Larry Williams Drive

Donald Trump met Jordan's King Abdullah today, amid ongoing discussions about redeveloping Gaza and potentially reducing aid for the US-allied Arab country if it refuses to resettle Palestinians. Trump's proposal, floated one week ago, for the US to take over Gaza, move residents over and turn the war-ravaged territory into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has been met with disapproval from various Arab nations.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says King Abdullah has also voiced disapproval with Trump's proposal for Gaza. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach by 'mutual agreement' after a record run of 14 straight Test defeats, the Welsh Rugby Union announced today. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take temporary charge for the side’s remaining three Six Nations games against title favourites Ireland, Scotland and England. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Media and Communications Minister says cutting funding for NZ on Air and the Film Commission isn't on the table.  The Government is asking for feedback on five proposals, aiming to help local media go up against international competitors.  One includes merging the Commission and NZ on Air. Paul Goldsmith says the two categories are becoming far less distinct - and a merger could even give both more funds. "Rather than having two organisations doling it out - if you had one, that could be a more efficient way of doing it. We're not suggesting changing the overall funding levels, that's just how it's administered."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, the Government has launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants. The Labour-led Government has revealed that since they came to power, they have deported 19,000 people out of the UK - including failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this may have been inspired by Nigel Farage's Reform Party - which is seeing a significant boost in the polls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round. This follows two disappointing showings for the coalition in the polls, with Chris Luxon's standing as preferred Prime Minister taking a hit. Luxon has stayed optimistic - and Infometics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is hopeful things will turn around later in the year. "Those interest rates are coming down - but it takes a bit of time for everyone to re-fix onto them. And at the same time, data out recently showed that the unemployment rate has been going up. So I do think we're in that odd period...but there are those greener shoots showing through." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country's Jamie Mackay took a trip up to the Big Smoke - and got to sit in on a memorable parliamentary session. Both Luxon and Hipkins got some jabs in at each other, and Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick questioned the quality of the coalition's school lunch plan, and challenged the Prime Minister to eat one. Jamie Mackay joined Ryan Bridge to recap the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Kāinga Ora has unveiled their tougher new approach to address rent debt. Is this move justified - or a step too far? Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick brought some lunchboxes into the House and challenged Prime Minister Luxon to eat one after claims they were inedible. What do we make of this?  There's concern in Tauranga, with many residents saying mayor Mahe Drysdale should move from Cambridge to the city. Drysdale says it's been difficult finding a house in their preferred school zone - do we think he needs to move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised over how much tax Netflix is currently paying in New Zealand. Research indicates there are over 1.3 million Netflix users in New Zealand paying at least $18.50 per month each. However, new reports reveal the company apparently doesn't meet the $11 million revenue threshold to make finances public - indicating Netflix pays a smaller-than-expected tax bill. Edward Miller, an expert from the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research, says many Kiwi users are justified in wanting to learn more about what Netflix pays. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 November 2024, Kainga Ora boss Matt Crockett tells Ryan Bridge the state housing agency is going to start evicting tenants who don't pay rent. Trade Minister Todd McClay reacts to Donald Trump's announcement of 25% taxes on NZ steel and aluminium. NZ Rugby is suing its major sponsor Ineos, alleging the company breached its six-year sponsorship contract. An economist says we need to start talking about means testing NZ Super. Plus, the Huddle debates whether a mayor should live in the city they're the mayor of. 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.

