Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Over in the UK, concerns have been raised over an incoming fuel shortage as the Middle East conflict continues. The Government hasn't dismissed the possibility of fuel rationing due to the persistent conflict in Iran and the supply issues causing a spike in prices as a result. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says discussions have taken place about future options. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking at potentially helping Channel Infrastructure increase its fuel storage capacity at Marsden Point. Channel - New Zealand's largest fuel import terminal business - has identified some 'very preliminary options' for significantly increasing its diesel storage capacity more quickly than would normally be the case. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand sharemarket turned downwards, finishing with a fall of over 1.53 percent. The conflict in the Middle East has continued on, and oil prices have kept going up as a result. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour 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! The US has sent over a 15-point peace plan for the Iran conflict. Do we think this is going to work? Do we see the conflict ending soon? It's been revealed the National Party is offering the public a chance to sit next to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over dinner for $10,000. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right, let's talk about the National Party accidentally letting slip that they're selling tables at a dinner with Christopher Luxon. The story is that the Mainland Dinner will be held in Christchurch next month and if you have a few thousand dollars spare, you can go along. Dinner at Chris Luxon's table will cost you $10,000. Dinner at a minister's table - a senior minister's table - will cost you $8000. And then just a dinner with, you know, normal punters, normal civilians, will cost you $5000. Now, we only know about this because Maureen Pugh shared a copy of the invitation on Facebook - not her first mistake. Newstalk ZB saw it, then it was deleted, but by then it was too late, and cue the outrage. Now, I'm not outraged by this at all, because this has been going on since at least John Key's time. Jacinda did it as well and I don't think it's any different from every other example we have in our democracy of cash for access. This is how power has always worked. If you have money, you get access to people in power. Money for lobbyists, who then secure you meetings with ministers. Money for donations that mean candidates make time for you. Money for tables at the Mainland Dinner. In fact - and this is my personal opinion - I quite enjoy reading about these dinners because they give me a real-time market valuation of a political leader. Luxon is selling his table for $10,000 in 2026. Four years ago, in 2022, he was selling it for $15,000. So he's running at a discount at the moment, isn't he? Jacinda was selling tickets to a conference where ticket-holders could have access to her for $1800. That was five years ago. So she was more valuable at $1800 in 2021 than Luxon is right now - or than he was a year later - if you break it down and look at the cost a seat. John Key - now, if you want to hear about a baller - sold a table at a dinner for $100,000. That's real market political valuation, isn't it? Now, this is why I think this is valuable. It tells us how much voters and stakeholders: A) like various leaders, B) want to be seen with them, and - C) rate the chances of those leaders being elected and therefore being useful. So make of that what you will when you look at the numbers. But if you are outraged by this, you're going to be outraged forever because cash for access will probably never change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 March, 2026, Jetstar's cutting flights and an aviation analyst says it's hard to know when jet fuel prices will stabilise. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters on who made the call to backtrack on removing minimum size limits for commercial fishing. We hear from an astronomer on plans to build a base on the moon. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Thomas Scrimgeour on whether they think it's worth spending $10,000 to have dinner with the prime minister. 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.

New Zealand's petrol supply has gone down, but officials say supply remains within normal levels. Just released figures are current to Sunday, when there were 48.7 days of petrol supply, down from 49.9 last Wednesday. But diesel supply is up slightly, at 46.4 days compared to 45.5 on Wednesday. Jet fuel's at 43.4 days, down from 44.7. Starboard Maritime Intelligence analyst Mark Douglas says there's more tankers on the way to New Zealand, so there's no significant disruption just yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The jury's out on whether Iran and the US will come to an agreement anytime soon about ending the war. Iran's still trading strikes with Israel - which appears less optimistic than the White House about Tehran putting pen to paper. The US claims it's presented a 15-point plan to Iran and negotiations are taking place. Former staffer to Marco Rubio, Matt Terrill, says the damage to Iran in this war could improve the chances of a deal being reached. "Iran, I suspect, is really on their heels right now and recognises they are. But with that said, this is a regime that appears to never give up." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NASA's new chief has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a $20 billion base on the moon. It's cancelled plans to deploy a space station in lunar orbit, and will instead use the project's components to build the base. The US is pushing to return to the moon before China sends its astronauts there around 2030. Stardome astronomer Josh Aoraki says the base seems like a fever dream. "Since the Apollo missions, NASA has said they want to go to the moon, they want to have a long-term presence there. And they kinda haven't really solidified plans for decades." