Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 8 May, 2026, Winston Peters insists he won't support efforts by the National Party to raise the retirement age. We talk to one of the women who's accused Sir Rod Drury of inappropriate conduct about him handing back his New Zealander of the Year award. The New Zealand Herald's media insider Shayne Currie on who should succeed Maiki Sherman as TVNZ's political editor. And on the Sports Huddle, Adam Cooper and Paul Allison discuss Luke Metcalf's future with the Warriors. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to start lifting the pension age if National get back into government after the coming election. Bipartisan support will most likely be needed to make this happen as parties, like NZ First, are staunchly against the reform. "Please do not attack grandmother and grandmother's savings to try and disguise for a brief time your economic incompetence," Winston Peters said to Heather du Plessis-Allan LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it's not already obvious to you, the fact that Maiki Sherman has lost her job should now make it very clear: the media—especially the state broadcasters, both of them—are about to find out what it means not just to make and report the news but to be the news. Just look at what's happened this week alone. And this is only a sample—this has been building for some time.In one week, TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman has lost her job over poor behaviour in a minister's office. David Seymour, the ACT Party leader, has taken a significant swipe at RNZ for hiring John Campbell, who is well known for voting left—something he's said himself. Seymour has even gone so far as to suggest the head of RNZ should lose his job over it. Then there's the BSA, effectively the head girl telling everyone off for bad jokes at the party, being abolished. The politicians are coming for the media and Sherman's case is an example of that. The National Party lined her up. They complained about her allegedly door-knocking Stuart Smith for 10 minutes at night. They confirmed that she had sworn at Nicola Willis' event in the office—which was unusual, given that Nicola effectively broke Chatham House rules that MPs normally guard jealously. Now, look—I feel sorry for Maiki losing her job. That's a very high price to pay. But I don't feel sorry for the media in general for what's coming. We've had this coming. For years, we've collectively pushed a certain world view through the framing of our stories. We decide who the victim is, who the bad guy is and what language we use—labelling things as “controversial” to signal to the audience that something is bad, like the “controversial Treaty Principles Bill”. We flip angles too—turning a positive government crime stats story into a negative gang-focused story for the same government. And when Radio New Zealand, which is supposed to be more impartial and balanced than any other outlet in this country, chooses someone to front its flagship programme who has explicitly said he votes for left-wing parties—well, that matters. We deserve what's coming to us in this election. We can't shove the scrum for years and not expect to become part of the on-field play. And I, for one, am not unhappy about what's about to happen. I think it's time for this to be sorted out. If this election brings media bias into sharper focus and forces all of us in the media to stop, reflect and think hard about what we've been doing, I don't think that's a bad thing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opportunity Party, previously TOP, are coming in hot this election with a brand new leader Qiulae Wong. Wong joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the party's campaign policies including universal basic income. She says the Opportunity Party is appealing to dissatisfied Green, National, and Labour voters. "We are certainly seeing people from across the political spectrum coming to Opportunity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Labour's bracing itself for a set of local, Scottish and Welsh election results. Reports claim a poor showing in these elections could bring about the end of Keir Starmer's prime ministership, and significant losses are projected. UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's growing calls for Starmer's resignation already - and people are losing confidence as Reform gets more attention. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cost of computer components has shot up, and there's concerns about what it could mean for the tech sector. The shortage of memory chips has prompted tech investors to worry about what this could mean for the market. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protein is seeing a surge in popularity all over the world, and that's great news for Kiwi farmers. Reports claim a boom industry has developed around supplying high protein calories for those who are losing muscle mass from taking weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has confirmed it plans to investigate the City Rail Link project, after reports revealed it could have cost $2 billion less. Do we think this review is needed? Is it time to lift the Super age from 65? Another economist has warned we can't keep kicking the can down the road. What do we think? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 7 May, 2026, Steve Lancaster is finally confirmed as the new chief executive of New Zealand Rugby. We talk about the prospect of an Anzac test. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka on changes that could see reserve land put up for sale. Youthline chief executive Shae Ronald tells us about the biggest issues confronting those aged 12 to 24. And on The Huddle, Mark Sainsbury and Thomas Scrimgeour are aghast at Wellington City Council's highest earners still potentially getting "golden handshakes" if they're fired. 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.

