Larry Williams Drive

Househunters are being offered $500 grocery vouchers or a free week's rent by Auckland landlords keen to lure them in. This comes as new TradeMe data shows the number of new rental listings in the city in February was up 34 percent on the same time last year - from 8049 to 10,805. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says people looking for rentals have more choices than ever, because there's less demand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and former Labour Minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Baby boomers are starting to die off, leaving inheritances behind. Experts believe $27 billion dollars were passed on in inheritance in New Zealand last year. There's a call to donate more to charity - or should we tax it a bit more? ACT says it wants to stand candidates at this year's local body election. Do we think this is a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland International Airport’s duty-free stores are set for a big makeover under a new partnership with French global travel retailer Lagardère. Lagardère successfully won an eight-year contract to operate the airport’s four duty-free stores from July, according to a new announcement. The airport says passengers can expect to see the next evolution of duty-free shopping. First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson says this is a promising development. "The key thing about duty-free is - it gives you a lot of selection, particularly in cosmetics and perfumery. You won't find that level of selection in general retail." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 18 March 2025, Donald Trump's former national security adviser Ambassador John Bolton joins Ryan ahead of tomorrow's critical call between Trump and Vladimir Putin. Corrections is investigating after notorious convicted killer Dean Wickliffe claims to have been assaulted by prison guards. Should baby boomers leave more of their inheritance to charities? NZ Players Association Rob Nichol reacts to All Blacks coach Razor's u-turn on the All Blacks eligibility rule. And all about shagging? The listener text about Shortland Street that had Ryan in fits.   Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After previously voicing a strong opposition to NZ Rugby's eligibility rules for the All Blacks, coach Scott Robertson has made a u-turn. Robertson made an appearance on the Rugby Direct podcast and revealed he'd changed his mind after having a year to think about it. Currently, players can not be selected to play for the All Blacks if they're playing off shore.  NZ Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol says there's been a lot of discussion about Razor's stance. "To be honest...they've been kind of on the same page and they've just come out, I think to reaffirm the fact that they are, and that we all are." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 77-year-old prisoner has accused prison guards of beating him and is undertaking a hunger strike.  Corrections says Dean Wickliffe refused to enter his cell, threw an item at guards and was injured after taking up a fighting stance.  It says one staffer involved is not at work - and appropriate action will be taken if staff don't meet standards.  Wickliffe hasn't eaten for 10 days.  His lawyer, Annette Sykes, says he was beaten badly.  "Photos have been released that show, quite clearly, that his version of events has some veracity."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's David Seymour says it's time for a clean-out in local politics, as the party looks to stand candidates in local body elections this year.  He's calling for expressions of interest from practical, community-minded people who are focused on keeping rates down and services up.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says ACT is likely looking to boost its political reach. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former adviser to Donald Trump says Russia's president will use soviet spy tactics in negotiations with the US President.  Trump's expected to speak with Vladimir Putin tomorrow - to discuss ending hostilities in Ukraine.   He's hoping to get agreement on a 30-day ceasefire proposal accepted by Ukraine last week.  But John Bolton says Putin's dragged out talks to get the upper hand.  "He's counting on direct negotiations between himself and Trump to use his KGB manipulative skills on Trump to get even more concessions out of him." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is at peace with New Zealand Rugby's non-overseas selection policy. He's previously urged the governing body to keep an open mind regarding the use of offshore players, like the world champion Springboks. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ has indicated consultations are under way with Shortland Street staff - and there's growing concern around possible job cuts. It comes as TVNZ made the move to cut the series from screening five nights a week to three, leading to fewer episodes being produced. Former Shortland Street actor Will Hall says the industry is fraught with trepidation and there's limited job security - but he hopes no cuts will be made "I hope we see the light and keep Shortland Street for what it is, there's a great foundation and I'd like to think there's still a place for the soaps, even in 2025." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 17 March 2025, free trade negotiations are underway with India, but will they actually result in a deal? Senior political correspondent Barry Soper and Meat Association Chair Nathan Guy tell Ryan about the hurdles trade negotiators could be facing. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hints who might be the winners and losers of this years' Budget. Wellington Airbnb owners are furious at the council for suggesting anyone with an Airbnb should pay commercial rather than residential rates. Plus, threatening violence or a bit of fun? The Huddle weighs in on Rawiri Waititi's latest spat with David Seymour. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Macedonian officials are probing for corruption after at least 59 teens and young adults died in a nightclub fire.  Inside fireworks struck the ceiling - engulfing it in flames and prompting a stampede of about 1500 people trying to exit from the only door.  More than 155 were injured.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are still ongoing - but arrests have been made. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US share market bounced back at the end of last week, despite growing concerns about America's economic future. New data shows there's a decline in consumer confidence in the US. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new study from the Building Research Association has found that indoor summer temperatures have gone up 6 to 10 percent in the last 20 years. The new insulation standards that came into force in 2023 aren't to blame for these changes, according to the report. Chris Litten from the Building Research Association unpacks what could be causing these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi's under fire over re-sharing a social media post evoking David Seymour as needing trimming like a lawn. What do we make of this? Wellington Airbnb owners are outraged over the council's plan to hike up their rates. Do we support this change? More and more people are deciding against travelling to the US because of the Trump administration. Would we skip a holiday in the US because of the president? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's dropped a few crumbs on what's shaping this year's budget. Nicola Willis will unveil her growth budget on May 22. She says the public service won't get more funding, for doing the same thing. Willis says there's only more money if people are going to benefit from additional services - or improved impact from those services. But she says she won't be doing away with entire departments or agencies. "That's not on the agenda for this budget, because the judgement that we've made at this stage is that it could end up costing us more in the short-term than we would deliver in savings." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's responding to a post evoking him as needing trimming like a lawn. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi re-shared his partner's post showing him cutting the grass. The caption read: 'I told him to behave as though every piece of grass is a David Seymour. The lawns are getting a good effing hiding.' Seymour says that's objectionable - with its suggestion of attacking a person you disagree with. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL has issued a breach notice to Warriors assistant coach Richard Agar following a probe into an altercation that took place during the first round in Las Vegas. The breach notice proposes a fine of $10,000, a suspension from three NRL matches and a requirement for Agar to undertake appropriate education and training. Newstalk ZB sports journalist Nathan Limm says Agar will likely be prohibited from travelling to any away match scheduled for the Warriors during the suspension period. He also revealed the NRL declined to comment further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's sheep farmers could be big winners if we secure a trade deal with India.  The Prime Minister has announced formal negotiations on a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement will begin next month. The inclusion of dairy products was a key snagging point in negotiations that fell flat in 2015.  Meat Industry Association Independent Chair, Nathan Guy, says the primary industry has a lot to gain. "If you look at what's happening up here with sheep meat at the moment, we're facing a 30 percent tariff - and that's a massive headwind. So there's not a lot going on here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Airbnb hosts are hitting out at the city council and claiming accommodation rate hikes are overkill.  It's proposing applying commercial rates to short-term accommodation providers. It could treble owners' costs - leaving many hosts fearing for their businesses. Airbnb volunteer community leader Julie Wilson says her rates would rise from about $11,000 to about $40,000 and she'd have to stop. "It's excessive - many of us rent occasionally, not as a full-time business, but they're going to be treating us the same as a hotel with hundreds of rooms."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.