Larry Williams Drive

Computer chip producer Nvidia is now the world's most valuable company - overtaking Apple and Microsoft. Shares climbed 3.5 percent on Tuesday, making it worth $3.35 trillion (USD). The surge is driven by optimism about its AI technology. Sharesies co-founder, Leighton Roberts, says he can't predict whether it will fall as quickly as it's risen. He says it's hard to judge, but believes a lot of excitement is still to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink is calling for dedicated windows for international and domestic cricket. Black Cap Kane Williamson has turned down a central contract to pursue an overseas T20 league opportunity in January - but will still be available for most international fixtures. Williamson follows Trent Boult in doing so, and with Lockie Ferguson to do the same, Weenink says it's vital to achieve a universal approach to the calendar. "That's where I'd like to see us go. I think it's really important for the future of cricket that we get some windows agreed - which prioritise international cricket with domestic cricket playing around international cricket." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A North Shore Hospital is opening - without the staff or money to care for extra surgery patients. The two-storey Tōtara Haumaru has eight surgical theatres, an endoscopy suite and 150 beds. But Health New Zealand delayed its opening in April, saying it hadn't determined an operating budget, nor staff to run it. Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Chief Executive, Sarah Dalton, says problems won't ease anytime soon. "They'll say it's not a freeze, but it's as close as you can get without seeing ice. So recruitment has really slowed down and money is very tight." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister concedes he could have used better words to describe past business delegations. Before setting off to Japan, Chris Luxon told Newstalk ZB the calibre of contingents had been lacking in recent years describing them as watered down to the 'C-list'. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it was a mistake for Luxon to insult his own voting base ahead of his own business delegation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boeing's chief executive Dave Calhoun was questioned by members of the US Senate over the various safety issues and incidents impacting the company. Calhoun was quick to apologise to the impacted victims and their families, following a turbulent year for the business. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this won't be the last of the high-profile investigations against Boeing.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues have dropped a selection bombshell for the Super Rugby final - with Patrick Tuipulotu named to start two weeks into what was expected to be a six-to-seven week recovery for a medial ligament tear in his right knee. Tuipulotu - who limped off in the quarter-final against the Drua - starts in the second row against the Chiefs on Saturday night, with Josh Beehre dropping to the reserves. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this news. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A tough day for Christchurch sailing fans, who've watched SailGP in Lyttelton for the past two years. It's been confirmed the event is leaving the city. ChristchurchNZ Destination and Attraction General Manager, Loren Aberhart, says the main issue was the Marine Protection Act. "It has restricted the ability to race in Lyttelton, because it's a marine mammal sanctuary." SailGP says it's working to finalise next year's destinations through discussions with New Zealand and international partners. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can hardly begrudge Kane Williamson, can you, for finally deciding he wants to prioritise making money over wearing the black shirt?The guy has more than put in his time with the Black Caps. He's been in the squad since 2010, he's been the captain since 2016, you can’t fault his effort. The same actually is true for Lockie Ferguson, he's been in the squad since 2016 himself.And we’ve got used to this idea through rugby, haven't we? Where the players do their time in the black and then head off and make their money around the world. That is simply what these guys are doing.But- this isn't to say there isn't something bigger going on here, it's just another example of what’s coming for us. We've been talking about this on the show for basically two years, this is the footballisation of cricket. Where basically, you get super tournaments like the IPL and the South African T20 tournament which become more important - and better spectacles - than the international fixtures. Because it’s where the money is, whi

