Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have spoken for the first time since the US president condemned the UK's response to the Iran conflict. Reports claim the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and military cooperation between the UK and US. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says many details of the call are unknown, but it can't have been pleasant for Starmer. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns about the economic impacts of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time since 2022 - and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents over the weekend. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly says these attacks are directly impacting key fuel sources, which has got economists worried about future prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing debate about the future of asteroid mining, as technology keeps making new advancements. These new developments have prompted concerns about how this process can be regulated, as it looks more likely asteroid mining will take off by the end of the decade. Waikato University Senior Lecturer in Law Anna-Marie Brennan says there's plenty to be mined from asteroids - and it will likely reduce the environmental impacts on Earth. "But at the same time, a lot of researchers, a lot of lawyers think we do need a monitoring mechanism for this activity." 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 bee plenty of speculation over the weekend about Luxon's political future, but after today's round of interviews, it's unlikely he's going anywhere just yet. Do we think National will roll him eventually? The Government will be keeping an eye on fuel prices as the conflict in the Middle East continues. There's growing calls for the Government to cut the fuel tax - do we see them going through with this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones warns we may have to ration fuel if the Iran war drags on. More people are learning Te Reo Maori - but there's an issue with getting enough teachers. A Waikato University lecturer tells us we're close to mining asteroids - and New Zealand's playing a big part. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani debate whether the Prime Minister really is facing a leadership threat after poor polling. 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.

Look, I know we're all going to have different points at which we think the media reaction to a news story gets silly but for me, that point was this morning. Members of the media chasing the Prime Minister through Wellington Airport, asking whether he was considering resigning and whether he had the full support of his caucus seemed a little bit silly to me. Silly because it's not as if he's gone to ground for the past four days, is it? He was on morning media today - two radio interviews and at least one TV appearance - and he's also fronted a post-Cabinet news conference. So it's not as though the media are starved of opportunities to talk to the Prime Minister without chasing him through a crowded terminal. All it does is create the impression of drama where no real drama exists. There is no coup. All of his ministers are backing him publicly. Privately, sure, maybe a little less so - but publicly, they are. Luxon remains the leader until he is talked out of being the leader and there's no sign that's happening. In short, nothing is happening in the short term. Now, if I try to understand why the media wanted to chase him through the airport, perhaps it's because they sense things have shifted - and that part is true. Since the poll on Friday morning that put National at 28 percent, two things have changed. First, ministers who previously gave complete backing to Luxon are now doing so privately with a caveat: “Yeah, I support him… but.” But he's bad at taking advice, but he made a bad call with XYZ. Whatever the specifics, the point is the same: they've dropped their full confidence. That tells me something is going on in their heads. Second, he has now entered what I'd describe as publicly “dead man walking” territory. Every bad poll from here, every major mistake - and there will be some - will reignite talk about his leadership. That is a slow bleed for any leader. It ends one of two ways - a spanking on election day, or the leader eventually calling it quits. I think he's now in that zone. I don't think the coalition loses the election at this rate, but I do think National comes back as a mini version of itself - and that's not great for them. Maybe that electoral prognosis is what has the media so excited that they're chasing him through the airport. But that's a medium-term issue. Today? I think the brief excitement of the weekend is over and nothing is going to happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is actively monitoring the impact international fuel prices are having on the price we're being asked to pay at the pump. Crude oil prices have topped $100 US dollars a barrel for the first time in three years - and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents in the weekend. