Kiwi wine company Selaks has launched its first 5 percent offering amid increased demand for alcohol-free and low-alcohol beverages. Selaks Origins Breeze 5% promises a low alcohol experience, with each bottle containing three standard drinks. General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Olly Wilson, says this gives consumers more choice. "This is the f…

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Kiwiblog's David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Insurance companies are bringing in extra money - IAG posted a profit increase of 1000 percent. Whar do we make of this. Police will be cracking down on parents who smoke in the…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 21 August 2024, Philip Polkinghorne's finances have been laid bare during his murder trial today. Chelsea Daniels tells Heather the court was told the eye-watering amount he spent on sex workers. IAG insurance has seen a 1000% rise in profit - Heather grills IAG NZ chief executive …

Sky TV is recording a 3.7 percent drop in net after-tax profit, with its customer base at the lowest level in five years. The provider says it's dealing with challenging market conditions - and had to slow down marketing while it sorted out technical issues with its Sky Box. Chief executive Sophie Moloney says they've lost a 'disappointing' number …

IAG, the country's largest insurer, has reported a significant increase in insurance profit in the 12 months to the end of June. The company, which owns the State, AMI and NZI brands, said it had collected 19 percent more in premiums from retail customers in New Zealand than in the previous year. Chief executive Amanda Whiting says the company has …

Should New Zealand adopt Australia's stricter licensing approach? The AA's pushing for change, prompted by figures showing 18 to 24 year old drivers in New Zealand are three times more likely to die on our roads than the same cohort in Australia. It has commissioned research by Adelaide University - which suggests Australia's tougher penalties and …

A legal expert is rejecting the legitimacy of research into police bias. A two-year inquiry commissioned by police suggests there are ongoing inequities in treatment depending on people's race, sexuality, gender, and mental health. It's found Māori men are more likely to be stopped, tasered, and prosecuted, compared with Pakeha. Lawyer Steve Cullen…

I'm very much on the side of the cops over whether they should be pinging people for smoking in cars with kids. You'll have caught up on this by now - we've found out police have not been enforcing the law since it was passed three years ago, they haven’t issued a single fine over it, and it's deliberate. And the Police Union says the reason is bec…

A deep dive into Philip Polkinghorne's finances - and payments for sex - was carried out as his murder trial hits its halfway point. The eye surgeon is accused of killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, in their Remuera home in 2021. The Court today's heard about the large sums Polkinghorne paid to numerous sex workers. Newstalk ZB's Chelsea Daniels says …

Former First Lady Michelle Obama drew in a standing ovation during her speech at the Democratic National Convention. She and Barack Obama turned up to the Chicago event to endorse Kamala Harris and get some jabs in against Donald Trump. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Michelle stole the show before the former president delivered …

The Obamas turned up to address party faithful at the Democratic National Convention. The former President and First Lady together endorsed Kamala Harris at the event, ahead of Harris formally accepting the presidential nomination. US correspondent Logan Church says Michelle Obama came out with some fiery language in her speech. "She's always been …

The coach of world tennis number one Jannik Sinner admits the cloud of a potential doping ban has taken its toll on the young Italian star. Sinner's been fined and stripped of ranking points - but cleared of any suspension for a pair of positive tests for an anabolic steroid in March. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the controversy. LISTE…

Wellington-based iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira has asked ACT leader David Seymour to front up and debate the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik has labelled Seymour's suggestions to have a national conversation about the Treaty a 'charade'. Modlik says he hopes this debate will receive plenty of media coverag…

A new book has revealed what the late Queen Elizabeth really thought of former President Donald Trump. According to A Voyage Around The Queen, the deceased ruler found Trump to be 'very rude' during his visits to the UK in 2018 and 2019. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this contradicts Trump's claim that he was her favourite guest hosted at Windso…

Homeowners have been able to breathe a sigh of relief following the Reserve Bank's decision to cut the OCR. The cash rate was cut by 25 basis points after their August meeting, down to 5.25 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains that the RBNZ had to meet expectations to keep the economy in check. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listene…

There's green shoots returning to the housing market, according to the Real Estate Institute. REINZ data shows the volume of sales rose 14.5 percent year-on-year and nearly 20 percent month-on-month. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks what this news means following the recent OCR cut. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Darleen Tana has maintained that they're not leaving Parliament and they'll fight back against the Green Party's attempts to oust her. Do we think the Greens will take the ris…

