Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

UK police are evaluating information regarding private flights linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Reports claim Epstein used London's Stansted Airport to fly women in and out of the UK - according to the new release from the US Justice Department. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's been multiple reported incidents of alleged victims being flown through the airport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent. Anna Breman said the Bank isn't happy with inflation being at 3.1 percent, but it's likely it will drop later in the year. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An improving financial situation for one of our largest companies, Fletcher Building. It's announced half-year results, weeks after agreeing to sell off its construction arm. The company's confirmed a half-year loss of $11 million - compared to a loss of $134 million in the year before. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacked the reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telecommunications company Spark's mobile and broadband businesses delivered some revenue growth over the first half, contributing to an 83 percent increase in net profit. The company is reporting a net profit after tax of $64 million, compared with $35 million from a year ago. Spark CEO Jolie Hodson says the company's still recovering, but there's clear signs things could go up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute 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! Anna Breman made her first call as Reserve Bank Governor and left the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. Do we think this is the right move? Do we need to start putting down more dangerous dogs? The recent attack in Northland has sparked discussion - and some outrage. Do we need tougher regulations for dogs, or owners? Heather says the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band in existence. Do we agree with that? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 February, 2026, we hear from the new Reserve Bank Governor on the first big call of her tenure - keeping the official cash rate at 2.25 percent. We talk to Northland MP Grant McCallum about Shane Jones' call to kill "homicidal" dogs. The head of Christchurch's new Te Kaha stadium hints there's more than just the Foo Fighters to come. And on the Huddle, do Jack Tame and Tim Wilson support Heather's call that the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band? 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 had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it's not until you get a new captain at the helm that you realise just how little confidence you had left in the previous one. Now, to be fair, it's early days for Anna Breman. We'll judge her by what she does from here on in. But she does start with a clean slate - without us reading too much into her decisions or second-guessing every move because of a poor track record. And that, I'd say, is a very welcome change from just a few weeks ago before she took over. Her assessment is that inflation is fine. Yes, it's a little high right now - 3.1 percent, outside the target band - but it's expected to fall back within the band by this time next year. The economy is improving. The green shoots that were previously limited to certain regions and industries are becoming more widespread. Households are getting more money in their pockets, but they're still cautious - and that's a problem. Because unless they're confident enough to spend, they'll hold back the economic recovery from what it could potentially be. But - and this is probably the bit you've been most interested in, and waiting for - they will start raising the OCR faster than expected. Previously, the Official Cash Rate projection had it going from 2.2 percent in March to 2.3 percent in December. That's now been brought forward: they're forecasting 2.3 percent in June and 2.4 percent in December. The first increase will still most likely be in December, but the chances of it happening in September just increased. It's not a major concern. It's not a major correction. It's not a game-changer for most people. But it does bring the inevitable a little closer. Still - for now - it's nice to have a change at the top, isn't it? And here's hoping this Governor does a better job than the last one. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac is proposing funding two new leukaemia medications in pill form from May. It could relieve pressure for hospitals. It could also apply to people currently paying for it, who'd receive funding for the treatment in a private hospital - subject to meeting criteria. Associate Health Minister David Seymour says Pharmac will sign off on this - and it's likely this will move forward. "There'll be two new blood cancer medicines and they'll help an estimated 80-90 people every five years, with what is quite a rare, but brutal disorder." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hints that Christchurch's brand-new stadium will be soon hosting an event no other city will have. American rock band Foo Fighters are the first international act confirmed for One NZ Stadium, scheduled to open in April. Other major events lined-up include Super Rugby's Super Round and a concert featuring Six60 and Synthony in May. Venues Otautahi CEO Caroline Harvie-Teare says a New Zealand-exclusive event announcement is coming soon. "They're the things that really shift the dial when it comes to visitation here in Christchurch and they're the things that we want to see here in Christchurch, and this is why we've got this beautiful new venue." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fletcher Building says it's not out of the woods yet, but their financial situation is improving. It recorded an $11 million half-year loss - down from $134 million the year before. Earnings are out of the red at $45 million, compared to $-88 million the year before. Chief executive Andrew Reding says they'll take a while to get back on track. "We're not forecasting great times for our financial year 2026, and indeed think that the calendar year 2027 is when things are lined up and moving properly." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank says inflation's too high, but it's actually worried it could soon end up too low. It's kept the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. New Governor Anna Breman says they're not happy with headline inflation surpassing the one-to-three percent target band last quarter. But she says underlying core-inflation is much lower, and wage growth slow. She explained that unless the economy rebounds, they think inflation might actually fall below the target. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in Parliament today - with barbs traded between the Prime Minister and Opposition leader. Chris Luxon took a swipe at Labour's Chris Hipkins at Question Time over inflation. Speaker Gerry Brownlee told numerous MPs to cool down, after heckling from both sides. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the action from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A fight for the oppressed and overlooked is encompassed in Jesse Jackson's legacy. The Civil Rights leader has died aged 84 surrounded by family. Jackson built a career around activism - fighting alongside Martin Luther King Jr to improve the lives of Black people in America. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Donald Trump paid tribute - and so did some other former leaders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Netball New Zealand chair Matt Whineray insists they will heed the lessons from the Silver Ferns coaching debacle. Whineray's ending his eight-year tenure alongside three other board members. The governing body came under intense scrutiny last year for their handling of Dame Noeline Taurua's standing down and eventual re-instatement. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest dog attack in Northland has sparked calls for urgency around manging savage canines. Northland 62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs yesterday as she visited a home in Kaihu. NZ First's Shane Jones has suggested penalising owners of dangerous dogs with prison sentences. Northland MP Grant McCallum says councils need to enforce regulations to keep people safe - but some law changes are in order. "We've got too many dogs out there and you have to question some of the breeds, so the question becomes - do we look at a stronger de-sexing policy going forward? And also, some of the breeds of these dogs...are there just some breeds we don't need?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six companies linked to the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, are being wound down, according to new reports. One company is related to public relations, another to retail, and none appeared to be commercially active. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Ferguson was desperate for money, even emailing Epstein for help while he was in prison. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Infrastructure Commission's suggesting the Government spends less on roads and tolls Auckland's future additional harbour crossing. It's 30-year-road-map released today makes 10 recommendations for what should be prioritised over the next decade, with hospital investment topping the list. The plan suggests the extra crossing in Auckland, tunnel or bridge, gets a $9 toll. National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers says the infrastructure has be paid for - and solutions need to be found. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows wool sales are still up in the South Island. PGG Wrightson South Island auction manager Dave Burridge said exporter demand remains highly competitive - with the SWI lifting a further 47 cents. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV is seeing the loss of HBO content as a new opportunity. Warner Bros Discovery's announced it will launch HBO max mid-year, home to original hit shows like The Pitt which originally featured on Sky's Neon service. Sky CEO Sophie Moloney says they need a broader suit of options than what they've been securing through the HBO deal. "It means that we can be investing in other content that makes sense for our business with other studios, like Sony and the BBC. So as a team, we're really excited about what the future holds." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day, and more! The ACT Party is looking to make changes to the End of Life Choice Act, and it's prompted concerns from critics about what it could mean for the healthcare system? Do we think these are warranted? The Government is looking into tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, as well as the second harbour crossing. Do we think this is realistic? What do we think of the new birth statistics data. More women are delaying kids until they get older. What do we think of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You want some fascinating data about how we've changed in the past 60 years? Have a look at the birth statistics out today - especially the age at which mums are having babies. Last year, 14 percent of births were to mums younger than 25. In 1995, which is just one generation ago, it was double that: 28 percent of births were to mums under 25. And in 1960, two generations ago, it was 46 percent - nearly half of all births. Today, there are now more babies born to mums over 40 than to mums under 20. And I'm one of those mums - I was counted in last year's data. Last January, at 40, I had a baby. Now, if I could do my life again, I reckon it probably would have been better to have my kids about a decade earlier. Your knees at 40 are not what they were at 30. Kids want you to run, you don't really want to run anymore. You're just tired. But at 40, you also understand the value of time. If I had my kids at 40, and they have their kids at 40, I'll become a grandmother around 80. Which means I won't have that long left with them. I probably won't see my grandkids get married or have their own children - something that must be one of life's great joys. Leaving it late means missing out on experiences that previous generations took for granted. But there are upsides too. You are simply a better person at 40 than you are at 30. You're more in control of your emotions - a huge part of parenting - and that makes you a better parent. More importantly, and I reckon this is why so many mums are leaving it later - you're more financially secure. By your late 30s, you've probably bought a house, paid off a decent chunk, and established your career. Your partner's income is helpful, sure, but you're not dependent on it in the same way your grandmother was on her husband. And that's why I don't think the age of mums is ever going back down. Women are more financially independent than they were two generations ago. They have choices - and the choice they're making is right there in the data,They're choosing to have kids later. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 17 February, 2026, a $9 toll for crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge is part of a 30-year infrastructure plan - will it happen? More 40-year-old women are now having babies than those under 25. Why Sky TV's Sophie Moloney isn't gutted about losing HBO content on Neon. And on the Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones discuss whether the euthanasia law should be expanded. 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.