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says the decision to back down on controversial fishing rule changes was only made today. The Government's proposal would've allowed commercial fishers to catch undersized fish - including snapper. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says he spoke to Fisheries Minister Shane Jones this morning, and he agreed to dump the change. But Peters says the decision was made hours before Luxon met with Jones. "In the end, we made a decision and said - no, let's dump the darned thing, go with what people are thinking and see if we can sort it out. To tell you the truth, we'd been talking about it for days and we confirmed it very early this morning." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An aviation commentator says it's hard to know when jet fuel prices will stabilise, as yet another airline cuts routes. Jetstar says it's made temporary changes to its Trans-Tasman schedule because of rising jet fuel prices from conflict in the Middle East, and other increasing costs. Routes between Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington are impacted - as well as flights to Sydney and Brisbane. Geoffrey Thomas says even if the conflict ends in the next few weeks, airlines would have to wait for flow on effects. "How long it would then take for the fuel supply line to normalise? You're probably talking a couple of months." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's blaming human error, after using her official email to promote a National Party video to schools. Erica Stanford sent principals guidance on a new assessment system, but included a link to a Party YouTube video in which she explains the tool. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's Ginny Andersen has voiced concerns over this - which sparked further debate in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Little is known about how the war with Iran will end, despite Donald Trump saying it's won. Reuters reports Israel and the US have handed over a 15-point plan to Iran, as part of negotiations. Meanwhile, attacks continue across the Middle East. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and VP J.D Vance will play a key role in the negotiations, but it's unlikely the Trump administration will be looking to give too much. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors utility back Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is reportedly poised for a move to the UK Super League at the end of the NRL season. The Love Rugby League website claims the 32-year-old is set to sign a multi-year deal with Wakefield Trinity. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave addressed the rumours - and speculated on what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's taking aim at pests, as it pays into work to make the capital an official predator-free city. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says $5.5 million dollars will go into to targeting pests over more than 18,000 hectares in Wellington over five years. Predator Free Wellington chair Tim Pankhurst says it's important for the city to protect what's already been cleared, so that new pests don't get into 'safe' areas. "We've got an enormous network of traps and cameras and so on...we cleared Miramar Peninsula a couple of years ago. We have had a couple of reintroductions, and we've tracked those by camera and tracked them down and dealt to them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British police have confirmed they're investigating an online claim of responsibility for an arson attack after four volunteer ambulances run by a Jewish organisation were set on fire. Police have released a statement saying the attack is being treated as an 'antisemitic hate crime' and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the incident. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's believed the attack was carried out by a group with alleged links to Iran. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International airlines could be forced to cut flights in and out of New Zealand if fuel shortages lead to a rationing of supply. Concerns have been raised about airlines needing to make hard choices if fuel deliveries are disrupted by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Board of Airline Representatives NZ executive director Cath O'Brien says there's still a low risk of planes getting stranded in a shortage, but airlines will need to be prepared. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fight is on to run New Zealand's largest farm. Five contenders have put up their hand to commercially farm in Marlborough's Molesworth Recreation Reserve. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Iran conflict continues for another week - do we think Donald Trump is right that talks are taking place? Or do we think this is an exaggeration? The Government has announced their fuel relief package. Plenty of people aren't happy with it, what do we think? Is the Government right to make it small-scale? ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has revealed she plans to step away from politics. What do we make of this? Has she made the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 24 March, 2026, help for families feeling the pinch at the petrol pump - we talk to the Finance Minister about $50 a week relief. Our youngest female cabinet minister tells us why she's leaving politics. An increase in prize money for Lotto Powerball - but it'll be harder to win it. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Phil Goff are in agreement - on Donald Trump's war in Iran. 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.

