Larry Williams Drive

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday 16 December. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister isn't feeling too optimistic ahead of tomorrow's financial outlook update.  The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update will give Kiwis more insight into financial and economic forecasts for the next few years - in comparison with last May's Budget. Nicola Willis says the Government's inherited some very challenging economic conditions for their first year. "Tomorrow, the Treasury will share their updated forecasts and we will share our response to that. What we've been consistent in saying is - this is a time when we need to be very careful with how we spend New Zealanders' money." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Assistant Police Commissioner says a trip police officers took to China is no different to any Kiwi going on holiday. More than 30 police staffers visited in October.  Concerns have been raised over the potential for foreign interference, but police say it was a private, self-funded trip to encourage cultural competency. Sam Hoyle says individuals paid for every little part of the trip. "Our staff are allowed to travel to China - they did all the checks and everything sensible you expect people to do to take a holiday in China if you work for the New Zealand Government." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fijian resort at the centre of a suspected alcohol poisoning debacle is said to be cooperating with investigations. A number of Australians staying at the high-end Warwick Resort are understood to be critically ill after drinking Pina Coladas at its bar. Fiji Tourism CEO Brent Hill says investigations are underway. "The resort's been great - they're very distressed, but they have been really helpful. The bar person responsible for serving at the time has been there for 16 years, he's a long-standing employee."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The average New Zealand home chews twice as much data each month, as its Australian counterpart. Chorus recorded its busiest day for ultrafast broadband fibre on November 2, driven by an update to the video game, Fortnite. Of this year's 17 biggest spikes - 14 came from Fortnite updates. Chorus network strategy manager Kurt Rodgers says fibre is the main difference with Australia. "Fibre's really the key to having good quality broadband at home. The Australians have taken a different path, they've got multiple technologies, particularly a lot of copper." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a suite of reforms set to hold councils to account. The Local Government Act is being stripped of well-being requirements - as part of Cabinet efforts to prioritise the basics.  It will also benchmark performance with a yearly report on financial and delivery outcomes.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government is helping put council decisions back into the hands of ratepayers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Local Government Act is being scrubbed of requirements to consider social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being.  The Government says its reforms will refocus councils on basics - like fixing pipes, filling potholes, and delivering core services.  It will also benchmark council performance and modernise rules to drive cost savings.  Local Government Minister Simeon Brown says this'll stop councils spending lots of money on things they argue fit within the four well-being objectives.  "They won't be able to use that excuse when they go out to consult on their annual plans or their long-term plans as to why they want to spend money on those activities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian Prime Minister's thanking the Indonesian President as five men arrested almost two decades ago in a drug smuggling ring have returned to Australia. Five remaining members of the group known as the Bali Nine are back on Australian soil. The group was arrested in 2005 after an attempt to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin out of Indonesia. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says there are still plenty of questions lingering following the release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson has been dismissed for 156 - after recording his 33rd test century - as New Zealand build an imposing lead over England on day three of the third test in Hamilton. Moments ago the Black Caps were 353 for five, leading by 557, with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell at the crease. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic travel prices are rising as the year draws to a close. Stats NZ says fares rose nearly 11 percent in November on the month before - the biggest lift since July last year. Aviation commentator Peter Clark says, to a degree, it's down to supply and demand.  "Then I think sometimes the airline doesn't have the supply to offer, so they capitalise on filling every seat at the last minute - and know that they can demand a fairly high fare." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's worse than somebody who doesn't give a s*** about poor people and victims of domestic violence?  Somebody who says they care about them, spends billions of dollars in vain trying to fix it and actually makes the problem worse. At the weekend, Minister Karen Chhour launched the family violence action plan, which is basically a re-do of a 25-year plan that her predecessor, Marama Davidson, launched during her three years in office. And we all know the prevailing narrative - nobody cares about the poor and the downtrodden quite like the Greens. So, they had these two very important portfolios in the last Government - homelessness and family violence. People are already trolling poor Karen over her plan, but let's take a look back at the Greens' results, shall we? And remember - in the three years prior to the Greens, it was Labour in charge. So, fellow travellers, homelessness in the Census from 2023 - which is when Labour was booted out of office - those people living in severely deprived housing wa

Tonight on The Huddle, Sports Journalist Nicky Styris and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison talk all things sport.  Does Tim Southee deserve to play in the Black Caps test against England in Hamilton tomorrow?  The FIFA World Cup is going to Saudi Arabia and Kiwi's are complaining about it.  This and more on The Huddle.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is making changes to get more capital flowing around the economy.  Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bailey says he is going to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to invest in unlisted companies and assets.  Financial Services CEO Kirk Hope talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ferry debacle, what a way to finish the year! The big four trade banks are being told to become more competitive while Kiwibank'sto get a $500 million cash injection. Greyhound racing gets the chop by Winston the dog lover. Opinion polls out this week, ACT the big winner in the Curia poll. The Māori Party leadership and the Haka leader sent to the Privileges committee along with Labour's Tau Henare. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It should come as no surprise to anyone, driving on our roads is about to get more expensive. Simeon Brown's come out this afternoon and whacked tolls on 3 new highways or expressways. Otaki to north of Levin -  $2.70 for a car. $5.40 for a truck. Takitimu North Link - that's the Tauranga to Te Puna. 4 lanes. $2.10 off peak. $3.10 peak. Double that for trucks. Penlink in Auckland - $2 off peak. $3 peak. Again.... trucks double. These prices will increase with inflation. This does not bother me at all, in fact, I welcome it. If we keep relying on governments to fund infrastructure off their balance sheet with borrowing, we'll keep getting the same woeful results we have thus far. Roads that are shoddy and unsafe. Roads that aren't big enough or wide enough. And not enough roads being built to drive regional economic growth. The last government cancelled a bunch of RONS and put some of that money into public transport instead. Hopefully if a road has a toll attached to it it'll be harder to justify them do

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday,13 December 2024, the Government has agreed to toll three new roads following public consultation - Transport Minister Simeon Brown explains the decision. Far-right expert Byron Clark talks about officials u-turn on allowing Candice Owens into New Zealand. Plus the Sports Huddle debates whether or not Papua New Guinea should have been given their NRL licence. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Yoon vowed to “fight until the last moment” on Thursday, in his second public appearance since his unsuccessful martial law gambit. Yoon lashed out at critics of his failed attempt last week to impose military rule on the country. Han Dong-hoon, leader of the ruling People Power party, signalled he was preparing to support Yoon’s impeachment on Saturday. On Wednesday, South Korea’s corruption investigation office for high-ranking officials reportedly said it would seek the detention and arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol if conditions are met. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitals in England are being hit by a "tidal wave" of flu and other winter viruses, NHS bosses say. Data released showed there were an average of nearly 1,900 beds occupied by flu patients last week – up 70% on the week before. The service is running at near bed capacity and getting worse. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey joins the show to discuss this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversial US Commentator Candace Owens has been granted a visa to work in New Zealand. This comes as Owens initial visa denial was overturned by Associate Minister Chris Penk. Her visa was denied last month after the cancellation of her Australian work visa.  Owens began her career as a conservative activist.  Author and expert on far-right and alt-right extremism Byron Clark joins Ryan Bridge to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is back to brainstorming for the Holidays Act, after feedback on the initial plan revealed it could make things worse.  The legislation was set to be changed two years ago, but officials will now begin work on an hours-based accrual model for annual leave.  Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden said the law is so complicated that even government departments have got it wrong.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.