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's working with key industries to keep an eye on prices, in case there's a global shock. "We can assure New Zealanders that there's enough fuel for at least 60 days, and then beyond that - of course, fuel companies will be responsible for having their own orders in." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls for the Government to pay rates on Crown land. Wellington mayor Andrew Little has announced he'll lobby for changes to the Local Government Act to repeal the measure as part of his council's triennium plan. Currently, most property owned by central Government, such as schools and hospitals, is exempt from paying rates. Little says local councils provide a lot of infrastructure to Crown-owned buildings - and more revenue is needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief not enough children are learning Te Reo to become a bilingual nation. New data shows more than 28,000 students were taught the curriculum through Māori more than half the time last year, 71 percent up on 2000. Māori language advocate Stacey Morrison says 250,000 kids still aren't taught anything in Te Reo - so there's work to do. "I do think it's an 'everybody' thing, not just the teachers who are already there and fluent. One thing is valuing bilingualism, because there's a lot of benefits, and then we can go - okay, so how are we going to do that?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZX has fallen 3.1 percent as the US and Israeli war on Iran dents people's investment portfolios. Closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz has ignited supply concerns over crude oil - now costing more than $100 US dollars a barrel. Shares in Auckland Airport and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare have tumbled. Generate investment specialist Greg Smith says the market's accounting for what might happen, and it could turn. He explained it's also affected by Iran appointing a new leader and Donald Trump refusing to back down - which has pushed out the time frame for resolving everything. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's working to stay ahead of the effects of the war in Iran. Crude oil prices have topped $100 USD a barrel for the first time since 2022, and our petrol prices surged another 14 cents over the weekend. An economic security Ministerial Oversight Group is being set up - to focus on fuel and supply chains. Associate Energy Minister and Resources Minister Shane Jones says it'll need high-quality, regular information. "In respect of logistics, supply lines and shipping arrangements, this needs to be stood up ASAP." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's setting up a Ministerial Oversight Group on economic security to focus on fuel and supply chains. The Middle East conflict's forced crude oil over $100 USD a barrel, and made New Zealand's sharemarket plunge, 3.27 percent down so far. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the group will be briefed by MBIE weekly and have input from Treasury, the Reserve Bank, MFAT and others. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's acknowledged the Middle East crisis will be tough on everyone, but New Zealand can stay in good shape. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's sharemarket has taken a hammering as investors voice concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. After it resumed trading today, the ASX 200 slumped 260.30 points or 2.9 per cent to 8590.708 - and dropped by 4 percent overall. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this is the worst day for the Australian markets since last year's 'Liberation Day'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post-mortem has begun into New Zealand's 96-run T20 World Cup cricket final loss to India at Ahmedabad. The hosts defended their title and won the tournament for a third time after amassing 255 for five. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has always led in track and field at the Commonwealth Games, but concerns have been raised ahead of the 2034 event. New Zealand is in the running to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games, but there's currently no suitable athletics venue to host the sport. Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell says if we're looking to host the 2034 Games, our infrastructure needs improvement. "If we are looking to host international athletics and we're also looking to grow our sport and create special moments like we had on Saturday night with track stars, then the infrastructure needs - they grow." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 March, 2026, prime minister Christopher Luxon is adamant he's not standing down after another poor poll for the National Party. We talk petrol prices with one of our fuel companies. TVNZ's chief executive insists its news coverage isn't biased. And on the Sports Huddle, Elliott Smith and Clay Wilson discuss the Warriors chances in the NRL this season. 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.

