Larry Williams Drive

The World Athletics Indoor Championships could be coming to New Zealand for 2028. Athletics New Zealand and the Government are working on a bid to host the biennial event, typically held in the third week of March. The current criteria permits an outdoor venue to be used - and with only a 200-metre track needed, Eden Park or the new Christchurch stadium could be feasible options. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwis struggling to stay afloat have turned to credit cards to bridge the cap amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis. New credit card application enquiries have reached their highest level since 2021- and card arrears have jumped 4.4 percent in August. Sorted Personal Finance Lead Tom Hartmann says living costs have increased and bills have piled up - and people feel the need to borrow their way through it. "From power, from kids' sports fees - it could be many different situations. And this is just one way to get through it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party has secured a historic political victory following the recent election. The party finished first with 29.2 percent of the vote, beating out the OVP's 26.2 percent, and the centre-left Social Democrats' 20.4 percent. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says it doesn't have the support to form a majority Government - and the other parties are apprehensive about forming a coalition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in China, regulators recently announced a range of monetary and fiscal stimulus policy changes aimed at fostering economic stabilisation and improving consumer confidence. Official interest rates were cut and the Government announced a number of central bank spending programmes aimed at stabilising housing and supporting consumption. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked these new policy changes - and explained what China's economic growth could mean for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synlait Milk has reported a net loss of $182.1 million and stumped up with a one-off payment to try to keep supplying South Island farmers.  The embattled dairy processor reported its full-year results to July 31 on Monday with revenue up 2 percent to $1.64 billion.  It took a total non-cash impairment of $114.6 million during the year against its long-term assets.  CEO Grant Watson says the 2024 financial year was a difficult one - but things look to be in a better position for next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and NZME editor-at-large Shayne Currie joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Government's copped some backlash after it warned the new Dunedin Hospital could face some downgrades after costs blew out over $1 billion higher than expected. Are people right to be outraged? The Government has unveiled its latest Q4 action plan - with a focus on law and order, infrastructure and cost-saving. What do we make of this?  The world's Haka record was beaten at Eden Park last night, taking the title back from France. Should we be proud? Is Hastings' new sign really that bad?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government is still committed to funding Dunedin's new hospital.  It's asked Health NZ for two options to deliver the project within budget after it claimed costs ballooned by over $1 billion. About 35,000 protesters took to the streets in Dunedin on Saturday. Nicola Willis says she understands the frustration, but argues the hospital has never been kept to a budget.  But she says there needs to be enough money to go around.  "We also have a responsibility to the people of Whangarei, of Nelson, of Tauranga and all the other centres in the country who also need an upgrade to their hospital."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Jack Tame for Monday 30th September 2024, the Government has released its latest quarterly action plan and it's largely focussed on infrastructure. Chris Bishop talks Jack through the details. There are calls that "tough conversations" are needed around the future of small town New Zealand - Jack asks Regional Development Minister Shane Jones whether some towns just won't survive. We learn about the game changer that could boost productivity out of vineyards.  The Huddle debates the Government's issue with the new Dunedin Hospital and reflects on the Haka World Record set last night. 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.