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has announced his intention to become Prime Minister within the next five years. Farage has set his sights on the 2029 election, as he launched a manifesto set to appeal to Tory voters. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this doesn't seem impossible, with Farage polling higher than Sunak in some areas. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Reserve Bank has left the OCR unchanged at 4.35 percent after a lengthy deliberation process. The Bank has been waging a long-term battle against inflation, as residents grapple with the ongoing cost of living crisis. HSBC CEO Paul Bloxham warns the RBA could resort to another rate hike in the coming months - depending on how things shake out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leading kiwifruit producer Zespri has launched a global campaign encouraging people to eat better in order to tackle health challenges around the world. The campaign has a focus of improving global health outcomes by encouraging people to swap out one unhealthy food for a serving of fresh fruit or vegetables everyday. The Country's Jamie Mackay is hopeful this scheme will work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has made moves to boost their travel capacity into Japan and added an additional 30,000 seats to its Tokyo route between November and March. CEO Greg Foran explained that Japan represents an important visitor market for New Zealand's tourism sector. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says Japan is a top destination among Kiwi travellers, with 66 percent of people wanting to visit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has softened some restrictions impacting trans people in community sports. As part of National's coalition agreement with New Zealand First, there was a threat to withhold public funding if sports bodies didn't keep trans athletes out of grassroots competitions. Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop will now take a watching brief, after feedback from Sport NZ. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this sort of thing will be difficult to enforce a blanket ban on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has softened their hard-line ban on transgender athletes in community sport to be more inclusive - do we agree with this move? Over 80 Kiwi principals are spending the week at a taxpayer-funded professional development course in Fiji. Is this good value for money - or are we just funding an overpriced holiday for them?   Kiwi women are struggling under an ongoing HRT shortage, according to new data. Pharmac expects this to continue on until 2025 - is this acceptable? Nicola Willis hopes to introduce financial incentives for public sector chief executives - will this work?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 18 June 2024, Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina speaks to Heather after five incidents of homes being shot at in Auckland over the past few weeks. The mother of the missing Marokopa children has broken her silence. She wants her babies home and calls what her ex-partner Tom Philipps is doing "child abuse". 80 principals are poolside this week in Fiji - thanks to the taxpayer. It's all in the name of professional development but the Taxpayer's Union says it's just a glorified holiday. The Huddle debates transgender athletes in community sports and how Ali is dealing with the shortage of HRT patches. Plus, the six things to make you mentally stronger - according to some rubbish list from America. 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.

Racing Minister Winston Peters has confirmed he's in no hurry to make a call whether or not to ban greyhound racing. Appearing before a select committee, Peters claimed he wanted to wait at least a year to make a decision - and had no interest in making a 'careless' choice. Peters says he ran the risk of being called to account if he rushed the process of a potential ban. "I've got people surveying the scene on a weekly basis, finding out what is happening and whether there are improvements - and in a time, very soon, in the next few months, we'll have a very clear picture." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi women have been forced to shop around or ration their existing HRT supply amid an ongoing shortage. A new survey has revealed insights from the women affected by the dwindling supply, and Pharmac has warned the situation is likely to continue into 2025. Hawke’s Bay GP Dr Samantha Newman says pharmacies are unable to keep a steady supply going, as much of the medication is unfunded. "The really big issue here in New Zealand is - there's no other option. So it's either patches or nothing that's funded." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of buy now, pay later provider Laybuy is being described as sad by experts. The company has been put into receivership and services have been suspended.  Retail NZ Chief Executive Carolyn Young says the sector has been impacted by decreased spending and reduced consumer confidence. "We are in a really difficult environment in terms of retail... people just don't have the money in their wallets, and they're not prepared, cause they're buying on credit." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School principals have taken togs and snorkels along for a five-day leadership trip in Fiji. It's one of many to hit the market since principals got a $6,000 salary boost for professional development and wellbeing. It's prompted debate on whether they're valuable for leadership - or an opportunity to have a taxpayer-funded overseas holiday. The Taxpayers Union's Jordan Williams says it's not a good look. "It's two easy mornings of actual professional development, and the rest is sitting next to your private pool." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On principle, I like Nicola Willis' idea of performance pay for the chief executives in the public sector. It's actually not a new idea, we were doing it until Jacinda's lot got in and Chris Hipkins, the then-relevant minister, cancelled it. And it was pretty generous, up 15 percent on top of base pay. Since some of those guys in the public sector get paid close to $700,00 a year, that's another $100,000 if they strike their targets.We'll just have to see if it works or not, but a cursory look at performance would say it might have an impact. Because the public sector was running a lot better before Jacinda when they had performance pay, than it was under Jacinda without it.But generally, it’s a smart idea to try to get the public sector to run a bit more like the private sector. And this is pretty standard for a private sector CEO. The reason I say that is because the private sector is simply better at what it does than the public sector. Take a business that makes widgets, for example - its job is to make t