Podcasts about listen abovesee

Sir Tony Robinson is one of the world's most recognisable history presenters. After four career-defining series of British sitcom ‘Blackadder', he fronted 20 seasons of the archaeological dig show ‘Time Team'. His humorous hooks and accessible presentation has helped to demystify history and inspire passion in a whole new generation. Robinson has written over 30 children's books, ‘Maid Marian and Her Merry Men', ‘The Worst Jobs in History', and ‘Tony Robinson's Weird World of Wonders!' just a few of the titles. His latest work, ‘The House of Wolf', is his first foray into fiction directed at an older audience, covering the Anglo-Saxons, Alfred the Great, and the making of England in the 9th century. Writing for adults is quite different to writing for children, and Robinson said it scared him “rigid” when he first started. “I had massive imposter syndrome”, he told Jack Tame. “It's ridiculous, isn't it, like I've been on the stage for 60 odd years, and yet when it came to writing a book, terror gripped me.” His subject matter is also a bit of a balancing act, as weaving historical fact with the narrative one wants to convey can sometimes be a challenge. “I did go quite bonkers writing it,” Robinson told Tame. Upon finishing the first draft, his publisher sent it off to reviewers, journalists, and some historical novelists – people Robinson respected. “I was in even more terror,” he revealed. “And then after six weeks, the writer Dan Jones, who wrote a stormingly popular historical novel called ‘Essex Dogs', he wrote a review of it really, and it was so fulsome. “Immediately, all that paranoia that I'd had dispelled completely.” ‘The House of Wolf' is now out, and fans will be able to see him live on stage in 2026 in ‘An Audience with Sir Tony Robinson'. He'll be performing at Auckland's Bruce Mason Centre on February 17th, and at Christchurch's Isaac Theatre Royal on February 18th. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nash Falls by David Baldacci Walter Nash is a sensitive, intelligent and kindhearted man. He has a wife and a daughter and a very high-level position at Sybaritic Investments, where his innate skills and dogged tenacity have carried him to the top of the pyramid in his business career. Despite never going on grand adventures, and always working too many hours, he has a happy and upscale life with his family. However, following his estranged Vietnam-veteran father's funeral, Nash is unexpectedly approached by the FBI in the middle of the night. They have an important request: become their inside man to expose an enterprise that is laundering large sums of money through Sybaritic. At the top of this illegal operation is Victoria Steers, an international criminal mastermind that the FBI has been trying to bring down for years. Nash has little choice but to accept the FBI's demands and try to bring Steers and her partners to justice. But when Steers discovers that Nash is working with the FBI, she turns the tables on him in a way he never could have contemplated. And that forces Nash to take the ultimate step both to survive and to take his revenge: He must become the exact opposite of who he has always been. And even that may not be enough. A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 by Bill Bryson Bill Bryson can't contain his curiosity about the world around him. A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0 is the result of his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization – how we got from being nothing at all to what we are today. Now fully updated to reflect the many scientific discoveries in the last twenty years since this book was first published, it explains among much else: Why Pluto is no longer a planet How the number of moons in the solar system has more than doubled in 20 years How scientists used advances in genetics to discover previously unknown species of early humans Why we still don't know what most of the universe is made of How the little Higgs boson transformed physics This journey through time and space will inform a new generation of readers, young and old, as well as those who read this book on first publication with a new perspective based on what we know now. Written in his inimitable style, Bryson makes complex subjects fascinating and accessible to everyone with an interest in the world around them. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Beckoning as a homeland to incredible food, world-class wine, iconic cultural landmarks, and infused with a bohemian spirit, Paris is the epitome of a tourist mecca. Home to over 140 museums and 30,000 bakeries, you've got so many alluring visitor experiences to weigh up than you can poke a baguette at." Read Mike's full article here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Head of Banking and Valuation Risk at Valocity, David Grubb, joins Tim Beveridge for the OneRoof radio show. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The old seems to be the newest trend. While people are always interested in the newest thing, nostalgia is flooding the musical scene right now – Metallica, Oasis, Tool, AC/DC, and the Pixies are just a few of the acts selling out stadiums and venues at the moment. But what's behind the boom in nostalgia acts? How much longer can it last? Chris Schulz joined Jack Tame to discuss the trend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hooker returns to the Octagon for the first time in over a year. He's facing the much-favoured Arman Tsarukyan for a shot at a world title fight. UFC on Sky host Ravinder Hunia told Piney that Hooker is absolutely the underdog, but that's nothing new for Kiwi fighters. Hunia says he's the underdog for good reasons, as Tsarukyan is on a seven fight win streak, three of them grappling competitions, but Hooker loves to come in and disappoint these wrestlers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daryl Mitchell's seemingly endless good form continues. After leading the Black Caps to an ODI win over the West Indies with a big century, he moved to #1 in the ODI World Batting Rankings. He's just the second New Zealander to top the rankings. Mitchell told Piney it's not something you aim for, or think you'll ever achieve, but it's very special. He says it's something that he'll probably look back on very fondly at the end of his career, rather than when you're in the middle of it, trying to do your thing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks will be looking to bounce back against a Welsh team who can't seem to catch a break. They've only won two tests since the 2023 Rugby World Cup, both wins coming against Japan this year, and look a long way away from being the team that won the 6 Nations in 2021. It's a task made no simpler by the fact that they're facing a wounded All Blacks side who are looking to exorcise their loss to England. Former Welsh winger Alex Cuthbert told Piney that if Wales can get a bit of parity in the lineout and scrum, that's when they'll be dangerous. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chaotic opening day of the first Ashes cricket test between Australia and England in Perth has seen 19 wickets fall – the most on the first day of an Ashes test since 1909. England were bundled out for 172 before Australia were kept to 123 for 9 at stumps – trailing by 49 runs. The day also saw Australian opener Usman Khawaja forced to bat at number four after being off the field for the end of England's innings with back spasms. English cricket great Ian Botham told Piney it's a good day for England, as they have a good lead and could almost wrap it up today. He says it's nice to say that England are in charge. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ashes have gotten underway in an explosive fashion. The opening day saw England bundled out for 172 with Aussie paceman Mitchell Starc notching 7 for 58, the tourists responding by keeping the hosts at 123 for 9 at stumps, as captain Ben Stokes took 5 for 23. England is heading into day two with the upper hand, and intend to keep the pressure on Australia. Australian Correspondent Adam Peacock told Piney there was some fairly average shot selection from the batters on both teams. He says that the greatest thing you can have in test cricket is patience, and the batters who are used to playing T20 just can't help but try hit every ball. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 22nd November 2025, Don Mackinnon, Chair of the NZ20 establishment committee, joins the show to offer clarity on their hopes for the franchise. The All Blacks are looking to bounce back this week against Wales – former Welsh winger Alex Cuthbert joined Piney to preview the match and discuss what's led to the demise of Welsh Rugby. And it was a chaotic start to the Ashes with 19 wickets falling on the first day. English cricket great Lord Ian Botham recaps the action from Perth. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wicked: For Good Now demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba lives in exile in the Ozian forest, while Glinda resides at the palace in Emerald City, revelling in the perks of fame and popularity. As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, she'll need to reunite with Glinda to transform herself, and all of Oz, for good. Playdate A chance encounter with a stay-at-home dad lands a man in hot water as they find themselves pursued by a team of ruthless mercenaries. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The famed New Orleans Po' Boy is a sandwich to beat all sandwiches. It's messy, generous, and utterly delicious: a baguette stuffed with lettuce and fried prawns (or “shrimp”) and oysters, and with plenty of punchy mayo. Makes 2-4 Ingredients For the sauce, whisk the ingredients below until combined, taste and season to suit you. ¼ cup mayo 2 tbsps. thousand island dressing 1 tbsp hot sauce (or to taste) 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp horseradish (optional) Squeeze of lemon Get the below sorted before you start frying: 1 long soft baguette or 2–3 smaller rolls, split lengthwise Dressing as above for spreading Shredded lettuce Sliced tomatoes Pickles, sliced Fried seafood: 200g raw prawns, peeled and deveined 6 fresh oysters, drained ½ cup plain flour ½ cup fine cornmeal ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional but good) ½ tsp each dried thyme & oregano ½ tsp sea salt + pinch of pepper Oil for frying (neutral oil like rice bran) Method Mix the flour, cornmeal, herbs and spices and salt in a shallow bowl. Pat the prawns and oysters dry – this helps them crisp beautifully. Toss them gently in the flour mixture until well coated. Heat about 1cm of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the prawns and oysters in batches so they don't crowd the pan. They only need 1–2 minutes per side – you want golden, not tough. Drain. To make the po' boys, split the baguette and butter generously with butter, mayo, or the sauce you've made. Add the lettuce, tomato, pickle and then pile in the prawns and oysters. Spoon over the spicy mayo and press the top on. Serve immediately — po' boys wait for no one! LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're constantly looking for ways to spot early signs of problems such as depression or bipolar disorder, based on the idea that the earlier we can spot signs the earlier we can