Now, you would have thought that after all the publicity Wellington City Council has been getting - and the paid staff have been getting - for being caught doing things behind the backs of elected councillors, they probably wouldn't do it again. And yet, here we are. They've been caught doing it again. The latest revelation is that they have decided to exempt themselves from a Government law brought in about three months ago. The law prevents employees who earn more than $200,000 from taking personal grievance cases against their bosses if they are fired. In other words, there will be no golden handshake if you've been sacked while earning that kind of money. But guess what? Wellington City Council bosses decided they weren't going to follow that law and exempted 42 of their staff from it. That's quite unbelievable, because the law is intended to make it easier for employers to remove incompetent managers who have been doing very little for years on end. And Wellington City Council knows it has a problem. A recent report suggests they may have a couple of hundred staff they need to get rid of. They have one of the highest staffing levels in the country when compared with other councils. As I say, they didn't tell elected councillors they made this decision. However, a councillor found out, started asking questions and it turns out it was true. Technically, the council can argue it didn't have to inform elected councillors -this is an employment decision they can make themselves. But even the mayor, Andrew Little, has said this should have gone to the council for signoff. It's not a good look. And it's becoming a bit of a running theme, hasn't it? Not just in Wellington but around the country: unelected staff making decisions in secret that ratepayers probably wouldn't be happy about if they knew. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Conservation Minister says the new planned reforms of conservation law will benefit Kiwi businesses and biodiversity. It lays the groundwork for reinvesting revenue from charging international tourists - estimated at about $60 million a year - back into conservation land. It also speeds up the Department of Conservation signing off leases and permits. Minister Tama Potaka says this will modernise legislation that was in need of an update. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in AI has seen demand for professionally written CVs in a bid to stand out against algorithms. Experts say while AI can be useful to screen hundreds of applicants faster, it's created a transparency gap between employers and jobseekers. CVs by Sarah director Sarah Wrightson says the screening software rules out applicants before a human gets a chance to look at their CVs, and it results in qualified applicants getting filtered out. "I've had clients come to me saying that they've applied for 80 jobs and heard nothing back - and often, they've actually got really solid experience. The software's looking for alignment and clarity, humans read context, the software doesn't." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Minister suspects the grandeur of Auckland's City Rail Link stations will surprise users. Chris Bishop's announced the build will be reviewed - after the project's former boss claimed it could have been completed for half the $5.5 billion spent. Bishop says the architecture is amazing, and some might describe the stations as palaces. "They're going to be incredible, but they come at a price. And you've just got to weigh up whether or not it's worth the price, and like every other project, we should do a review once it's open." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby has appointed Steve Lancaster as the organisation's new chief executive, after he spent six months as the interim CEO. In a statement, NZR chairman David Kirk congratulated Lancaster on the appointment - and said he brings 'strong experience at all levels of the game'. Lancaster says he's intent on turning up and doing the best job he can and he's focused on making the business sustainable. "I guess the board decided they're happy with the job I'm doing - so here I am." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's treading water, with a warning our increasingly overloaded pension system isn't sustainable. The latest OECD snapshot of our economy suggests unless we adjust systems, including the costs of health, long-term care and pension will increase by about five percent of GDP by 2060. It says it could be countered by changes including upping Superannuation contributions. Economist Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down the road - and that we need to address entitlements, through lifting the retirement age or means testing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims new legislation brings the most significant reform of conservation law in nearly 40 years. A Government bill's been lodged, to allow reinvestment of international visitor fees into conservation, with estimates it'll raise $60 million a year. The reform will also speed up DOC decision making, with claims it will add consistency to processes for applying Treaty obligations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says tourism on conservation land brings in billions every year, and it helps create jobs for Kiwis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's unveiled a new multi-billion -dollar fuel security package to keep things going amid the ongoing global uncertainty. The plan, to be included in the upcoming federal budget, will fund the creation of a Government-owned fuel reserve and expand onshore storage to boost fuel supply. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the opposition has raised concerns about this - and said it's not enough for the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chairman David Kirk's accepting responsibility for a worldwide search for a New Zealand Rugby CEO that has ended with them promoting one of their own. Community rugby boss and interim chief executive Steve Lancaster is the new boss, ending a months-long search for a replacement for Mark Robinson. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health organisations are struggling to get the attention of young people in need. The latest Youthline ASB State of the Generation report finds mental health is the largest issue, followed by lack of job opportunities and bullying. The survey of 12-24-year-olds also suggests 41 percent don't know they can get help from support organisations. Youthline chief executive Shae Ronald says there's an uptick in recent university grads that can't find any work, and it's concerning. "I think we've got to support young people, to understand managing their mental health through applying for jobs is as important as polishing your CV... that we make sure there's opportunities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weeks of uncertainty, over an outbreak of deadly hantavirus on a Dutch cruise ship travelling the Atlantic. Three people have died, with other cases confirmed and suspected. The 150 passengers are isolating in cabins, including one New Zealander. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are taking place into the outbreak, as it's unknown where it came from. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new test case for the standards of political neutrality expected in the public service. Craig Stobo has resigned as chair of the Financial Markets Authority, after an investigation found he'd voiced too many political views for someone in an apolitical public sector role. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CDC Data Centres – half owned by infrastructure investor Infratil – says it has secured the largest data centre contract in Australia's history, a 555 megawatt deal that takes its total contracted capacity to over one gigawatt. The 30-year contract is with an as-yet-unidentified United States high-end investment-grade customer and is inclusive of renewal options of up to 20 years. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners 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! The Minister for Internal Affairs has unveiled a new multi-choice test for migrants looking to get New Zealand citizenship. Applicants would have to answer 20 questions and get 15 correct to pass. Do we think this is fair? The BSA is on its way out, with Minister Paul Goldsmith saying it's no longer fit for purpose. Do we agree that this change is long overdue? Do we think the media can regulate itself? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 6 May, 2026, we talk to Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith about the axing of the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden explains the citizenship tests for would-be migrants. A parent coach tells us about an online guide to help parents navigate social media with their children. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Phil O'Reilly discuss whether the BSA was past its use-by date. 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, blow me down - I did not think that Paul Goldsmith had the courage or the inclination to do something as bold as actually scrapping the Broadcasting Standards Authority. I thought it was all talk when he kept dropping it as a possibility but it turns out I was wrong. He's announced the BSA is gone; the laws will be drawn up in the next few months and they'll be passed before the next election. Why this surprises me is because this is culture war-adjacent stuff. This is exactly the kind of thing the Nats have tried to avoid of late - anything that makes you feel just a bit icky. People aren't going to like it. They've tried to get away from it because there is quite a high risk of blowback. If the Nats are accused of trying to protect their mates in the more fringe parts of the media, like Platform for example, that's not necessarily a good look. And on the other hand, there's little upside - other than making a few broadcasters like me, irritated by the BSA, happy. The BSA is funded by the media so there aren't even taxpayer savings they can crow about. But it still is the right thing to do, because the BSA imposes quite significant costs on broadcasters. Sky, for example, is rumoured to have paid half a million dollars to the BSA last year. That's money the media simply can't afford to fork out at the moment when they're doing it as tough as they are. And for little good because the BSA doesn't actually police what we say - you do. We're more worried about you than we are about the BSA if I'm being completely honest. We know that if we use expletives - say, if I were to use them on air while kids are in the car - you're going to turn off the radio. You don't want to hear that. If we are untrustworthy - if you find out that what we're telling you is wrong - you're going to stop listening. And that, frankly, is more of a deterrent than a bunch of people in Wellington getting worked up about something and then slapping a $5000 fine on us. The BSA has no one to blame but itself and its overreach in trying to police the internet for what has happened to it today. Had it stayed in its lane, it might have survived simply by not drawing attention to itself. But it went for a power grab with The Platform and it has ended up sealing its own fate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASB is set to launch their own answer to Sharesies with their new app. ASB Share Central will include a mobile app and desktop platform, and it will allow Kiwis to make their own investments into shares. CMC Markets managing director Chris Smith says it's 'exciting' ASB wants to take this step, and they're looking forward to working with the bank on this project. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Internal Affairs says an incoming multi-choice test for those seeking citizenship shouldn't be a barrier for people seeking to become a New Zealander. The test will be imposed for people seeking citizenship from late next year. Applicants would have to answer 20 questions and get 15 correct to pass. Minister Brooke van Velden says says examples could be - what are our laws around domestic violence, or whether women and men have equal rights. She says it's about understanding shared responsibility. "If you're getting them wrong - really? We have to question citizenship there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pet cats are good at catching and hunting wild animals, but there's been concerns raised over what this means for the safety of our native fauna. It's good for pet cats to roam, but growing awareness of the devastating impact they can have on our wildlife means owners need to take more responsibility, according to experts. Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa managing director Dr Helen Beattie says it's difficult to keep a pet cat confined to the home and it's important to keep them safe. She explained it's worth looking into a cat-proof fence to ensure they can't get too far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes the Iran war won't bring a big bump in unemployment. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.3 percent in the March quarter, down from 5.4 percent in the three months to December. Infometrics expect it'll rise again throughout 2026. Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, says they're not expecting any mass firings. "It's more that those hiring intentions are likely to be more subdued - i.e., businesses probably won't be as keen to hire into the future just because of how uncertain things are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority's not long for this world, with Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announcing today it'll be scrapped. He says the body to monitor TV and radio is past its use-by date - and media can self-regulate using the Media Council. No time-frame's set, but legislation will be drafted in coming months. Goldsmith says times have changed. "The world's moved on and it's obvious to everybody how we get our information has changed dramatically, and it was sort of looking after a thin slice of broadcasting, so it no longer made sense." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority is being binned, and the Government's moving to let media companies regulate themselves. The Authority was established in 1989 - but the Government says the media landscape's changed beyond its control. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says print media already regulates itself through the Media Council, which broadcasters can join. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this move reflects the changing media market, and it'll save the taxpayers' money in the long run too. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's refusing to say what will constitute a breach of the Iran ceasefire - telling reporters they'll find out. The US President said he's making 'tremendous' deals on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says two US commercial ships, along with military destroyers, have already safely moved through. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the US is looking to bide some more time as the conflict continues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consortium Kanaloa Rugby, a group pitching to save the disbandment of the Moana Pasifika Super franchise, claims to have the necessary backing to take over the licence. However, chief executive Tracy Atiga says their bid to put up $15 million dollars - including debt settlements - is being ignored by the current owners. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spark and Parenting Place have launched an online course designed to help parents navigate social media. New research has revealed over one third parents feel out of their depth, and nearly one in five have to navigate meltdowns or arguments in order to manage devices. Parenting Place coach Sheridan Eketone says many parents have claimed they're feeling 'overwhelmed' with the new developments in social media and this course will help them manage the risks. "It gives all the perspectives, so we're gonna unpack with a parent - what are the risks? How do we keep them safe? What do we need to think about on screentime? How much is too much?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing speculation over Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader - especially with the local elections looming. Labour faces losing more than 1,800 council seats across England, including in key areas that have supported the party for decades. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unknown who could replace Starmer, but there's some choices being floated. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Reserve Bank has lifted the country's Official Cash Rate 25 basis points, to 4.35 percent. The move was expected by economists and financial markets, fearing the Middle East oil crisis could worsen inflation before it gets better. HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained the move further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 5 May, 2026, we hear from Local Government Minister Simon Watts on an ultimatum to councils to amalgamate or the Government will do it for them. ACT leader David Seymour explains why he wants pharmacists to treat more illnesses and prescribe antibiotics. We hear why services to treat kidney disease are stretched throughout the country. And on The Huddle, Carmen Parahi and Jordan Williams debate whether it's good for schools to let children do a "fun run" instead of cross-country. 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.

Despite the mounting concerns about the economy and the ongoing Middle East conflict, New Zealand's rural sector is booming. Reports reveal farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So at lunchtime today, I was catching up with one of our advertisers just across the road, having a cup of tea. He owns a health-adjacent business and we got chatting about community pharmacies - like the one I go to - and what they can do to survive at a time when the big players, like Chemist Warehouse, are taking over. I said to him that I feel community pharmacies need a real unique selling point. You can get almost everything you want from anywhere now, right? I think they need permission to do more prescribing themselves - that's what will make them relevant again. Most of us would choose to go to our local pharmacy for a prescription if we could, rather than trying to get in to see our GPs, who are chocka and often unavailable, or standing in a queue with 25 other people at Chemist Warehouse. Instead, you'd walk into your local pharmacy and be one of two people in line. And just as I picked up my phone to leave this tea date, an alert came through: Seymour says pharmacists should treat more so you don't need to see a GP. How's that for serendipity? ACT's proposal would allow pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for chest or ear infections, more pain relief or ointments for skin infections. It would also let them provide skin lesion triage and monitoring, manage long-term medications for appropriate patients and order blood tests. We're talking about people on things like statins or diabetes medications - drugs they'll be on for the rest of their lives. This is basically about stopping people from having to see a doctor every 12 months just to get the same prescription renewed - something that's inevitably going to happen anyway. ACT is bang on with this idea. This isn't radical at all. Pharmacists in other countries are already trusted to prescribe things like antibiotics for strep. I mean, most of us - you and I - can look at a chest infection and say, “You know what? That looks like a chest infection.” If we can do that, I suspect pharmacists, with all of their medical training, can do it pretty accurately too, don't you? My only question is: why do we have to wait until November for something that is just common sense? If ACT can do this, surely they can do it now - especially heading into winter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tō Waha Media's Carmen Parahi and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Schools across Canterbury are splitting the athletic pupils from the rest of the pack by having the faster children run the cross country - and the others doing the fun-run. Do we think this is the right move, or are we encouraging kids to lose? ACT wants pharmacists to take on more medical services in order to alleviate the pressure on the health system. Do we think this is the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westpac's CEO says they have noticed changing customer habits in the backdrop of a tougher economy. The bank's half-year profit is up four percent, with its net profit rising to $545 million dollars. It's down 19 percent on the previous six months. CEO Catherine McGrath says businesses are getting good at controlling what they can. "There's a little bit less money being spent on things like hospitality and retail spend - with businesses, some of them are pausing a bit on whether they want to do their expansion plans." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A grievous assault involving dirt-bike riders in East Auckland has prompted a warning from the local board and police. Footage circulating online shows a motorist being cut off and swarmed at the intersection of Pakuranga and Fortunes Roads - and getting attacked as he tried to get away. Howick Local Board Chair Bruce Kendall says this is a symptom of an international phenomenon of people being reckless. "They end up in a bit of a mob mentality and they end up doing some pretty bad things. And I don't know how this situation got to this particular point - I've only seen the video from the point that the car is stopped...and it looks pretty dangerous to me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.