Larry Williams Drive

New reports indicate the Indian Government is sounding out the nation's biggest businesses to determine how they feel about a trade agreement with New Zealand. The Indian Government reportedly sent an email to members of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry asking for feedback on the idea of starting negotiations with NZ on a free trade agreement. India NZ Business Council chair Bharat Chawla explains what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Auditor-General is upping the ante, urging the Government to change the law to require departments to better report on what their spending achieves. John Ryan is worried it can be difficult to track what comes of Government policies or programmes, and wants the issue investigated by the Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The CEO of surveillance network Auror explained the new technology used to stop shoplifters in their tracks after the latest Golriz Ghahraman incident. Is this a step too far - or a necessary measure to combat retail crime? According to new reports, domestic inflation is still on the sticky side - what can this mean for the rest of the year? New data out of the UK reveals a concerning amount of Gen Z doesn't know how to do simple DIY tasks - and have turned to professionals to change their lightbulbs. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A media commentator says cuts at NZME are just the latest in a troubled industry.  NZ Herald and Newstalk ZB owner NZME is proposing a restructure, with a net loss of about 38 roles. Spinoff founder Duncan Grieve says all around the world massive cuts are taking place while other brands disappear completely.  He says it's not a problem which is likely to go away. "It wouldn't shock me if this was just setting off another year of that - and it might not be anything like the biggest we're going to see." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police can search the retail surveillance network that recorded a shopping incident involving former Green MP Golriz Ghahraman, even when no complaint has been made. Ghahraman was stopped and questioned by store security at Royal Oak's Pak’nSave in the weeks before her High Court case in early October. Foodstuffs says it did not complain to police. Surveillance network Auror is used by retailers - including Foodstuffs - and confirms police can access the information those clients record. CEO Phil Thompson says the system lets all the parties work closely together. "Retailers are capturing information on crimes and attempted crimes that happen in their stores and making that visible to their own head office - and also to police." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 22 January 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis on our sticky domestic inflation and why Chinese tourists could bring a quick economic boost to the country. The Spinoff's Duncan Grieve reacts to news of almost 40 newsroom roles being axed at NZ Herald publisher NZME. Education experts are calling on the Government to do more to lift NCEA achievement rates of Māori kids. Plus, Resident Builder Pete Wolfcamp on news that Gen Z are so allergic to DIY they even hire a handyman to change a lightbulb. 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 revelation that almost a quarter of Gen Z adults would rather pay a professional to change their lightbulbs has raised concerns about self-reliance among young people. According to data out of the UK, some younger people spend up to £1,300 (NZ$2830) a year paying professionals to do household tasks, citing concerns around safety - lightbulbs being too hot, falling off ladders and a reluctance to tamper with electronics. The report also states that 30 percent of those surveyed could not identify a screwdriver. ZB's Resident Builder Peter Wolfkamp says it's important to encourage some self-reliance - and there's plenty of tasks that can be carried out independently.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Confidence another substantial Official Cash Rate cut's on the cards, with today's figures showing inflation is still under control. Stats NZ says the rate for the year to December remained unchanged at 2.2 percent. Inflation is well down from the 2022 high of 7.3 percent, but still higher than the 1.5 percent reached in 2021. Infometrics Chief Forecaster Gareth Kiernan says he's confident the Reserve Bank will slice 50 basis points from the OCR in February. "Non-tradeable inflation is still coming down - there's risks on the tradeable side, but I don't think there's enough there to sway the Reserve Bank towards going with a smaller 25 point cut." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's fired a warning to local councils - saying it's time for spending discipline and restraint. Stats NZ data for the year to December shows the inflation rate remains unchanged at 2.2 percent. Simon Watts has picked up the Local Government portfolio from incoming Health Minister, Simeon Brown. Nicola Willis says in too many cases, rates have been out of control. "We are looking at this concept of putting some limits on the level of rate increases that councils can do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's sending a strong message about its goals for 2025 - to grow the economy.  The party's holding its annual caucus retreat today, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon earlier addressed media with his goal for growth.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Government is looking to get back to basics with their latest plans. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US isn't appearing that united over new President Donald Trump's drastic reconfiguration of American policy.  He's issued dozens of executive orders since taking office yesterday, and says more changes are to come.  There's already pushback - with 22 states challenging his bid to end birthright citizenship - and many fearing for the justice system after his sweeping pardons of Capitol riot convictions. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says American Civil Liberties Union, immigrant organizations and an expectant mother have also taken action against Trump. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz admits he was outplayed in a four-set quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Alcaraz won the first set but concedes he was overpowered by Djokovic, on the hunt for a 25th grand slam and 11th in Melbourne. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are urging the Government to step up and help boost achievement rates among Māori students. The latest NCEA data shows Māori students lagged 20 percent behind their Pakeha counterparts in reading, writing and maths. Education consultant Alwyn Poole says this is a huge disparity - and it's been a long-term concern.  "There are loads of examples of children from a range of situations arriving at school at 5 years old and being significantly behind - and it's been well reported on." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business executives, academics, Government officials and civic leaders are expected to gather in Switzerland for the World Economic forum - and there's one key name on everyone's lips.  Donald Trump's return to the White House is set to be a topic of discussion, with experts set to participate in an upcoming '47th US Presidency, Early Thoughts' panel. UK correspondent Enda Brady says wars, misinformation and climate change are also expected to be discussed at length. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the unemployment rate increased to 4 percent in December - raising questions ahead of a potential interest rate cut next month. Unemployment is one of the key metrics the RBA uses to inform interest rate settings, and a weakening market could encourage the central bank to reduce rates. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big week for the US, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office for his second term as US President. His plan for tariffs has sparked concern among many key industries, with Kiwi farmers wondering what this means for one of New Zealand's biggest red meat markets. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December. The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, rose a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent to $9.23 billion in December from November, according to Stats NZ.  That brought total spending in line with levels last seen in November 2023. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is a sign green shoots are returning to the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Auckland City Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Herald's written a list of the pickiest and most peculiar advertising complaints of 2024 - what do we make of these? Have we turned into a nation of humourless whiners?  It's a big day for the US as Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office for his second term - and he's not wasting any time, having signed off on a number of executive orders on day one. What do we make of all this?  It's a tough market for job hunters - what do we recommend Kiwi job-seekers do?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian speaks to Andrew Dickens as Donald Trump gets to work at the White House.   Nelson mayor Nick Smith wants to call in the US ambassador over the question of who split the atom first. Should you put a photo on your CV? Recruitment expert Megan Alexander on how to stand out when looking for a new job. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on Donald Trump, and whether Kiwis have become humourless. 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.

It's a tough market for people on the job hunt in today's climate.  Seek data shows job ads fell 2 percent in December - and were down 22 percent compared to December 2023. Recent surveys also indicated at least 64 percent of employees are also hoping for a pay rise this year. Robert Half Managing Director Megan Alexander says applicants need to demonstrate proactivity and initiative - and follow through on the promises made in interviews. "You have to definitely have the full package in today's climate. You've got to have experience that is relevant for the job, you've got to articulate it really well, you have to demonstrate proactivity... all those people-skill elements." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.