intervene. Traditionally in psychology this has relied on asking people to monitor themselves and report back. Lots of problems inherent in this e.g., lack of motivation, lack of awareness, not knowing what to look for, self-fulfilling prophecies, etc. Psychology research is often hampered by lack of more objective ways of collecting information that don't rely so much on self-report of individuals. New methods are emerging which look at how someone's pattern of typing on a smartphone keyboard might predict early onset of depression. Firstly – rest assured this isn't some new and frightening emergence of big-brother watching your keystrokes! For this research people had to download a specific keyboard to use with their phone that feeds back results to researchers about their typing patterns, it didn't capture the content of what they were writing. This is referred to as passive-sensing as doesn't require any extra effort from people, just for them to keep using their phone as usual. A number of interesting findings about depression: When depressed, people have lower accuracy in spelling and more variability in typing speed – possibly reflects slow-down in their thinking. They also tend to have more times using their phone than when not depressed – might indicate loneliness and social withdrawal. When people are depressed, they have much higher rates of using the backspace key than when not depressed – suggests they're making more errors which could be due to slowing down of thinking or lots of ruminating about life and going round and round in their heads. For people with bipolar disorder, they're more likely to have high rates of backspace use when also having increased levels of activity and decreased levels of sleep – both of which are warning signs of a possible manic episode. Other interesting research using technology: Smartphone apps monitoring daily patterns of behaviour reduced reoccurrence of periods of depression. This was done by tracking when people slowed down in their levels of daily activity and had less periods of being outside in daylight. The app would alert them to this change, and suggesting that if the pattern continued, they could get depressed again – this led people to get more outside activity. Some interesting possible implications: Could be really helpful in noticing early warning signs of things like depression in a really unobtrusive way. Imagine linking this data in with AI who could send you info about early warning signs and what to do about them, plus link you in with a psychologist if needed. Potentially gives people the ability to monitor themselves and make small changes in their behaviour to prevent getting depressed and without having to see a psychologist. Nice to have some good news about potential benefits of technology and given we usually focus on how these things can suck us down into the dark underbelly of the internet! LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast for Saturday 22 November 2025, iconic history presenter Sir Tony Robinson discusses his first foray into historical fiction for an older audience, ‘The House of Wolf'. Jack sings the praises of Dimitris as the Christchurch institution celebrates 40 years of souvlaki in The Garden City. Francesca Rudkin reviews the Wicked sequel, Dougal Sutherland discusses a new study showing how mobile phone activity can predict mood and Chris Schulz hails the return of the nostalgia acts. Get the Saturday Morning with Jack Tame Full Show Podcast every Saturday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They are “on the wing” at this time of the year. Spiders do not have wings of course, but they can fly for many miles – it's called Ballooning. There are many examples of them flying in jet streams, thousands of feet off the ground, across water, seas, oceans. Each year we get the juveniles of those huge Australia Golden Orb-Weaving Spiders in NZ – they grow up to become huge Australian Golden Orb-Weaving Spiders and frighten the life out of New Zealanders! At this time of the year, look up on a fine, sunny almost wind-still day and see what's floating past! Spider silk glands have liquid proteins called spidroins. They're actually kinda gooey and are pressed out gently to form silk; it's strong, yet light and flexible – a fabulous building material that serves many purposes. We all know about the famous “websites” that spiders make to catch flying prey. Take the kids outside on a dew-laden morning to find those webs and see if you can find the owner nearby. Those webs have sticky and non-sticky strands of silk, so the spider can walk on them without getting stuck themselves. New Zealand's famous nursery web spiders build quite elaborate constructions in gorse bushes and long grasses: white nests, with (deep inside) a small silken ball with hundreds of eggs. That nest alone is made of 5 or 6 different types of silk Even the one spider most people love to hate (the Daddy Longlegs in the corner of your ceiling) has a clever trick with silk: it can hold a few dozen eggs in its mandibles with just one strand of silk. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes? Diabetes affects more than 300,000 people in New Zealand and costs the country $2.1 billion a year in health costs (0.67% of GDP!). It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to control blood sugar. Type 1: Usually begins in younger people; an autoimmune reaction destroys the pancreas so it can't make insulin. Type 2: More common with age; the pancreas wears out over time and doesn't produce enough insulin. What is happening with Type 2 diabetes in New Zealand? Over 250,000 New Zealanders have Type 2 diabetes, previously seen mostly in people over 50. Over the past 25 years, it is increasingly occurring in younger people – even those in their early teens and children. It's particularly effecting Māori, Pasifika, and Asian young people; this pattern was not seen 30 years ago. This is a new and concerning trend. Why is this occurring? The exact cause is unclear, but it is seen worldwide, especially in Indigenous populations. It is complex – caused by more than just lifestyle. Likely involves genetics, strong family history, maternal diabetes in pregnancy, and some lifestyle factors. More research is needed. Why should we be worried? Early-onset Type 2 diabetes seems to have a more aggressive course. Complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, and strokes occur earlier. It's a significant cost to the health system, and an even greater cost to patients, whānau, and communities. What can we do about it? Improve awareness and education. Provide strong wrap-around support for young people with diabetes. Know the symptoms and see your GP – weight loss, tiredness, frequent urination, and excessive thirst. Remember: diabetes can occur at any age. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TikTok's parent company is now one of the world's most successful 'startups' A recent funding round has valued Bytedance, the company behind TikTok, at $480 billion, which is only just behind OpenAI's $500 billion valuation. Even though the US company may be sold or transferred, Bloomberg reports there was fierce interest in the stock sale with seven companies bidding, driving the valuation from $360 billion. Perplexity is bringing its AI browser to Android and beyond The underdog AI company and the first to make an AI enabled browser is expanding to take on Google directly. The Android app is now available, the iOS version is days away from launch, and it's also available for Mac and Windows making it much more widely available than the ChatGPT browser. Perplexity's goal is to be your go to search engine, trying to break Google's 20 year dominance. WhatsApp is getting the Instagram Notes feature You'll now be able to set a 'status' message that can either be seen publicly or just by your contacts. Just like Instagram Notes, the message only stays up for a day by default, but you can set it for longer or shorter if you want. It's another step to seemingly align all the Meta-owned messaging services – Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Her Fault Every parent's worst nightmare comes true for Marissa Irvine when her young son goes missing. In the race against time to find Milo, Marissa's family starts to implode and murderous secrets are revealed (TVNZ+). The Borderline A border town cop uncovers an illegal drug trade tied to his childhood friend and a ruthless British crime syndicate operating in the scenic 1000 Islands region between Canada and the U.S. Stars Minnie Driver & Stephen Amell (ThreeNow). One Shot with Ed Sheeran One singer. One city. One shot. Ed Sheeran rocks the streets of New York with his greatest hits in this groundbreaking, real-time music experience (Netflix). LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the death of a two-year old baby in Manawatū earlier this year Midland Community Pharmacy Group chief executive Pete Chandler co-ordinated an audit. The audit found 1,200 prescription mistakes in one week- 26% of the mistakes posing 'high risk of harm' to patients. Chandler told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the days of doctors' handwriting causing issues are over, but electronic systems have introduced a whole new range of problems. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Milne has been weighing himself with the same bathroom scale for years. Unfortunately, this trusty scale was looking a bit shabby and out of place in their bathroom, so he and his wife decided it was time for a new one. This had an unforeseen problem. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump is set to meet with recently elected New York mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday following months of public conflict. The US President announced the meeting in a Truth Social Post which said the "communist mayor" requested the meeting. US correspondent Charles Feldman told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "Trump is at heart a New Yorker, and I think he's going to want to present himself as somebody who does have New York's interests at heart." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been no signs of easing anxiety in the stock markets despite record Nvidia results. Investment director for Craigs Investment Partners Mark Lister told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the apprehension is a result of not wanting to overestimate the appropriate levels of optimism. "It's more of a case of a healthy pullback, a healthy correction rather than something that's going to develop into anything more sinister," he said. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumours have been swirling of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon getting rolled by his party. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith denied the rumours saying no one in National's caucus had raised with him the idea of replacing Luxon. In recent polls National has lagged behind Labour with 33% versus 38% in the Talbot Mills/Anacta poll conducted between November 1 and 10. This has fanned the flames of conversation regarding the likelihood of National's re-election next year. Although, Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "essentially you've got Labour on the ropes, whereas you've got, the coalition government headed by National in a much stronger position." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 21 November 2025, Heather finds out more about the disquiet in the National Party about Christopher Luxon's leadership. Auckland Pride are seeking a judicial review of the government's call to withdraw guidelines for transgender athletes in community sport. We find out the DIY medical tests may be as reliable as a coin toss. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates whether Scott Robertson is under pressure as All Blacks coach. 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.

