Larry Williams Drive

New reports offer a look into the TV ads that struck a nerve in 2024. The Advertising Standards Authority received hundreds of complaints last year, but only accepted 100 for review. They include people disgusted about someone picking their nose, and outrage over cars not stopping at a pedestrian crossing. Chief executive Hilary Souter says they get a raft of complaints for all different reasons. "What's interesting to us about the people looking at ads is that they often pick up one issue in an ad that's running for, say, 30 seconds - it's a TV thing that pushes their buttons." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nelson's mayor is using a false claim from the new US President in his inaugural address to promote the city. Trump's list of Americans' claims to greatness included splitting the atom, which was achieved by Kiwi Sir Ernest Rutherford in 1917. Nelson Mayor Nick Smith's inviting the US Ambassador to visit the memorial to Rutherford. He says he wants to celebrate his heritage. "It was extraordinary that a small boy that grew up in a little place called Brightwater, Foxhill and Havelock who went to Nelson College went on to make some of the most amazing scientific discoveries." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's swift actions from the day he's taken office could indicate he's learned since his first term.  The 47th President has already signed a significant number of executive orders, relating to border security, inflation, and even gender issues.  In just two orders, he revoked nearly 80 of Joe Biden's presidential actions, and he's pardoned more than a thousand convicts from the January 6 Capitol riot.  Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian says Trump's showing he's prepared and eager for change.  "Now that he also has a Republican Senate and a Republican House, the wind is at his back with making sure that everything continues to go as smoothly as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As kids get ready to head back to school, educators are worried about a lack of teachers - with a shortage of about 346 full time teachers sparking concerns. The PPTA's Chris Abercrombie says New Zealand is competing with the rest of the world for staff.  He says New Zealand needs to be an attractive place for domestic teachers to stay, and for overseas teachers to move to.  "The Government could be looking at increasing pay and conditions at their upcoming collective agreement - we know that pay helps keep people in the profession." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's upcoming caucus retreat is set to take place tomorrow - as the Party recovers from Sunday's surprise Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Chris Luxon raised a few eyebrows following his ministerial shakeup, with multiple MPs being moved down the rankings and losing their portfolios. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon cares about generating results, and he's not above chopping and changing to move forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Serbian Council of Australia is calling for broadcaster Tony Jones to be sacked following his comments about Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Representatives claimed members of Australia's Serbian community filed complaints after Jones insulted Djokovic to a crowd of fans during a live cross. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says some fans were offended by the remarks - but others believe the outrage is unnecessary.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi doubles specialist Erin Routliffe faces a gruelling schedule in the Melbourne heat on day 10 at the Australian Open. Routliffe had her women's doubles quarterfinal with partner Gaby Dabrowski earlier today, before she returns to the court for her mixed doubles last-eight match with Kiwi Michael Venus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a growing push to make banking more accessible for the disabled - and one major bank aims to launch a solution. A new Westpac-commissioned found nearly one in four Kiwis have a disability, and can encounter barriers to accessing accounts and services. The bank wants to introduce a new 'basic' bank account, to help reduce numbers of people not using banking. Chief executive Catherine McGrath says it matches a UK offering, with specific features. "The don't have overdrafts, the types of transactions can be a bit restricted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire began today, with three Hamas hostages exchanged for 90 Palestinian prisoners. Emily Damari, Romi Gonen and Doron Steinbrecher were taken back to Israel by security forces after Hamas fighters handed them over to the Red Cross.   UK correspondent Gail Downey says it's unclear whether the hostages will reveal the conditions of their capture at this stage.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's energy sector is hoping Prime Minister Luxon's Cabinet reshuffle will lead to potential solutions to the country's energy crisis. Yesterday's shake-up resulted in Climate Change Minister Simon Watts picking up the energy portfolio from Simeon Brown. Octopus Energy's Margaret Cooney says more innovation is needed to boost the sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's inflation data will set the economic tone for the new year, but experts are hoping the final months of 2024 brought positive results. The latest inflation results from the December quarter will be out this Wednesday, and there's hope enough steam has been let out of the economy. Kiwibank Chief Economist Jarrod Kerr explains what we can expect. 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!  What do we make of yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle? Do we need a Minister for the South Island? Is Simeon Brown a good fit for the Health portfolio? It's a big day for the US tomorrow, as Donald Trump takes back the keys to the White House in his inauguration ceremony. What are we predicting for his return to the Oval Office? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday January 20th, 2025, Homegrown director Andrew Tuck explained why the festival 'outgrew' Wellington following the news it would move locations in 2026. Influencers and e-celebs are wondering what the future holds amid uncertainty about TikTok. Influencer and advocate Jazz Thornton revealed how she plans to diversify her output. Over in the US, it's getting close to Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony. Correspondent Simon Marks reveals the famous faces we can expect to see - and the ones we won't. The Huddle also wonders what executive orders will be signed upon Trump's return to the White House. 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.