Advocates warn the removal of requirements for assisted suicide would open Pandora's box. The ACT Party is pushing for changes to its End of Life Choice Act. Proposed amendments include removing the six-month prognosis requirement and adopting all 25 recommendations for a Health Ministry review. Ethos Alliance chief executive Alex Penk says it would open up euthanasia as an option to more long-term conditions and disabilities. "If you're a doctor at the moment, for example, who says I can make my peace with euthanasia for end-stage cancer, say - they might start to feel quite differently about this when you start talking about diabetes, frailty, renal failure..." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand-based gambling experts have claimed prediction market platforms like Polymarket are illegal under the nation's gambling laws. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are online markets where users can place bets on future outcomes, like political news events or OCR updates. Internal Affairs Director of Gambling Vicki Scott says Polymarket meets the definition of their illegal framework - and they're looking to shut it down. "We wrote to both Kalshi and Polymarket yesterday, explaining our view that it's clearly in breach of our laws and requesting their immediate removal from the New Zealand market." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More women are having children later in life, according to new data. Stats NZ figures show a record-low number of under-25s are giving birth, which is half the number of a generation ago. The number of live births last year was essentially the same as in 1995 - just under 58,000. Massey University Sociologist, Paul Spoonley says he's not surprised as life expectancy rises. "There are many more children born to women aged over 40 in New Zealand, compared to women aged 20 and younger in New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's not getting good bang for its infrastructure buck, according to some. The Infrastructure Commission has released a 30-year plan with 16 recommendations, and 10 top priorities for the next decade - including health spending. Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper says we rank high on spending in the OECD, but our outcomes are in the bottom 10 percent. He says New Zealand has unique problems we need to solve. "The geography is very difficult and we have a dispersed population. That means more pipes, more roads, more transmission lines and so on - and that costs, if you're going to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop warned the Government may need to put a toll on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to fund the new Waitematā crossing. The new crossing will be tolled, but the Government is getting advice on whether the existing bridge needs to be tolled as well - in order to stop people from using the old bridge to bypass the toll. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why this idea isn't realistic for commuters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NRL star Matt Utai was left wounded in an ambush attack with no clear motive. He suffered serious leg wounds after the attack at his home at Greenacre, in southwest Sydney, at 6am this morning. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says investigations are ongoing - as Matt Utai has no criminal links. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps try to lock down a spot tonight in the Super Eight at the T20 World Cup . They play Canada in Chennai from 6:30pm. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed pressure on the Government to get the ball rolling on a social media ban for Kiwi teens. Last year, Australia banned social media for under-16s and it's inspired other countries to consider implementing similar measures. Triple P NZ manager Jackie Riach says it's too early to see the full impact of Australia's ban, but parents are reporting positive results so far. "The ban is one thing - what Australia did do alongside the ban was implement some parenting support, so I'm reporting the data from the parenting support, which is great." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, a measles outbreak is impacting school-aged children and authorities are warning people to stay safe. Families are being warned to ensure their children are up to date with their immunisations in order to avoid serious health complications. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says doctors have warned people that the outbreak could worsen if proper measures aren't taken. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US headline inflation rose by 0.2 per cent month on month and 2.4 per cent year on year - slightly lower than expected. Experts say this is a positive step forward for the US financial markets. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New housing data shows the market hasn't quite matched the mood of the economy as of yet. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand says housing sales are down 5.4 percent from January last year. Prices were also softer, with REINZ's House Price Index dropping 0.6 percent compared to December. Property Investors Federation expert Matt Ball says it looks like the housing market will stay flat for the next little while, but it's about the bigger picture. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New Zealand is set to host its first State of Origin match at Eden Park next year. Do we think this is good news? What does this development mean for Auckland? The FTA with India has sparked debate and discussion, with Labour outlining their concerns. What do we make of this? What do we think really defines 'Kiwi cuisine'? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 February, 2026, we dig into the $34 billion we're required to invest in India as part of the free trade deal. Former Warriors hardman Kevin Campion tells us why Australians are happy Eden Park will host a State of Origin match. The president of the Otago University Students Association explains the difference between Flo-week and O week. And on the Huddle, Trish Sherson and Mark Sainsbury discuss what defines Kiwi cuisine - one says "chip". 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.

