Larry Williams Drive

Severe weather warnings remain in some eastern parts of Australia recovering from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred. Flood warnings ranging from minor to major still apply in northern New South Wales - with rain expected to ease - and southeast Queensland. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns says people should keep clear of dangerous powerlines, likely to be across the Northern Rivers Region to Coffs Harbour. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the worst of the disaster has wrapped up - but recovery efforts are underway. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India have chased 252 to beat New Zealand by four wickets with an over to spare in the Champions Trophy final at Dubai on a pitch that could've been used to re-enact the moon landing. Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 63 off 101 balls but the Black Caps struggled at times, including an 81-ball gap between boundaries from the 14th to 27th overs. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharmac's board chair says the drug buying agency has a management issue with listening to patient voices. A review of consumer engagement with the Government agency finds it's seen as 'defensive'. It also says Pharmac's slow to respond and lacks respect for patient advocates. Chair Paula Bennett says the organisation had become insular and inward-looking - more often than not. "And instead of proactively having what are really awkward and uncomfortable and difficult conversations with people when we're saying - I'm sorry, I can't fund your medicine. But at least doing that in an open and transparent way is what we expect."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Winston Peters about NZ First's new members bill to remove 'woke' DEI hires for the public sector.  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the re-creation of the Health NZ Board - what's next for Lester Levy?  The Mayor of Byron Bay Sarah Ndiaye gives us a latest on cyclone Alfred as it touches down.  Plus, the sports huddle discusswhat's gone wrong with the Fijian Drua and their team bus. 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.

US Ukraine talks are headed to Saudi Arabia next week, with President Zelensky saying he hopes it'll be a meaningful meeting. It has been revealed around 20 countries are now interested in joining what's being called a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. They're largely taken from the Commonwealth and from Europe, spearheaded by the UK and France.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is China feeling amid the trade war coming out of the United States?  Tariffs have been on and off under Trump's direction, but when it comes to China they have been consistent.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what's been happening in China in the aftermath.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation.  Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr.  "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.'  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S President Donald Trump has paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, again, after first doing so one month ago.   The executive actions mean products covered under the USMCA treaty won’t be subject to a tariff until April 2nd. What is the President’s game plan?  Executive Director of the International Business Forum Stephen Jacobi talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Commentator Andrew Gouride and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison join Ryan Bridge on the Sports Huddle. Super Rugby is taking a hit after the Fijian team were forced to right in the back of a truck on their arrival in Napier. How bad is this for the tournament? The Champions Trophy is getting underway on Sunday – could the Black Caps win? What does the Huddle think of a new review saying Super Rugby franchises should be merged with provincial unions? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fijian Drua have reported several travel issues before their Super Rugby game in Napier last month.  A photo showing the rugby team crammed into the back of a truck has circulated online, leading to officials blaming a breakdown in communication as the culprit.  FBC Sports Journalist Indra Singh talks to Ryan Bridge about the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New film Tinā is shaping up to be a Kiwi classic and has already earned more than $1 million.  The film ranks third as the biggest opening weekend for a New Zealand film. Director Miki Magasiva talks to Ryan Bridge about the movie and why it's connecting with audiences nationwide.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred continues to head towards Queensland.  Four million people are set to be directly affected according to the latest numbers.  Several towns have been evacuated and thousands are without power.  Byron Bay Mayor Sarah Ndiaye gives Ryan Bridge an update on the situation.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is reinstating the board of Health New Zealand, only eight months after it was scrapped. Lester Levy was appointed as commissioner and replaced the board last year. What does the new model look like?  Health Minister Simeon Brown said the recruitment process has begun for a new board and talks to Ryan Bridge about the change. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown is making major changes by bringing back the board of Health New Zealand.  It comes as an audit of the public health agency found financial difficulties and "significant concerns."  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper tells Ryan Bridge one of those concerns was senior management not having a meeting for two years.  "If it was laughable, you'd say it was an orchestrated litany of laughs, but it's not because it's not funny," he said.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cracks are showing in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Trump gathered his cabinet to distinguish what power Musk has.  The President's new guidance says that DOGE will play an advisory role and that's it. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the change, and Trump's pause on Mexico-Canada tariffs.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the Black Caps beat India on Sunday night to with the ICC Champions Trophy? The teams will come up against each other in Dubai at 10pm NZ time. The final follows a record-breaking victory against South Africa in the semi-final of the tournament. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meal deals have been a staple across UK retailers - and some outlets are offering consumers a new lunchtime option. Companies like Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco are offering up salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta and more - and non-alcoholic beer has entered the mix.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says this has been met with mixed reactions, with many labelling this move 'desperate'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Equity markets across the world have taken a dive - and one expert has explained the sudden drop. Donald Trump's tariff threat and collective concerns about the administration's new Department of Government Efficiency have sparked aversion among experts. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand’s red meat sector is on track for a strong rebound, with export returns and overall profitability expected to rise. According to Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s mid-season update, strong global demand is expected to boost results for the sector.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good news for Kiwi motorists - they can look forward to lower fuel prices in the next few days. The price of oil is at its lowest level in more than three years as fears about lower global growth combine with Opec plans to boost production. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.