Larry Williams Drive

The Chiefs are taking on the Crusaders in Hamilton tonight, who is the favourite to win? When are the Wellington Phoenix going to impress? Sports Contributor Jason Pine joins the show to discuss what's coming up in sport over the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sky TV has taken a financial hit after satellite issues over the summer. The broadcaster has lost $1.75 million in net profit. And cricket is back on SKY after previously loosing the rights in 2019. Chief executive Sophie Maloney says ..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has backed Volodymyr Zelenskyy after Donald Trump described the Ukrainian president as a 'dictator'. Starmer called Zelenskyy and told him it was 'perfectly reasonable' for the Ukraine to suspend an election amid the ongoing conflict with Russia - as the UK did the same during World War II. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer is set to meet with Trump next week in Washington DC.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer confidence has risen to its highest level in over a decade, rebounding from record lows in recent years, Federated Farmers says. The advocacy group has released its latest farm confidence survey, which shows falling interest rates, rising incomes and more favourable farming rules have led to the improved outlook.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is urging the Government to take a hard look at Stats NZ, with a view to improving the timeliness and accuracy of key economic data. The department has been put under the microscope, with the central bank highlighting dramatic revisions to GDP (gross domestic product) as one of the reasons for a controversial reversal in its rate track in 2024. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed film director James Cameron says investment and innovation, especially in the film sector, is the key to Wellington’s future. Cameron spoke at Vision for Wellington’s inaugural public event and said the capital’s film sector sets it apart from other cities in New Zealand - but needs more financial support from the Government. SPADA President Irene Gardiner says Wellington's film sector brings more money into the economy if a film performs well - and she agrees with Cameron's sentiments.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  A senior police officer hit his kids with a belt several times, but was only censured for it by police. The IPCA has said that is grossly inadequate, but nothing will happen as a result. What do we make of this?  Should public servants still get automatic pay rises? Sir Brian Roche says it's unaffordable - do we agree? Air New Zealand has copped some backlash from Auckland Airport - what do we make of this?  Oscar-winning film director James Cameron wants the Government to invest more money into the film industry to boost the economy. Is now the right time for this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 20 February 2025, the latest stats show child poverty is going nowhere - Social Development Minister Louise Upston tells Ryan the solution to the crisis. Air NZ boss Greg Foran is forecasting turbulence on the horizon and apologises for the airline's on time performance. Defence Minister Judith Collins says she's keeping an eye on the Chinese naval ships off the coast of Australia. The Huddle debates whether the senior police officer who hit his kids with a belt should have been charged and fired. 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.

Three Chinese navy vessels have entered the Tasman Sea, off of Australia's coast. The New Zealand Defence Force is monitoring the vessels - which are about 280 kilometres east of Sydney. Defence Minister Judith Collins says this is the first time China's sent such capable war ships this far south. "They're really quite stunning pieces of equipment and we've never seen them in this area before." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A law expert says it was assault when a senior police officer hit his children with a belt.  The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found the North Island officer struck his three children multiple times, on their lower body. He admitted using his belt to 're-set' his kids - and has been censured by police for serious misconduct. Auckland University law professor Mark Henaghan says criminal proceedings couldn't go ahead because neither the parent or children would give evidence. "Liz Gunn just taps someone on the shoulder and gets charged with assault - this is hitting kids with a belt and nothing has happened."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A New Zealand-born teen threatened with deportation has mixed emotions, now that he's allowed to stay in the country.  Daman Kumar faced deportation with his long-time overstayer parents to India, a country he'd never visited.  Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk has granted the 18 year-old a resident visa - but has ordered Kumar's parents to leave immediately.  Kumar's lawyer, Alastair McClymont, says they're unlikely to be forced out any time soon.  "Usually, you know, Immigration New Zealand are pretty good at talking to people in this sort of situation and trying to negotiate a voluntary departure."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand is brushing off criticism from Aotearoa's largest airport. Auckland Airport CEO Carrie Hurihanganui has suggested the national carrier's too dominant in the domestic market, holding an 84 percent market share. She stated Air New Zealand wasn't meeting the needs of consumers or the regions. Its Chief Executive, Greg Foran says there've been adjustments in recent months - particularly Wellington - with declines in Government and corporate travel. "But we know how important it is to be fair to everyone in New Zealand and ensure we've got connectivity." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Child Poverty Reduction Minister attributes stagnant progress to tough economic conditions.  Annual figures to June show no real change since 2018, despite a cross-party commitment to halve the rate by 2028. More than 143,000 children are estimated to be living in material hardship.  But Minister Louise Upston says a growing economy will start to help.  "For some families, the cost of living is still affecting them. The OCR drop yesterday - it takes a while for that to flow through and for families to really feel it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More debate over calling New Zealand Aotearoa in the House, taking up 10 minutes during Question Time. Yesterday, Winston Peters objected to Mexican immigrant Ricardo Menendez-March using the name. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Aotearoa is perfectly acceptable to use in the house - despite Peters' obstinance on the subject.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in January from 4 percent in December, in line with expectations from economists. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, employment increased by 44,000 last month, with full time positions increasing and part time roles dropping. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank is largely hoping the unemployment rate keeps growing - so they can bring rates down further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An opening Champions Trophy triumph for New Zealand over Pakistan at Karachi in their one-day international. The hosts struggled to 260, chasing 321 to win. Earlier, Will Young made 107 and Tom Latham an unbeaten 118 in a fourth-wicket stand of 118. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recaps the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's latest campaign to draw in more tourists from Australia has been met with mixed responses.  One leading Australian travel compensation lawyer has warned prospective Aussie travellers to 'go at your own risk'. Peter Capner, Director of Carter Capner Law, says travellers to New Zealand cannot access compensation for injury or death due to the fault of someone else. "Speaking on behalf of all Australians, if they're maimed in New Zealand or orphaned and their breadwinner parent dies, they can't get anything to replace the income that is lost because of that tragedy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New medical tests have shown further complications in the condition of Pope Francis. They reveal the 88-year-old pontiff has developed bilateral pneumonia. The Vatican says laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the Pope's scheduled appointments and appearances for the next few days have been cancelled. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra appears to be advancing its plans to sell off Anchor, Mainland and its other consumer brands.  The co-op hasn't decided whether or not to sell the brands to another business in a trade sale - or whether to list the in an IPO. NZ Shareholders Association CEO Oliver Mander weighs in on what Fonterra's next move could be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank started 2025 off with some good news for homeowners and slashed the OCR by 50 basis points. The Central Bank also implied more rate cuts will come - and at a quicker pace than previously indicated.  Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan revealed how the markets responded. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.