The Tai Rāwhiti mill that ran for 30 years before it was shut down in late 2023 is set to re-open in the coming months, with new Australian owners. About 87 staff were impacted by Japanese-owned Juken's decision to close the mill - amid financial difficulties and weak demand for Japanese housing wood products. Millari Group of Australia confirmed in a statement that it will upgrade and re-establish the 25-hectare site in Gisborne over the coming months. Mill general manager Shane Wilson says more details will be revealed over the next few weeks - with repairs and upgrades needed to boost operations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister is laying bare the cost of Donald Trump's tariffs for New Zealand.  The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - and says there'll be no exceptions. Todd McClay says that's not surprising, following similar moves by Trump in his first term. He says it won't significantly impact us, especially compared to exports like beef and wine.  "For New Zealand exporters, we will face about an extra $5 million of tariffs - plus or minus - that's on about $150 million total of exports." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist says New Zealand needs to have a tough conversation about superannuation. Finance Minister Nicola Willis yesterday told Newstalk ZB the scheme needs to become sustainable and a debate about age eligibility will be needed eventually.  Bagrie Economics says raising the age makes sense, with the average life expectancy up a lot. Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down the road. "More than 50 percent of all welfare spending is going towards New Zealand's Superannuation - and some people need that money, but there's a chunk of society that I don't think need that money and they're double dipping." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand Rugby's major sponsors has found itself offside with the national body. In a recent statement, NZR has confirmed they're launching legal action against petrochemical company Ineos for breaching a deal worth around eight million dollars a year. NZ Rugby views Ineos' non-payment of the first instalment of 2025 as confirmation they've exited the six-year agreement early - and have 'no option' but to begin proceedings. Former CEO David Moffett says this is a big step for NZR, but they haven't been left with any other options. "In a situation like this, the only people that are going to win are the lawyers. There will be damage done to both brands, but hopefully NZ Rugby have got some really strong legal advice." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora's hoping more tenants will stay on top of rent after it's written off debts.  It's announced a tougher stance on rental debt - and will end tenancies for people who skip rent with no attempt to get back on track.   But it also says it'll forgive and reduce debt for consistently paying customers owing more than 12 weeks’ rent. Chief executive Matt Crockett says the debt otherwise becomes too daunting for tenants to tackle.  "We are going to manage it more closely, earlier, so that we never have customers that have more than 12 weeks. This is about cleaning up the situation we've got at the moment and resetting to move forward with a more pragmatic approach." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was Chris versus Chris in the House this afternoon, as Hipkins went toe-to-toe with Luxon in the House today The Prime Minister drew first blood in his response to accusations from Labour that he's unable to control his Cabinet.  Chris Hipkins was quick to fire back - and asked if Nicola Willis was more likely to replace the Interislander ferries or Luxon as Prime Minister by the end of the year. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a memorable session in Parliament.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's uncertainty whether or not Australia will get off scot-free from Donald Trump's latest tariffs. The US President is imposing 25 percent tariffs for all steel and aluminium imports - saying there'll be no exceptions.  But he's also told Australia's Prime Minister the trade surplus with Australia will be taken into consideration. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the AUKUS pact will likely also play a part in a potential exemption. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw believes a new 'quartet' captaincy model reflects the selection tussles ahead for the Super Rugby side. 2024 skipper Brad Shields is joined by Du'Plessis Kirifi, Billy Proctor and Asafo Aumua in a new franchise model of four captains for 2025. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First's Winston Peters is determined to give Kiwis the right to choose as part of a new bill. The Party has introduced a member's bill that aims to repeal a 2021 fluoridation law - requiring councils to hold a referendum.  It would look into the law giving the Director-General of Health authority to mandate having fluoride in local water supplies.  Peters says people have had a right to vote on these matters for decades - and he hopes to re-instate that right. "We're saying - give people back the democracy they enjoyed all those decades and let them decide. They're the ones who have a right in regards to what they want, not some over-inflated bureaucrats in Wellington."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, a second Labour MP has apologised for comments made in a WhatsApp chat after Andrew Gwynne was dismissed over comments he sent to the same group. Burnley MP Oliver Ryan said in a statement that the comments he made were 'unacceptable' and he regretted not speaking up about them sooner.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has signalled an incoming announcement of 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the US.  Trump also reaffirmed that he would announce 'reciprocal tariffs', meaning the US would impose import duties on on products in cases where another country has levied duties on US goods. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what this means for the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.