Mercury Energy has lifted its net profit by 159 percent in the June year to $290 million. The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and financial instruments came to $877m, up 4 percent on the previous year. Mercury CEO Vince Hawksworth has pushed back against accusations of profiteering from Minister Shane Jones. "If …

For once, we have a Commerce Commission study that isn’t going nowhere. Nicola Willis says she's going to do what the Commerce Commission has recommended in the banking study out today - and she'll do all 14 recommendations. This is a little surprise, isn’t it? Because we have got very used to these studies coming out and pretty much nothing of any…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 20 August 2024, the Finance Minister has declared war on the "cosy pillow fights" between the big banks. Darleen Tana tells Heather they won't leave Parliament and is pushing back at the "cancel culture" that led to their ousting from the Green Party. Mercury Energy boss Vince Haw…

Darleen Tana says they have support within the Green Party to stay. They've refused the Party's repeated requests to resign from Parliament. Tana today argued Parliament's proportionality isn't affected, because Te Pati Maori is submitting their vote via proxy - aligned with Green positions. Tana says they're not staying for the money, but because …

New reports have unveiled a disturbing discovery in Sydney's drinking water. 'Forever chemicals' with links to cancer have been found in several drinking catchments across the region - that serve millions of Australians. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says investigations are still ongoing into the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystud…

The Climate Change Minister believes slashing 24 million carbon credits will fix the struggling Emissions Trading Scheme. Companies buy the credits in quarterly auctions - to offset their pollution output. Repeated failures to sell credits triggered the Climate Change Commission to advise there are too many cheap units available, in order to drive …

The Finance Minister aims to put an end to the 'cosy pillow fight' between banks and bolster sector competition. A Commerce Commission report has found that the four big Australian-owned banks are turning high profits, far out-stripping international peers. The Commission has recommends open banking practices and tweaks to Reserve Bank rules to eas…

Joe Biden's reflected on his legacy - and laid a case against Donald Trump in a rousing address. The President's speech ended the first day of the Democratic National Convention, where Kamala Harris will accept the presidential nomination. Biden says Harris will be a President the nation can be proud of - and will put her stamp on America's future.…

After three years of planning, Team NZ is set to compete in the 2024 America's Cup. On August 22, the six America’s Cup teams will take to the water in their new AC75 race vessels for the third and final preliminary regatta before the moments that truly matter. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/list…

There's belief the Christ Church Cathedral will be rebuilt eventually, despite ongoing funding issues. The Reinstatement Group has announced it's pausing work - until more funding is found. The Finance Minister confirmed this month that no more cash will go to the project, leaving it short $85 million. Project chair Mark Stewart says the Government…

The UK Government has established emergency measures to ease prison overcrowding as more rioters are being sentenced for their role in the recent unrest. The system, known as Operation Early Dawn, means defendants waiting for a court appearance will be kept in police cells until prison space is available. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says hundreds o…

Logistics and courier company Freightways has recorded a 5.8 percent decrease in net profit after weathering what its leaders believe to be the worst of the economic cycle in New Zealand and Australia. Freightways announced its 2024 results to the NZX on Monday. It reported net profit after tax of $70.9 million, a reduction from its 2023 result tha…

BNZ’s performance of services index - which measures sentiment across services firms - was up 3.9 points to 44.6 in July from a rock-bottom level of 40.7 in June. While it’s better than June it’s still a very low result - a result below 50 indicates activity is contracting for the fifth straight month. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explain…

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's growing calls to bring back the Wellington-Auckland sleeper train as an alternative to pricey air travel. Is this a good idea? The Government has announced a new crackdown on…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday 19 August - The Government is facing pressure to encourage households to reduce their gas usage. Is this a good idea? Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie unpacks this. Police have voiced concerns about the 'organised criminal element' within the increase in boy r…

The Government has seen support in the latest political poll. The 1News Verian poll has National on 38 percent, ACT on 7 and New Zealand First on 6. Christopher Luxon has jumped 5 percent to 28 percent as preferred Prime Minister. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it's good to see. "We don't watch the polls too closely, they go up and down, but I…

A driving instructor says one student drove 500 kilometres to sit his full licence test because of months-long wait times. Counties Driving School's Alistair McGregor says the man drove from Pukekohe to Dannevirke. The Government scrapped free driving test re-sits this year to cull long wait times. McGregor says it's taking time to see any effect. …

