Larry Williams Drive

The Far North District Council has issued a warning after a string of dog attacks in the region. An 8-year-old girl was hospitalised after being attacked by a dog on Wednesday at summer hotspot Taipā Beach - prompting calls for a solution. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says dog owners need to handle their pets responsibly to prevent similar incidents. "If you have a dog in the Far North, you make sure that you are looking after it properly and that it can't get out. You make sure that it's registered."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're less than a week out from Christmas - and some key stocks could be well-placed for a Christmas charge-up. The 'Santa Rally' phenomenon refers to a strong share market over the last 5 trading sessions in December, and the first 2 trading sessions in the new year. Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor unpacks the phenomenon. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The surprisingly large uptick in the amount of debt the Treasury is expected to issue in coming years will come at a cost, S&P Global Ratings warns. On Tuesday, Treasury increased its forecast bond issuance programme by a whopping 16 percent. It now believes it’ll have to issue $146 billion of New Zealand Government Bonds (debt) in the four years to 2027/28 - $20b more than forecast at the Budget in May. 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 Green Party has proposed a new bill requiring people to chip and register their cats? Is this a practical idea? Parliament has voted to strike down a bill to legalise trading on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Should we let this debate go - or will it come back again? A judge and senior lawyer made headlines for going feral at Winston Peters at the Northern Club. What should their punishments be?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh drinking water is an ongoing worry for those in Vanuatu following yesterday's 7.3 magnitude earthquake.  Early reports estimate hundreds are injured and more than a dozen people have died. New Zealand search and rescue teams, equipment and supplies are currently on their way. The airport is only open to humanitarian assistance - and the port is out of action. Vanuatu-based journalist Dan McGarry says power is out and water's being restored very slowly.  "We lost two large-capacity water tanks on the hills just outside of town, so water supply is going to be a continuing concern." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 December 2024, the hotly debated Fast-Track Approvals Bill has become law. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop tells Ryan Bridge what happens now and when we can actually expect shovels in the ground. The Greens want to get their hands on your cats... we'll find out what they want to do with them. Is Esports real sport? Esports New Zealand are upset they're not getting any funding from High Performance Sports for the next four years. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the feral behaviour from a judge and a senior lawyer at the prestigious Northern Club. 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.

Compulsory microchipping of pet cats could be on the cards with the introduction of a new Green Party bill.  The party is proposing a law obliging people to chip and register felines - to keep cats with owners and protect native wildlife.  MP Celia Wade-Brown says a lot of people will want it to include compulsory de-sexing, and this may come up during the select committee process.  "The first step is to get this bill to select committee so that we can hear the public's views, the experts' views, the animal welfare people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's expectations fast-tracked projects will kick in next year.  The controversial Fast Track Approvals Bill passed its final reading in the House last night - despite heated protest in the public gallery and from Opposition MPs.  It's being characterised as a one-stop shop, facilitating consents for large-scale development, infrastructure, and mining. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says people can apply from February - and he's certain many will start right away.  "We've got to get the expert panel set up as quickly as possible, so we're doing that work over the next six to eight weeks." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Drivers are being given the green-light to wear jandals behind the wheel. The Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens has busted the myth insurance can't be claimed on a crash if the driver's wearing jandals. But she says people should still be careful. "If you know that your jandal's going to get stuck under the accelerator or there's a particular problem with the type of shoe you're wearing - then of course, you don't do that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment that a bill has been voted down to remove trading restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The MP conscience vote landed on 74 to 49 against it. Retail NZ says it would have allowed better competition with online websites that still operate on both public holidays.  Chief executive Carolyn Young says it's sensible to let businesses be open if they want. "People think everybody wants to have the day off with their family on that day - some people might rather work and get the penal rates and then be able to take the day-in-lieu that they get."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party won't keep pushing to remove trading restrictions from Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Politicians have toppled a bill today in a conscience vote - 74 to 49. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's 'incredible' the bill was voted down - considering the impact it would have on retailers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has been charged with murder as an 'act of terrorism'. Mangione received an 11-count indictment in connection to the December 4 shooting in Manhattan. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this case has divided the nation - with many young Americans seemingly voicing support with Thompson's killing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olympic medal-winning sports have been given a boost in funding heading into the Los Angeles Games - but not everyone got lucky. Rowing, Yachting, Athletics and Para Athletics, Cycling and Para Cycling, and Canoe Racing and Para Canoe are the Podium sports set for extra investment over the next four years. However, Hockey New Zealand is looking at cuts to personnel and a reduction in Black Sticks fixtures after High Performance Sport NZ slashed the sport's funding by $1.4 million dollars annually. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Esports New Zealand is feeling disappointment after being left out of a funding boost ahead of the next Olympics. High Performance Sport NZ has confirmed it will invest over $160 million into various Kiwi sporting organisations over the next four years - with rowing, cycling, speed climbing and tennis among the sports set to benefit. Conor English, the President of the New Zealand Esports Federation, says this comes at at an unfortunate time, with the first-ever esport Olympics set to take place in 2025. "As a country, we are very well-placed because we've got a national sporting organisation that is in the esports area ahead of a lot of other countries, but we do need funding from the Government. And if High Performance Sport isn't going to deliver it, I guess the question is - how will we get some funding?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Sport has slashed UK Athletics' funding for the  Los Angeles Olympic cycle by nearly £1.75 million - and the organisation isn't happy. It's an 8 percent cut, and there's concerns it will impact funding for training camps and athletic coaches. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacks the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's half-year fiscal update paints a bleak economic picture for the years ahead.  It revealed the Government's debt path is steeper than previously anticipated - and surplus won't be reached until the end of the decade. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains how things got to this point - and how the Government can redirect the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government books are deeper in the red than expected - and it's going to get worse. Should the Government make harsher cuts than it is already - or introduce more taxes? Wellington City Council has voted to make a submission on the Government's Treaty Principles Bill. Is this really the council's business? The old SPQR will soon be reopened - under the new name Jacuzzi. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 17 December 2024,  I see red, I see red, I see red! Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Ryan Bridge after revealing New Zealand's financial troubles are even worse than feared.   The Chief Ombudsman says we need to treat our most dangerous prisoners better. The Black Caps finally deliver a win against England. Plus, the Huddle debates whether it's a council's job to make submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill. 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.

A new survey out of Massey University has sparked concerns surrounding the number of Kiwis using prescription drugs recreationally. One out of four survey respondents reported using pharmaceuticals for non-medicinal purposes in the previous six months. General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says pain medications, sedatives like benzodiazepines, gabapentin and ADHD medications are most likely to be abused. "Most GPs are aware of the issue - and are very careful when prescribing these medications." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business advocates believe the latest minimum wage increase strikes the right balance during an economic downturn. The minimum wage will rise 1.5 percent - or 35 cents an hour - to $23.50. The Government says the moderate increase reflects the current economic climate and labour market.  Employers and Manufacturers Association Advocacy Head Alan McDonald says this won't cause businesses to cut jobs - but they will be more cautious.  "If you're thinking about hiring people - and people are still hiring people - if you can get someone for $25-$26 an hour who's done a few years in the workforce and has a proven track record - are you going on someone at $23.50 who doesn't?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.