Best Bench Events Podcasts (2024)

1
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on what a Trump presidency could mean for the UK 5:21

1h ago5:21

5:21

The US election results will start flooding in tomorrow - and UK officials are weighing up the implications of a Trump or Harris victory. Donald Trump winning his second term in office is a point of concern for some, with many worried about Trump pulling the US out of NATO and driving up tariffs. UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's also fears …

1
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Kiwi meat and wine exporters bracing for tariffs ahead of potential Trump presidency 2:32

2h ago2:32

2:32

Meat and wine exporters are scrambling to get a handle on the possibility of higher tariffs in a key market if Donald Trump wis the presidency. The Republican presidential candidate has threatened tariffs of at least 20 percent on all imports to pay for tax cuts and increase jobs in the US. The Country's Jamie Mackay says producers won't want to sh…

1
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on unemployment figures being expected to grow 3:54

4h ago3:54

3:54

The Reserve Bank has warned the economic downturn is expected to get worse before it gets better, with unemployment being expected to worsen. The bank's biannual Financial Stability Report says unemployment will peak at 5.4 percent by 2025. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says there are better economic times on the horizon - but there'll…

1
David Buckingham: Queenstown employment relations consultant on the department supplying taxpayer data to Meta 4:55

10m ago4:55

4:55

Inland Revenue has admitted to providing Facebook owner Meta with the names, addresses and other contact details of 268,000 taxpayers in 'raw' unencrypted form. This news comes after an investigation into the IRD's use of social media companies to target taxpayers. Queenstown employment relations consultant and initial complainant David Buckingham …

1
The Huddle: Election Eve - what do we think will happen tomorrow? 9:33

21m ago9:33

9:33

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! It's Melbourne Cup day - what did we think of the big race? And more importantly, is a $10 office sweepstake too much? Prime Minister Chris Luxon is under fire after apparently faili…

1
Full Show Podcast: 05 November 2024 1:37:25

17m ago1:37:25

1:37:25

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 5 November 2024, on the eve of the US election, Democrats are "nauseously optimistic" and Donald Trump is telling voters he's going to win in a landslide. A very unlikely winner takes out the big prize at the Melbourne Cup - but how much is too much when it comes to price of the o…

1
Kate Ross: Swivel Careers founder on students struggling to find summer jobs amid increased competition 3:21

2h ago3:21

3:21

Students looking for summer work are struggling to land roles, as there's enormous competition for entry-level roles. Retail NZ says businesses are seeing a 'much higher calibre' of potential applicants looking for jobs. Swivel Careers founder Kate Ross says even people with full qualifications are finding it tough to land the right roles. "There's…

1
Todd Stephenson: ACT Party MP says public servants should use Uber rather than taxis to save money 3:24

5h ago3:24

3:24

There's suggestions that public servants should be allowed to use Uber and other rideshare services over taxis to save money. ACT has written to new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche - calling for more ways to improve value-for-money. ACT MP Todd Stephenson says there are inconsistent rules across the public sector - and everyone should b…

1
Willow-Jean Prime: Labour Spokesperson for Children criticises Chris Luxon's lack of knowledge about bootcamp legislation 4:23

3h ago4:23

4:23

Labour's criticising the Prime Minister regarding his knowledge of legislation on bootcamps. The Government is crafting law to allow the use of force for restraining youth offenders at the military-style academies. The Prime Minister has said he wasn't aware there were suggestions force could be used. Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime says that's not oka…

1
Thomas Coughlan: NZ Herald deputy political editor on the mood on the eve of the 2024 US election 3:51

3h ago3:51

3:51

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are making their final pushes for the presidency on the eve of election day. Harris is spending the day in the largest battleground state, Pennsylvania, and Trump's turned his attention to North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Michigan. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan is in Pennsylvania. He says everyone …

1
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Labour's Peeni Henare calling for investigation into Ōpōtiki police raid 6:22

3h ago6:22

6:22

Labour's Peeni Henare is calling for an inquiry into a police raid in Ōpōtiki on properties with ties to the Mongrel Mob, with arrests and asset seizures. There've been accusations women were strip-searched and a three year old child was left alone. Police Minister Mark Mitchell denies children were left alone - and questions the claim of strip sea…

1
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on the Australian Reserve Bank holding rates at 4.35 percent 4:13

6h ago4:13

4:13

There's still no relief for Australian homeowners as the RBA leaves rates unchanged at 4.35 percent. This decision falls in line with expectations from economists - as the nation grapples with the impacts of high inflation. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says it's looking more likely the Reserve Bank will not start cutting rates until 2025. L…

1
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the Breakers beating Melbourne United in NBL 3:11

4h ago3:11

3:11

The Breakers are celebrating their latest victory after Monday night's basketball blowout. They have consolidated top spot on the Australian NBL basketball ladder after dispatching hosts Melbourne United 113-79. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked this victory further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Mick Guerin: racing commentator unpacks the contenders in the 2024 Melbourne Cup 6:16

