Larry Williams Drive

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.

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.