Larry Williams Drive

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!  Joe Biden has officially dropped out of the US presidential race - and pulled his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. Is the way he stepped down problematic? Does Kamala Harris stand a chance? Is the Warehouse struggling? Do we still shop there? There's concern food giants want to introduce stricter controls on the packaging of infant formula and the sale of it - they want formula to only be sold in pharmacies and medical settings. Is this crazy? LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is strongly opposing proposed changes to infant formula laws. Minister from Australia and New Zealand will meet this week to discuss a 400-page proposal, which would overhaul baby formula regulation - including labelling laws. Some groups fear it would cause plain-packaging and cripple New Zealand's exports. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the impacts would be too severe. "There is no way that we can support a provision which would wipe potentially $2 billion of export revenue away." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear what the Warehouse Group's next steps will be. Founder Sir Stephen Tindall, who remains a majority shareholder, has shown potential interest in acquiring its shares with Andamantem Capital Partners. The company has confirmed it's received an approach, and is advising investors not to sell shares, pending further advice from directors. Shareholders' Association CEO Oliver Mander says they're not sure what to make of the approach. "We don't know what it is, it's not a classic non-binding offer - which is someone kicking the tires. It certainly isn't a scheme arrangement." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moana Pasifika's higher-ups are looking forward to welcoming Ardie Savea aboard. Savea has signed with the Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise until his New Zealand Rugby contract expires in 2027, departing the Hurricanes after 11 years. Moana Pasifika chair Sir Michael Jones says this is hugely significant for the world of Pacific rugby. "His influence in the game is massive, so we do think that it's going to have a positive effect." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health Minister has confirmed some changes will be made to Health NZ to reduce their multi-million dollar monthly overspending. The agency's board will be replaced with a Commissioner to prevent future financial deficits. Minister Shane Reti says people will lose jobs as a result of the new direction at Health NZ. "From 2018 to now, 2500 back office administration and management staff have been taken on board - sometimes it's hard to understand exactly what they've been doing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Money and support is flowing in for the top pick to take on Donald Trump in the US presidential election. Joe Biden is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris after abruptly announcing he's quitting the race. Endorsements from top Democrats are mounting, with more than $50 million already raised for Harris. Guardian Washington correspondent David Smith says it's given the Democrats a shot in the arm. "They were bitterly divided over Joe Biden and dithering and listless, money was drying up - but now it seems to be rallying around Kamala Harris as the nominee." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns surrounding the implications of Joe Biden's recent announcement.  Biden has thrown support behind Kamala Harris after announcing his decision to drop out of the presidential race - leaving his Vice President a short timeframe to boost support for the party. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says a Trump presidency wouldn't be good for New Zealand's economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has thanked Joe Biden for his leadership and service. Biden has announced his decision to back out of the US presidential race - and voiced support for Vice President Kamala Harris. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says both leaders have demonstrated similar beliefs, values and commitments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what’s surprised me the most about Joe Biden quitting this morning? It's obviously not that he’s quit - I mean that was predictable, it clearly needed to happen. But what’s surprised me is that he’s been so badly behaved about it. First of all, it shouldn’t have taken him more than three weeks to quit. It should've been obvious to him immediately after the debate that it probably wasn't survivable. But if you give him the benefit of the doubt and say he deserved to at least try to fight to stay - fair enough, but come on. When George Clooney and Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi made it pretty obvious nearly two weeks ago that they did not back him, he should've pulled out then. But no, he dug his heels in and dragged it on.And then, to endorse Kamala Harris on his way out just feels really bratty. I would argue he shouldn't have done it. For a start, she's going to struggle to beat Trump, she's one of the most unpopular VPs in a long time, if not in history. And he must know that - he himself private

