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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.
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.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Allan Blackman. First up, the Salvation Army's nineteenth annual State of the Nation report says family violence is at it's highest point in eight years, and more kids are going hungry. The Panel talks to one of the author of the report, Paul Barber. Then, the new granny flat rules have been touted as a win for property owners and housing supply. But Karel Boakes, president of the Building Officials Institute of NZ says they may be easier to start now, but far easier to get wrong.
In part two, Gertjan Verdickt is a senior finance lecturer at Auckland University, he reckons we should do away with Lotto and install something more akin to public bonds. Then, the Panel talks to Rachel Grunwell, a personal trainer who's run about a hundred events - from Round the Bays to marathons all over the world. She ahs her tips to tackle the fast approaching Round the Bays races.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 February, 2026, Todd McClay on the student controversy surrounding the India free trade agreement. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith on why a retail crime advisory group's been disbanded months earlier than intended. We hear about plans for a gold mining operation in the West Coast town of Reefton. And on The Huddle, Jordan Williams and Ali Jones try to make sense of a levy for an LNG import facility - or is it a tax? 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.
Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is imposing a levy to help pay for an import liquefied natural gas facility, which it says will save households $50 a year on power bills. Do we think the 'extra tax' accusations are fair? What will Labour do with this? Trade Minister Todd McClay confirmed Winston Peters was right about the India FTA not letting us specifically cap Indian student visas. How concerning is this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 29 January, 2026, a major insurer's put a halt on new home policies in Westport because of the flood risk - is it temporary or permanent? Why your morning school run is the most dangerous time of the day on the roads. We talk to investor and influencer Simon Squibb about making Kiwis' dreams come true - and learn about the Pink Broccoli. Plus, on the Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour and Ali Jones discuss the death of the doer upper. 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.
Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Winston Peters has raised concerns with the Government's new trade agreement with India, and he's claimed the agreement will see more migrants taking jobs off Kiwis. What do we make of this? AA Insurance has paused new policies in the West Coast town of Westport. Do we think more parts of the country will follow suit? What will people do? The death of the doer-upper - do we feel bad about this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Brooklyn Beckham, the eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, took to social media to discuss the feud impacting the family, and reveal why he doesn't want to reconcile. What do we make of all this? US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap escalating tariffs on European countries opposing his bid to take over Greenland. Why is he so keen on this? Does it go deeper than just wanting minerals? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Brigitte Morton from Franks Ogilvie joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Taxpayers' Union has released some packaged fudge taking aim at Nicola Willis' track record as a Finance Minister - ahead of the debate between her and Ruth Richardson that's supposed to be taking place. What do we make of all this? The US is reportedly looking to require tourists to hand over their social media accounts in order to travel there. How do we feel about this? Would it put you off travelling to the US? Cancer diagnoses are set to skyrocket in the next 20 years, but experts say at least half of these could be prevented if we smoked less, drank less, ate better and got more exercise. Do we need to take more responsibility for our health? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In part two, Netflix has agreed to buy Warner Bros Discovery in a $72 billion US dollar deal. What does that mean for us here in New Zealand and, indeed, the world? Then, the Queenstown Toy Library committee is fundraising for a complete glow up - click through to learn how to give them a hand.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Andie McCombs. First up, is summer too long? Business advisor Toss Grumely argued in an opinion piece last week that New Zealand's productivity is hindered by the leisurely month-long breaks many of our businesses take. Is he right? The Panel investigates. Then, newly built townhouses are overheating so badly they're almost unlivable. The Panel hears from an architect about why this happening and what can be done.
