Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Celebrity medical practitioner and physician Dr Tom Mulholland died suddenly over the weekend. Mulholland hosted his own TV and radio shows, wrote two best-selling books and was a professional speaker for the likes of Google, Microsoft and Hilton. The Country's Jamie Mackay says he was an 'adventurer' and 'raconteur' who will be missed by many.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

National's Chris Luxon has promised to double the value of exports in 10 years, if elected. The party also vowed to pursue Free Trade Agreements, pump up our trade missions, and prioritise increasing trade with India. BusinessDesk managing editor Pattrick Smellie isn't too confident about National's proposal. "The fact is, New Zealand's export performance unfortunately hasn't changed very much in...

According to a new report from Auckland Council, dog attacks are on the rise. Data shows that aggressive or 'unwanted' dog behaviour has increased by 59 percent from last year, while dog attacks have increased by 28 percent. Auckland Council's Craig Hobbs says there's been a significant uptick in aggressive dog behaviour since Covid-19, as owners and pets have had to adjust to time apart. "People...

Chris Hipkins has locked in Saturday, November 25 as the date for the Port Waikato by-election. It's been triggered by the death of ACT candidate Neil Christensen - and is required by the Electoral Act. However, locals can still help choose the next Government before October 14. ZB political editor Jason Walls says there will be 121 MPs in Parliament by the end of the by-election, bucking the tren...

Chris Luxon is promising to double the value of New Zealand's exports in 10 years, if elected. National's also vowing to pursue Free Trade Agreements, pump up our trade missions and prioritise increasing trade with India. National trade and export spokesperson Todd McClay says the UAE is interested in doing an exclusive trade deal with New Zealand. "For the first time in a long time, they want the...

A cautious approach is urged to addressing contentious student flat initiations. There's been reports hazings have included animal cruelty- and the Otago Daily Times says some female students were forced to strip to underwear, body-shamed and called 'piggies'. Otago University Student Association president Quintin Jane says this kind of behaviour is unacceptable. He says people harming others or p...

An Auckland man has had an 'up-and-down' day trying to break the world record for most bungee jumps in 24 hours. Mike Heard's been leaping off Auckland's Harbour Bridge all day, raising money for the Mental Health Foundation. He's trying to finish 800 before 7am tomorrow- but he's slightly behind schedule. AJ Hackett Sales Manager Leo Medina is helping out, and he says the fundraising is going wel...

The lab workers union, Apex, says Te Whatu Ora needs to have a thorough look at the country's labs. The health agency's assessing risk in labs nationwide after two workers at different caught typhoid from samples - and staff at Auckland's Community Anatomic Pathology were exposed to toxic fumes. President Bryan Raill says it's important to drill down into the risks are. "But also, they should look...

On Monday evening, pro-Palestine protesters marched to Sydney's Opera House, which was lit up in solidarity with Israel. The protesters started their rally at the Sydney Town Hall, but the event quickly got out of hand as anti-Semitic sentiments were chanted. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the protesters also lit up flares- but only one person was arrested by the end. LISTEN ABOVE See o...

The Israel Institute of New Zealand wants our country to deem Hamas in its entirety- a terrorist organisation. Currently, we only designate the Palestinian organisation's military wing that way. Hamas' surprise attack on Israel has killed at least 900, and almost 700 have died in Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza. Institute co-chair Dr David Cumin says changing New Zealand's stance would serve...

After a 128-year wait, cricket is set to return to the Olympics. The ICC confirmed organisers of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will recommend cricket for inclusion at the Games.   The proposal is due to get ratified by the IOC governing body session next week in Mumbai. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerned schools have asked the Privacy Commissioner about their options for installing CCTV in their bathrooms. In a bid to deter negative behaviour such as vaping and bullying in the toilets, schools are turning to cameras to monitor student activity. Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster is urging schools to assess the risks and potential privacy breaches ahead of future installations. "We abso...

I reckon   Hamas’ attack on Israel has probably set the Palestinian cause back by years, if not decades . For the last how long- Palestine has been regarded as the bullied   and Israel as the bully .  When was the last time anyone felt sorry for Israel? But now, so many people will, because we’re seeing images of Israeli kids being held in chicken cages, y oung women just walking on the street bei...

A British-Israeli citizen and his wife have told of their 12 hour ordeal locked in a bomb-proof safe room as their home was attacked. Ben, who did not wish to give his surname, described a terrifying experience as Hamas militants stormed their home and set fire to it. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there are many people who have joint British-Israeli citizenship who were likely impacted by the a...

National's claims voters could be forced into a second election has been met with backlash from commentators. The party's expressed concern over not striking a coalition deal with NZ First and warned Kiwis may be required to vote again. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan has labelled this threat 'gauche' and says National has no reason to scare people into voting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudi...

Fonterra's luck seems to have turned around, as they announced a positive revised forecast. The dairy co-op has lifts its farmgate milk price- with the midpoint up 50 cents, to $7.25 per kilogram of milk solids. Dairy Insights Consultant Stuart Davison says stronger demand from China is the driving force behind this outlook- but it's unclear how sustainable this demand is. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystu...

Australians appear increasingly likely to reject the creation of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament ahead of the referendum. The latest wave of opinion polls show a majority of respondents are opposed to enshrining an Indigenous advocacy role in Australia’s constitution. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says younger voters haven't been given a proper explanation regarding the purpose of the...

The All Blacks' training has intensified as the team prepares to meet rugby's number one side Ireland in a quarter-final on Sunday morning. Ireland have made the quarter-finals in eight of the nine World Cups, but have never advanced beyond the last eight. The competition is strong- but Sportstalk's Jason Pine predicts the All Blacks will come out on top. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f...

Labour's Grant Robertson has labelled National's threat of a second election a 'panic move'. National leader Chris Luxon has warned of the possibility of an election do-over if NZ First is needed to form a Government. Robertson says this threat is a 'ridiculous situation' that National leaned into out of fear. "It's a completely ridiculous situation, it looks very panicky, very unstable. But that'...

More pressure on Pharmac boss Sarah Fitt to resign. The Board Chair has met face to face with the Senior Leadership Team today over inappropriate emails sent about journalist Rachel Smalley. The chair instructed them to identify what can be done to prevent a situation like this from happening again. Two cancer patients have written an open letter asking for her resignation. Signatory Geoff Dawson...

The death of ACT's Port Waikato candidate Neil Christensen will trigger a by-election. The Electoral Commission says party votes in the electorate will count for Saturday's election- but those for a Member of Parliament won't. Chief Electoral Officer Karl Le Quesne says this has a flow-on effect. He says once the by-election is run and we know who the successful candidate is- that will result in 1...

New Zealand First's leader won't say how long it could take for them to strike a coalition deal if they hold the balance of power following the election. National has sparked fears there could be a long negotiation period if they can't form a Government with ACT alone. Winston Peters says they have a responsibility to deliver a strong, stable Government. "The reality is, if it takes time to get it...

Israelis are questioning how Palestinian militant group, Hamas, breached the border from Gaza to attack Israel. More than 1100 Israelis and Palestinians have died since the surprise attack and at least 100 Israeli citizens have been taken hostage. Israeli tanks have moved along the border of neighbouring country, Lebanon, launching retaliatory strikes. Newshub correspondent Lisette Reymer, reporti...

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.   This week the The Spinoff’s Editor-at-Large Toby Manhire steps in for Barry Soper. Our exp...

ZB political editor Jason Walls spoke to Heather about National having to admit their tax cuts won't cover everyone, the polls showing Winston will be needed, Chris Hipkins spending the week in lockdown, and where things stand for the last week of the campaign.   LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.