Larry Williams Drive

It has been a profitable first half performance for TVNZ, as the state-owned broadcaster has returned to profit. The company has announced a total Net Profit After Tax of $53.1 million, as well as operational earnings of more than $11 million, for the six-month period ending December 31st. Despite this, TVNZ can’t predict whether the full year result will deliver the same good news.   LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL season is kicking off this Sunday in Las Vegas.  The Warriors are one of four teams playing in the American city this weekend as the NRL is looking to expand the game into America. Rugby League journalist Brad Walter is in Las Vegas and joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in the US have said the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, musician Betsy Arakawa, is suspicious enough to warrant an investigation.  The sheriff's office said the couple had been dead for some time when Police found them in their New Mexico home.  New York Post Entertainment Reporter Sean Mandel talks to Ryan Bridge about what there is to know. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a series of changes that intend on making it easier for local councils to finance infrastructure around new housing developments. Currently ratepayers are picking up the tab for sewage lines, local streets, and water. New changes are set to ensure that developers are paying their fair share. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing, telling his counterpart that New Zealand was not given enough warning about China's recent navy exercises.  Peters says the Cook Islands-China deal was also a topic of discussion in their meeting. In other meetings, Sir Kier Starmer has met with Donald Trump.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about everything that happened in that meeting, Peters discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Trump's invitation from King Charles, and the Treasury's Cook Straight Ferry deadline.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration has released hundreds of documents related to the death of Jeffrey Epstein. What was revealed? And legendary actor Gene Hackman, his musician wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. A gas leak has been ruled out as suspicions grow around the deaths. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about any Epstein revelations, what we know so far about Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths, and Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s NRL season gets underway on Sunday – Could this be the warriors year? And what upsets are on their way in Super Rugby round three? Weekend Sport Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what to keep an eye out for in sport. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Fitt has resigned as the Pharmac chief executive after seven years. Last year a “short and sharp” review was undertaken into Pharmac’s internal staff culture and relationships with patient groups, Chair Paula Bennet announced at the time. Fitt recently faced criticism for these issues. Pharmac chair Paula Bennett talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council removed car parks near the botanical Gardens to create more space for cycleways, now they might be bringing them back. The council says residents were complaining after being unable to find parks to visit the gardens. Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has threatened to slap import tariffs on the EU. The US President has already slammed neighbours Canada and Mexico with levy hikes - and both quickly returned the favour. Holding his first Cabinet meeting, Trump says it will be 25 percent generally speaking, and mentioned cars as one target. He also claimed the EU formed to 'screw with the US'. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer will be looking to make sure the UK avoids a similar fate as he heads to Washington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of unusually low rainfall, particularly in Manaia, Hāwera and Kakaramea. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it's forced some farmers to feed-out livestock or sell earlier. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose four points to +58 in February, while expected own activity eased one point to +45. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these figures paint a 'mixed' picture of the future.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it could potentially mean extra security for New Zealand.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government plans to introduce a referendum to extend Parliamentary terms to four years. Do we think Kiwis will go for this? Do we need longer political terms?  Labour's Carmel Sepuloni has urged David Seymour to resign over his botched school lunch programme. What do we make of this? New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands. Is this because of the economic downturn?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales as demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems, continued to grow. This has also boosted the company's stock. Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management says Nvidia has pulled ahead of all its competitors - with only Apple narrowly beating it out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Rugby's unsurprised by Clayton McMillan's impending move offshore. NZR and the Chiefs have released McMillan from the final year of his coaching contract - he'll join Irish club Munster in July. General manager professional rugby Chris Lendrum says McMillan's been open about his plans to coach overseas - and it's just come early. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 February 2025, David Seymour talks about the Government looking to expand parliamentary terms from 3 years to 4. Energy Minister Simon Watts discusses the energy competition task force looking to level the playing field between gentailers and independent generators - will we have power pries? Mike Egan from the Restaurant Association talks about why KFC and Taco bell are booming amongst Kiwis. Plus, Greg Smith from Devon Funds Management talks about Nvidia's record sales. 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.

Thai tourism authorities, hoteliers and travel agents are gearing up for a surge in visitors off the back of the latest season of The White Lotus. The HBO series helped put  the spotlight on Hawaii and Sicily, cementing those destinations as bastions of luxury travel.  Dave Bernad, executive producer of the series, says he feels fortunate that so many people have responded positively to the series. "When we went out to scout, we were thinking Japan originally, we were pretty certain it was going to be Japan - and then HBO said to check out one other country as a courtesy. And Thailand was the country that just made sense."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands.  The multi-national company has reported a 5.4 percent sales growth in the year ending December - reaching $1.39 billion. The Kiwi division's recorded the highest net profit - at $41.7 million - and the Australia and California markets had losses.  Restaurant Association President Mike Egan says convenience is a big factor behind people buying fast food.  "People are super busy, stuck in traffic - part of the stress of every day is what's for dinner." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.