Tonight on The Huddle Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Andrew Coster has quit his role as CEO of the Social Investment Agency. He'll get paid three months notice, like a few other high profile servants who have recently "resigned". Are you uncomfortable that we're paying people out to quit rather than just sacking them? The school lunch drama between principal Peggy Burrows and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour continues. Who do you think is telling the truth here? Do you care at all? Half of us apparently drive around with lapsed car registrations and WOFs. Is your registration and WOF up to date? Is it too much admin? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Ed Amon. First up, the government has revealed it wants to do away with e-scooters taking up footpath and send them into the bike lanes instead. Is this the right move? Then, at least nine learning centres have returned positive for asbestos in coloured play sand while testing continues at pace in other schools. How did it get to this? The panel considers the opinion of one expert who says the economic system values the wrong things.
In part two, the panel hears from the founder of a campaign to create a unified approach to respect: basically, we all have to treat each other much better! Then, cashless parking meters in Oamaru have raised the ire of older folk who've always used coins.
Time to solve the world's problems now and who better to do that than Ali Jones, and today her focus is on driving electric vehicles in the South Island.
Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Michelin Guide is coming to New Zealand - and it cost Tourism New Zealand over $6 million to get it going. Is this good news for tourism? And is this a worthy investment? Auckland Central MP Chlöe Swarbrick has raised concerns with the Government's proposed solutions for rough sleepers - and labelled the Government's response 'hysterical'. What do we make of all this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Simon Pound. First up, school boards will no longer be required to give effect to Te Tiriti of Waitangi. Acting deputy principal of Albany High School, Philippa Wintle, is furious about the change. Then, firefighters have been crying out for weeks about the state of their trucks and stations. As industrial negotiations continue, Wellington union president Clark Townsley joins the panel.
In part two, Waikanae locals are pushing back against developers bounding into town with high density houses. Then, new noise rules in Dunedin are being hailed a success for all. New CBD houses will have higher acoustic insulation requirements, keeping the residents, and musicians, happy.
Tonight on The Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The big mega-strike took place today - what have we seen? How do we think they went? Given protesters weren't able to march on Parliament, is the political sting missing? Marama Davidson's Right to Repair Bill was scrapped last night, because Davidson herself was late to the House. How bad does this look? Do we need to teach home economics at school? Shouldn't that be the parents' job? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Brigitte Morton and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New data shows one in seven Kiwis believe violence is needed to get the country back on track. How worrying is this data? The hostages and prisoners have been freed in Gaza - why aren't more people celebrating? Do we need to give Donald Trump more credit for what appears to be - for now - peace in the Middle East? Are the latest dramas involving Te Pāti Māori (allegations of MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi overspending its budget, allegations that Eru Kapa-Kingi verbally abused Parliamentary security staff) a sign of a party that shouldn't be in power? What do we make of all this? New data shows more Kiwis are moving to Australia. Should we be concerned about the ongoing brain drain? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Toitū Te Tiriti, the activist group behind the hikoi on Parliament last year officially cut ties with Te Pāti Māori today. What does this mean for Te Pāti Māori's political future - or Labour's? Should we be assisting the Kiwis who got arrested because they were on the Gaza flotilla - in any way? What do we make of these kinds of stunts? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Teachers say they're seeing an alarming rise of students with extreme ideologies, including misogynistic views promoted by Andrew Tate. How can we handle this? The oil and gas ban has been reversed and the applications are rolling in. Can this fix our energy crunch? Chlöe Swarbrick was spotted flying business class and the rest of the Greens are outraged. What do we make of this? Budget airline Ryanair is banning paper boarding passes - and some travellers think it's disgraceful. Do we use them? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Māori Party president John Tamihere has backed up Tākuta Ferris, saying the substance of his controversial race comments is right.. and it's "wrong for other folk to politic in Maori seats". What do we make of this? A new poll shows more Kiwi voters are blaming the current state of the economy on the current coalition Government. Should they be worried about this? Do we care where our peaches come from? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Sarah Sparks. First up, the world has been awash with headlines about fugitive Tom Phillips's death and the rescue of his children. Details of the case were widely reported and splashed all over social media before a court order was filed for an injunction. So, the panel asks: does an injunction really hold much weight? Then, Wattie's has told some Hawke's Bay peach growers that their fruit will no longer be needed. How will this affect growers?
