Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The UK Government is set to introduce tighter rules for migrants granted asylum bringing their families to the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to unveil new criteria for family members - including tougher English language standards and access to sufficient funds. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says immigration is likely to become a key talking point at the next election, and the Government's feeling pressure from Reform's popularity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New economic data impacting the US came out last week and it's got experts speculating over whether rate cuts will come. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 growing calls among educators to make learning a second language compulsory for schoolkids - do we agree with this? Foreign buyers can now buy homes in New Zealand - if they have invested over $5 million, they can buy a home worth $5 million or more. Has the Government stuck the right balance here? Cornwall Park in Auckland was shut yesterday afternoon because of the storm. Is this proof we've gone too far with our safety concerns? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 1 September 2025, the $5 million dollar rule. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford tells Heather why foreign investors will soon be able to buy expensive homes in New Zealand. Should we make learning a second language compulsory? Juliet Kennedy from the NZ association of language teachers tells Heather why we should. Heather asks Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop why Helen Clark and John Key are going to China's big parade - but no current Ministers were invited. Plus, the Huddle debates whether we've lost the health and safety plot, shutting one of Auckland's biggest parks because of some heavy wind. 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.

We've got to talk about Cornwall Park. So over the weekend, it was quite windy in Auckland. If you're in Auckland, you know what I mean - that was some crazy-ass wind that was going on out there, definitely found the drafts of my house. If you're out of Auckland, it was kind of like a day in Wellington, but in Auckland. So it was unusual for us. Now, I don't know where we got to in the end, but the forecast was for gusts of up to 120 km per hour. So the people who run Cornwall Park closed it on Sunday because of flying wood. They were worried that staff and punters might be struck by flying wood, so they shut the gates and they closed the toilets and they closed the café and they closed the creamery, and they closed everything - closed the big store, closed everything - because of the flying wood. Meanwhile, on Sunday, when Cornwall Park was closed, I went to another park, which was Victoria Park in the central city - which is also actually incidentally full of really old trees, and therefore bits of wood, lots of branches and twigs and stuff lying around. And despite the fact that there were three of us at the park and it was quite windy, none of us was struck by flying wood, remarkably. We also walked to the park down a road which is lined with old plane trees that have been there for at least 100 years. So if you're going to be struck by a flying tree - you know, like one of them falling down on your head - it'd be one of those. None of them fell on our heads, nor did any of their branches or any of their flying wood. Now, obviously, it's their park. So the Cornwall Park Trust board can shut the park if they like. And probably what they will say is that they didn't want to put their staff at risk. And there'll be a lot of people in this country who'll nod their heads and say - “Look, that is the wise thing to do. After all, it is windy and there could be wood flying all around, and it might hit a staff member right in the eye and blind them forever. You never know. Better to take care.” I look at this and think that's ridiculous that we are so worried and anxious - and frankly neurotic - that even wind is freaking us out now. I would urge the people who run Cornwall Park to get a grip. Farmers, they may be shocked to discover, often work outside in the wind, and there are lots of bits of wood flying around. The Department of Conservation probably want to reconsider this, but at the moment, they still allow us to walk around in the bush in high wind. There are definitely lots of bits of wood lying around in the bush, if you know what I mean. I mean, some people also have old trees in their backyards, and they're still there when it's windy, shockingly, and the trees don't always fall down in the wind. This, I think, is the perfect example of how we are getting to be ridiculous over safety. Yes, of course, you should reduce your extreme risks. Don't take unnecessary risks. But you don't want to be reducing every single risk. Otherwise, you're just gonna be sitting in your house all day. I don't think flying wood in a park on a windy day in Auckland is so extremely risky that staff must be sent home and members of the public must be banned from entry. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's plenty of solutions being suggested to clear up the current energy crisis - and the former head of Mercury Energy has just unveiled a potential idea. Fraser Whineray recently suggested the time has come to drop the carbon price that we've put on coal through the ETS in order to bring power prices down. He says the ETS is designed to encourage people to use green alternatives, but there isn't a green alternative applicable here as of yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former New Zealand Prime Ministers John Key and Helen Clark will attend a large Chinese military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Chinese victory against Japan in World War Two. The ceremony in Tiananmen Square on Wednesday will also feature leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un. National Minister Chris Bishop says he thinks the invitation reflects the historical circumstances of their Governments. "Helen Clark and John Key - their Governments had good relations, we did the free trade deal under the Clark Government, which continued on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research has found fewer students are studying languages now than in the 1930s - and educators are calling for a solution. The report, Language Learning for New Zealand's Future, says second language learning should be a core requirement for students from years seven to ten. President of the New Zealand Association of Language Teachers, Juliet Kennedy, says it's important for Kiwi students to learn another language. "It's also really important that students have a chance to learn other languages, including heritage languages which are spoken in our community - but also world stage languages such as Chinese or French or Spanish or German or Japanese." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has risen two spots to third place in this year's Global Peace Index. Countries are ranked based on measures including societal safety and security, and the degree of militarisation. We currently sit behind Iceland and Ireland, and ahead of Austria and Switzerland. Otago University Emeritus Peace and Conflict Studies professor Kevin Clements says recent defence purchases could count against us next year. He says New Zealand's never not been in the top five. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Immigration Minister hopes allowing people on the Golden Visa to buy a home here will boost the economy in the long-run. The coalition's come to an agreement - allowing people on Active Investor Plus visas to buy or build one home, worth at least $5 million - if they invest at least another $5 million into the economy. Erica Stanford says she didn't want anything to skew the market - and $5 million seemed like a good figure. "It means that these people can come, settle in New Zealand, get used to the landscape, spend more money here - but also not skew the property market, which is what we wanted to avoid." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes from one electricity retailer that the Government may underwrite generation projects. The Government is expected to make decisions this month on reforming the energy sector - after it asked global consultancy company Frontier Economics to report back on what's needed. Octopus Energy chief executive Margaret Cooney says underwriting's worked in the past with the ultra-fast broadband rollout. "You can do that by issuing a tender, getting long-term contracts and new supply to come into market as soon as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition's confident allowing certain wealthy foreign buyers to buy a home won't drive up house prices. It's agreed to pass changes, allowing people on an Active Investor Plus visa to buy or build one home in New Zealand - worth a minimum of $5 million. The visa requires an additional investment of at least $5 million, on top of the price of the home. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes make sense for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wife of a gunman who allegedly killed two police officers in rural Victoria last week has urged her husband to surrender. Dezi Freeman is accused of opening fire on police officers, who were carrying out a raid at property in Porepunkah. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the police have been dealing with adverse weather conditions as the manhunt enters its seventh day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are prepared to wait as long as they can to clear Cortez Ratima to play Saturday's test against South Africa. The Chiefs halfback is battling a rib injury - but is yet to be ruled out. Coach Scott Robertson says they will wait, otherwise Finlay Christie and debutant Kyle Preston will play. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's relief for regional airlines, as they receive help to battle soaring costs. The Government's offering up to $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. It's also approved funding to allow digital upgrades to be made in order to integrate regional bookings with the platforms of major carriers. Air Chathams CEO Duane Emeny says this is good news for the sector. "We're looking to hopefully roll out a domestic trial later this year, but it's expensive, I can tell you, having gone through it. So any support that we can get for that is greatly appreciated." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 29 August 2025, Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley has quit with immediate effect. Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Heather if he hadn't left voluntarily, she would have sacked him. The Marokopa fugitive dad and his kids have burgled a dairy this week - but police don't sound like they're actively trying to find them. Why did Heather have to apologise to TVNZ CEO Jodi O'Donnell? A member of the Mongrel Mob has asked a judge for his confiscated patch back and the judge has said yes.. because of tikanga. Law Professor Al Gillespie says it was a good call. Plus, the Sports Huddle on this week's discussion about the risk of longlasting brain injuries from rugby - and whether more needs to be done to prevent them. 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.