7h ago6:16

6:16

The 2024 Melbourne Cup is upon us- and it's a big day for gambling fans. The TAB says this is one of the biggest days for the platform, with Kiwis projected to spend up to $30 million on betting. Racing commentator Mick Guerin says there's three Kiwi-trained horses in the mix - but they're long-shots to win. "We lose a lot of our best talent, much …

1
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the ongoing rescue efforts following flash flooding in Spain 3:50

1d ago3:50

3:50

Over in Spain, efforts have begun to search an underground carpark in Valencia - where authorities fear may more be dead after last week's flash flooding. The deadliest flash flood in modern Spanish history has killed over 217 people so far, with dozens more still unaccounted for. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says angry crowds have confronted King F…

1
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on financial markets factoring in Trump winning the presidency 4:04

1d ago4:04

4:04

48 hours ahead of the US presidential election, financial markets are gearing up for a Trump victory. Polls indicate the election result will be close, and some experts are warning people not to adjust just yet. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacks the potential financial implications ahead of election day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com…

1
Steve Jurkovich: Kiwibank CEO on the new report revealing millennials feel locked out of the housing market 6:15

1d ago6:15

6:15

A new survey from Kiwibank reveals a majority of Kiwis think owning a home is crucial to getting ahead in New Zealand - but many feel locked out of the market. Over two-thirds of non-owners feel pessimistic about home ownership, with millennials in particular believing they won't get on the property ladder. Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich says people …

1
The Huddle: Trump v Harris - who do we think will win? 10:21

22h ago10:21

10:21

Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 48 hours to go until the US election - who do we think is going to win? Kamala's pulling ahead in the polls, but is this victory guaranteed? Brian and Hannah Tamaki were in court to…

1
Full Show Podcast: 04 November 2024 1:40:38

13m ago1:40:38

1:40:38

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 4 November 2024, US pollster Henry Olsen tells Heather whether the shock poll from Iowa could spell bad news for Republicans in other swing states - and his gut feel on the election result. Finance Minister Nicola Willis weighs in on whether Chris Luxon should have called voters 'c…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister defends Prime Minister Chris Luxon describing voters as 'customers' in sit-down interview 8:49

22h ago8:49

8:49

The Finance Minister says Chris Luxon's description of voters in a recent sit-down interview was a 'slip of the tongue' as part of his corporate background. In a new episode of 30 with Guyon Espiner, the Prime Minister referred to voters as 'customers' - and defended claims that he was out of touch with New Zealanders Nicola Willis says Luxon is fo…

1
Mark Mitchell: Police Minister defends deporting 11 Vietnamese nationals as part of drug bust 4:46

1d ago4:46

4:46

The Police Minister has defended deporting 11 Vietnamese nationals, believed to be part of an organised crime group, after a major drug bust. The operation targeted 30 rented Auckland properties. About 3000 plants were destroyed, along with 48 kilograms of dried cannabis - valued at $18 million. But Mark Mitchell says deporting looked to be less of…

1
Erica Stanford: Education Minister on the Government's new 'intensive' maths tutoring programme 3:17

1d ago3:17

3:17

The Government is trialling an intensive maths tutoring programme to pick up students falling behind. It'll run over the first two terms of next year, for about 2,000 Year 7 and 8 pupils. The trial will use small-group tutoring and supervised online tuition for 30 minutes, up to four times a week. Education Minister Erica Stanford says it's the fir…

1
Steve Cullen: lawyer on Brian and Hannah Tamaki facing trial over Covid-19 rule breaches 2:12

1d ago2:12

2:12

There's high expectations for a lawyer's tactics in defending Brian and Hannah Tamaki. The pair are facing court over organising protests in Auckland during Covid-19 lockdowns. Brian Tamaki faces four counts of breaching the Covid-19 Public Health Response Act, with possible penalties of up to six months in prison and thousands in fines. Lawyer Ste…

1
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Chris Luxon referring to voters as 'customers' in sit-down interview 6:05

1d ago6:05

6:05

Prime Minister Chris Luxon raised a few eyebrows after he called voters 'customers' in a sit-down interview. Luxon later clarified to RNZ that he didn't need to scrap the corporate speak - and defended the claim that he was out of touch. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says voters should be encouraged to expect things from politicians…

1
Henry Olsen: political analyst on Kamala Harris beating out Donald Trump in Iowa poll 4:29

1d ago4:29

4:29

There's questions whether polls from Iowa will affect Republicans on election day. Donald Trump previously won the state in 2016 and 2020 - but is three percentage points behind Democratic candidate Kamala Harris Political analyst Henry Olsen says those figures seem out of step with Iowa's usual trend. "I can see Trump doing a little worse, but it'…

