It's unclear how far meth-laced lollies could have been taken across Auckland. The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were donated to Auckland City Mission, and given out in food parcels. Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says each lolly has about 300 doses of meth. She says even a single suck is dangerous. "There's still a range of effects,…

The UK's inflation rate has risen for the first time since December, ticking up to 2.2 percent in the year to July. According to experts, this rise is largely due to prices of gas and electricity falling by less than they did in 2023. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this increase was expected - but it's not good for the economy. LISTEN ABOVE See o…

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces have now gained control of 74 settlements in Russia's Kursk region. The governor of Russia’s border area of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, has declared a region-wide state of emergency - and is appealing to President Putin to declare a federal emergency. New Voice of Ukraine editor Euan MacDonald s…

Several Kiwi businesses have expressed relief as the Reserve Bank announces cuts to the OCR. The cash rate has been dropped 25 basis points to 5.25 percent - the first significant cut to the OCR since 2020. Milford Asset Management's Katlyn Parker unpacks the wider market response. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

There's shock and excitement across the nation, as the Reserve Bank makes cuts to the OCR for the first time since 2020. The Bank's slashed the cash rate by 25 basis points to 5.25 percent. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks what brought this change on - and what caused Governor Adrian Orr to announce this. LISTEN ABOVE S…

The Reserve Bank says several factors are driving down inflation. It's cut the Official Cash Rate to 5.25 percent, saying it's now confident inflation is returning to the one-to-three percent target range. The Government is claiming credit for the turn-around - saying tax cuts and government spending cuts have been reducing inflationary pressure. Z…

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Jack Tame rom ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR down by 25 basis points for the first time since 2020. Are we surprised by this news? What will this do for the mood of the nation? There's tens…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 14 August 2024 -a huge u-turn from the Reserve Bank with a cut to the Official Cash Rate today. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell and ASB boss Vittoria Short speak to Heather about the move. Drug Foundation boss Sarah Helm tells Heather what we know about the meth lo…

The boss of Health NZ needs to go. Her job is no longer tenable after the stunt that was pulled yesterday, where her management team gave a presentation to other staff proposing that the way they would save money was to cut nearly 500 doctors and nearly 1500 nurses. It doesn't look like Margie Apa can plead ignorance or innocence on this one, becau…

ASB is welcoming the news that the Reserve Bank has cut the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points. This comes after the bank's run of record annual profits ended with a 10 percent fall in its cash profit as borrowing demand slowed down. Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says today's OCR cut comes at a perfect time. "I think it's a really good thing f…

The Children's Minister says it's unsurprising a young offender has dropped out of the Government boot camp pilot just two weeks in. Participants can opt out under current legislation, although the Government plans to amend the law. Minister Karen Chhour says she won't go into detail on why they left, to protect their privacy, but staff expected th…

Wellington Council is copping backlash for spending over $84,000 on a bike rack that goes largely unused. Reports claim the bike rack only sees an average of just 2.7 bikes per week - even during busy days. One Wellington cyclist, Richard Martin, has lambasted this move as the council warns of rate hikes and water shortages. "We're facing 17 percen…

It's the start of a significant turnaround for the economy - as the Reserve Bank slashes the OCR for the first time since 2020. It's dropped the cash rate 25-basis points to 5.25 percent. Former Reserve Bank economist, Michael Reddell says Governor Orr's post-announcement claims about the economy don't stack up. "It's not as if some big event has h…

The United Auto Workers union has taken swift legal action against Donald Trump and Elon Musk following some comments they made during the infamous X livestream. The organisation is filing federal labour charges after Musk and Trump allegedly threatened and intimidated workers who chose to strike. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this won't hel…

Health New Zealand's boss says his plan is to strengthen the clinical frontline - and it won't be cut or reduced. Commissioner Lester Levy has emailed staff to address a presentation yesterday, that suggested significant frontline cuts. He told them that directly conflicts with his thinking, and should be dismissed. Auckland University Emeritus Pro…

The proverb 'patience is a virtue' might well be written on the walls of the All Blacks hotel rooms in Auckland this week as they seek a much improved performance against Argentina. Coach Scott Robertson will be focused on improving the team's performance following their loss in Wellington. Ahead of tomorrow's squad reveal, Sportstalk host D'Arcy W…

Over in the UK, several Labour MPs have deleted their X accounts amid concerns about the platform. A group of newly-elected MPs have raised the alarm about the role X (formerly Twitter) played in spreading misinformation and harm during the far-right-led riots across the nation. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this could start a discussion about t…

