Larry Williams Drive

Investors have voiced concerns over declining US market growth - resulting in a significant drop. US President Donald Trump also didn't rule out a recession in a recent interview, which led to further pullbacks this week. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Monetary Fund is cautioning the Government against bending over backwards, deregulating banks in a bid to spur more competition in the sector. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is getting advice on whether she should make the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) loosen the way it regulates banks. The Commerce Commission has also suggested the rules could be changed to make it easier for small banks to compete with big ones. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains why the IMF is issuing words of caution as these discussions take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delegates from some of the world's largest banks and investment firms have arrived in Auckland for the Government's first Infrastructure Investment Summit. Cabinet Ministers are expected to front a raft of sessions over the next two days - and it's believed a series of announcements will be delivered regarding New Zealand's future. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls is set to be at tomorrow's big conference - and he suspects a 'smorgasbord' of big political names will have something to say. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 March 2025, with a Ukraine ceasefire deal now on the table - is Russia going to agree? Ryan Bridge speaks to Russia expert Alexey Muraviev. CTU president Richard Wagstaff tells Ryan why he wants the government to hold on to its living wage rules for procurements. Why is Briscoes boss Rod Duke telling the Government to get its A into G to help the economy? Plus, Ryan really really hates his food scraps bin - so much he's considering moving to Whanganui! 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.

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! Where to we see this short-term Russia-Ukraine war ceasefire going over the next few days? Will Russia agree to it? All eyes will be on the Government's big Investment Summit tomorrow. Should we be expecting anything much? Whanganui Council has decided to dump plans for its food scrap bins. Do we agree with this? Should other councils follow suit? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Hamilton City Council staffer is speaking in defence of food scrap bins. Whanganui District Council has made the decision to ditch food scrap bins for good- because they've been dubbed 'expensive' and 'unpopular'. Hamilton City Council's Tania Hermann argued that food scrap bins were good for households - as they helped reduce waste. "What we're aiming to do is stop rubbish going to landfills." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Minister says he's doing his best to improve the stability of energy supply.  A new gas well at the Pohokura Production Station in Taranaki was switched on this morning.  It will provide 4 petajoules of gas a year, which could power about 146,000 homes annually.  Shane Jones says it won't be a silver bullet - but it will help.  "So I'm working on various proposals as to how we can accelerate both money into the industry - and genuine economic ability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unions are disputing the Government's reasoning for scrapping living wage contract rules. This move is part of a wider proposal to simplify the procurement process for companies wanting Government contracts. Council of Trade Unions President, Richard Wagstaff, says the argument that small businesses are missing out because they can't afford wages doesn't make sense.  "What it is, basically, is a standard. And everyone bidding for Government contracts has to meet the same standard, so there's no disadvantage to a small, medium or large businesses. They're all on the same playing field." Wagstaff explained that small businesses can be competitive.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear if Australia will hit the US with counter-tariffs after Donald Trump's recent announcement. The US President has confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from tonight. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the tariffs 'entirely unjustified'.  Australian political strategist Bruce Hawker says locals know it's probably not worth fighting over.  "Most Australians will be saying - look, let's let this thing ride. It's not good, it's an act of b*******, I guess, by a country that's been friendly and loyal to Australia." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Ukraine ceasefire could be a while away yet, according to one expert. Ukraine's agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, after Washington and Kyiv officials held talks in Saudi Arabia today. Curtin University associate professor, Alexey Muraviev, says the US would need to make some significant compromises for Russia to consider it. He explained that's what it would take for Vladimir Putin to be able to sell the idea. "If it's going to be just a case of showing goodwill - I think Putin would be damaging his own reputation in the eyes of the people he was trying to sell this war to."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are hanging tough despite tough economic conditions.  A KPMG report has found the sector's net profit for 2024 increased just 0.25 percent from the previous year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this still adds up to $7.22 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Department of Education has initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50 percent.  Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave from March 21, according to a statement from the Department.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says DOGE team lead Elon Musk has expressed interest in getting rid of the Department of Education altogether - and it's unclear how possible this goal is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A hint of irony from Manchester United's new stadium plans, at least from a New Zealand perspective. Part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is behind plans to build a new $4.5 billion dollar, 100 thousand-seat environmentally-friendly ground before demolishing Old Trafford. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briscoe Group's revenue has stayed virtually flat, with profit taking a hit. Total revenue for the owner of Briscoe Homeware and Rebel Sport decreased 0.06 percent - to $791.5 million - for the year to January. It's reporting net after-tax profit of $60.6 million, dropping 38.9 percent on the year before. Managing director, Rod Duke, says the Government needs to put some new solutions forward to help the economy grow. "That's be my assessment - and I think the time is probably about right now." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One person is in hospital, and 36 others are safe and accounted for, after a cargo vessel collided with an oil tanker in the North Sea. The vessels promptly burst into flames, sending thick dark smoke into the air. UK correspondent Enda Brady says investigations into the incident are ongoing - and there's concerns it could have long-running implications.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stock markets across the US have taken a significant hit over concerns about the negative economic impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. After the President refused to rule out a recession, the S&P 500 dropped 2.7 percent, the Nasdaq fell 4 percent and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 2 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says US markets have a right to be worried following Trump's comments.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a surge in the second half of 2024, the golden run for New Zealand farmgate beef pricing has continued in the early part of 2025.  Returns are also expected to stay strong throughout the rest of the year- as US demand for Kiwi beef is expected to stay elevated. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is the school lunch programme doomed? Libelle Group, one of the lunch providers, has been tipped into liquidation. What does this saga mean for the Government? The Commerce Commission is taking legal action against HelloFresh - should it be easier to walk away from paid subscriptions?  Should online gambling providers have to put some of their profits towards local community groups? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A man is in police custody after a series of vandalism attacks on electric vehicles took place in Auckland. Cars including Teslas and a Polestar electric vehicle were reportedly spray-painted - making them unsafe to drive.  Auckland City Electric Vehicles director Greg Larsen says the Tesla brand has become a 'political football' as a result of CEO Elon Musk's recent actions. "It's quite interesting that a motor vehicle brand has become a political football - and violence and vigilante kinds of activities are happening because of a vehicle brand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 March 2025, is the free school lunch programme at breaking point? One of the providers has been tipped into liquidation. The Minister responsible, David Seymour, speaks to Ryan. Should it be easier to cancel your subscriptions? Consumer NZ says yes! It's official. Women are better at money than men. But EnableMe financial advisor Shelley Palman they're not as confident as men when it comes to their financial decisions. Plus, why swearing is good for you and what is on King Charles' personal playlist? 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.