Larry Williams Drive

More universities have reverted back to testing students with pen and paper exams because of the difficulty securing digital exams from cheats. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, more university courses have relied on virtual exams - allowing students to bypass protections and cheat their way into better marks. Professor Stephen Marshall, the director of Victoria University’s Centre for Academic Development, says they've caught a number of students cheating in digital exams - but the metrics are difficult to track. "It's actually very difficult to really nail down exactly what might be happening in a remote environment or on a remote device. We haven't actually, to my knowledge, pursued many formal cases, if any." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 A public inquiry is to begin later in Salisbury, England, to examine how a woman was killed in a 2018 poisoning blamed on Russian agents. 44-year-old Dawn Sturgess died after spraying herself with Novichok - the same chemical weapon used to target a former Russian spy four months earlier. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the inquiry will examine the circumstances leading up to the death and establish where the responsibility for the incident lies.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in China, officials have outlined plans to further stimulate the economy amid an ongoing downturn. China's Ministry of Finance announced that China would issue special sovereign bonds to recapitalise its largest state owned banks. It would also allow local Governments to use RMB 2.3 trn of local Government special bonds to buy unsold homes. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains what this development might mean for the markets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One Kiwi investor believes more New Zealand businesses should be putting money aside in order to expand internationally. Phase One CEO Mahesh Muralidhar says this would boost the nation's GDP and add to the economy. He says Kiwis have plenty of entrepreneurial ability - but they lack the ability to see scale like their international counterparts.  "The same entrepreneur, the same university student in the US or in India has the same level of skills as anyone in New Zealand - but they see scale and we don't. We have to go out of our way to start thinking globally from day one." 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! ASB's CEO is advocating for more taxes in New Zealand to pay for the infrastructure deficits. This comes after ANZ's Antonia Watson advocated for a capital gains tax. Can we find a better solution?  It's been one year since the latest election - how do we feel about the new Government one year in? Are we doing the same, better, or worse? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 October 2024, one year on from the last election, how is the Government faring? Political Commentator Peter Dunne and Heather deliver their report card. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hits out at Wellington City Council, calling the situation surrounding the council's finances "a shambles".   The Huddle debates why another boss of a big Aussie bank felt the need to advocate for more taxes in NZ - looking at you Vittoria Short from ASB! Plus Heather reveals the holiday read that's changed her life. 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 Finance Minister has called Wellington City Council a 'shambles'. The City Council is having to look at its 10 year budget again after a vote last week to reverse its airport shares sale. It’s having to find cuts as the decision leaves a gap estimated to be worth hundreds of millions. Nicola Willis says the Local Government Minister’s watching the situation closely. "There are a number of options that he has - you often hear people talking about a commissioner, but there are things other than a commissioner that he can do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has rejected the claim that Kiwis need to pay more taxes. ASB chief executive Vittoria Shortt says New Zealand has to bring in more tax dollars to fund the infrastructure the nation needs. This follows ANZ's boss calling for New Zealand to introduce a capital gains tax. OliverShaw Tax Partner Robin Oliver says the nation can't be taxed into prosperity. "Our issue as a country is - we struggle to pay the same rate as Australia, we're falling behind. That means we can't pay our doctors, nurses, police enough. We need to grow wages, grow the economy, that takes higher productivity, more investment and more innovation."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transporting New Zealand is in favour of boosting diesel reserves. Resource Minister Shane Jones is asking for feedback on increasing the minimum diesel stockholding obligation of 21 days - to 28.  Transporting New Zealand interim chief executive, Dom Kalasih, says a strong diesel supply is an important thing to have. He explains more diesel will increase the resilience of our domestic supply chain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more criticism of central city roadworks in Wellington. Retail NZ, Hospitality NZ and the Bus and Coach Association are asking the council to review its Golden Mile pedestrianizing project. A number of businesses say roadworks and cycleway projects have forced them to close. Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says it's 'disappointing' that mayor Tory Whanau says the Golden Mile is a bottom line. "We know that the issues around Thorndon Quay are significant, that businesses have really struggled and are closing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some experts believe the Government can't rest on its laurels.  A recent 1News Verian poll found 40 percent of people think the country is in worse shape since election day, a year ago.  Former United Future Party leader and political commentator, Peter Dunne, says people aren't happy - but there's no sign they prefer the Opposition more. He says other recent polling shows National needs to improve.  "It shows they've managed to retain most of their support  - but the big message moving forward is that they've got to grow that significantly in the next election." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Public Service Minister will serve for two years and eight months - not the usual five-years.  Sir Brian Roche will step into the job on November 4.  ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says time will tell if this is the right move from the Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, there's growing calls to base speeding fines on the offending driver's individual income. A new report by think tank The Australia Institute claims flat-rate traffic penalties for speeders are 'unfair' amid the current cost-of-living crisis. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this might bring down the death toll on Australian roads - but other solutions should be considered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bristling but unbowed - Sir Ben Ainslie's backing Britannia to recover from a 3-nil deficit in the first-to-seven America's Cup match against Team New Zealand. The British skipper's taken umbrage with a misunderstood question from the host broadcaster that his syndicate is somehow inadequate off the coast of Barcelona. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks the controversy further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand's biggest summer music festivals - Bay Dreams - will not go ahead in 2025 as promoters struggle to draw big artists into the country. The organisers had hoped to book Kendrick Lamar as a headliner, but a successful 2024 for the rapper meant the costs to bring him here doubled. Rhythm and Alps founder and director Alex Turnbull says many brands are putting themselves in a 'dangerous' position by relying too heavily on big names. "There are so many more lines that contribute to a festival brand - such as the experience, that's a really key thing. Whether it's the biggest festival that's been cancelled, I'm really not sure."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Friday 11 October 2024, the Electricity Authority has been told to get more competitive as it tries to curb soaring electricity prices. Energy Minister Simeon Brown joins Francesca to discuss the Government's expectations. Sailing Professor Mark Orams discusses Team New Zealand taking on the British team of INEOS Britannia as the 37th America's Cup gets underway on Sunday morning. Kiwis are leaving the country in record numbers and Professor of Sociology at University of Auckland Francis Collins explains what this means for NZ's future population. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The British government is investigating 37 UK-linked businesses for potentially breaking Russian oil sanctions. The sanctions were introduced when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, but critics have claimed they’re ineffective with latest figures showing Russia’s economy is growing. It’s thought a lot of the affected businesses under investigation are maritime insurance firms, which are potentially enabling Russia to exploit a loophole in the sanctions if proven to be true. Elsewhere, the Portuguese government is looking to slash taxes for people aged under 35 to encourage people to stay and emigrate to the country, and Princess Catherine has made her first official public engagement since finishing chemotherapy in Southport. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One New Zealand has been given the green light to begin testing of their Starlink satellite to mobile service over the next 10 weeks. It'll allow texting and messaging from many places currently without coverage. Currently 40 percent of the country has no mobile coverage, and the telecommunications company says satellite to cell plays a vital role in keeping people connected. One New Zealand chief executive Jason Paris joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A step forward for New Zealand-India relations. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is in Laos for the East Asia Summit, where he met with Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who invited him to visit in the new year. Luxon says New Zealand’s relationship with India is moving in the right direction with the two discussing trade and other ways to work together. Pre-election, National pledged to secure a free-trade agreement with India. International geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation appears to be easing, although some figures are continuing to surge. Latest Stats NZ figures show petrol is 14.9 percent cheaper than a year ago, while food prices rose 1.2 percent. Fruit and vegetables are 8.3 percent cheaper, while olive oil is 58 percent pricier. Butter, chocolate biscuits and alcohol have also been getting darer. ASB senior economist Mark Smith joined Francesca Rudkin. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.