Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Friday, 12 June, 2026, Mike Angove from the Walk Without Fear Charitable Trust tells us how disappointed he is at the watering down of "coward punch" legislation. A Field-good story. Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen on the success of this year's Fieldays. Hamilton mayor Tim Macindoe on why he's excited about plans for the city's first skyscraper. And on the Sports Huddle, Nathan Limm and Jeff McTainsh are not that fussed with the World Cup opening ceremony but the actual action's not bad. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk is set to become the world's first trillionaire as SpaceX finally hits the US stock market. Max Rashbrooke, senior research fellow of economic inequality at Victoria University of Wellington told Andrew Dickens, "we live in a world where a lot of people have got nothing or they're may be worth a dollar and it's sort of hard to think that someone is 1 trillion times more worthy or has contributed 1 trillion times more to humanity than someone else. "So, I find it very hard to justify." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FIFA World Cup kicked off today with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match with performances by Shakira and Burna Boy. Although, entertainment journalist Karl Puschmann was not a fan of the festivities. He told Andrew Dickens he wished he'd stayed in bed as the show "was flatter than a day old soft drink." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed new hotel set on the banks of the Waikato River could be Hamilton's first skyscraper standing at 25 storeys high. Kiwi high-rise developer Templeton Group presented the preliminary design for the Victoria Street Tower to Hamilton City Council on Thursday. Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe told Andrew Dickens he is 'fully on board' with the development. "There are all sorts of wonderful things happening in our city, and we need these beds and we need a, a top-quality hotel and I think this is really going to deliver in a spectacular way." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT and New Zealand First are in favour of a minimum non-parole period of 8 years for offenders who commit manslaughter by a strike to the head or the neck - the coward punch. But, National and the opposition parties are not keen. Board member of the Walk Without Fear Trust, Mike Angove, told Andrew Dickens he is disappointed in National's lack of support. "National have indicated that they're going to look at bespoke law, but essentially, remembering that Matt King, originally a National Party member, started this 8 years ago, almost 9 years ago. National has been right behind this the whole way, but they've faltered at the hurdle." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So, it's been more than two months since the president announced what he described as a ceasefire with Iran and suggested a major deal was just days away. This was back on April 7. The president said on social media that the two sides were “very far along”, adding that they just needed two weeks for the agreement to be finalised and consummated. But of course, that never happened. And yet, in the weeks and months since, the president has continued to insist that a deal is right around the corner—again and again. In fact, he's now made that claim 38 times, a fact seized on by Iran. Through social media posts, public remarks and interviews, he keeps saying an agreement is imminent or that Iran is eager to strike one. And there's little indication that those claims are any more accurate than they were back in early April. So, what's he doing? He could be trying to calm the financial markets. He could believe that repeating the claim might actually help bring it to life. Or, more likely, he's simply misread the entire situation. I was listening to Heather this morning, and more and more analysts—from both sides of politics—are starting to doubt his credibility and publicly voice concerns that he has locked the United States into a forever war. And increasingly, people are saying that the US never fully understood that Iran's real weapons of mass destruction were gifted by geography: its oil, and its ability to close the Strait of Hormuz using little more than speedboats with bazookas. That he never fully grasped the potential effect on the global economy. You know, there's a thing called TDS—and it appears the real derangement syndrome here is the belief that the president has this under control. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A large structure has appeared on the White House Lawn as the UFC match approaches on June 14 to mark 250 years of American independence. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson called the structure 'tacky' as Trump says he may keep it as a permanent feature. Mitchinson also discusses updates in the war with Iran and a mass exodus of American citizens willingly giving up their citizenship. He told Andrew Dickens "they just say that that it's the US has become too divided, too political." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in Northern Ireland are patrolling Belfast to prevent escalation after violent unrest. Masked rioters took torched houses and cars yesterday, after a Sudanese refugee allegedly stabbed a man. UK correspondent Enda Brady says police have turned to using water cannons to keeping rioters at bay. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot of investor attention on Wall Street - with Space X heading to market on Saturday. The debut of Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and data centre company will be one of the most-watched in years. A chunk of shares will be available in a company that up to now, was exclusive to Musk and a select group of rich private institutions. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another Fieldays is taking place, with farmers and rural experts coming together from across the country. The major rural event's run across this week in Hamilton's Mystery Creek, attracting experts from across the board. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Thursday, 11 June, 2026, Transport Minister Chris Bishop sets the record straight on plans for Budget funding earmarked for a rainy day and takes a swipe at Labour's public transport policy. We speak to the founder of a business offering ADHD assessments over Zoom, cutting wait times from months to weeks. The Prime Minister says we will not be spending $5 billion on overseas carbon credits, so what other options do we have? Climate change law expert Professor Barry Barton talks us through it.. And on The Huddle, Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson debate what we can do get people to stop smoking illegal cigarettes. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! ADHD Simple is utilising technology and AI to get ADHD assessments done more quickly and at less cost than from traditional clinics. Do we trust this development? National has criticised Labour's numbers following the release of their new public transport proposal. What do we make of this? What's more important, cheaper fares or more services? New data shows more Kiwis are consuming illegal tobacco, resulting in a lower tax take. What can we do to stop people from smoking illegal cigarettes? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Failing to hit our 2030 emissions target could be a bad look for New Zealand, according to one expert. Treasury's predicted we could have to pay about five-billion dollars in overseas carbon credits to meet our Paris Agreement target. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they'll try, but won't be spending that. Waikato University climate law professor Barry Barton says failing our targets could hurt our trade agreements. "There's no immediate hard sanction for failure to deliver on your nationally determined contribution, however, there's definite expectations in the system where countries will do what they say." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new service aims to get ADHD assessments done more quickly and at less cost than from traditional clinics. ADHD Simple offers appointments in as little as three weeks, by holding online consultations. New rules for prescribing stimulant medication and diagnosing the condition came into effect this year. Company founder and chief executive, Cameron Houston, says they combine tech and people-power to undercut the competition. "We use some very clever AI technologies, for example, that summarise some of their work - that just makes it faster and it makes it easier for them to see patients faster." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

McDonalds is increasing the size of medium and large coffees for Super Gold cardholders. It had previously sold any size McCafe coffee, tea or hot chocolate for $3 but it has now increased the price for medium and large to $4 and $5, respectively. Massey University marketing professor Bodo Lang says it's likely there will be some upset people as a result of these changes. "If the costs have increased dramatically, then, you know, price increases are warranted. But there's some really interesting research, particularly from Europe, that shows that price increases are well beyond the cost increases." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Minister is denying weighing up using an emergency fund on public transport. Chris Bishop says a contingency fund in this Budget - is for targeted, timely fuel-crisis support - if needed. Bishop says if the Government wants to do something around public transport, it would look to infrastructure. "I'm not proposing, in fact, I never said we were proposing, it's been wildly misreported that we'd use the emergency fund for that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has enough force to open the Strait of Hormuz, but the price is too high. The US has been attacking multiple targets, claiming it's self-defence. Iran has responded by saying it'll shoot any vessel attempting to traverse the Strait. Former CIA intelligence officer, Glenn Carle, says Donald Trump could order the military to open the passage, but it would involve the death or wounding of substantial numbers of soldiers. "Trump doesn't want to have Americans involved in a foreign war and occupying a country in a quagmire - and that is likely to be what happened. We have the power, Trump is unwilling to use it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court is quashing earlier court directions to return gang patches to some members. Open Justice reports two men caught wearing patches in separate incidents were prosecuted, and in each the presiding judge ruled they could get back their insignia. The Solicitor-General appealed those directions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined the terms of the ruling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report into the NSW police force has revealed bullying, incivility, and discrimination are at 'unacceptable levels' within