Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Newstalk ZB sports reporter Elliott Smith, who was one of the journalists that turned up for the cancelled All Blacks media briefing on Sunday, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan and was asked whether he feels Ian Foster will be at the helm when the All Blacks head to South Africa. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Coromandel school that rejected a $2500 scholarship tied to a game fishing tournament says it made the decision in order to avoid embroiling students in controversy. But that decision has turned into a public spat over the merits of the sport - and how much influence teachers with strong views should have when a school makes decisions. Teacher at Mercury Bay school, Thomas Everth, joined Heather...

A disability advocate wheeled herself to hospital after waiting 12 hours for an ambulance, because she was told they couldn't take wheelchairs. The Health Ministry has announced it will begin now only report the deaths of people who died because of Covid or as a contributor. Simon Wilson and Kerre Woodham joined Andrew Dickens on The Huddle. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

An innovative new play and learning space is coming to New Plymouth's Kāwaroa Park. Destination Play at Kāwaroa will feature water play, climbing platforms and a pump track, and many more things for all ages to enjoy. It is being led by the Taranaki Foundation in partnership with Ngāti Te Whiti, New Plymouth District Council and NP Partners. Destination Play will be created next year and is design...

Toy company Zuru appears to have won a US legal battle to force review site Glassdoor to reveal the identities of aggrieved former workers who posted scathing reviews of the company. It intends to sue for defamation here. Barrister Chris Patterson says it's not often a company runs to an American judge seeking an order for a potential defendant to hand over information, so they can be sued here. L...

Claims it's past time New Zealand begins recording Covid-19 deaths accurately. The Health Ministry has announced it will begin now only report the deaths of people who died because of Covid or as a contributor. Until now, anyone who died within 28 days of having an infection has been recorded as a Covid death, similar to other countries. Act Party leader David Seymour told Andrew Dickens it will h...

A disability advocate wheeled herself to hospital after waiting 12 hours for an ambulance - because she was told they couldn't take wheelchairs. Advocate and lawyer Dr Huhana Hickey, who advises a number of regional health boards, told Andrew Dickens she alerted the Ministry of Health of the issue years ago. She says they advised in 2019 a way was needed to get wheelchair users to the hospital dur...

Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter Jason Walls joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the update from the Government about their Covid-19 deaths reportage, as well as the announcement councils will be receiving a payment in order to implement the Three Waters reform. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sport reporter Kate Wells joined Andrew Dickens to discuss a potential move for newly-minted Open Championship winner Cameron Smith to the Saudi-backed LIV golf league, with a number of other top players reportedly eyeing a move. The Black Caps have defeated Ireland in the opening match of their T20 series and of course, more chat surrounds the All Blacks and particularly, Ian Fosters...

Kiwis are being told to consider putting off their travel to the Cook Islands this week due to extreme weather. The Rarotongan beach resort says they've been calling the 300 guests that are set to arrive this week, to let them know the island won't be fully operational. General Manager of that resort is Bob Taylor and he joined Andrew Dickens from the Cook Islands. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/...

So inflation is at a 3 decade high and the Reserve Bank is scrambling to kill demand by raising interest rates. We've all heard that it's the fault of the Government for spraying around money during the lockdowns.  This is money that was either borrowed or created by the Reserve Bank through money printing. Money we then spent willy nilly because there was nothing else to do.  I've lost track of t...

A senior economist says even if inflation's peaked, that is little consolation for stretched households. Stats NZ figures show inflation has hit 7.3 percent in a three-decade high. Grant Robertson says economists think inflation may have reached its upper limit. But Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchod told Newstalk ZB's Drive that doesn't mean financial pressures will ease. He says a drop from...

Inflation has hit 7.3 percent, the highest in 32 years. It's driven mostly by rising rents and construction costs. Some good news though, yesterday the government announced an extension to the fuel tax cuts and half price public transport, until next year. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Grant Robertson joined Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

A pointy and magical hat is being thrown into the ring for Christchurch's mayoralty. The Wizard, real name Ian Brackenbury Channell, is running for the Garden City's top job - aged 89. He told Andrew Dickens he's making no grand election pledges. “Basically, they have to judge me by what I’ve done and not by what I promise.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warnings of pain when petrol tax cuts end. The 25-cent reduction, alongside slashed road user charges and half priced public transport fares, have been extended until the end of January. Stats NZ data shows inflation to June sat at 7.3 percent. Waitomo Fuel's chief operating officer says when the Government stops fuel relief - suppliers and customers will need ample warning. Simon Parham told Andr...

Former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is hitting back at claims made in a new book about the National Party. Blue Blood, by former Stuff and TVNZ political reporter Andrea Vance, catalogues the transition from the Key years to the turmoil of the Party's time in Opposition. The book claims that in 2017 coalition negotiations, Peters was offered Deputy Prime Ministership in the 11th hour of ne...

There was a letter to the editor this weekend to my local newspaper.  Rob was incensed about a reorganisation of an intersection which will mean the loss of a right turning lane to make way for a cycle lane that even the cyclists don't want. Rob finished his letter proclaiming his hate for the Council and how this might be the spur for him to leave the country. I hear that a lot these days.  Time...

Newstalk ZB Weekend Sport host Jason Pine joined Andrew Dickens to debrief the All Blacks series loss to Ireland in Wellington as well as Cameron Smith's historic first golf major victory at The Open. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is urging rent controls and more support after a survey found two thirds of university students regularly struggle to buy food and other necessities. The People's Inquiry into Student Wellbeing is a self-selecting survey of more than 4500 students, commissioned by the Green Party, the national student associations union (NZUSA) and the Māori (Te Mana Ākonga), Pacific (Tauira Pasifi...

The crucial part of the campaign has started with Television interviews and appearances occurring.  Italy looks to be in trouble again with it's Prime Minister Mario Draghi resigning but President Sergio Mattarella not accepting the resignation.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joined Andrew Dickens to discuss these issues.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A surprise intervention by US Vice-President Kamala Harris, the China-Solomon Island's security pact, and the Sri Lanka President fleeing to Singapore.  Asian business correspondent Peter Lewis joined Andrew Dickens to discuss the Pacific Island's forum and other business news.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solving job shortages might not be as easy as it seems. Bringing immigrants into the country means government will have to invest more into infrastructure but training up kiwis might not be as easy either.  Business commentator Rod Oram joined Andrew Dickens  to discuss empty jobs and how to fill them.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's harder to figure out who comes out worse after Leo Molloy's performance on late night TV and Wayne Brown's public complaint about it. Mr Brown's surprise at the earthy nature of Mr Molloy’s character, particularly when he's playing up for the cameras, suggests he's a ‘wowser’. After all we've seen plenty of politicians playing up on late night telly to show they're not buttoned up bores.  Sim...

Coverage of women's sport is increasing but parity is still a while away, NZ women's sports coverage is at 20% of all sport and global its at four.  All Blacks and Ireland are taking to Sky Stadium this weekend for their last match and tension is in the air.  Sports Broadcasters Elliott Smith and Andrew Alderson join Andrew Dickens for the Sports Huddle.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

The Christchurch Cathedral restoration project is planned to be finished by the end of 2027. Inside clear up of the cathedral done by a robot digger has finished ahead of schedule.  Project Director Keith Paterson joined  Andrew Dickens to discuss the progress thus far.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.