Larry Williams Drive

The Trade Minister says he's taking potential disruption to trade very seriously.   US President Donald Trump has sent stocks tumbling across the world after lumping tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico, who are promising retaliation. Todd McClay says it'll directly affect New Zealand companies in those countries - such as Fisher and Paykel in Mexico. He says it could move us even closer to China, especially for products like beef.  "They will still need the beef that they're bringing from the rest of the world from the US on the restaurant table or the supermarket shelves." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's surprise among economists and industry experts after Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr abruptly resigned today.   Orr was almost halfway through his second five-year term. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell says no one's received an adequate explanation as to why Orr chose to depart today - and it's not good enough. "Maybe he really is just exhausted - but still, you don't just walk out on the same day, on the eve of a really big conference being hosted tomorrow." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's surprise resignation by Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has left experts with plenty of questions. Neither the Prime Minister nor Finance Minister are giving any details of why the most powerful, non-elected person in Government has abruptly quit.  Not only have Nicola Willis and Chris Luxon gone to ground - the Reserve Bank will not answer media questions about the departure.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper suspects Adrian Orr may have found other opportunities elsewhere - and aimed to leave while the economy was recovering. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says tariffs will make the US rich again.  The President's been delivering his first Congress address since commencing his second term.  He's talked up the 119 sweeping changes he's already pushed through - drastically reshaping domestic and foreign policy.  He says the US has been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth - and he won't let that happen any longer.  US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says Trump was also quick to fire back at the Democrats in the audience who didn't clap for him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps coach Gary Stead is adamant South Africa will be unfazed by a pointless trip to Dubai heading into tonight's Champions Trophy semifinal in Lahore. South Africa flew to Dubai in case they played India in the semis but instead boarded a plane back to Lahore after the Black Caps lost to India to finish second in their group. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report shines a light on the balance of power gangs hold in prisons - and how it impacts other inmates.  A Corrections-commissioned study, chiefly authored by criminologist Jarrod Gilbert, shows gang-affiliated prisoners has doubled over the past decade.  Corrections deputy director for men's prisons, Neil Beales, says there's been a noticeable increase in violent acts carried out by prisoners connected to the gangs. "What we are seeing is an increase in violence, particularly in some of the newer gangs...also, there's the resources and the money that they have to carry out some of their criminal activities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's uncertain how Ukraine can fare against Russia as the US pauses military aid and stops all equipment destined for Ukraine. Europe's been scrambling to pick up the pieces since Donald Trump began talks with Russia.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says Friday's outburst was a clear warning for Zelenskyy by Trump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are outlining their predictions as Australia prepares to release a GDP update tomorrow. The Australian economy is predicted to have grown faster over the December quarter, but the effect of inflation still linger. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has indicated tariffs on imported agricultural products could take effect as soon as April. This announcement has generated concern among Kiwi farmers, who export billions of dollars worth of meat and dairy to the US every year. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks what this could mean for the nation's primary sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition Government wants more homes to be built cheaper and faster, yet official data shows an annual 7.2 percent drop in the sector. New data from Stats NZ shows that in the year ended January 2025, there were 33,812 new homes consented, down 7.2 percent compared with the year ended January 2024. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 4 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Malcolm Nance about Donald Trump pausing military aid to Ukraine. Associate Education Minister David Seymour discusses why he didn't attend a meeting with Erica Stanford over the problematic school lunches. Nathan Guy from the Meat Industry Association talks about whether New Zealand's agriculture sector should be nervous about possible tarrifs from the USA. Plus, the Huddle discusses who still uses chewing gum - is it a big ick? 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, Ali Jones from Red PR and Newstalk ZB Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The school lunch saga carries on, with David Seymour stepping up to reassure Kiwis the programme's problems are being dealt with. What do we make of this? Congestion charging appears to be getting closer, as a new bill allowing local councils and authorities to charge users for busy routes during peak hours has passed its first reading in Parliament. Do we think this is the way to go?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Hyundai is back on the table for a potential Cook Strait ferry deal, Winston Peters is reiterating his view that the previous deal wasn't a good one.  The Government set aside $300 million to resolve all exit costs for the deal. Peters says the idea that breaking the previous deal with Hyundai alone will cost $300 million is 'just wrong'.  "We cannot afford this blowout in costs for both the ferries and the infrastructure that went with the ferries that were ordered. It costs us way less than $300 million." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Education Minister claims problems with school lunches are being addressed. David Seymour's revamped programme, delivered for millions-of-dollars less than Labour's, has been plagued by complaints of late deliveries and sub-standard food.  Seymour claims lunches are now delivered nearly 100 percent on time.  He says he's committed to fixing the other issues. "I think we will be delivering something that everyone's going to be very pleased with - as we iron out problem after problem. That's all you can do."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congestion charging is expected to trigger a change in driver behaviour.  A bill allowing councils and local authorities to set charges for people using busy routes during peak hours has passed its first reading in Parliament.  A report released today revealed congestion costs Auckland $2.6 billion a year.  Infrastructure New Zealand policy director Michelle McCormick says people need to change their thinking around transport.  "We're quite often lazy and we just jump in the car without a thought about alternatives. But if there's a charge to it, we're paying directly - it might just make us stop and think." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a waiting game for our meat industry - with US tariffs looming large.  President Donald Trump has confirmed tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China will begin in the coming hours.  He's recently claimed agricultural products are next in the firing line for tariffs as early as April.  Meat Industry Association chair, Nathan Guy, says our industry's ridden the wave of geopolitical uncertainty before. "We export to about 120 countries around the world and we're very agile and nimble - I guess I'd like to think that our relationship is very strong with the US."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief from some that Europe can fill the gaps in support for Ukraine. The US is pausing all military aid to the country - including weapons in transit and waiting in Poland.  The Presidents of America and Ukraine had a heated exchange at the White House over the weekend. Former US Navy Senior Chief Malcolm Nance says only 20 percent of weapons and equipment in Ukraine come from the US. "Where they will lack, initially, will be some of the more advanced technologies - but Europe can backfill all of that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opposition's sharpening its knives, as MPs continue to call out the Government over its school lunches programme. Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori weren't pulling their punches in the House today, taking aim time and time again over the issue. Education Minister Erica Stanford has called on David Seymour to explain some of the scheme's shortfalls. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Seymour missed the meeting with Stanford yesterday.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supermarket shelves in Queensland are being stripped as locals prepare for Cyclone Alfred. The category two storm is brewing off Australia's coast, causing heavy surf and high tides.  It's expected to hit at the end of the week, bringing winds up to 120 kilometres an hour. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says heavy rain, erosion and flash flooding are expected to batter the Sunshine Coast by Friday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hoskins Sotutu has been handed a three-week ban, which can reduce to two with a stint at tackle school, for a dangerous tackle in the Blues Super Rugby win over the Hurricanes in Wellington. The number eight was shown a red-card for shoulder-to-head contact on loose forward Peter Lakai. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.