1
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Virgin Australia calling out politicians for flying Qantas 5:24

1d ago5:24

5:24

Most Australian politicians and their staffers have opted to fly Qantas, despite rules stating the cheaper fare must be chosen. Virgin Australia has raised concerns - and pointed out the preference for the pricier airline is costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars every year. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Virgin's services lea…

1
Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on Auckland FC beating out the Wellington Phoenix 3:27

1d ago3:27

3:27

Auckland FC are jubilant after becoming the second team in history to win their first three franchise A-League games. A critical error from Wellington Phoenix keeper Josh Oluwayemi saw Jake Brimmer grab his first of two in the Kiwi derby in the Capital. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recaps the season further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener f…

1
Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Luxon's corporate speak is not a big deal 2:38

1d ago2:38

2:38

The latest thing that isn't a big deal but will have a big deal made of it - because it's the Prime Minister - is that Chris Luxon has called us voters 'customers'. He did it in a sit down interview where he was asked about being seen as out of touch, and he was saying he was because he talks to people all the time. He said -“It’s been a belief sys…

1
Nigel Messervy and Joel Wilton: Havelock North school principals on the Education Ministry scrapping Hawke’s Bay school bus service 5:37

1d ago5:37

5:37

A school bus service that has operated in Hawke's Bay for the last two decades has been cut by the Education Ministry - impacting plenty of students, parents and educators. The Ministry has cut the Clive school bus service after a review, claiming there were public buses the students could use instead. Havelock North Intermediate principal Nigel Me…

1
Full Show Podcast: 01 November 2024 1:41:04

44m ago1:41:04

1:41:04

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 1 November 2024, there's worry that police will stop attending some mental health callouts from Monday - but Health NZ doesn't have a plan to deal with the additional work. A Canterbury University professor says students literacy skills are shocking and he wants unis to become more…

1
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on rising death toll in Spain following worst flooding disaster in decades, more victims come forward with allegations against former Harrods owner 4:19

4d ago4:19

4:19

Death toll rises while rescue efforts continue in Spain as it mops up following its worst flooding disaster in decades. At least 158 people are now confirmed dead and dozens more missing after huge rains swept the eastern province of Valencia and beyond. More than 400 alleged victims or witnesses have come forward to lawyers over allegations of sex…

1
Peter Lewis: Asia Business Correspondent on China considering $1.4 trillion loan to boost economy 6:38

13m ago6:38

6:38

China is said to be considering approving an additional $1.4 trillion in borrowing to boost the economy. Plus, Asia Business correspondent Peter Lewis shares how the US election is being discussed in China. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Kate Acland: Chair of Beef + Lamb NZ on FTA deal with Gulf nations 2:54

4d ago2:54

2:54

Industry groups are rejoicing at the news of a trade deal with several Middle Eastern countries. The deal concludes an almost two-decade effort by successive New Zealand governments and eliminates almost all tariffs on kiwi exports toBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Chair of Beef + Lamb NZ Kate Acland tells Heather du Plessis…

1
Sports Huddle: Joe Marler, benching Damian McKenzie, A-League kiwi derby, Liam Lawson the nice guy 10:07

4d ago10:07

10:07

Newstalk ZB Sportsreader Andrew Alderson and Sport News Director Clay Wilson join Heather du Plessis-Allan for the Sports Huddle to discuss Joe Marler’s apology over his Haka comments, benching Damian McKenzie, the first A-League kiwi derby, and Liam Lawson’s nice guy persona. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Nick Becker: Auckland FC CEO on claims of threats of violence ahead of Wellington Phoenix v Auckland FC derby 4:23

4d ago4:23

4:23

Extra security has been added for Saturday’s derby between Wellington Phoenix and newcomers Auckland FC amid claims of threats of organised violence from visiting fans on social media. Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the claims of threats are absolute nonsense. “I’ve asked Wellington to send me their proof and they haven’…

1
Elliott Smith: Newstalk ZB rugby commentator on All Blacks v England match 3:31

4d ago3:31

3:31

The All Blacks will face England at Twickenham on Sunday morning NZT. The kiwi side sees Beauden Barrett start at first five, Jordie Barrett return from injury and Ethan de Groot dropped for failing to meet ‘internal standards’. Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Elliott Smith tells Heather du Plessis-Allan Beauden Barrett at 10 is the “right move” as a…

1
Tegan Rose Vickery: More Than Just A Fashion Show organiser on granting of liquor license for Suicide Prevention event 2:48

4d ago2:48

2:48

A Suicide Prevention fundraiser in Dunedin has been granted a liquor license at a special hearing, despite concerns from Police and others that it would be inappropriate at such an event. ‘More Than Just A Fashion Show’ will be held at Wall Street mall tomorrow night, with proceeds going towards the Life Matters Suicide Prevention Trust. Event orga…