The Reserve Bank is set to issue their latest OCR update tomorrow - and experts are divided about the outcome. Some economists are predicting rate cuts will come now, while others believe the Reserve Bank will hold steady and announce cuts later in the year. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says the Reserve Bank needs to lay the groundwor…

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Paddy Gower and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The country's largest gas user, Methanex, will shut its plant until the end of October and has agreed to sell the gas to power companies Contact and Genesis. Given the options we had, is this…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 August 2024, Contact Energy CEO Mike Fuge tells Heather about the deal his company struck with Methanex to secure the country's gas supply. We're back in court at the Polkinghorne trial where the pathologist who examined Pauline Hanna's injuries gave evidence. The Government's …

New Plymouth's mayor says it's time for a cross-party energy strategy. Neil Holdom has a background in the energy industry, and is asking the Labour Party to support oil and gas exploration - onshore and off - through to 2050. Labour banned it while in Government. Holdom says Labour has an opportunity to come and work on a joint policy that offers …

NIWA has unveiled its new state of the art super-computer - worth $20 million. It's the fourth the agency's bought since 1999, with up to three times more power than its predecessor. Rob Murdoch, NIWA's deputy chief executive, says the technology will help model potential weather disasters. "Which is important when you have to think about things li…

Researchers are hoping take advantage of new gene technology regulations as soon as possible. The Government's planning to introduce legislation this year to let researchers develop and commercialise gene tech products - outside laboratories. AgResearch Science Team Lead Richard Scott says taking it out of the lab will speed progress and reduce red…

Elon Musk's virtual interview with Donald Trump today was overshadowed by a technical glitch. The X (formerly Twitter) owner teased the interview as unscripted and highly entertaining, with no subject limits. But online traffic overloaded the platform with many struggling to access the live 'space'. US correspondent Nick Harper says Musk blamed it …

The pathologist who did Pauline Hanna's autopsy has taken the stand in Phillip Polkinghorne's murder trial. The Auckland eye doctor is accused of killing his wife, Hanna, in 2021 - although his defence claims she killed herself. The court's heard today from Doctor Kilak Kesha. ZB's Chelsea Daniels says Kesha detailed seeing a belt impression on Han…

There's praise for a deal to free up gas to help keep the country's lights on. The nation's biggest gas user, Methanex, will shut down Kiwi operations until October - and is selling its gas to Contact Energy and Genesis Energy. It'll let them generate more power to combat a supply shortage that's sent power prices skyrocketing. Contact Energy CEO M…

The Government says it's overturning a nearly-30 year ban on genetic technology to bring us up to speed with the rest of the world. Science Minister Judith Collins says legislation ending the ban will be introduced to Parliament by the end of the year. A dedicated regulator will also be established to oversee gene technology applications. ZB senior…

Investigations are continuing into yesterday's fatal helicopter crash in Far North Queensland. The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns was evacuated after a stolen helicopter crashed into the hotel roof early yesterday morning, sparking a massive explosion. The pilot - the only occupant of the helicopter - died. Australian correspondent Murray Old…

Warriors halfback Shaun Johnson's recovered from his hamstring injury and will return for their NRL encounter against the Sea Eagles in Manly on Friday. Fresh off his retirement announcement, Johnson's joining the squad in Sydney, alongside fellow returnees Luke Metcalf, Adam Pompey and Marcelo Montoya. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains fu…

A Wellington high school has been forced to close after a shock finding revealed 13 classrooms are earthquake prone. Wellington Girls' College claims the Ministry of Education never informed them the Brook block only met 15 percent of earthquake standards. It's now having to roster students to work from home, while an alternative campus is organise…

Thousands of residents are being evacuated from their homes as a large wildfire continues to rage north of Athens, with flames leaping as high as 25m. The historic site of Marathon is among the areas where residents are being moved to safety by the emergency services. UK correspondent Gavin Grey unpacks the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVE See om…

The Reserve Bank is set to make a call on the Official Cash Rate this week, and experts are feeling hopeful. While economists are divided on the outcome, markets have priced in possible rate cuts going forward. Shane Solly from Harbour Asset Management explains what we can expect. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Nearly three-quarters of builders think the industry is in for another tough financial year, according to new data. 650 Kiwi builders were consulted in a new EBoss survey, with 67 percent of respondents reporting less projects and 70 percent claiming industry conditions will only get worse in the coming months. Matt Duder from EBoss says builders o…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 12 August 2024, the Government is getting tougher on beneficiaries. Social Development Minister Louise Upston tells Heather why jobseekers need to reapply for the benefit every six months from now. Chelsea Daniels has the latest developments from the Polkinghorne trial where Paulin…