Support is re-igniting for a Wellington to Auckland sleeper train, as air fares soar. The idea was floated at a Wellington council meeting last week. Greater Wellington Regional Council climate chair Thomas Nash says tracks between Auckland and Wellington are seriously under-utilised. He says night trains are popular overseas, particularly in Europ…

One commentator says enforcement is critical for road safety. The Government's announced it wants 3.3 million roadside alcohol breath tests a year, with a $1.3 billion budget over three years. $7 million is for incentives for police - for when they meet targets. Greater Auckland transport blog director Matt Lowrie says police haven't done enough br…

The Police Minister says boy racers are terrorising communities throughout the country. Four police vehicles were rammed at a Waikato gathering over the weekend, and an officer suffered minor injuries. Police say a ute involved was stolen, with fake plates - and two people in the picture they've released weren't involved with the meet. Minister Mar…

The latest 1News-Verian poll is due to be released tonight - and it's generated plenty of speculation. The previous poll had National on 38 points, Labour on 29 points, the Green Party on 13 points, ACT at 7points and NZ First on 6 points. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlines what to expect. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listene…

The All Blacks have bounced back and defeated Argentina - but they'll need to maintain momentum for the Rugby Championships. While a convincing win in the rematch with Argentina was a big improvement on an upset loss in the competition opener - 35 of the 42 points they scored at Eden Park came in the first half. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains …

Sydney's long-awaited driverless metro train line has been launched, with up to 200,000 commuters being expected to use the service. The line runs from Chatswood in Sydney's north to Sydenham in the inner west via tunnels under Sydney Harbour. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the project is expected to draw in more international visito…

Experts have warned the Government that there isn't enough gas for both households and industry - meaning users could face increased prices and potential shortages. The Green Building Council says households need to be encouraged to reduce their gas usage, freeing up supply for industrial exporters. Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Ca…

Te Papa is going to start charging a $35 entry fee for international tourists starting next month. The national museum says it's because rising energy costs, insurance and paying staff is all becoming too expensive. The move's expected to bring in an additional $5-$10 million per year. Te Papa spokesperson Kate Camp told Heather du Plessis-Allan it…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 16 August 2024, the Waitangi Tribunal says the Government's Treaty Principals Bill is discriminatory and unfair. Former Waitangi Tribunal historian Dr Sam Carpenter explains what the issue is. Consumer NZ is hitting out at supermarkets and the Grocery Commissioner after news that s…

Not everyone loves the idea of LIV golf holding an event in Christchurch. Rumour has it that the saudi-backed breakaway competition is looking at holding a tournament in the garden city, possibly as soon as next year. LIV officials have visited christchurch golf club to have a look. Sir Bob Charles is a patron of that club and told Heather du Pless…

New Zealand and Australia have committed to working "in lock step" like never before over security issues. Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese have wrapped up their bilateral meeting in Canberra. Luxon says they have agreed to activate the alliance if either nation faces a severe cyber attack, and have invited defence ministers to renew closer t…

The Waitangi tribunal released it's first take on the government's Treaty Principles Bill and it doesn't like it. The tribunal says it's unfair and discriminatory - and should be abandoned. The prime minister has already pushed back, saying it's a coalition commitment with Act to pursue the bill to first reading. Former Waitangi tribunal historian,…

The Commerce Commission says shoppers are likely to be losing millions of dollars a year due to supermarket pricing errors. Grocery commissioner Pierre van Heerden has called them out for times when the price on the label doesn't match what you end up paying at the counter. He believes when that happens they need to give you the product for free. H…

The security around Taylor Swift has been strengthened ahead of the singer's London shows. Swift is set to perform five nights at Wembley Stadium in the UK capital in her first appearance on stage since a terror threat led to her Vienna shows getting cancelled. UK correspondent Enda Brady says fans without tickets have been asked not to gather outs…

A few years ago, the Metaverse was the biggest talking point in the world of technology. Meanwhile in 2024, the virtual platform has declined in popularity and the market has moved on. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what happened. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The Government's wide-reaching banking inquiry has been met with support from Federated Farmers. Banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre has claimed this inquiry will shine a light on the levels of competition, profitability and transparency in rural lending - information farmers have been waiting for. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LIS…