It appears All Blacks vice captain Ardie Savea will have the option of a second sabbatical from Super Rugby in 2026. Savea will move to Moana Pasifika next year as part of a new three-year deal with New Zealand Rugby until 2027. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks this new development. LSITEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rapid assessment of Orana Wildlife Park's conditions today will determine the truth of claims of poor welfare standards. More than 20 current and former staff at the Christchurch zoo have told 1News about animal deaths, with some going unreported. Ministry of Primary Industries staff have visited today. Investigations Director, Gary Orr, says it's a requirement to document all animal injuries. "But we would expect the operators to notify us proactively if there were any serious animal welfare issues - and matters that had been raised had not previously come to our attention." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 19 July 2024, Donald Trump has given his much anticipated first speech since an assassin nearly killed him.   Auckland restaurateur Mandy Lusk has a plea to businesses to help save the hospitality industry. Horizon Regional Council has a serious question for residents: Do you want to listen to music on the bus or not? And what kind of music should it be? Plus the Sports Huddle debates whether the All Blacks-Fiji game should really be played in Suva rather than San Diego. 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.

Leeds has been rocked by riots overnight, which has seen a police car overturned and a double-decker bus set on fire.  It began after police were called to a disturbance involving agency workers and children at an address in the Yorkshire city early in the evening, which then escalated into violence.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says no injuries have been reported.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump believes Taiwan should be paying the US for its defence, as covered in an interview ahead of the Republican National Convention.  He also claimed Taiwan took 100 percent of the US’s chip business, due to Taiwan’s huge investments into its local semiconductor manufacturing company TSMC – the world’s biggest chip foundry.  But Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis says Taiwan already pays the US for its defence – and Taiwan is one of the largest markets for US defence companies.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNZ and KiwiBank are the latest banks to announce cuts to mortgage rates.  ANZ and Westpac had already dropped rates earlier in the week, leaving ASB as the last remaining big bank to hold back cuts at this state.  Finance and Mortgage Advisors Association country manager Leigh Hodgetts joined Jack Tame.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Sport news director Clay Wilson and Newstalk ZB rugby commentator Paul Ellison joined Jack Tame for the Sports Huddle. The Warriors are entering do-or-die territory, with their efforts hampered by a season-ending injury to skipper Tohu Harris. The All Blacks have headed stateside to San Diego - where coach Scott Robertson named a team full of debutants in tomorrow's clash with Fiji. And Ardie Savea has been linked with a shock move away from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika. And one week away from the Olympics, the hype level is starting to build for Paris. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland University doctoral student says our high-performance athletes shouldn't have to choose between their sporting careers and their education. Steve Roberts has been conducting this research by speaking to up-and-coming university athletes here and in the US - and says our athletes are missing out on educational opportunities because our universities and high-level sporting organisations aren't working together. Auckland University doctoral student Steve Roberts joined Jack Tame. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A party bus - or the sound of silence.   The Horizons Regional Council, which covers an area including Whanganui and Palmerston North, is seeking feedback on whether bus users prefer to ride with background music.  Its released a three-question survey asking what genres, playlists or radio stations should be played.  Transport Services Manager Mark Read told Jack Tame after talking to bus users, staff decided there needed to be an informed approach.  He says a lot of Palmerston North buses are now electric, and people have said they're like a silent elevator.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tauranga Business Chamber says it wants unity from those successful in tomorrow's election.   A mayor and nine councillors will be elected for the first time since commissioners were introduced in 2021.   Chamber Chief Executive Matt Cowley says so far turnout has been lower than in 2019.   He told Jack Tame there needs to be collaboration.  “Good indication is whether they can have good discussions in the council meeting rooms, but they can sit down and enjoy a working lunch in the breakout room in-between meetings.”  The polls close at midday, with results expected around 3:30pm.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Republican National Convention's come to a close - with Donald Trump emerging as the party's pick for US President.   Trump officially accepted his nomination - and delivered his first public address since he was shot in the ear on Sunday.   His convention speech has gone down as the longest in modern American history.   If elected, Trump says he'll swiftly implement a range of bold promises - including tackling inflation, immigration and foreign policy.  1News US Correspondent Logan Church told Jake Tame Trump was almost getting emotional when speaking about his attack.  “It was a speech though overall, despite how long it was, it certainly riled up the Republican base. The atmosphere in that room was electric.”  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.