Dunedin's mayor isn't backing down on fighting for the city's new hospital ahead of potential cuts. The Government has asked Health NZ for two options to deliver the project - within budget - after costs escalated to an estimated $3 billion from an original estimate of between $1.2b-$1.4b. About 35,000 people took to the streets in Dunedin on Saturday to protest the proposed downgrades. Mayor Jules Radich says there will be detrimental effects if it isn't built. "Number one- people will die. The Government will have blood on its hands because this hospital is needed for the level of tertiary care that is required throughout the whole region." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wine industry is hoping a new programme will help double production.  The Government is investing $5.6 million over seven years into the programme, Next Generation Viticulture. It aims to grow vines more efficiently, turning sunlight into grapes. NZ Winegrowers Research Centre CEO Dr Juliet Ansell says it will redesign canopy management. "It enables the vines to capture as much sunlight as they can - and encourage that sunlight to be transformed into fruit, rather than leaves or vegetative growth." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown aims to disestablish the city's tourism and economic development agency. The mayor is progressing plans to fold Tātaki Auckland Unlimited back into council control and reduce its functions. He says the agency spent more than $700,000 on a campaign promoting Auckland to Aucklanders. He says these things need to stop happening with ratepayer money. Hospitality New Zealand CEO Steve Armitage Tātaki says is essential - and plays a pivotal role for the city's tourism. "There are a lot of ancillary benefits, there are jobs created - particularly off the strength of Auckland's visitor economy in recent years." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New toll roads could be on the horizon as the Government moves into its next quarterly plans. It says it's achieved 39 of its 40 third-quarter goals, largely targeting law and order.  The 43 actions up next focus on infrastructure and economic growth.   They include passing the fast-track approvals bill - but also look into introducing more road tolls.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says they're unpopular, but they're a reliable method.  "People think about other countries - toll roads are very common in the United States, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, many parts of Europe. Toll roads are standard practice and we don't use them enough here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy and Resources Minister Shane Jones has been caught up in a climate protest, while on a walk - over policy he's spearheading. A small group of protestors marched down Wellington's Lambton Quay opposing the Government's bill reversing Labour's ban on oil and gas exploration. They told Jones he should be ashamed of himself, a claim he loudly rebutted, saying they were being hyperbolic and extreme. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks Jones's response to the backlash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas engineers across Australia walked off the job for two hours this morning - and they've warned more industrial action will come if their requests aren't heard. Staff throughout Brisbane, Sydney, and Perth airports have requested a 15 percent payrise with further rises in subsequent years. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says these strikes haven't impacted anyone's ability to travel as of yet.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps have suffered a fourth consecutive test loss, after an innings and 154-run defeat by Sri Lanka in their second match in Galle. Resuming their second innings at 199 for five on day four, the visitors were dismissed for 360, which included half centuries by Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains what this loss means for their future chances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns about the future of small town New Zealand - with one expert warning 'tough conversations' are needed. The closure of Winstone Pulp International's Ruapehu mills have cost the region 230 jobs, and the proposed shutdown of Alliance Group’s Smithfield meat processing plant in Timaru could cost over 600 more. Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says the need to achieve certain climate goals is driving down key industries - and negatively impacting regional New Zealand. "If we're not going to maintain access to gas and coal during a managed transition and we're going to continually make it more difficult for farmers to sustain production, we are going to see a contraction of the economy around some of our small towns." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 27 September. 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 Dunedin Mayor says he is expecting thousands of people to protest tomorrow over a proposed downgrade for the city's new hospital.  The Government has asked Health New Zealand to cut costs - after an independent review found it's hurtling toward an overspend.  Mayor Jules Radich says he is urging the community to march against what amounts to clinical cuts for the critically needed facility.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan the Government must re-engage in contract negotiations.  Radich says he believes the project can be completed if prices are brought back within reason, as the piles and plans are all done.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Alliance Group says a drop in our livestock numbers is behind a proposal shut a Timaru meatworks.  It's called an all-staff meeting today to announce a proposal to close its Smithfield freezing works. It would stop sheep meat, calf, and night shift venison processing after this season, and remaining venison at the end of the year, at the latest. Group chair Mark Wynne told Heather du Plessis-Allan there's been a change in how farmers are using their land. He says the fundamental reason is declining livestock and in particular sheep - and the flow on effect that is has on the processing industry.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view that puberty blocker use for trans youth in New Zealand needs tighter supervision.  New Zealand's use of puberty blockers is seven times higher than comparable countries.  Paediatric Endocrinologist, Paul Hofman says they shouldn't be banned as they can be effective in some cases.  He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's not settled science.  Hofman says the evidence for puberty blocker's efficacy is not as strong as many think. LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.