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to wrap the political week. The war in Iran and it's implications are top of mind, including the potential effects on New Zealand's fuel prices. They also chat about today's National Party and Luxon news following the release of a damning poll this morning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has revealed it's latest plan for Western Springs including allowing space for concerts of up to 30,000 people, while still retaining the Ponsonby Rugby Club. Councillors are set to make a final vote on the plan by the end of March. Concert promoter Brent Eccles joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the plan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the latest news out of the United States. Department of Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem has been sacked, and is set to be replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin at the end of the month. Trump also wants to see changes in the Iranian government as he seeks to be involved in the appointment of the country's next leader. And, pop icon Britney Spears has been arrested in California for suspicion of driving under the influence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taxpayers'-Union Curia poll revealed this morning that Christopher Luxon's National Party has sunk to its lowest result in the poll since 2021. National is sitting on 28.4%, down 2.9 points from February's poll. The result sparked conversation around whether Luxon should step down. Luxon joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to defend his position and says he is 'absolutely not' stepping down. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queues are forming at petrol stations as concerns over increasing fuel prices brought on by the war in Iran. International oil prices have increased since the start of the war as traffic halts in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's crude oil is transported. Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the near-future of our gas prices. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is preparing a British warship to protect a military base in Cyprus, but it's not expected to sail until next week, according to new reports. The HMS Dragon is being loaded with ammunition in Portsmouth, as defensive capabilities in Cyprus are set to increase amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. UK correspondent Enda Brady has voiced concerns about what this means for the UK's military. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Punishing strikes continue across the Middle East as Iran retaliates to US-Israeli attacks - with Gulf states busy blocking incoming fire. Israel continues to pummel Tehran, and has launched fresh attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Iran has launched an attack on Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie revealed what this week's developments could mean for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey indicates more farmers are turning a profit, but there's still some industry concerns to consider. Of nearly 650 farmers who responded to the survey in late January and early February, 70 percent said their farm was currently profitable - the highest since the survey was launched. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is looking to possibly scrap the Clean Car Standard, and a review is under way. Do we think this is likely to go ahead? Trade Me is ditching their 'success fees' and bank transfers as part of a new overhaul. Do we think this is a good idea? Do we prefer Facebook Marketplace anyway? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 5 March, 2026, we ask Transport Minister Chris Bishop why the government's looking at scrapping the clean car standard altogether. A Gisborne farmer tells us why he's got a beef with changes to the rural school bus service. Black Cap Cole McConchie on what it was like having a front-row seat to Finn Allen's blistering century - the fastest-ever at a T20 World Cup. And on The Huddle with Jordan Williams and Gareth Hughes we hear how there could be more polling bad news for National. 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.

So the latest climate drama involving this Government is that they're being accused of lining up to scrap the Clean Car Standards altogether. And I would say to the EV lobby group pushing this line that they may want to just settle down. Even those of us -and I'm looking straight at myself here - who want to see the standards dropped altogether do not think it's going to happen. That would take political courage and I do not think this Government has that on a subject like this in an election year. Now, what I'm talking about, if you don't follow all of the details, is the twin of the ute tax. This is the other part of that policy that was brought in at the same time. It's a penalty that importers have to pay for every dirty car they bring into the country, in the hope that it will encourage them to instead go for the cleaner cars - the EVs. It was recently dropped right down at the end of the year and it's now up for consultation. The Government is considering overhauling the system. One of the questions being asked in the consultation is whether it should just be abolished altogether. Now I'd love it to be because it hasn't worked. Consumers simply do not want to buy that many EVs in this country. The only thing this standard has done is reduce the number of Japanese cars - which we love - coming into the country in the past five years, from 150,000 a year to 90,000 a year. That's down 45 percent and apparently most of this, according to dealers, is because of the Clean Car Standard.And you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out what that does to prices. If you're bringing in so many fewer cars, what happens to prices? That's right - they go up. And who pays that? That's right - you and I. I don't love that. The other thing it's done is force 244 dealers - just last year - to shut down because they couldn't get enough cars. So I'd love to see the standard scrapped. It's only making our cars more expensive, it's only putting people out of business, and as we know, it's going to do nothing for the climate because New Zealand is insignificant in the scheme of global emissions. But it will not be scrapped because every other developed nation apart from Russia is applying standards like this, so we'll be stuck playing the game too. “Should it be abolished?” is, I'm sorry to say, just a question to make the Government look like it's considering everything - but it is not actually considering everything, and we're probably stuck with this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People will have to pay with cash after a Trade Me sale if they want to avoid a fee. The company's removing its 7.9 percent 'success fee' for casual selling - keeping only a small service fee. Along with Afterpay and cash, Trade Me uses its own payment system, Ping - taking just over two percent from every sale. Trade Me's Head of Marketplace Lisa Stewart says bank transfers will now be against their policy. "We've got teams of folks who scan the site to check that nothing dodgy is going on, if they catch that that kind of behaviour's happening, we'd look to educate our customers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have been launched into the T20 World Cup final, and the Kiwi side's thrilled. New Zealand have thrashed previously unbeaten South Africa by nine wickets in the first semifinal, with Finn Allen smashing 100 not out from 33 balls. Black Caps player Cole McConchie says Allen gave a 'world-class' performance. "That was some innings, he had to put out a performance like that in a semi-final from him - that was incredibly special." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Transport says scrapping the Clean Car Standard's being considered. The standard imposes fees on importers bringing high emitting vehicles into the country. A Transport Ministry-led review recently involved consultations with the vehicle industry, where they were asked for their thoughts on possible abolishment. Chris Bishop says this type of review, by definition, must look at the need for something overall. "It would be fair to say not that many people are keen on scrapping it altogether, we're going through a process with industry right now and we do want to see cleaner cars in New Zealand over time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Young men are increasingly the focus of our security agencies - as they're captured by extremist content online. That's according to the boss of the Security Intelligence Service, who fronted MPs at Parliament yesterday. Massey University Senior Fellow at the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, John Battersby, says many of those being radicalised are isolated. "I think we're probably talking about a fairly small minority of individuals who possibly don't feel they belong somewhere - a little bit detached from the real world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's still unclear when our Defence Force will be able to evacuate New Zealanders out of war-afflicted areas in the Middle East. Kiwis there are being urged to alert SafeTravel, with 3000 already registered in the region. Defence Minister Judith Collins says our planes will leave in the coming days and will take people to safer nearby areas, when conditions allow. She says they're prepared to take thousands if necessary. "Well, if they wanted to go, we would simply have to make it happen, but we would obviously have to do it in relays." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting minister Paul Goldsmith says he may have' grunted' at TVNZ's board chair after Andrew Barclay raised a crime story with him. Goldsmith was quizzed about the exchange by Labour's Reuben Davidson in Question Time on Thursday afternoon. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney joined his Australian counterpart to call for international co-operation following 'consecutive crises'. Carney says Canada and Australia should work together as 'strategic cousins' and team up to boost sovereign capabilities including in the areas of critical minerals, defence and AI. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Carney called for smaller nations, or 'middle powers' to lead the way in repairing 'what's left of the world order'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have reaped the rewards of preparation at cricket's T20 World Cup, reaching their second final at the tournament. That came courtesy of the fastest century in the tournament's history. Finn Allen's 100 not out off 33 balls resulted after an opening stand of 117 in 9.1 overs with Tim Seifert, who also took 33 deliveries to make 58. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised in Gisborne, where rural school bus routes have been altered or cut. Over 100 Gisborne students could be affected by these changes, and parents are calling for a new solution to be found. Gisborne farmer Toby Williams says parents in these rural areas won't be able to get their kids to school efficiently anymore. "For me, that'd be a hour journey each way to get them there, it ruins the productivity on my farm to try and get my kids to the education they need." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government is bolstering air defences and deploying a Royal Navy warship to the eastern Mediterranean to improve security in Cyprus. This comes a day after runway of the British air base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was hit by a drone, prompting security concerns. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A record portion of new bank lending to first-home buyers is going to those with small deposits. More than half of the $1.1 billion lent to first-home buyers in January went to borrowers with deposits of less than 20 percent, according to the latest Reserve Bank figures. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been growing concerns about what the ongoing crisis in the Middle East could do for petrol prices. There's fears Kiwi motorists will soon pay the price at the pump over the escalating conflict, and retailers have been warned not to take advantage of the conflict. Milford Asset Management expert Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Independent Children's Monitor says Oranga Tamariki still isn't measuring up to national care standards. The percent of young people in OT care suffering abuse has increased from 8 percent to 10 percent in the year to July last year. The report says a third of those in care aren't seeing social workers enough and only 11 percent had been given an assessment of their life skills. Independent Children's Monitor CEO Arran Jones says it's important to ensure that children in state care are properly looked after - and this data isn't good reading. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor's adamant he won't be drawing up housing maps and plans for the Minister just yet. Housing Minister Chris Bishop's recently backed down on Auckland's housing density plans, cutting the city's theoretical capacity from two million homes to 1.6 million. He's asked Auckland Council to send an updated summary on provisional zoning changes by March 17. But mayor Wayne Brown says they won't invest millions on maps without more clarity, and they don't materialise at the press of a button. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4 March. 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.