Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Auckland's in dire financial straits and the Mayor's proposed budget includes a six percent rates rise and cuts to walking, cycling and community projects.   Funding cuts will have to be made from next year but spending this year has been bolstered by a one-off 127 million dollars from the Government's Three Waters fund.   Ratepayers will still have to pay a one percent climate action targeted rat...

The White House meeting brought up the issue of defence with both Biden and Ardern committing to working closer together on defence projects in the Pacific. Should we increase our defence spending?  A review into Pharmac has said we should change our utilitarian approach to drug funding – essentially move away from the biggest-bang-for-buck approach to make sure that kids, Māori, Pacifica and thos...

An implication the US wants us to spend more on defence.  Jacinda Ardern and Joe Biden put out a joint statement after their meeting this morning... saying security and defence would become an ever more important focus of the partnership.  Former Defence Minister Wayne Mapp told Heather du Plessis-Allan the last big defence expenditures were by former Defence Minister Ron Mark a few years ago.  He...

The time of day you exercise may mean you achieve a different result – and that differs again depending on if you're a man or woman.   A study out of the US says women burn more body fat during morning exercise, whereas men get that result in the evenings.  The researchers say differences in hormones, in biological clocks and in sleep-wake cycles between men and women could all play a role.  Perso...

Christchurch's new stadium faces another budget blowout.  The City Council's 30 thousand seat stadium is now projected to cost up to 683 million dollars.  If the project can't be brought into line, Council will need to decide whether to increase the budget, scale the project back, or stop it.  Councillor Jake McLellan told Heather du Plessis-Allan there's now real uncertainty around how things wil...

The final review of Pharmac has found people with rare disorders, Māori and Pacifica are being failed by our drug buying agency.   While we secure drugs at some of the best prices possible, the review says the current model does not take into account new medicines.  The Government has accepted the vast majority of the recommendations.   Sue Chetwin, chair of the Pharmac Review Panel, joined Heathe...

The big talking point has been China in the Pacific over the past week... And it was a big topic during Joe Biden's and Jacinda Ardern's meeting as well.  When it comes to trade, the US is obviously not keen on joining the CPTPP ... but did we get any trade concessions at all?  Today's the last day of the US tour... Was it worth it for Ardern and NZ?  Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Jason Wal...

The first funerals for victims of the Texas shootings have taken place.  Pre-departure tests before flying to the US might soon be ditched.  Joe Biden has announced a month-long focus on the economy.  US correspondent Katherine Firkin joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Novak Djokovic has been knocked out of the French Open by the King of clay.  Yet another budget blowout for Christchurch stadium.  Host of Weekend Sport Jason Pine joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should local councillors be able to live outside of their constituency?  Bay of Plenty regional councillor Stacey Rose has moved down to Christchurch to re-connect with his family and to improve his mental health but says he can still be a councillor for the Bay of Plenty.  This isn't breaking any rules – Covid forced a rule change that allows councils to meet virtually and that rule is still in p...

I think we’re watching Andrew Coster slowly abandon his woke policing style.  He revealed this morning that he’s now reviewing the police pursuit policy.  Because these kids are ram-raiding then running away from the cops and the cops aren’t allowed to chase them.  The fact that he’s reviewing the policy, is a backdown for him because he’s the one who changed the policy in the first place to stop...

Looks as if a challenge to the Prime Minister could come next week.  Why are thousands of people missing flights from Dublin Airport?  Man dressed as an old woman throws a cake at the Mona Lisa.  UK correspondent Enda Brady joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The resignations of two senior leaders of Gloriavale have shocked former members.  Fervent Stedfast and Faithful Pilgrim have both left their leadership roles.  It comes as the community promises to change in an unprecedented public apology last Friday.  Former member Hosea Courage told Heather Du Plessis-Allan it's the first time top leaders have stepped down due to public pressure.  “Gloriavale...

He waka eke noa... This is the primary sector's response to climate change.  Is there still a backlog at the meat works?  Host of the Country, Jamie Mackay joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's chief economist says he's confident the RBNZ can guide the economy to a soft landing... Even if it has to aggressively raise interest rates.   Paul Conway says usually a significant reduction in inflation goes hand in hand with negative economic growth. But he reckons NZ's labour market is so strong we could buck that trend.   HSBC’s chief economist Paul Bloxham joined Heather d...

The Government's being told a third major supermarket competitor will only make an entrance if the current duopoly is forced to sell off some of its stores.   Aldi says it's got no plans to set up shop in New Zealand despite indications from Grant Robertson this morning that they might.   Entrepreneur Tex Edwards founded 2degrees, busting open the Vodafone/Spark duopoly.  He joined Heather du Ples...

Kamahl Santamaria saga – TVNZ boss Simon Power has ordered a review into the broadcaster's recruitment processes saying he doesn't think recruitment policies have been followed consistently.  Is it good enough to give Bromley residents suffering from a big stink a $200 prezzie card?  Labour has dropped again in the latest 1 News Kantar Public Poll but was slightly ahead of National in the latest l...

TVNZ's chief executive Simon Power has ordered a review into its recruitment processes, after the resignation of Kamahl Santamaria.   Power says it's his view that their recruitment policy has not been followed consistently and needs to be reviewed.  Mark Jennings, co-editor of Newsroom and former TV3 news boss, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

A boost to homeware stores is on its way.  Swedish homeware giant Ikea has consented to buy land at Auckland's Sylvia Park – for its New Zealand debut.  The Overseas Investment Office has just released the decision granting consent, to open in December 2024.  First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that typically when a new player arrives – it lifts the g...

Growing concern hospitals don't have proper resources.  Bed shortages at Middlemore Hospital meant a woman with typhoid fever was forced to sleep in her car in the hospital park.  The Association of Salaried Medical Specialist's Sarah Dalton told Heather du-Plessis Allan that's not good enough.  “I do think it’s a really nasty symbol of the state of our hospitals and our capacity to care for peopl...

Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says most of the ram-raider offenders in Auckland are under the age of 15.  Police are now reviewing their pursuit policy and what changes can be made as a result of the increased ram raids.   Coster says the teenagers involved with these smash and grab robberies are not productively engaged.  Children's Commissioner, Judge Frances Eivers joined Heather du Plessis...

It’s the final leg of the Prime Minister's trip to the US and the group's been hit with a few more snags. It is the big one tomorrow – The White House. What should we expect?  From where you’re sitting, before the meeting with Biden, has the trip been a success?  Newstalk ZB chief political reporter Jason Walls joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Labor wins enough seats to govern outright.  Aussie banks are tightening their lending standards as interest rates increase.  China say they're happy to co-operate with Australia in the Pacific.  Australia correspondent Murray Olds joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richie Mo'unga is leaving the All Blacks after the World Cup to play in Japan for two years.  Ticket sales not going well for the Black Caps vs England at Lords – maybe because tickets go up to $300 each?  Miles Davis joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rollout of compensation for Christchurch residents affected by the Bromley smell is off to a rough start.  3400 households are – as of yesterday – eligible for $200 to help cover medical appointments and other costs caused by the odour.  Unfortunately, the Council won't have enough $200 Prezzy cards to actually give to these households until Friday.  Community advocate Stephen McPaike is one o...