Larry Williams Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and former Labour minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Foreign Minister Winston Peters made the decision to sack Phil Goff as High Commissioner to the UK after he questioned President Donald Trump's understanding of history. Was this the right call? The Government has revealed it plans to lower the age of eligibility for free bowel cancer screenings to 58. However, it's using funding set aside from the last Government's plan to lower screening for Māori and Pasifika to 50. What do we make of this? Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran has officially resigned - and will step down from the role this October. How will he be remembered? Did he make the right call?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 6 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Jessica Walker - Head of research at Consumer NZ about calling for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the Government's announcement on lowering the age for free bowel cancer testing. Winston Peters has given Phil Goff the flick as the High Commissioner to the UK - was he wrong to comment on Trump? Plus, the Huddle discusses yet another significant resignation with Greg Foran standing down as Air NZ CEO. 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.

Medical lab scientists and technicians across the country are set to go on strike in the coming days. Rolling strikes will take place across Pauanui, Pathlab and various med labs - beginning on the 22nd of March. The union has revealed 123,000 fewer patient tests will take place as a result of the strike action.  APEX National Secretary Dr Deborah Powell says important tests will still be carried out - but the results will be delayed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland-based Canadian billionaire previously linked to an alternative news venture has taken a substantial holding in media company NZME. NZME owns the NZ Herald, BusinessDesk and Newstalk ZB. E tū negotiator Michael Wood says many are concerned about a potential change in editorial direction. "The concern here is that we clearly have an individual that is highly motivated to take control of a major media entity in New Zealand and who is doing so, quite clearly, with the intent of promulgating a particular political perspective."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is in for a change - with CEO Greg Foran resigning from October. He's told the board the airline is in a good place and this is the right time to step down. He took on the role in February 2020. Aviation commentator Irene King says the airline should take this opportunity to restore confidence at home. "Air New Zealand has really got to focus on its core New Zealand market - and I think some of that's been lost. The edge has gone off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research reveals Kiwis check their devices for notifications up to 50 times per hour. According to a survey by Kindle, 86 percent of respondents check through their notifications before they go to sleep - which has been found to contribute to increased stress levels and poor sleep quality. Neuroscientist Dr Mark Williams says many people have also developed 'phantom buzz' syndrome as a result of always needing to be connected to their phones. "Their brains are so wired to be constantly getting these notifications - that's what they're looking for all the time. They get these 'phantom buzzes' and they have trouble getting to sleep and doing things." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's support for the Foreign Affairs Minister sacking Phil Goff as High Commissioner to the UK.  Goff questioned President Donald Trump's understanding of history at a public Chatham House event. Winston Peters says that's ultimately made his position as High Commissioner untenable.  Former New Zealand Consul-General to LA, Maurice Williamson, says diplomats are clearly warned not to convey personal views. "It wouldn't matter if you were talking about Japan or China or anything - that's the role of a diplomat, you're there to represent the Government's views." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister says higher testing rates are key to better bowel cancer outcomes. The Government is lowering eligibility for free screening to 58 from late this year. It's using funding set aside from the previous Government's plan to lower screening for Māori and Pasifika - who have worse early onset death rates - to 50. Simeon Brown says this will save more lives - but he explained they'll still pay attention to those communities.  "We're also going to be doing a lot of work with Health NZ to focus on increasing the rates of testing amongst those Māori and Pasifika communities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sacked Phil Goff as British High Commissioner. The Foreign Minister acted after Goff - a former Labour leader and Cabinet Minister in Clark's Government - questioned Donald Trump's understanding of history.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump needs to be handled with care, as the US President could retaliate and impact New Zealand's 'bread and butter'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Prime Minister is reassuring locals bracing for Cyclone Alfred that the Government has their back.  The category two storm is expected to hit tomorrow between the Sunshine Coast and northern New South Wales. More than 200 NSW schools are closed, the Defence Force is activated - and Qantas and Virgin are suspending Brisbane flights. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says over 20,000 homes will also need to be evacuated before the cyclone touches down. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kane Williamson has rotated the strike with a Lahore cat at the media conference after New Zealand's 50-run Champions Trophy semi-final cricket win over South Africa. He didn't need nine lives with his 102 alongside Rachin Ravindra's 108 as part of 362 for six to cat-apult the Black Caps into a decider against India in Dubai on Sunday. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls for an outright ban on card payment surcharges.  Consumer NZ says the Commerce Commission's considering lowering interchange fees, but there's no guarantee it'll reduce what consumers pay. It says a proper ban would be more consistent and fairer for buyers and merchants. Research Acting Head Jessica Walker says there's been adjustments to interchange fees in the past - and there's doubt this latest change will be different. "What we're calling for is for the Commerce Commission to make this a priority - and at least consider putting surcharge bans on the table." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US vice-president is back-pedalling over a comment he made - thought to be in relation to key allies, the UK and France. JD Vance said a US stake in Ukraine's economy is a better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from 'some random country' that hasn't fought a war in 30 or 40 years. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Vance has denied this statement was targeted - but didn't elaborate which countries he was referring to.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big week for the New Zealand stock market, and one expert is taking a look at the highest performers. As results reporting continues, some companies are bringing in more for investors than others. Milford Asset Management's Sam Trethewey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major question marks over the shock-resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr. Orr's laid out areas of his work he's proud of, but gave no reason for quitting almost half-way through his second, five-year term. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the reactions to this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday March 5 2025, Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell joined Ryan Bridge to discuss Adrian Orr's shock resignation as Reserve Bank Governor. Trade Minister Todd McClay has also confirmed he's keeping a close eye on potential trade disruptions that could impact New Zealand as Trump's tariffs kick in. Former ACT leader Richard Prebble also unpacked the combination of factors that led to him stepping down from the Waitangi Tribunal. Plus, The Huddle wonders if body cameras for bin inspectors will do more harm than good. 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, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and AUT chancellor Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr stunned the country by announcing a shock resignation earlier today. What do we think caused this? Did he want to leave - or was he pushed out?  Recycling bin inspectors will be fitted with body cameras in a bid to reduce abuse on the job. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has delivered a grim outlook for share markets around the world.  Stocks have tumbled after US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico.  Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says markets surged after the election with thoughts that Trump might promote growth.  He says there might not be a quick fix for the issue.  "I suspect it's going to be something that could last a lot longer, and we could be in a more serious downward trend that lasts for up to 12 months." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A combination of factors led to former ACT Party leader Richard Prebble stepping away from the Waitangi Tribunal. He's resigned after being appointed in October. The tribunal was established in 1975 in a bid to deal with unresolved Treaty grievances. Prebble claims the Tribunal doesn't take any notice of Parliament - and says it believes there's two Treaties. He says it's creating more grievances. "It's a rewriting of history - and I know historians do re-interpret history, but one thing you can't do is you can't bend facts." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland has expressed interest towards Emirates Team New Zealand around returning the next America's Cup defence to the City of Sails. Tataki Auckland Unlimited have confirmed they are in talks around potentially hosting the 38th edition, likely to be held in 2027. Sailing professor Mark Orams says the interest is there, but it requires investment from multiple key partners.  "What is the return on investment - and can we be confident that it's worth the investment for the greater good of New Zealand, and Auckland, specifically?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.