In part two, rugby commentator and journalist Scotty Stevenson joins the panel to discuss the All Blacks defeat on the weekend and celebrate the Balck Ferns' progression to the world cup semi-finals. And toothpaste brand Solid has produced toothpaste with Te Reo labeling for Te Wiki o te Reo Maori 2025. As co-founder Adam McConnochie tells the panel, proceeds from sales will go to support the new mobile dental unit destined for Wairoa, where there is currently no resident dentist.
It's time to solve some of the world's problems now and today Ali Jones joins us to discuss voter turnout and what we can do to improve it. Local body elections are in October, but even more pressing is this weekend's Tamaki Makaurau by-election, and Labour and Te Pati Maori are already expressing concerns about low turnout.
Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Council's Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We've got councillors laughing at rate rises in Grey District - how outrageous is this? Or was it out of context? The Government has made moves to loosen liquor laws. They're not cutting the hours, but they're making it easier for bars to operate. Is this the right move - or opening us up to more harm? AT recently defended its $63 million dollar spend on road cones, claiming it takes two years to implement the new safety guidelines. Do we believe this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! David Seymour says the coalition isn't saving as much money as ACT would have. What do we make of this? Police Commissioner Richard Chambers gave an interview to the NZ Herald saying we should feel lucky to live in New Zealand. What do we make of this? A Wellington restaurant is asking people to sign a contract before taking leftovers home.. to ensure they're not liable for any food safety issues. Is this over the top? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Simon Pound. First up, thousands of secondary school teachers walked off the job today in a dispute over pay. The Panel talks to Paul Stevens, a teacher at Auckland's Rangitoto College and a PPTA representative. Then they hear from independant Cameron Bagrie about the Reserve Banks decision to whack 25 points off the OCR - what does it mean for mortgage holders looking to refix?
In part two, another view of the controversial decision to remove all Maori words, except for characters' names, from any new books for early readers. Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative, says beginning readers need one language at a time. And then they hear from Outwest Youth, a West Auckland youth trust which offers learner driver lessons desperately needs a new car.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Scott Campbell. First up, what are your rights if you find your image is being used to promote something you don't agree with? This happened to kuia Ellen Tamati who was mortified to find her image on several billboards funded by lobby group Hobson's Pledge opposing Maori wards, but she actively supports the wards. The Panel discusses with an IP lawyer what the law says about how and where your image can be used without your approval. Then: unemployment has risen to its highest level since 2020. The panel breaks down the new stats with Senior Kiwibank Economist, Mary Jo Vergara.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Did Emergency Management go overboard with their alerts regarding the tsunami? Or is it better to be safe than sorry? The Chief of Navy has ordered Kiwi sailors to stop drinking irresponsibly, saying alcohol substance misuse is undermining the organisation. Do we agree with this? The leader of Gloriavale is officially a sex offender after pleading guilty to 12 charges mid-trial. Is it time to shut down Gloriavale for good? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! A group of healthcare workers want MPs to waive their and their families' private healthcare during their time in office to ensure they're not insulated from the realities of our public health system. What do we make of this? The Government is set to scrap same-day enrolment as part of a planned electoral law overhaul. Is this change necessary - or bad for democracy? Does Reserve Bank chair Neil Quigley need to resign because he failed to mention that Adrian had lost his cool at a Treasury staffer? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're going to solve some of the world's problems now, and today we're looking at the news, specifically claims of trouble with trust and bias and the resulting fall in audience numbers. Ali Jones knows a thing or two about what makes news great, having worked in the industry and been part of successful shows, and she thinks she might have found a solution.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Christchurch school kids are advocating to change the name of Rolleston Ave because of William Rolleston's involvement in leading the deadly invasion of Parihaka in Taranaki. Is there a case for a name change or should we refrain from erasing history? GPs will soon be able to diagnose ADHD - do we approve of this change or are we worried about people abusing this? Should the Government bring in rate caps for councils? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Peter Fa'afiu. This half hour the panel hears about why parking cars on footpaths is terrible for those with limited mobility and they learn why the little town of Woodville is popping off.