The time is right for New Zealand to join the rest of the world with a privately-backed, franchise Twenty20 league. That's the message from Don Mackinnon, the man standing at the front of the group looking to achieve just that. Some 22 years on from cricket introducing the shortest format, T20 has become the vehicle in which the sport is growing around the world. And, as is the case with sports like football and basketball, strong club-based franchise competitions have proven to be the main driver of that. Led by the Indian Premier League, established in 2008, the franchise game has slowly but surely expanded to all corners of the cricket-playing world. First to India, then England, Australia, Pakistan, the West Indies, South Africa and so on. Even non-cricketing strongholds such as the US, Canada and even Nepal have franchise domestic leagues. The only exception to that is New Zealand. Since the inception of T20 cricket, New Zealand has maintained a domestic competition made up of the six major associations – Auckland, Northern Districts, Wellington, Central Districts, Canterbury and Otago – known as the Super Smash. However, the lack of any franchise-style model has left the Super Smash outdated. Instead of operating as NZ Cricket's (NZC) main driver of revenue, the Super Smash instead operates as a breeding ground for local talent, allowing Kiwi players to develop and step into the Black Caps and White Ferns respectively. And while that might be beneficial for New Zealand's national sides, the Super Smash being left off Sky's new cricket broadcast deal from the start of next summer shows the model, as it stands, is broken. But, led by Mackinnon, a consortium that includes former Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming and NZ Cricket Players' Association boss Heath Mills wants to take New Zealand into the franchise world. The proposed “NZ20″ would involve teams created by the major associations being sold to private owners, and establish a league to be played at the height of the Kiwi summer in January, as early as the start of 2027. It would also provide parity to what has been shown to work around the world. While the format is still to be finalised, the NZ20 would theoretically be a Kiwi-based league providing New Zealand's players the opportunity to play a franchise competition at home. As and when a format is decided, and agreed to by NZ Cricket, the major associations and the players' association, the NZ20 would revolutionise the sport in Aotearoa. Speaking to Weekend Sport with Jason Pine, Mackinnon – the chairman of the NZ20 Establishing Committee – explained that while similar attempts to implement a franchise league in New Zealand haven't materialised, the state of the sport in 2025 has changed that equation. “If we go back a decade, I was on the board of NZ Cricket,” he said. “We looked at setting up a franchise league back in 2013-14. “At the time we didn't think it was viable. But as one highly respected figure put to me, there's never been more money in the international game of cricket at the moment. “So many people around the world are excited by it and investing in it, but New Zealand is not part of that. “I just think the time is right to tweak that model and create something in our domestic league that fans are excited by. The money is there, the interest is there. The timing is perfect.” Naturally, with this kind of expansion, falsehoods have materialised. For a start, Mackinnon dismisses any notion the NZ20 is a “rebel league”, as suggested when first reported. Mackinnon concedes “it would be crazy to do this without the support of NZC”. Earlier this year, the NZ20 Establishing Committee presented the concept to NZC. In turn, two members of the NZC board are also part of the Establishing Committee, at a time when the governing body assesses multiple options as to how to revolutionise the shortest format here. Mackinnon also points out that what the NZ20 intends to do isn't new. Cricketing nations across the globe have implemented the same models, where privately-backed franchises co-exist with national boards to allow T20 to operate as the centrepiece of the domestic season. Those models have provided the blueprint for the NZ20 Establishing Committee to take on board. “What we're looking to do here is not novel,” Mackinnon said. “In actual fact, it's done all around the world. “The better question might be ‘why aren't we?' The South African league, for example, has gone from loss-making to extraordinarily successful. The Caribbean league has done exactly the same. “The Caribbean league is probably the model we've mostly looked at as replicating, in part. It's a relatively small economy, a relatively small talent pool. And yet it is reinvigorating the game in the Caribbean. “Will it be here in 30 years' time? I don't know. But the model is certainly doing great things for the game at the moment. There is absolutely no reason why we can't do it here.” What's more, there is also evidence of Mackinnon's suggestion of franchises having stakes controlled by the major associations, while selling ownership to investors. For example, England's “The Hundred” competition