Given how much of a tease we've had about the Eden Park news today, it's completely understandable if the excitement levels aren't where they should be. But let's be clear - this is really big news on two fronts. The first, obviously, is the State of Origin game. This is the first time since 1987 that the Aussies have allowed a State of Origin match out of the country, and the first time ever that it's coming to New Zealand. We are a big rugby league nation, and that game - even if it kicks off at some ridiculous hour like 9:30 or 10:00 in the evening - will sell out pretty quickly. Which means I'm not sure how much international money it's actually going to bring in, because surely we're going to snap up the tickets ourselves before any Aussies can get them. But it will be an event. And if it gets New Zealand a step closer to being considered a serious contender for a second NRL team, that can't be a bad thing, can it? The second announcement, though, is the one I think is actually bigger. We get very fizzy about the State of Origin, but the rule changes around Eden Park matter more because they're bigger than one event - they're long‑term. It was always ridiculous that Eden Park couldn't host a sporting event on a Sunday, and that weekday sports events had to be wrapped up by 9:30pm, which would have put a huge 'no' on hosting the State of Origin game on a Wednesday. It was equally silly that Eden Park could only ever have 12 concerts a year, delivered by only six artists, and that any one month could host no more than four concerts. Now, it's 12 big concerts, 20 medium-sized concerts, any day of the week, up to eight hours, and not always needing to go through the full consent process. I understand that residents need to be considered, and I'm genuinely grateful to those who have been so generous. But this change was necessary. If we don't want Eden Park sitting empty most days of the week waiting for a ratepayer bailout like in the old days - if we want it to actually earn its way - then this is how we do it. And it hasn't come a day too soon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has raised some concerns over the FTA with India, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back. The opposition says they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers. Nicola Willis says there's strong aspirations in the agreement to promote investment. "What it's saying is - let's both agree to promote significant levels of investment in our respective countries, let's put some aspirational targets out there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's excitement among Auckland sports fans as New Zealand is set to host a State of Origin game. After more than a decade of speculation, it's been confirmed the country's first Origin fixture will be held here next year at Eden Park. Former Warrior Kevin Campion says this is great news - and it's an announcement that's long overdue. "The Origin is an Australian part of our game and if they get over to New Zealand, I think it's just the next step in the process." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More evidence of an improving economy, based on the amount of freight hitting our roads. Freight company Freightways is reporting a 17 percent rise in half-year profit. Chief executive Mark Troughear says they're starting to see optimism return, slowly and steadily. "It's a good result, and that's a bit of market share gains - Australia is going really well for us. But in New Zealand, you're just starting to see customers trade a little bit up on what they did last year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A student representative says Otago University is being proactive around student safety during orientation week. A jam-packed calendar events kicks off in Dunedin today - including the famous toga party, DJs, movie nights, and an international food festival. Students' Association President, Daniel Leamy, says students should have fun in a safe way - and with so many people out and about, look after their friends. "There's 20,000-odd students down here in Dunedin now, for the vast majority, students are well-behaved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's issued a list of demands for the Government before it will sign up to the Free Trade Agreement with India. Chris Hipkins says the FTA needs stronger safeguards against exploiting migrants. He wants the full official advice on the deal released to Labour. He says the Party's particularly concerned around the expectation Kiwi businesses will invest $33 billion in India over 15 years. "I think it's almost entirely impossible, and that's why I'm surprised that they're trying to sign us up to that. To put that into context, I think that over the last 25 years, less than $1 billion NZD has been invested in India." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Eden Park stadium's been picked as the host for New Zealand's first ever State of Origin game. The Government's also announced new rules kicking in from April, allowing night-time sport on any day, as long as games wrap up by 10.30pm. The new rules will also boost the number of concerts allowed without the need for resource consent - up from 12 to 32. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the changes further - and discussed what this could do for Auckland's economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.