Tonight on The Panel Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Ali Jones and Peter Fa'afiu. They discuss the US decision to hit Iran's nuclear infrastructure with missile strikes and the apparent desire in the coalition government to scrap regional councils.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Ali Jones from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issue of the day - and more! Minister Chris Bishop has given the green light for the demolishing of the Gordon Wilson Flats after stripping them of their heritage status. What do we make of this? Why do we think most of Gen Z aren't interested in pursuing leadership positions anymore? Do they lack ambition? Is it fair to allow employers to sack highly paid workers without the proper process? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The big debate on the Maori Party MPs punishment is taking place in Parliament this afternoon. What do we make of all this? Police investigated complaints against former Beehive staffer Michael Forbes, including him allegedly filming women through windows of houses - but decided against charging him. Do we think the police should have dug deeper into these complaints? Westgold has raised their butter prices after schools started doing fundraisers with their cheap butter. Is this an acceptable business practice? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
How should we be using the wood from trees that has to be removed from our parks, gardens and streets? Ali Jones, who is a senior consultant at RedPR in Christchurch thinks she may have the answer.
Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Have police and the Government made a mistake saying every crime will be investigated after yesterday's controversial memo leak? Should they have tried to clarify? A teenager has died after a combative run it straight-style game with friends went wrong. Should we try and crack down on this - or is it too late? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is the proposed punishment for the Māori Party too harsh? Gerry Brownlee says it's severe and is suggesting Parliament can still change its mind. What do we make of this? Drug tests have found more workers are doing meth. Do we think we should start testing more workers, even in white collar jobs? A nine-year-old made headlines after being rejected from his rugby grade due to his weight. What do we think of this? Is this a safety concern? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is overhauling the pay equity system - restricting future claims and stopping all 33 current claims. The changes will be rushed through under urgency this week. Do we think this is the right move? National has outlined plans to ban social media for under-16s - do we think this is a good idea? More Government ministers have admitted to using Gmail for Government tasks - is this a bad look? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ali Jones has more than a couple of thoughts on wastage and her recent efforts to reduce her own waste in her life.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! One Gisborne District Councillor has copped some backlash once it was revealed they attended just 41 percent of meetings since October. Should attendance for councillors and MPs be mandatory? After today's big reading - the Treaty Principles Bill is officially dead. Was it worth all the debate and discussion and fuss? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 25 March 2025, Health New Zealand's Deputy Chief Executive Cath Cronin speaks to Ryan to explain why an 11 year old girl was mistakenly admitted to a mental health facility. Eden Park vs Quay Park stadium - council officials have had their say, and why taxpayers may have to pay for it. Plus - why your Lego or wine collection might be a seriously good investment. Plus, on the Huddle, Ali Jones defends making inquiries about mobility carparks in Christchurch. 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.
Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Nick Leggett from Infrastructure New Zealand joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! How do we feel about taxpayer funding of a new Auckland stadium? Can we afford this? New electorate boundaries have been drawn up by the electoral commission. What could this mean for prospective voters? Ali Jones has been copping some backlash for suggesting there are too many disability car parks. She's on the defence - what do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former National Party staffer Ben Thomas and Ali Jones of Red PR join Tim Beveridge for The Huddle. Admins of the popular Facebook group ‘Auckland Flatmates Wanted' want to start charging for posts. Could this be the future of successful social media groups? New Zealand is officially out of a recession - can we now feel instantly better about the future? The Huddle also discuss whether world leaders should keep their opinions on Donald Trump quiet, and if it's counterintuitive to cut almost 400 defence roles. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ali Jones is a senior consultant at Red PR and the problem she's trying to solve today might seem personal, but it's got big implications.