Larry Williams Drive

The NZX50 index had fallen about 3.7 percent at the close of market today - as Donald Trump's tariffs continue to reverberate globally. It hasn't had a fall of this magnitude since the pandemic. Sharesies Co-CEO Brooke Roberts says it's hard to say how long markets will keep rattling around. "Look, it's unprecedented times in terms of the shock that has happened to the markets at the moment based off the back of the tariffs - and the ripple effect that's happening to economies." BusinessDesk reports Trade Minister Todd McClay says the NZ Embassy in Washington will raise concerns over tariffs to the US trade representative. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's keeping its cards close to its chest  on how it'll fund a mammoth defence splurge. It's injecting $12 billion over the next four years into building up our Defence Force workforce and equipment.  It's signalling it'll go into system upgrades, replacing helicopters - and enhancing maritime strike capability. Defence Minister Judith Collins says the investment includes $9 billion on top of what we already spend on defence. "It is a lot of money, but I also know this - there is no economic security without national security."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says a multi-billion dollar boost for the Defence Force is about our national interest.  The Government's unveiled its Defence Capability Plan, including $12 billion dollars of funding over four years - with $9 billion of new spending.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the plan's 'surprising'. "Remember, we said last week when it comes out that it'll be a 15-year plan. Well, this is more short-term - they're going to be spending, over the next four years, $12 billion dollars." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers in South Australia will be watched by artificial intelligence cameras aimed at cutting traffic and boosting economic activity. The South Australian Government believes every 5000 motorists stuck in traffic for 20 minutes costs the state $33,000. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the AI will use data to reduce congestion and tweak traffic light cycles. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pit strategy gamble has failed to pay off on Liam Lawson’s return to Racing Bulls. He has come 17th in Formula One’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Lawson was eighth at the time of his only pit stop, but the decision to change to soft tyres with 19 laps to go didn’t yield the projected return. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is assuring police will still respond to mental health callouts when needed.   The Mental Health Foundation has launched a petition asking police to stop scaling back on attending mental health callouts. A four-phase reduction plan was announced in November. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the programme addresses the handover - not the response.  "People with mental health issues - they don't want to sit in emergency departments with police officers sitting there with tasers. They want a mental health response, and that's what we're working on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 4 April 2025, human error and incompetence were the main issues that led to the Manawanui's sinking. And the Defence Minister makes a shocking revelation in her interview with Ryan Bridge. The Treaty Principles Bill has been given the thumbs down by Parliament's Select Committee. Ryan asks chair James Meager whether it was all a waste of time and money. ASB's Nick Tuffley explains what Trump's tariffs mean for your mortgage. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates Red Bull's claim they were protecting Liam Lawson's mental health by dropping him, and why are four of the six top Super Rugby teams from Australia? 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.

David Seymour's lost the battle but has he won the war? If the goal was to redefine the Treaty principles in one fowl swoop with a bill that didn't have the support to get pas first reading... which was clearly going to be ambitious given how much the opposition hated it.... then he's lost. But if the goal - and Seymour's not stupid.... was to start a national conversation .Have the debate. Move the goal posts on partnership... so much of which had been defined by the previous Labour lot... then it's hard to argue he hasn't been somewhat successful . He made a couple of interesting points in his stand up today. 95% of submitters opposing the bill doesn't mean 95% of the country. The End of Life Choice bill was opposed by 90-odd percent of submitters but passed on referendum two-thirds to one. It's the age old problem with consultation - you see it with cycleways and councils - only those who really love to get on a bike bother to turn up and make an oral submission. Everybody else is too busy stuck in traffic

Hungary is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court at the same time it welcomed Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a visit.  Netanyahu had an warrant issued for him by the court.  Hours into the visit, Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán withdrew from the International Criminal Court.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision and Europe's reaction to Trump's tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia has been hit the hardest by Donald Trump's Liberation Day tariffs.  China was dealt reciprocal tariffs of 34% - on top of the 20% tariffs the US President had already issued.   Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis explains the impact it will have on trade.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another big week in politics - Greens MP Tamatha Paul went under fire for DJ'ing anti-police anthems at a Wellington festival, while her colleague Benjamin Doyle received backlash for his social media posts.  Meanwhile Te Pāti Māori are planning their own version of the Privileges Committee meeting after refusing to attend a hearing over the haka protest.  Senior Political Editor Barry Soper wraps the political week with Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ticket company Ticket Fairy is receiving online abuse and racial hatred after cancellations to Juicy Fest and Timeless Summer Tour.  The events were cancelled after the gig’s promoter went into liquidation.     They owe $2.4 million to creditors and thousands of ticket holders have still not got any refund. Ticket Fairy CEO Ritesh Patel tells Ryan Bridge his company is merely a technology provider and not responsible for issuing refunds.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB’s sports news director Clay Wilson and sports journalist Nicky Styris join the Sports Huddle. It's been a terrible week for Liam Lawson who was dropped by Red Bull, who are saying part of the reason was due to his mental health. What do the Sports Huddle make of the decision? Nicky Styris says it depends on whether you think he should've been in the car in the first place. Four of the top six Super Rugby sides are from Australia, why? And the Sports Huddle discuss whether New Zealand should fund the Americas Cup. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another major bank has advice for mortgage holders ahead of The Royal Bank of New Zealand official cash rate decision new week. The Royal Bank of New Zealand is expected to cut the OCT by 25bp to 3.50% on April 9. Westpac said the decision to cut is the wrong one. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Committee is recommending Parliament vote the Treaty Principles Bill down.  Out of 300,000 submissions, 90% were opposed, but ACT leader David Seymour still wants a referendum.  Justice Select Committee Chair James Meager says the committees wants to "get on with things that are actually growing the economy and making a change to people's lives." LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and Te Pāti Māori lose ground in recent polls, with ACT up 2.3% and NZ first, 7.5%  The Greens rose by one percent to 11%.  It comes as Greens member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, the Dow has plunged 1,700 points and the Nasdaq  is down 0.5%.  The market's seen its biggest drop since the start of the pandemic.  Economists say the tariffs could lead to a global recession. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the fallout, Trump looking to delay TikTok ban, and why Americans are dyeing potatoes.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human error and failing to disengage autopilot has been confirmed as the root cause of a New Zealand Navy ship running aground and sinking in the Pacific, a report has concluded. Crew were unaware the ship was on autopilot mode when they tried to adjust course, and key personnel were distracted and not properly trained; the report found. The $100 million HMNZS Manawanui motored into a reef off the coast of Samoa at a speed of 11 knots last October. Defence Minister talks to Ryan Bridge about the report. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend for Liam Lawson, who needs to impress after a disappointing start to the season with Red Bull.  He's set to race in the Japanese Grand Prix's qualifier tomorrow, before racing on Sunday.  Sports Contributor Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about the race, Super Rugby tonight, and a reducing number of Australian teams.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV is finally switching to a new satellite after months of customers complaining about poor reception. The changeover will happen in the week starting 14 April, but some customers in Northland, Gisborne, Southland and the East Cape will need to replace their rooftop dishes beforehand. How many customers will need to have replacements? Sky TV Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Chris Major talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.