensive capabilities in Cyprus are set to increase amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.  UK correspondent Enda Brady has voiced concerns about what this means for the UK'...

Punishing strikes continue across the Middle East as Iran retaliates to US-Israeli attacks - with Gulf states busy blocking incoming fire. Israel continues to pummel Tehran, and has launched fresh attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran has launched an attack on Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie revealed what this week's developments could mean for investors. LIST...

The latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey indicates more farmers are turning a profit, but there's still some industry concerns to consider. Of nearly 650 farmers who responded to the survey in late January and early February, 70 percent said their farm was currently profitable - the highest since the survey was launched.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See om...

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is looking to possibly scrap the Clean Car Standard, and a review is under way. Do we think this is likely to go ahead? Trade Me is ditching their 'success fees' and bank transfers as part of a new overhaul. Do...