Larry Williams Drive

The Prime Minister has taken aim at the chief executives of New Zealand’s largest banks saying it was 'utterly unacceptable' that some were withdrawing banking services from petrol stations and mines. Chris Luxon joined Mike Hosking earlier today to explain that the banks needed to keep funding businesses Kiwis need to keep moving forward - and expressed concern at rural petrol stations in particular losing their funding. Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews says the Government has the option to put regulations in place to reverse these changes - but warned this choices comes with consequences.  "If the Government starts telling the banks what they have to do, then it's very much open to the banks to say - actually, it's too complicated, you're dictating too much what we can and can't do... the reality is, the New Zealand market is not that important to us, we're going to withdraw." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's optimism from the head of Super Rugby Pacific that players and coaches will stay genuine with their votes for the competition's new award. The Player of the Year gong will be voted on by the captains and head coaches, who will dish out points to their top three players from the opposing team after every match. Jack Mesley says the sport had a really good year last year - and they're hoping to build on that. "We think things like this, the introduction of awards, fantasy rugby - which we're also introducing - are all great initiatives that will increase engagement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington housing valuations have taken a dive, with no suburb unscathed.  QV valuations show house values have fallen 24.4 percent since 2021, with the average house value now sitting just under $1.1 million. Auckland valuations are expected to show little movement since 2021.  City Councillor Ben McNulty says it won't change rates bills much. "The council has decided it needs 13 percent more money from rate-payers to run the city for next year, which means rates have to go up to meet that amount." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand could have one of the least competitive corporation tax rates - but that could change by May. The Prime Minister has hinted this year's Budget could make way for relief.  The rate has stayed on 28 percent since 2011 - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is making comparisons with countries like Ireland, with a 12.5 percent rate. Advisory expert Robin Oliver says such a change would have a big impact. "If we went down to 25, that'll cost us about a billion dollars per annum in tax - and that still wouldn't be much competitive compared to these small, open economies." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kāinga Ora is focused on bringing down its building costs going forward. The Government is taking aim at its pricing - saying it is refocusing the state landlord on basics. A new review judged Kāinga Ora was paid about 12 percent more for building houses, when compared to the market. Chair Simon Moutter says the costs were partly due to higher design specs than needed. "Social housing does require some features that normal market housing doesn't - but it doesn't need to cost hundreds of thousands more, it should only cost low tens of thousands more." The Government's turnaround plan for Kāinga Ora includes cutting a quarter of its staff, removing new-home sustainability requirements and selling off high-worth state homes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mexico's ambassador met with Winston Peters at Waitangi today following last week's infamous comments made by Shane Jones. The NZ First MP made headlines after he called out 'send the Mexicans home' in Parliament. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined the mood before the meeting. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Haylen has quit as the New South Wales transport minister after it was revealed she used a ministerial car for personal purposes. It recently emerged that Haylen had asked her chauffeur to take her and some friends to a winery lunch on the Australia Day holiday weekend in a 13-hour 446km round-trip. It was also reported that Haylen used a taxpayer-funded driver to ferry herself and her children from Caves Beach to Sydney for weekend sporting events.   Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this isn't a good look for an MP to use a tax-payer funded vehicle for personal reasons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Super Rugby Pacific chief executive Jack Mesley feels they've landed on the best possible format for the competition's new Player of the Year award. Captains and coaches will vote on their top three players from the opposing team on a 3, 2, 1 basis after every match. The votes from each game and an updated leaderboard will be published on the competition website and social media channels every Tuesday during the season. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate Minister is reiterating support for climate targets. Act leader David Seymour's suggested New Zealand could pull out of the Paris Climate Agreement - following the lead of the US President. Foreign Minister Winston Peters says questions need to be asked if large nations aren't signed up. Climate Minister Simon Watts says we need to do all we can to meet climate targets. "We've set a target which we believe is aligned with allowing us to do and achieve our economic growth ambitions - but also balancing that with our national interests." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former president of Spain's football federation, Luis Rubiales, is set to go on trial later today. Rubiales stands accused of sexual assault for kissing the player Jenni Hermoso, in a case which has fed into wider discussions about sexism and consent.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains what we can expect in this case. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is set to impose new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China - and the markets took a tumble overnight. Canada and Mexico are facing 25 percent tariffs and China will be hit by a 10 percent tariff. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert believes the US could potentially establish a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand. Donald Trump is set to meet with the leaders of Canada and Mexico after both nations revealed they planned to impose their own tariffs in response to the President's newest scheme. Former US ambassador to New Zealand Scott Brown says he hasn't heard any plans to impose tariffs on New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Palmerston North City Council is looking to ban fizzy drinks from eight venues - including sports stadiums. They claim it's to 'promote healthier lifestyle choices for residents and visitors'. Do we think this is a good idea - or is it overreach?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to be spending Waitangi Day in the South Island - almost as far from Waitangi as it gets. Is this a good call - or a cowardly move?  The Grammys took place today, and the ceremony wasn't without controversy. Kanye West and his girlfriend Bianca Censori were escorted out of the Grammys after she showed up nearly fully naked. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details could be coming this week about the procuring company for the Interislander ferries. In December last year, the Government announced it would set up a company to procure the ferries, freeing up Kiwirail.  It's committed to a March deadline.  Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she believes Minister-in-Charge Winston Peters has a handle on the process - and will be incorporating once the directors are appointed. She says her alternative procurement plan is ready to go as a fallback. "The Minister for Rail is doing the right thing, he is comparing that option with what else might be out there and he's running the process to do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 3 February 2025, Trade Minister Todd McClay speaks to Ryan Bridge as fears of a US trade war grow bigger. Also, Trump insider and former US Ambassador to New Zealand, Scott Brown reveals how to deal with Trump and why an FTA might actually be a possibility. Loud gasps at the Grammys - why did Kanye West's girlfriend turn up naked? Plus, the Huddle debates whether Palmerston North council has lost the plot looking to ban sugary drinks from its stadium.  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 67th Grammy Awards took place today - and plenty of the biggest names in music got to take home some awards and accolades. Chappell Roan won the Grammy for best new artist, Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' scored record of the year and song of the year, and Beyoncé took home album of the year for Cowboy Carter - a career first. The ceremony took place a month after the LA wildfires began, with plenty of tributes paid to the ongoing relief efforts. The event wasn't without controversy either, with Kanye West and his wife Bianca Censori being escorted away after her naked dress look got caught potentially breaking California’s penal code. LA entertainment correspondent Sean Mandell says Beyoncé also won country album of the year - and seemed shocked by this development.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One councillor's standing by a proposed fizzy drink ban, despite community pushback. Palmerston North City Council has proposed to include Central Energy Trust Arena in its sugary drinks ban - among other venues. The council says the draft policy's aim is to promote a healthy lifestyle. Councillor Brent Barrett says he knows pushing for the right thing isn't always popular.   "We know there's a direct line between sugar and the kind of pressure that comes on our health system through rotting teeth, diabetes, obesity, etc... we want to see if there's community appetite for change."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's revealed he'll be spending this year's Waitangi Day in the South Island.  Chris Luxon is not visiting the Treaty Grounds this week - he's instead sending a Ministerial delegation including Erica Stanford, Tama Potaka, Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell.  Luxon's office has this morning revealed he'll celebrate the public holiday with Ngāi Tahu, at Banks Peninsula's Onuku Marae. Luxon's previously said not all Prime Ministers commemorate the day at the Waitangi grounds - and he plans to go to different marae across the country over the course of his tenure in office.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it would be a better look if Luxon fronted up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Queensland floods are yet to reach predicted levels.  Parts of the north-east have had about a metre of rain since Friday, and a woman died when a rescue boat capsized - and parts of Townsville are evacuating. Authorities claim the rain is currently easing - but the worst is still to come. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says many residents have battened down the hatches to prepare for more extreme weather. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melbourne is closing in on securing a NFL regular season game in 2026. The Herald Sun reports that Melbourne has beaten Sydney to the race to win hosting rights for the first competitive NFL game to be played down under. The two cities had been jostling in recent months, but it's understood the first game will be set down for the Melbourne Cricket Ground in October next year - and will be a multi-year agreement. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains what this could mean for the future of the sport. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.