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! The Olympics are over and done with - what did we think? What were our favourite moments? The Police Association and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee have been butting heads …

The Finance Minister is open to all options when it comes to increasing competitiveness in the banking sector. The Commerce Commission is expected to deliver their report examining banking competition issues - and drafts have hinted changes need to take place. Minister Nicola Willis says she's awaiting next week's findings. "I've committed that I w…

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Police Association won't be left out of consultation on the firearms registry. Association President Chris Cahill has penned an open letter asking for Nicole McKee's role in reviewing the law to be stripped and given to the Police Minister. McKee says the association wasn't asked for early consultati…

Famed Australian children's band, The Wiggles, will be headlining an upcoming dance festival for kids this summer. Anthony, John, Tsehay and DJ Dorothy will be performing at the Sound System Dance Party at Baypark Arena on January 5. Event promoter Mitch Lowe says there's a market for events catering to younger audiences. "The reception's been craz…

Week three of Phillip Polkinghorne's murder trial has kicked off with testimony from Pauline Hanna's niece. The Auckland eye doctor's accused of murdering his wife in 2021, but his defence claims she killed herself. The court's today heard from Hanna's niece, Rose, who made a covert recording played last week - in which Pauline discussed issues wit…

The Social Development Minister says new sanctions will give beneficiaries less choice for spending money. The Government is ramping up obligations for those on Jobseeker benefits, and a Traffic Light System of punishments when they aren't met. People hitting 'Red' can expect half their benefit income to be put on a payment card, used only for acce…

Prime Minister Luxon has congratulated the Kiwi athletes after a record-shattering Olympic Games - but claimed hosting a victory parade would be difficult. The idea of a post-Olympics victory parade was floated to the Prime Minister, but Luxon says arranging this event isn't as easy as it sounds. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says t…

Investigations are under way in Cairns into whether a helicopter that crashed into a hotel in the middle of the night was stolen. The pilot died after hitting the DoubleTree by Hilton about 2am, with propeller blades landing in its pool and the main street. New reports claim charter company Nautilus Aviation say its helicopter was stolen, and polic…

The All Blacks are hoping to bounce back this weekend following their recent 38-30 loss to Argentina. The team has completed their usual Monday review session before prepping for Saturday's rematch at Eden Park. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

A former Labour leader's broken ranks with his Party, in supporting AUKUS pillar two. Former Defence Minister Andrew Little has claimed the current Government is right to investigate the military intelligence-sharing agreement with the US, the UK, and Australia. Little says the nation needs to update its defence technology to address possible threa…

Another problem for Aratere. The Interislander ferry's expected to be out of action for a few days after crashing into the dock in Wellington. More than 100 passengers and 40 crew were on board - none was injured. Maritime Lawyer Troy Stade told Heather du Plessis-Allan that speaking with the crew, there are concerns generally about how things have…

Today on the Sports Huddle Heather was joined by Sports Commentators Nicky Styris and Jim Kayes too look at some of the stories coming out of the Olympics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

The knives appear to be out for Auckland Transport. Wayne Brown's putting forward a proposal to strip AT of its policymaking functions and have elected representatives control it. It also includes plans to abolish the council’s development agency and its events and economic development agency. He'll need the backing of councillors, and in the case …

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 9 August 2024, Pan Pac Managing Director Tony Clifford explains why sky-high electricity prices have meant he's had to stop Hawkes Bay's paper pulp mill. Christchurch City Councillor Tim Scandrett reacts to news that the Christ Church Cathedral is set to be mothballed as it's run ou…

This year’s Olympic medals don’t seem to be up to standard. A US Olympic skateboarder has criticised the quality of his bronze medal after it began to deteriorate only a week after he won it. The backside of the medal is chipped, and it’s already losing its bronze colour. Former Olympian Ian Ferguson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that his are 40 ye…

Nicola Willis has made the right call to not give any more taxpayer money to the Christ Church Cathedral rebuild. It’s tough call. It's got consequences, as they’re saying, it looks like the Cathedral night be mothballed because they can’t figure out how else to raise the money. But frankly, the country can’t afford to give them another $60 million…