1
Helen Garrick: Mental Health Section Chair of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation on health workers at risk as police stop attending mental health callouts 3:55

4d ago3:55

3:55

Mental health nurses are worried the public, patients and health workers will be put at risk when Police stop attending some mental health callouts. From Monday, Police won’t attend ‘low risk callouts’ where there is no immediate risk to life and safety. Instead, Health NZ is expected to pick up the work. Leaked documents show only interim standard…

1
Barry Soper: Senior Political Correspondent on FTA deal with Gulf nations and Takuta Ferris in trouble again 4:57

4d ago4:57

4:57

A free-trade agreement has been struck with the six Gulf nations, after an almost two-decade effort by successive kiwi governments. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper tells Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zealand should look forward to this deal with great enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Te Paati Māori is in trouble again as MP Takuta Ferris makes inap…

1
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigning in Nevada, Stop the Steal campaign, and Trump suing CBS for $10 billion 5:18

4d ago5:18

5:18

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both campaigning in Nevada tonight. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the Republicans have a stronghold on the state but that Harris is coming up. Meanwhile, Trump supporters are ramping up their ‘Stop the Steal’ campaign as they spread the belief that Trump can only lose the election …

1
Mike Grimshaw: Associate Professor of Sociology at Canterbury University on number of tertiary students who are "functionally illiterate" at crisis level 6:12

4d ago6:12

6:12

A university lecturer has fired shots at the education system, claiming the number of tertiary students who are “functionally illiterate” is at crisis level. Associate Professor of Sociology at Canterbury University Mike Grimshaw believes New Zealand is under-educating and over-qualifying. He tells Heather du Plessis-Allanit’s a wider societal issu…

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Haka drama is back 2:16

15m ago2:16

2:16

The Haka drama is back today, isn't it? Because Joe Marler has now backtracked completely on what he said and has apologised for it and specifically has apologised to New Zealand fans for, in his words, “my poorly articulated tweet earlier in the week, I meant no malice New Zealand”. What have you done? Are we honestly that sensitive about the haka…

1
The Only 3 Reasons You’re Not Making Sales 20:25

1h ago20:25

20:25

Episode 98: If you’re struggling to make sales in your online business, when you boil everything down, there are really only 3 fundamental things you need to look at to figure out why nobody is buying. In this episode, we break everything down and explain what these 3 things are, how to identify which issues are affecting your business, and steps y…

1
Enda Brady: UK correspondent unpacks the 2024 Budget 4:28

5d ago4:28

4:28

Over in the UK, chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled her first Budget in the role. The budget will raise taxes by £40 billion, the capital gains and inheritance taxes have been increased, minimum wage will increase by 6.7 percent - and a new 10-year plan for the NHS has been unveiled. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this has been dubbed the 'shoc…

1
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on red meat prices improving after economic downturn 3:38

5d ago3:38

3:38

There's green shoots emerging for New Zealand's struggling red meat sector, according to new reports. The Meat Industry Association claims exports to China in August were down 50 percent to $107 million compared with the same time last year. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

1
Jonathan Milne: Newsroom Pro managing editor on AG1's founder resigning following criminal history investigation 7:58

5d ago7:58

7:58

Plenty of celebrities have expressed their support for supplement giant AG1 - but an investigation has dug up some questionable details about the company's founder. Founder Chris Ashenden has resigned amid a Newsroom investigation that raised questions over his criminal history and unpaid fines and reparations by his now-defunct firms. Newsroom Pro…

1
Liam Dann: NZ Herald business editor at large on the economic impact of the US election 4:00

5d ago4:00

4:00

It's less than a week until voters in the US will cast their ballots and determine a new president - and experts are wondering about the economic impacts. No matter who wins, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have policies that could have implications regarding the future of international business. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann exp…

1
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Mike King's controversial comments about alcohol 5:29

5d ago5:29

5:29

Gumboot Friday founder Mike King has come under fire following his recent comments about alcohol. In an interview with Newstalk ZB yesterday, King said alcohol can stop negative thoughts - and could be a solution to mental health. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these comments missed the mark, but Labour is wrong to call for Gumb…

1
Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denying Qantas flight upgrade accusations 3:18

5d ago3:18

3:18

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has continued to deny he called former head Alan Joyce up to seek free flight upgrades. Albanese has been engaging in a days-long back-and-fourth denial after allegations surfaced in a new book - and the opposition has been running with this ahead of the election. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says …

1
Full Show Podcast: 31 October 2024 1:40:38

1h ago1:40:38

1:40:38

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 31 October 2024, Interislander boss Duncan Roy speaks to Heather after an investigation found the people in charge of the Aratere ferry had no idea how to stop the autopilot when the ferry grounded in June. Labour is calling for funding to Gumboot Friday to be paused after Mike K…

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