initially involved its franchises being co-owned by the English county cricket sides. However, when put to tender earlier in 2025, hundreds of millions of pounds were raised for the counties to use as they saw fit, including investing in the grassroots. The biggest potential worry for the NZ20 – if successful – is the window in which it would operate. If Mackinnon's suggestion of January eventuates, the NZ20 would clash with Australia's Big Bash League, South Africa's SA20 and the UAE's ILT20. The SA20 and ILT20 are both owned by Indian private equity, while the Big Bash League is almost certain to follow a similar path in seeking outside investment. Naturally, then, that would leave the NZ20 competing for talent, be it local or international. For Mackinnon, though, the priority is ensuring the competition is primarily an outlet for New Zealanders. “We're really conscious of that,” he said. “The first thing is we want to make sure our very best players are playing in it. “Heath [Mills] has been talking a lot to the Daryl Mitchells of this world, the Kane Williamsons – our best players. They are incredibly excited about this as a concept. “First and foremost, you're going to have a young kid playing for Otago, bowling to Finn Allen for example. That's got to be good for the game in New Zealand. “There's an awful lot of really good white ball cricketers playing around the world, not all of them can play in South Africa and Australia. “I have no doubt that there would be the opportunity to supplement squads. They would still be very good, exciting players that would put bums on seats.” However, the NZ20 isn't the only option on the table for NZC. The national body is also undertaking a review, led by Deloitte, to determine which direction it should move in. While a similar, privately-backed franchise model is also on the table – separate from the NZ20 – the biggest potential rival would be for the NZC to seek having at least one side join Australia's Big Bash. While that would mean New Zealand and Australia joining forces – as seen with the Warriors in the NRL, the Breakers in the NBL and Auckland FC and the Wellington Phoenix in the A-League – it would also mean NZC has less influence on how the team could be run. Regardless, Mackinnon, said that while the NZ20 Establishing Committee believes it has the best way forward, it ultimately wants to see what's best for the sport – even if it means NZC moves in another direction. “I'll be the first to applaud NZ Cricket for looking at all of their options, they're doing the right thing,” he said. “If they say that's better for cricket in New Zealand, we will live with that and I will wish that project every success. “It seems to me a competition that's played throughout New Zealand, ideally at holiday venues at the peak of summer, with some of our best players playing, some great international players is better for fans, it's better for players, it's better for our regions, and personally I think it's better for our Black Cap and White Ferns development programmes. “But that's just our opinion. I fully accept that NZ Cricket are looking at all their options – as they should.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A revamped All Blacks side has been tasked with maintaining an almost 72-year unbeaten legacy against Wales on Sunday morning in Cardiff. Three players —captain and lock Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and Will Jordan, who shifts to the right wing— remain in the run-on side from last week's loss to England. Ardie Savea and Codie Taylor are among the players rested...along with Cam Roigard and Beauden Barrett. Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking much like the bronze medal match at the Rugby World Cup, no one really wants to play it. He says it feels more like a box ticking exercise, but they've got to get through it, come home with a win, and then face what comes over the course of the summer. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George W. Bush has paid a fond farewell to his friend and former Vice President, Dick Cheney. The former Republican President has spoken at Cheney's funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. He was a divisive figure in American politics, both for his role as the driving force behind the Iraq War, and his scathing criticism of Donald Trump. But Bush has told Cheney's family, many Americans are grieving Cheney's death. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump did not take part in the funeral, and wasn't invited. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a belief that the delay in investigating the Pike River mine disaster will influence the Crown's decision on charging those responsible. Police believe they have sufficient evidence to lay manslaughter charges against officials involved. This week marks 15 years since the 29 men never came home from the West Coast mine. Criminal defence lawyer Nigel Hampton KC told Mike Hosking the investigation delay, the public interest, and the families' memories will play a role in the decision. He says he believes the Crown will do something, but it may not be all that is desired. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turners Automotive seems to be continuing to defy the odds, both with the economy and the second-hand market. They've posted a record $21.9 million profit, up 13% for the six months to September. The company is on track for a full year result of around $600 million, before tax. CEO Todd Hunter told Mike Hosking the used car market is resilient and with their strong place in it, there's plenty of opportunities for them. He says the business has performed exceptionally well for more than a decade now, but they still feel like there's a significant trajectory ahead. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Friday once again which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed the cost of living in the United States, the media, and Winston Peters' latest announcement about the Regulatory Standards Act. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says the Coalition is doing just fine after his change of position on ACT's Regulatory Standards Bill. The NZ First Leader says next year he will campaign on getting rid of the legislation, despite supporting it just last week. ACT Leader David Seymour finds that worrying. But Peters told Mike Hosking he rejects any claim the Coalition is crumbling. He says their number one responsibility is providing a stable Government, which it is doing. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formula 1 is touching down in Vegas amid the bright lights of Sin City. Lando Norris is currently in the lead, holding a 24-point buffer over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. And Liam Lawson is preparing to roll the Formula 1 dice, unlikely to learn of his future before the season ends. F1 Journalist Mick Akers told Mike Hosking the event is tracking towards selling out, with an announcement likely to come ahead of the race kicking off this weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 21st of November, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith discusses the drop in victims of violent crime and how the campaign against gangs is going one year in. Winston Peters explains his changed stance on the Regulatory Standards Bill and what happens under MMP. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson Wrap the Week, talking Winston and the media. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister isn't resting on his laurels following optimistic new crime data. The Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 147 thousand victims of serious violent crime in the year to August. That's 38 thousand fewer victims than when the coalition came into Government in 2023. Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking the outcome is a result of the Government going after gangs and the three-strikes law. He says it has also ended the last Government's culture of excuses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-term US study shows water fluoridation at recommended levels doesn't reduce cognitive ability. The 40-year study found children who drank such water did slightly better in school tests. By 60, that edge was insignificant, but fluoride didn't contribute to cognitive decline. Dentist Justin Wall says this puts this particular argument to bed - but theories about fluoride are bound to continue. "People would probably blame fluoride for mullet haircuts and not getting the Lotto numbers right if they could. But at the end of the day, fluoride is very highly researched." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pride from Silver Ferns interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie after completing their 2025 season on a high. New Zealand's overcome adversity to down England 55-49 in Manchester and claim the series 2-1. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian teenagers have been warned their accounts of Facebook, Instagram and Threads will be shut down ahead of the country's incoming social media ban. Meta has confirmed it has started notifying users between 13 and 15 years old by text, email and in-app messages that their accounts would be deactivated come December. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Meta has encouraged young users to download their content now, before the data gets removed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've got a possibly controversial opinion about standing up at concerts. Last night, I went to see Metallica. Incredible show - way better than I gave them credit for yesterday. But here's what happened. We were in the stands, seated tickets. A few rows ahead, there was this guy who, the second Metallica hit the stage, jumped to his feet. Everyone else stayed seated, but not him. Hands in the air, devil horns flying, head-banging, air guitar, singing every lyric. He was having the best night of his life - and honestly, watching him made the rest of us enjoy it more. Not everyone agreed. People behind him started throwing cans. They hit him in the back; he ignored it. Then a couple of women clambered over seats, smacked him on the back, told him to sit down. He ignored that too. Eventually, a guy from way back stormed down, leaned across rows, got into a shouting match, even tried to physically drag him into his seat. After a few minutes, the head-banger gave in and sat down. But he couldn't help himself. Every time a new song started, he popped back up - horns up, air guitar blazing -before remembering he was “supposed” to sit. This went on until he finally squeezed into the stairwell so he could thrash without blocking anyone's view. You could tell it wasn't the same; cramped space, less freedom. Here's my take: If you're at a concert, you should be able to stand up and have the best time of your life - even if you bought a seated ticket. If someone in front of you stands, sorry, you're going to have to stand too. It's not okay to demand someone sit for the whole show. It's music, not a movie. And it's Metallica, not the Symphony Orchestra. I'm with the metal-head from last night. He paid good money to enjoy himself. If that means horns up, air guitar, and head-banging - let him do it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing speculation Chris Luxon is at risk of being rolled ahead of the election, with Chris Bishop being touted as a potential replacement. An opinion piece by Audrey Young was released today, and it claimed that Labour was going extra hard on Bishop over the cycleway project because he was likely to take over the party by 2026. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says National's taking a hit in the polls and there's discussions about Luxon's leadership abilities taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's not ruling out banning other digital distractions in schools. An Education Review Office report shows three-quarters of secondary school teachers believe student behaviour's improved since cellphones were outlawed in class. It's also recommending considering also excluding smart watches and social media. Education Minister Erica Stanford says she's open to the ideas. "We're certainly going to take ERO's recommendations into account and I'll get the Ministry to give me some advice, but I certainly think we probably do need to go further. But that'll obviously be a decision I need to take to Cabinet." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has officially recognised feral cats as pests and added them to the Predator Free 2050 list. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka described them as 'stone cold killers' and says they need to be dealt with to protect New Zealand's native species. Predator Free NZ Trust chief executive Jessi Morgan says they've been campaigning on this move for a long time and it's 'exciting' to see it in motion. "I think New Zealanders are ready for this and they've actually been calling out for it. So I don't think it's going to cause any issue at all." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's mayor says scrapping the controversial Golden Mile project would be relatively easy, but they want to act in good faith. Councillors voted 12-4 to hold fire, after warnings the project could balloon to $220 million up from the 2021 budget of $160 million. Doing up Courtney Place could cost up to $25 million more than approved. Andrew Little says there's no contract or exit costs - but there's an agreement with NZTA. "We actually need to maintain that relationship with NZTA, we've got some big projects scheduled for Wellington now too." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A promise the Government's working as quickly as possible on roading projects - but an admission some will take a long time. The Transport Minister says he's trying to make expectations clear. Officials estimate petrol tax and road user charges would need to be hiked 70 percent - to deliver all the $56 billion Roads of National Significance - within two decades. Chris Bishop says the Government is committed, but these are very big projects. "So I'm just saying, it's about a long-term pipeline over many, many years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! NZ First is looking to repeal the Regulatory Standards Act ahead of the election. ACT's David Seymour isn't thrilled - what do we make of this? What's Winston's plan here? The Government has officially recognised feral cats as pests and added them to the Predator Free 2050 list. Do we think this is a good idea? What are the risks here? New research shows the ban on phones in schools is working - but the ERO recommends the Government can go further. Do we need social media restrictions next? Heather was at last night's Metallica concert and she saw a fan in the stands rocking out - before he was encouraged to sit down. Heather says fans should be able to stand and move at concerts if you want - do we agree? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zespri has issued its November forecast for the 2025/26 kiwifruit season, and it's predicting some solid results. At a per-hectare level, record returns are currently projected across all categories. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite growing concerns about the AI bubble, Nvidia's shown it won't be popping any time soon. The company's quarterly results have smashed expectations and it recorded a 22 percent jump in profit from the previous quarter. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 20 November 2025, Education Minister Erica Stanford talks whether she's going to go further on digital restrictions in our schools. Heather asks Wellington Mayor Andrew Little whether he'll cancel the Golden Mile project altogether - after the council voted to pause the works. Predator Free New Zealand Trust CEO Jessi Morgan celebrates the government's move to add feral cats to the Predator Free 2050 hitlist. David Seymour talks his comments about Winston Peters wanting to repeal the Regulatory Standards Bill. Plus, the Huddle debates whether you can stand at a concert - no matter what sort of ticket you have. 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.

Over in the UK, some Labour MPs claim they've got the necessary numbers to roll Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer's popularity has been declining and Reform remains a consistent threat in the polls - and there's clear mood for change. UK correspondent Enda Brady explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour isn't impressed with New Zealand First's promise to campaign on repealing ACT's Regulatory Standards bill. The Bill passed last Thursday - supported by New Zealand First, National and ACT - and became law two days ago. NZ First leader Winston Peters has since called it a 'terrible overreach' and 'not fit for a modern democracy'. Seymour gave his opinion on this move. "People want to play politics - I mean, it's not even an election year yet." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.