Nicola Willis says her new role in Cabinet is all about driving New Zealand's growth.  The Finance Minister has been given the Economic Growth portfolio, formerly known as the Economic Development portfolio It's been taken off Melissa Lee - who's been stripped of all ministerial responsibilities. Willis says she'll now be taking the lead at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.  "Through that role, I will be making sure that we're responding to businesses, industries, small business owners about what they need to have the confidence to be investing, to be hiring." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First-term MP James Meager is pledging to speak to those in the deep south - and the top of the Mainland. Meager is the first National MP elected in 2023 to become a minister, taking up the new portfolio of Minister for the South Island, alongside portfolios in Hunting and Fishing and Youth. James Meager says he wants to make sure the South Island can contribute to economic growth. "That's a big part of what the PM wants me to do - help us focus on what we can do to promote growth in the South Island."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online stars are scrambling to change platforms amid uncertainty about TikTok. The Chinese social media platform 'went dark' yesterday because of a US ban that aimed to force its sale to a neutral party.  Access is being restored after Donald Trump promised to delay enforcement. TikTok influencer and mental health advocate, Jazz Thornton, says the US ban affects New Zealanders by reducing engagement.  She says she's diversified by using YouTube. "For security - but also to be able to continue to reach the people that we do. There's so much uncertainty with all kinds of social media that you can't put everything in one basket." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Gloriavale leaver has outlined his 'livid' reaction to yesterday's apology from community leader Howard Temple.  The Royal Commission of Inquiry requested an apology, after establishing a pattern of abuse. Temple thanked those who'd reported it - and accepted the Commission's Safety of Care recommendation. But former member John Ready says the apology was insincere - and shows a complete lack of understanding of the damage caused. "The timestamp - 1950 to 1999 - leaves out the majority of the abuse from 2000." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famous faces are appearing in Washington DC - just 12 hours until Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th US President.  The blisteringly cold weather has moved the event indoors for the first time since 1985. Elon Musk and other billionaires - Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos - will be there, alongside all living former presidents.   US correspondent Simon Marks says, notably, Michelle Obama won't be there.  "I think it's not so much the climactic conditions that have kept her away from those events, but the inevitability of her having to rub shoulders with the Trumps at them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are wondering about the future of New Zealand's health sector after the Prime Minister made some changes in Cabinet. Chris Luxon stripped Shane Reti of his Health Minister portfolio and handed the role over to Simeon Brown instead. Meanwhile, Nicola Willis is picking up a new Economic Growth role, and Chris Bishop became the Minister for Transport. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks what this could mean for the health system. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TV presenter Tony Jones has apologised to Novak Djokovic for mocking Serbian fans at the Australian tennis Open. Djokovic vowed to boycott interviews from Australian broadcaster Channel Nine until he received a public apology, after Jones called him 'over-rated' and a 'has-been'.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Jones reached out to Djokovic's team after the story attracted worldwide attention.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.