Now, I've got a huge amount of respect for the police, and I very much, almost weakly appreciate what it is that they do for us, but I think we have to call it. Tom Phillips is embarrassing them. I mean, the fact that he is still out there with his kids coming up 4 years now is embarrassing for the police because it looks like they're having rings run around them by a skinny guy from Mara Koppa. He makes a mockery of them every single time he pops up to nick milk from a dairy or shop in full view of the public in Bunnings, or do a job on a bank. Every time someone in the family pleads for him to come home, every time an international media outlet writes another fascinated piece about him being out there. Every winter, when our own media remember that the family are still out there and draw attention to it again, every time that happens, we are reminded that our police cannot find a guy and his kids in the bush around Mara Koppa. Now, I don't know what's going on here. I have a suspicion, I've shared it with you before, that the police are deliberately just leaving him to it.Cause if they wanted to, they could get him out. And you know that. We're a country of people who understand the bush, he's not the only guy in New Zealand with bush skills. The cops have got specialist teams, and if they don't want to use those teams because they don't wanna have a shootout, well, then we've got the Defense Force. The defense force can be used here - they've actually been used in the search beforehand. And you cannot tell me that our SAS can handle the Taliban, but can't track down a guy in the bush and be on him before he knows that they're there. You cannot tell me they can't do that. I suspect the police have made the decision to not find him, which, by the way, I actually think may be the right decision given how messy I think the family court business could in fact be in this case, but they are not trying to find him. And I just wonder if maybe they should say that out loud. Maybe they should just be upfront that he is out there until the day that Tom Phillips decides to come back, just so that every single passing winter doesn't make the police look like they're being beaten by Tom Phillips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The British court of appeal is set to make a decision on the 'asylum hotels' around the country. Asylum seekers have been staying in hotels at the taxpayers expense, and the government is expected to make an announcement later today. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey says that tension around these hotels is rising and protests outside these hotels are getting 'pretty fraught.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 25,000 visitors from around Australasia are headed to Tauranga for the AIMS games this weekend. Around 14,000 kids from across the continent will be competing in 27 different sports. AIMS Games tournament director Kelly Schischka told Heather duPlessis-Allan that there are 431 schools being represented, including new competitors from Fiji and the Cook Islands. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reserve Bank board chairman Neil Quigley has resigned “with immediate effect” in the wake of the shambolic handling of Adrian Orr's resignation as Governor. Finance Minister Nicola Willis made the announcement just before 6pm on Friday - the day after the Reserve Bank revealed Orr temporarily stepped down as Governor a week before the public was told he resigned The Finance Minister says she did not ask the Reserve Bank Chair to quit, following news he's resigned with immediate effect. Nicola Willis told Heather du Plessis-Allan that having completed key work streams with the bank, Quigley said the timing was appropriate. Willis says she raised criticism around the board's handling of information relating to the former Governor's exit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, Rugby editor Elliott Smith and Canterbury sports reader Nick Bey join Heather duPlessis-Allan to discuss the latest sports news. Does rugby need a rule change to protect against CTE? And how much are people willing to pay to watch the FIFA world cup next year? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legal expert has recommended that the Government re-write its poorly written gang patch law. It follows a judge's recent decision allowing a Mongrel Mob member to have his patch back. Waikato University Law Professor Al Gillespie says the judge interpreted the law fairly. He says the law is ambiguous as it doesn't say the patch must be destroyed. Gillespie says the law will need to be straightened out back in parliament. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police have a balance to manage as they continue the hunt for Marokopa fugitive father Tom Phillips and his three children. Police have released CCTV footage of a retail burglary in the King Country town of Piopio on Wednesday involving two people they believe to be the Marokopa father and one of his children. Lawyer Matthew Hague, who has served in the Police and Defence Force, says Police need to balance bringing this to a conclusion - with the risk of Phillips having weapons. But he told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this doesn't mean Police will be passive. Hague says they'll be working with the community, and using a variety of resources - but they'll be trying to avoid a direction confrontation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are questions over whether TVNZ cut too many jobs as it turns a surprisingly strong profit. The broadcaster's reported an after-tax profit of nearly $26million dollars - after an $85million dollar loss last year. But it comes after the broadcaster cut jobs - including canning production of programmes like Fair Go, Sunday and the midday and night-time news bulletins. Talking to Heather Du-Plessis Allan, CEO Jodi O'Donnell denied that the cuts were excessive. She says the company had to make decisions to ensure the business remained sustainable into the future. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consultation on the Government's proposed overhaul of the main secondary school qualification's open to mid-September. It includes axing level one, and replacing levels two and three with certificates, that aim to be internationally comparable. Auckland Principal Claire Amos doesn't want the system scrapped, and told Heather du Plessis-Allan that we need a system that has wraparound support. She says we need more structure and support around teaching and learning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fears of a new political crisis swept through France - as it looks likely Francois Bayrou will be ousted in a crucial confidence vote. France's embattled Prime Minister stunned the country when he asked President Emmanuel Macron to convene an extraordinary session of parliament in September. UK correspondent Enda Brady speculates ahead of the big day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luxury spending has been booming over the last couple of decades, but many high-end brands have been taking a financial hit. Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton have been seeing significant revenue falls since the Covid-19 pandemic. Fisher Funds' Sam Dickie reveals what could be behind the downturn. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pāmu, formerly Landcorp, recently reported a net profit after tax of $120 million for the year ended June 2025, which will see it return a $15 million dividend. It's a significant turnaround compared to last year, when the company posted a loss of $26 million. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Council's Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We've got councillors laughing at rate rises in Grey District - how outrageous is this? Or was it out of context? The Government has made moves to loosen liquor laws. They're not cutting the hours, but they're making it easier for bars to operate. Is this the right move - or opening us up to more harm? AT recently defended its $63 million dollar spend on road cones, claiming it takes two years to implement the new safety guidelines. Do we believe this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 28 August 2025, Nicole McKee tells Heather why the Government is loosening liquor licensing rules. Air NZ boss Greg Foran has delivered his final annual result before he leaves the airline - and he hints at his next job. Will a few new Costcos around the country really result in cheaper groceries? Former Costco NZ Managing Director Patrick Noone speaks to Heather. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Grey District Councillors were completely out of line for breaking out in laughter after a question about critics of the 13% rates rise. 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.

Well it's fair to say World Rugby's copping it today, even more so than yesterday. This is following the death of Shane Christie, the former Highlander who had the headaches and the memory loss and all those other symptoms that were consistent with CTE from too many head knocks. A former Wales #8 with early onset dementia, Alex Popham, has gone straight to World Rugby and the All Blacks' Twitter accounts and told them they've got blood on their hands. And our very own Scotty Stevenson has written a piece saying it's time to stop spending money on PR - this is obviously for rugby - and start spending money on helping the former players with these symptoms. Absolutely. I mean, there is no doubt that World Rugby could be doing more, right? The stand down period for a professional rugby player for a suspected concussion is - what do you think? 12 days. That's ridiculous. In boxing, it's 30 days. And if they actually lose consciousness and they know they've lost consciousness, it could be anywhere from 6 months up that they're forced to stand down. I think we've all seen pretty gnarly cases of head knocks recently or players talking about migraines over the summer period, only for them to be back on the field when they, if you were being careful, should not be back on the field. And who knows what World Rugby will be forced to do once these lawsuits are successful. But here's the thing - our ability to keep blaming the rugby bosses is going to run out, if it hasn't already. No player in 2025 can blame World Rugby if they end up with these symptoms in years to come. No one playing rugby in 2025 doesn't know that if you take repeated knocks to the head, you are opening yourself up to future problems. We know that. In fact, we already knew it when Shane Christie was playing professionally, even if we didn't know it as widely as we do today. It is terrible that this may be the thing that has happened to him and it is terrible that it is undoubtedly happening to rugby players playing today, but personal responsibility is now very much in play here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pāmu, formerly Landcorp, is seeing a significant financial turnaround, having reported a net profit after tax of $120 million for the year ended June 2025, which will see it return a $15 million dividend. It's a significant turn compared to last year's results, where the company posted a loss of $26 million. Chief executive Mark Leslie says he's 'thrilled' to be reporting these results. "It's great to post the result - but equally, I'm thrilled for all our people as well because there's a lot of people right through the organisation who work hard every day." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's frustrations over yet another delay to a possible extension of the Port of Tauranga wharves. The Stella Passage development fast-track application has been halted, days before an expert panel was due to begin discussions. A High Court judge has directed it must not be considered, pending further orders from the court. Tauranga Business Association CEO Matt Cowley says this is down to the application missing a few words. Cowley explained the judge therefore ruled it didn't fit the scope, adding it's amazing a sand dune has impacted millions coming into the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's new reforms are being welcomed by the alcohol industry body. The Government's proposing making businesses have further zero and low alcohol products on sale, to meet growing demand. It's also allowing businesses to respond to objections on licensing, and permitting wineries and breweries to have both an on and off license. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why many are welcoming these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government hopes businesses will be in favour of an alcohol regulation shake-up. It's allowing breweries and wineries to have both an on and off license - and is also letting businesses respond to objections around them having a license. Objections need to come from the local community. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says it's important for people to have concerns to have a real voice - but there's been plenty of outside perspectives. "The majority of New Zealanders that drink, drink responsibly. And I want to make sure they have the opportunity to do that. We want to re-grow our sector, it means also having tourism and having people being able to go out there and enjoy a night out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new $35-million-dollar supercomputer is levelling up the country's weather predictions. Earth Sciences New Zealand says the new Cascade system is three times more powerful than its predecessor - helping provide earlier and more frequent forecasting. It's hoped the computer's advanced modelling capabilities could mitigate the impact of severe weather events. Spokesperson Jess Robertson says the machine is an 'absolute beast'. "It'll do more calculations in a day than you could do in 30 million years, and that mean's we're going to be able to run higher resolution forecasts quicker and get them out to people sooner." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former supermarket leader agrees New Zealand's lacking competition. The Government's aiming to put supermarkets that would improve competition up for being fast-tracked in new reforms. It comes as the Minister of Finance confirms there's been talks with Costco to potentially expand across the country in the coming years. Former Costco NZ managing director Patrick Noone says their West Auckland store's provided some savings. "In that same precinct, we had Pak'nSave, we had Woolworths across the street and we were able to operate and be extremely competitive with the local market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria police say the search for a man who shot and killed two officers will take longer than expected. The two men were gunned down on Tuesday while attempting to serve a search warrant at a rural property in Porepunkah - 300 kilometres outside of Melbourne. A major police operation is underway to find accused gunman Dezi Freeman - who could still be armed. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says hundreds of officers are tracking the suspect down - and helicopters are on the scene. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change of luck for Super Rugby playoff sides. The 'Lucky Loser' format for the top-six has been tweaked after just one season, with the highest-ranked first round loser sliding to bottom seed for the remainder of the finals. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boss of Air Zealand says he's proud they've made even two cents of a dollar this year - as profits drop 13.7 percent. The airline's being hit hard by a sluggish domestic economy, with costs like landing charges, wages, and engineering material rising much faster than inflation. Outgoing CEO Greg Foran says he appreciates it's been a difficult few years. "Whether it was starting when Covid began and doing capital raises and then hurriedly having to restart the business, and then a parade of engine challenges and now we've got a few other headwinds - but you learn." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage recently unveiled his controversial plans to deport asylum seekers, but the Taliban have already voiced their support. The Taliban claimed it was 'ready and willing' to work with Farage to accept Afghans who have been deported from the UK. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 27 August 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis is slashing red tape in the hope it will attract another supermarket player to expand into New Zealand. Insurance costs have risen 900% in the past 25 years. Heather asks Kris Faafoi from the Insurance Council whether it's company greed or necessity. AT tries to defend its $63 million roadcone bill. The Huddle debates whether the Prime Minister was being cringe with his Facebook video inviting Taylor and Travis to get married in New Zealand. Plus, HE DID NOT! Heather reveals the outrageous thing her husband asked her. 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.