If you were listening to the previous show - Tyler's show - you'll have heard that not everyone loves the package the Government has just announced to help families pay their fuel bills, because it's not for everyone. Pensioners have complained that they should be helped as well because they don't have enough money. Beneficiaries have complained. Diesel users have complained because their fuel has actually gone up much more than petrol. Then, there are also wealthy people complaining because they don't have kids - they're saying they're once again getting nothing while the 'breeders' are and that they're the ones subsidising them. Now, I understand the sentiment from everyone. All of it is fair. But I think the Government is right to have limited this package the way they have because we are simply too broke as a country to shell out 50 bucks a week for everyone, including millionaires. Plus, we've just spent four years fighting inflation. We know what that feels like, right? We know how hard that is. The last thing we want to do is pump so much money into the economy that inflation goes up again and we have to start that fight all over. So if you have to choose who you give the money to, you choose workers because they have to get to work - beneficiaries don't. You choose parents because their budgets are much less flexible. They have added fixed costs they just can't escape: childcare, dropping the kids off at school and so on. I think the Government has actually done a pretty good job here of threading the needle with this package. It's not inflationary if it's only reallocating money that would have been spent in the Budget anyway. It's not taking on any extra debt that wouldn't already have been taken on because it's in the Budget. It also has an off-ramp: the payment ends after a year or when the price of 91 drops below $3 for four consecutive weeks - whichever comes first.I think part of the reason so many people are complaining today is because Jacinda, Grant and Covid have got us addicted to Government help. If there's a problem, we now default to expecting the Government to fix it, don't we? And often we expect the Government to fix it with money. We need to get off that. We should have learned what happens next. When you turn on the Government money hose, you get inflation, then you get a recession. Being more targeted and more disciplined - even if most of us miss out - ultimately does mean less pain for us all. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor says the central bank is closely monitoring fuel prices, but won't rush into reacting. Anna Breman says the Iran war is likely to lead to higher inflation and lower growth in the short term. Breman says that's unlikely to make them hike the Official Cash Rate - but things could change if higher fuel prices pressure the economy. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says it's important to keep an eye on the 'second-round' effects from the conflict in order to determine future OCR changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international relations expert says Donald Trump's messaging on Iran could be misleading. The US President says he's holding off on threats to strike Iranian power plants for five days - after earlier promising to attack if Tehran didn't let ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He's claimed the US and Iran reached agreements in talks over the weekend, which Iran denies. International relations expert Matthew Schmidt says there may have been talks, but not directly involving Trump or the new ayatollah. "It's been cut-outs in between, and Trump is exaggerating what's going on and making it sound like it was more direct than it is." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lotto's ramping up its prizes and number of winners and lifting the biggest win from $50 million to $60 million. It's adding another four Powerballs - which reduces the odds of winning Division One from one in more than 38 million, to about one in almost 54 million. Chief executive Jason Delamore says many things have changed since the last change-up to offerings 19 years ago. "Our population's actually increased by over a million people, so it's very normal for lotteries to tune the Powerball in their lottery games, in keeping with the population." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she won't stand at the 2026 general election. She made the announcement in Parliament earlier today, surrounded by her Caucus and leader David Seymour. Van Velden will continue to serve for the rest of this term as the MP for Tamaki and in her work as Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations minister. She says she's excited for the next chapter, but it was a hard decision to step away from politics. "I also, right in my heart, feel like I want to live a bit more of life and see what other opportunities there are out there for me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced $50 a week in temporary relief for low and middle-income families hit by high fuel prices. The in-work tax credit boost comes into effect from April 7, and the Finance Minister says it'll help about 143,000 working families with kids. Nicola Willis explained that the country's still recovering from the debt built up over Covid, and the Government had to make some hard choices. "Just about every New Zealander and every business is feeling it right now, and I get it. Everyone wants relief - the Government finds itself in a difficult position." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 143,000 families are in the line for relief under a temporary Government boost to the in-work tax credit. The Finance Minister's revealed the targeted support will kick in from April 7 - to help counteract skyrocketing fuel costs. It'll give eligible families with children an extra $50 a week. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says opposition parties have taken issues with this move, particularly the Greens. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen have unveiled the details of a new trade deal today. This deal has been eight years in the making, and almost all EU tariffs will be lifted on Australian agricultural products such as wine, fruit and vegetables, olive oil, seafood, most dairy products and wheat and barley. Australians will also now have access to cheaper European wine, spirits, biscuits, chocolates and pasta. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this deal is worth about A$10bn and will benefit both nations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks' new defence coach knows what he's getting into with his new job. Tana Umaga is one of three new faces under head coach Dave Rennie, with Jason Ryan the only assistant left standing from the last regime. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's shock from vegetable growers at news frozen food company McCain is shutting its Hastings processing plant next year. McCain says it reflects a shift in how it'll supply vegetables within New Zealand and Australia. Heinz Watties also announced this month plans to close its Hastings packing site, and three manufacturing sites. Process Vegetables NZ chairman, David Hadfield, says growers will have to start exploring other options. He says McCain didn't let anybody know this was happening - even larger growers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to chair an emergency meeting on the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has entered its fourth week, and concerns have been raised over the economic impacts - especially with living costs going up for households. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says petrol costs keep going up, and it's getting 'scary'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports indicate more overseas visitors are cancelling trips to New Zealand, generating more concerns about the nation's economic recovery. A new survey shows that 77 percent of tourism operators have seen more cancellations over the last month. Tourism Export Council CEO Lynda Keene says she's not too concerned just yet, despite the ongoing international crisis impacting air travel. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have risen as the fall out continues from the ongoing Middle East crisis. Brent Crude oil rose about US$1 to be just above US$113 a barrel in early Asia trade. Harbour Asset Management expert 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. Credit ratings agency Fitch has downgraded New Zealand's rating - should we be worried about this? Does this go bigger than the Middle East conflict? The Government has confirmed plans are in place to reveal a package to help households with the cost of fuel. Do we think this is a good idea? Winston Peters delivered his State of the Nation speech yesterday - what did we think of this? Do we think this will help NZ First in the election? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now we've got to talk about Winston. If you hadn't noticed yet - or maybe you didn't believe it - take a look at Winston Peters' State of the Nation speech yesterday and you'll see the proof that this election is shaping up to be New Zealand First's election. More than a thousand people turned up in Tauranga to hear him speak. They even had to use two overflow rooms. Compare that with the same speech last election, which was held in a church with a capacity of just 100. More importantly, New Zealand First used the event to announce they've recruited Alfred Ngaro, the former National Party MP. Now, it was a bit of a running joke in the crowd that they didn't know who Alfred was - but commentators do. And I think most of us can see this for what it is: the recruitment of an incredibly well-liked former National MP with a strong Christian faith. That won't offend Winston's older voters - in fact, it's likely to appeal to many of them. More significantly, it's a signal of what's happening and what could accelerate as we get closer to the election: New Zealand First stealing National's territory. In this case, it's an MP. As the election nears, it could be votes. I count among my friends two people who used to be part of National's parliamentary team. Both are now likely to vote for New Zealand First at this election because they're conservatives - and Winston is positioning New Zealand First as the home of conservatism. This cost-of-living crisis - now also a fuel crisis - is going to play straight into his hands. He'll go hard on smashing the power companies to bring down prices, something National has failed to do. He'll argue for New Zealand retaining ownership of state assets, a position that resonates more now than ever Just think about the Marsden Point oil refinery and you'll see what I mean. He'll choose mining over climate concerns, which will appeal to working-class voters. Everything is lining up for him to significantly lift his vote. Keep an eye on the polling. He's already sitting at more than 10 percent. If things continue the way they're going - with the fuel crisis squeezing the economy and Chris Luxon unable to fire the National Party up - that 10 percent could, in my view, become 15 percent by election time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major credit rating agency Fitch needs more confidence our Government will lower debt before it will change our rating. It reduced New Zealand's AA+ rating outlook from stable - to negative - over the weekend. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it's proof of the importance of fiscal discipline. Agency primary rating analyst Sagarika Shandra says the Government has a plan to reach a surplus, but needs to stick to it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 March, 2026, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones on why we'll now let Australian-grade fuel into New Zealand. New Zealand Cricket backs an NZ20 franchise competition - but a former international's quit the board as a result. How a social media post on Rocky the dog got tenants in trouble with their landlord. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani on how Winston Peters is whipping up his party's popularity in election year. 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.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has revealed plans are in place to unveil a package to help households with the cost of fuel. She says more details will be revealed tomorrow, and she's worked with Inland Revenue and Treasury officials to develop this planned relief. Willis explained that this plan won't go against the Government's fiscal strategy ahead of the upcoming election. "We will be funding it from this year's Budget operating allowance...we are going to prioritise our Budget in order to be able to fund this in a temporary, timely and targeted way." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Lower Hutt couple have been taken to the Tenancy Tribunal by their landlords after they refused to disclose they had gotten a dog. A video surfaced on social media revealing the couple had gotten a dog without asking, confirming the landlords' suspicions after the smell of urine had gotten so bad the carpet had to be replaced. Solicitor Mike Thornton says the landlords were entitled to use the publicly available information in their investigation. "If there's publicly available information, once the landlord knows about it, they can go to the tenant and say - hey, I've learned this, do you have a dog? And that's exactly what happened." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view Fonterra's strong result today is unlikely to climb much more. The dairy giant's reported a 2.8 percent rise in first-half net profit to $750 million. It's also announced a 20 cent lift in the farmgate milk price - and a $9.70 midpoint per kilo of milksolids. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says given global uncertainty, he doesn't think the midpoint will reach $10. "The futures market is sitting around the $9.70-$9.80 mark, so Fonterra's got it pretty much where the futures are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Energy Minister says 'finicky' differences have barred Australian-standard fuel here. The Government's relaxing our specifications to harmonise with Australia's, to combat global shortages. Shane Jones says it'll give importers a wider pool and hopefully bring some relief at the pump. He says it's compatible with Kiwi vehicles and meets safety and quality expectations. Jones says it could run for 12 months. "It's temporary, but obviously the PM on various other occasions has talked about how it's overdue for harmonisation between Aussie-Kiwi, and who knows? It could very well be permanent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's bracing itself for fuel pipeline disruptions down the track. As of Wednesday, the country had seven weeks of petrol reserves, and more than six weeks of diesel and jet fuel. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they'll announce details of cost relief measures for low-to-middle income households tomorrow. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates ahead of the announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.