Larry Williams Drive

Over in the UK, concerns have been raised over the drones that were spotted over RAF bases in four English counties. The drones ranged in 'sizes and configurations' according to new reports. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unclear who is behind these incidents - but experts suspect Russia is involved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year is drawing to a close and Christmas is on the horizon - meaning Black Friday is nearly upon us. The shopping event began as a one-day sale for American consumers the day after Thanksgiving, but it has since expanded around the world. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie examined the history of the sale - and revealed what consumers can expect this year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent burst of sunny weather has brought good results for New Zealand's primary sector. Flowering has surged two weeks ahead for sauvignon blanc producers in Marlborough - meaning they'll harvest earlier than expected. The Country host Rowena Duncum explains some of the other positive impacts that come with this recent burst of good weather. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank moved to cut the OCR by 50 basis points in its final decision for 2024. New Zealand's biggest banks have adjusted their floating rates accordingly - but no significant cuts have been reported yet.  NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Covid-19 response inquiry is out - and it's very critical of the vaccine mandates and aspects of the lockdowns. Do Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins need to apologise to the country?  Another plant based food manufacturer, Sustainable Foods, has gone into liquidation. Does this mean we just don't like fake meat? Will it ever be cool? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 28 November 2024, the first part of the Royal Commission into the Covid response has criticised vaccine mandates and the length of the lockdowns. Heather asks Chris Hipkins, former Health Minister, whether he thinks he should apologise for decisions made. Watercare's Mark Bourne with an update on the arsenic levels in the Waikato River, and why it took so long to tell the public about elevated levels. Plus the Huddle debates why we just don't seem to like fake meat, after plant-based food producer Sustainable Foods goes into liquidation. 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.

More details have emerged in the wake of SolarZero’s shock liquidation, which affected 160 employees. The company revealed on Tuesday that the business was unable to continue trading, citing 'unsustainable operating losses and liquidity constraints'. Former employees have since spoken out against the company -  and one of them, Mike, has unveiled some concerns ahead of a planned protest tomorrow. "The main thing we want to try and get across is - we were made redundant 4pm on Tuesday, no redundancy, no notice period, no holiday pay, we have a significant number of our staff that live week by week." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'captain's call' may become a thing of the past - and former Minister Stuart Nash isn't a fan. New changes impacting party policy decisions are going to a vote at Labour's conference this weekend. It would mean the leader could only change the party manifesto with sign-off from MPs and Labour's policy council. Nash says a captain's call absolutely should not be banned. He explained the Prime Minister and leader of the Opposition have more staff and a broader view than everyone else - and you've got to empower your leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Free Speech Union is considering legal action over a far-right US commentator being banned from the country.  Candace Owens promotes antisemitic conspiracy theories, has downplayed aspects of the Holocaust and has made offensive comments about Muslims.  Immigration New Zealand has denied her a work visa for a speaking tour - because she was banned from Australia.  Free Speech Union Chief Executive Jonathan Ayling says they think the Crown has acted unlawfully.  "Yes, we'll definitely take them to court - we're going to appeal to the Immigration Minister first though, and any associate Immigration Ministers. Chris Penk is the one who deals with appeal cases like that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Test results reveal drinking water in Waipā and Waikato District has slightly elevated arsenic levels - and Auckland's supply is back within safe levels. Auckland's Watercare and Hamilton City Council yesterday revealed levels were fractionally above the maximum amount in recent samples from Waikato River. Watercare's Chief Operations Manager Mark Bourne says they're tracking down the cause.  "We've been able to share our results with the other agencies further up the river - and that'll help identify where, when and what might be causing this." Watercare says tap water is still safe to drink. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Covid Response Minister says our vaccine mandates during the pandemic went too far.  Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has received the first phase of the report from the Royal Commission Inquiry, with its 39 recommendations. It found some vaccine requirements were too broadly applied and continued too long. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he hasn't drawn any conclusions on the length, as he hasn't read fully read through the report yet.  "Do I think the vaccine mandates went a bit too wide? Yes, I actually accept that finding." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent senator Lidia Thorpe was suspended from Parliament after she threw pieces of paper at Pauline Hanson after a row over racism erupted. Labor Senate leader Penny Wong moved the motion to oust Thorpe - with Government, coalition, Senator Hanson, David Pocock and Ralph Babet among those who voted in favour. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Thorpe was escorted out - and has refused to back down. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

England have brought themselves back into the game late on day one of the first cricket test against New Zealand in Christchurch. Soon after removing Kane Williamson for 93 - the visitors have taken the wicket of Tom Blundell for 17 - bringing debutant Nathan Smith to the crease. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the match. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A chef says meat replacements turned out to be a bit of a fad and they've declined in popularity. Plant-based food manufacturer Sustainable Foods has recently gone into liquidation. Pea protein meat alternative producer - Sunfed - also shut this year after losing investors. Restaurateur Martin Bosely says the products were popular to start with, but diners have now stepped away. "There was concerns about the tastes, there's definitely concerns about the texture - and I think it's sort of led to putting the plant back into plant-based." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is moving closer towards the vote on the new assisted dying bill - but some former leaders don't approve. Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Baroness May are among the former Prime Ministers who have joined the voices opposing the bill. UK correspondent Kay Oliver says the current Health Secretary and Justice Secretary also don't support the bill - and it's unclear if it will pass. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The OCR was slashed by 50 basis points today - but some markets believe it could have gone lower. Some experts believed a chunkier 75 point cut was on the way before the Reserve Bank took its summer break. Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager Katlyn Parker unpacked the response further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plan to relocate the flood-prone West Coast town of Westport is being considered. Westport has been repeatedly inundated by flooding - with disasters escalating further in recent years. Buller mayor Jamie Cleine says this will be a gradual process, and other ideas to keep the town safe have been considered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many mortgage holders will be relieved to hear that the OCR has been brought down by an addition 50 basis points. Despite this, one expert is warning that borrowers might need to keep their enthusiasm about the interest rates in check. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained that there were other factors impacting interest rates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paper bags - Early Edition host Ryan Bridge has slammed the exorbitant cost of paper bags at the supermarket and criticised their effectiveness. What do we think? The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR down by 50 basis points in their last meeting of the year. This is good news - but what does it say about our economy?  Wellington City Council has voted on their Long Term Plan - should we be worried? Have you hit up the Black Friday sales yet? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 27 November, the OCR has dropped another 50 basis points to 4.25 percent. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explained what might come next. Price comparison service PriceMe has issued a warning about deceptive Black Friday deals, with CEO Gavin Male explaining the techniques retailers use to drive up spending. Elevated levels of arsenic have been detected in the Waikato River, affecting water supplies in Auckland and Waikato. Steve Taylor from Water Services Authority explains the ongoing situation. Plus, The Huddle debates whether or not paper bags need to go, after Early Edition's Ryan Bridge slammed them on his show. 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.