the force. More than 5,000 current and former staff engaged with the review, which was undertaken by former Victorian equal opportunity and human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the inquiry ran for 18 months, and uncovered high rates of victimisation, with many impacted staff feeling afraid to speak up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Customs Minister insists the Government's had success seizing illicit tobacco, as a report outlines the reality of the black market. FTI Consulting's study - commissioned by tobacco companies - found more than a third consumed last year was illegal. It estimates the Government lost $817-million in excise and GST revenue last year. Casey Costello says despite more seizures than ever, smuggled amounts are getting through. She's advising customers to be cautious. "When you've buying that cheap packet of cigarettes, you're lining the pockets of some pretty bad people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is anyone else feeling for Chris Hipkins right now? He's having a terrible week, and it just looks bad. A large part of the blame has to rest with the people below him just not doing their job. First, the Superintendent Naidoo schemozzle. Notification of his intent to run for political office on a Thursday, just before it's announced the next Monday, was an organisational failure. The superintendent should've known the police manual better, and so should the backroom administrators of the Labour Party. Then, they released their public transport policy that everyone says is low on its costing. And then the spokesman, Tangi Utikere, was unable to name the projects in the National Land Transport Fund that would be defunded to make room for it. Making it seem like a good enough idea drawn up on the back of an envelope. Making it seem like no one has really done the backroom grunt work on the numbers. And it is a good idea for young people in towns and cities, but why on earth would you release it when the nation's attention is on Fieldays and the rural sector? It was plainly evident last night that the country folk have no desire to subsidise the city folks' transport. This was the week for a rural sector announcement, not an urban one. Labour's political management seems amateur. And then there's the festering accusation that Labour simply didn't set up a site at Fieldays. Which, if true, lies at the head of the organisational staff. That has been Labour's perennial problem. A handful of somewhat competent politicians without the backup of a competent party mechanism. It leads us all to the feeling that if they can't manage day-to-day business, how on earth could they run a country? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man believed to be Sudanese is set to appear in court charged with attempted murder after a 'brutal' knife attack in Belfast. Video circulating online shows a number of people, including one wielding a hurling stick, confronting the apparent attacker until the police arrived. The victim is in a serious condition in hospital. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained the case further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court has ordered ASB Bank to pay $6.731 million for breaching anti-money laundering laws. The penalty is the largest ever imposed by a New Zealand court under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained the case further - and whether it sets a precedent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are warning investors to brace for a 'choppy' market in the tech sector. Some of the US's leading chip companies have been getting some extra attention on them, as the market looks set to change. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Wednesday, 10 June, 2026, Labour Transport spokesman Tangi Utikere insists the party's got its numbers right with a plan to cap how much public transport users pay each week. We talk to Remuneration Authority chair Geoff Summers on more than $300,000 being spent for former prime ministers to use Crown cars they barely call. Stewart Island Rakiura Community Board chair Aaron Conner on why they can't wait for a solar farm to get up and running. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Jordan Williams question why Labour's made its policy announcement in Auckland but is absent from Fieldays. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Do we think Labour's proposed public transport fare cap will get votes? How much of the country will this policy really help? And why wasn't Labour at Fieldays? Are we surprised Stewart Island is still fully reliant on diesel? Should we get rid of Crown limos for former Prime Ministers when they're hardly using them? What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So here we go - some policy, ladies and gentlemen. Labour's promising cheaper public transport. They want to cap weekly fares at $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and $10 everywhere else. Under the plan, once you hit the cap, the rest of the trips you take that week could be free. Labour says it would save regular users about $25 a week. They reckon it would save you about $1200 a year. The policy would begin from July next year, of course depending on whether they're elected on November 7. They say it will cost $65 million a year, funded through the National Land Transport Fund. Not all services will be included, though. Inter-regional trains like Te Huia and the Capital Connection miss out, along with some longer ferries like Waiheke and cash-only bus services. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the policy is aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere says too many families are being priced out of public transport. What they didn't really say is that it might also help reduce congestion on our roads. But, you know, it's still a spending policy at a time when we're trying to reduce spending and the national debt. Now, the money will come from the transport fund, which National says is already oversubscribed, so presumably, to fund this, Labour will have to cut some of National's road projects. It is a cost-of-living policy and many people will welcome a $20-a-week commute. Their social media shows a lot of people saying this is good. But it will only appeal to those who aren't already sorted. If you've got a car - if you can afford a car, if you can afford car parking in urban areas - you won't care about this; you might not like it. But I'm surrounded in the newsroom by low-paid young people who cannot afford cars and certainly can't afford parking, and they use public transport every day. So they'll love it - but will young voters even bother to vote? And meanwhile, that cost - $65 million - does it seem low to you? It seems low to me because there are already some caps in place. And with the money coming from the National Land Transport Fund, the question is: which roading measures will be cut? Potholes, anybody? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tough economic conditions over the past six years have taken a toll on the survival rate of small and medium-sized businesses, but franchises appear to have fared better. International data supplied by the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) indicates about 75 to 85 percent of franchises were still operating after five years, compared with about half of independent small businesses. Franchise Association of New Zealand CEO Katrina King says business is tough for everyone in this climate, but some sectors have been able to hold on. "I think with franchising, because of the breadth of industry and because it is in every part of New Zealand - there's going to be resilience." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stewart Islanders are bracing for more possible power price hikes just two months after bills jumped almost five percent. Prices on Rakiura are already double what city dwellers pay. The island's fully reliant on diesel generators - with a solar farm under construction. Community Board Chair Aaron Conner says in the meantime, they're just soldiering on. "It's the price we have for living in paradise, and while it's very hard on the elderly, we are so looking forward to having the solar farm - so we can lessen the price, hopefully in about six months' time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows former politicians are taking the taxpayers for a ride. A new article in the Spinoff has revealed the Government has been spending around $300,000 per year to provide Crown limousines to former Prime Ministers and their spouses - even though the service goes mostly unused. Remuneration Authority chair Geoff Summers says it's unclear if these costs could be cut as a result. "All it says is that when a person stops being a Prime Minister, as the Royal Commission said way back then - it inevitably attracts obligations of a social nature that don't disappear with retirement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurer IAG says political parties should join in making New Zealand more resilient to climate change. Its new report highlights our recovery bill is north of $4.2 billion dollars every year. It says New Zealand has major gaps in climate adaptation - and no clear strategy, a lack of consistent and effective rules, poor funding tools and no incentives. Victoria University Emeritus Professor Jonathan Boston says it's a tough political sell. "It's a kind of lose-lose situation, there are very few brownie points in not preparing people for disasters." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's hinting it'll reprioritise Roads of National Significance projects in the Land Transport Fund, if elected this year. It's promising to cap public transport fares at $20 a week in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 everywhere else. It says it'll pay for it from the fund, at $65 million a year. National claims the fund's already oversubscribed. Labour's Tangi Utikere says that's because of National's own projects. "Even the Government itself has realised that there needs to be a reprioritisation in terms of many of the projects." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's started unveiling some new policies ahead of the election, and they made a new announcement regarding public transport. It's promising to campaign on a weekly fare cap - $20 for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch - and $10 elsewhere. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper questions whether this is an affordable move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US says its new attacks on Iran are a proportional response. An Apache helicopter was downed off Oman's coast near the Strait of Hormuz, with its two crew members rescued by an unmanned sea drone. The US claims the chopper was hit by an Iranian drone, with conflicting reports on whether it was deliberate. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says peace talks are still taking place, and President Donald Trump is still adamant things will wrap up in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of Ben Stokes as England cricket captain is unclear this morning, as the investigation into a nightclub incident continues. Radio station Talksport claims Stokes will likely step down as skipper and retire from cricket, following a late night fracas. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A charity focused on helping Kiwi youth get ahead is at risk of closure after losing out on required funding. Lower Hutt-based charity Youth Inspire missed out on $60,000 worth of funding for its driving school, which provides lessons and training for at-risk Kiwis looking to build up their skills. CEO Zainab Ali says they're not sure why the Government isn't offering them the funding, and they've turned to crowdfunding to fill the gap. "We got some feedback saying that they loved our proposal, but at this time, they had some questions around the budget - and that was pretty much it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer is preparing to announce a crackdown on social media for teens in the coming days. A speech from the Prime Minister, which will include a new policy on social media, is planned for next week. UK correspondent Enda Brady says the tech companies aren't happy with this development, but Starmer has confirmed this is going ahead. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows Australian business confidence is on the up - but things are still gloomy across the Tasman. The survey from National Australia Bank showed its index ​of business conditions held at +3 in ​May, ending four months of losses. Confidence ⁠improved modestly to -14, from -23 in April. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doubling funding for the QEII National Trust would be the best bang for buck conservation investment the next Government could make, Federated Farmers says. The National Party recently announced it will double the trust's funding if it's part of the next Government. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Brigitte Morton from Franks Ogilvie and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Apple has announced a significant overhaul of Siri, as well as a suite of changes to its trust and safety features designed to keep users safe - will this motivate us to buy new iPhones? The Government is moving forward with their new LNG facility, and they've scrapped the proposed power levy to fund it. Do we see this working out well for us? Will we be funding this anyway? Should Rakesh Naidoo have told his bosses earlier about joining up with Labour? What do we make of this? New data shows alcohol sales are down - are we part of this decline? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Tuesday, 9 June, 2026, we ask Energy Minister Simeon Brown who'll pay for a billion-dollar liquefied natural gas import terminal now he's dropping the levy. We talk to Independent Children's Monitor chief executive Arran Jones about how Oranga Tamariki is letting down Maori children. Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully celebrates 17 years in New Zealand skies with a promise they'll keep flying more routes. And on The Huddle, Brigitte Morten and Gareth Hughes on whether they've cut their alcohol consumption - like many New Zealanders. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So the LNG power plant is set to go ahead to protect us when renewables run low. The Government must be satisfied that the business case stacks up, because that's what they said they would consider. At the same time, the Government will be cracking down on power companies during dry-year shortages. Fines for failing to secure enough backup electricity could jump from $2 million to as much as $10 million, or 10 percent of turnover. That's a hefty fine The Electricity Authority will also get stronger powers to monitor supply risks. Energy Minister Simeon Brown says New Zealand's renewable boom still needs reliable backup when hydro lakes are low and wind and solar can't meet demand. He argues that LNG is the fastest and most practical short-term solution to avoid blackouts, soaring prices and business shutdowns during dry years. But of course, the fly in the ointment is: who's going to pay for it? The Government certainly doesn't want to. They've scrapped plans for a levy on power bills to fund the billion-dollar terminal. People argued that would effectively become a gas tax for consumers - and we know this Government does not want to be associated with new taxes. So Brown says the electricity sector will instead help fund the project, with two companies now shortlisted to build it - and there's the rub. If it's a gentailer - if the gentailers foot the bill - they are the electricity sector. So how can the Government prevent them from passing on the cost? It's the same pickle they got into with the levy on banks. Nicola Willis was adamant that banks would not pass those costs on to New Zealanders. But when pressed in an interview on Q+A, she couldn't give a reason why they wouldn't - other than the goodness of their hearts. The Government can't force a private company to, you know, absorb costs within its structure. There's an aversion to increasing taxes but at the moment all they're doing is passing the job on to private companies, which will - of course - factor these costs into their pricing. That includes the cost of the LNG terminal. So call it whatever you like - the result is the same. We all end up paying for it, one way or another. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.