Larry Williams Drive

Questions are being raised about the next steps after Donald Trump's hush money trial. After nearly five weeks, the prosecution and the defence have rested before the jury starts deliberations. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says if Trump is found guilty, he could face a large fine, house arrest or community service.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricanes hooker Raymond Tuputupu has been handed a three-week suspension for a high shot on Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i in the win over the Chiefs. His high shot connected with Tupou Vai'i's head - he was yellow-carded, which was upgraded to red. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the controversy further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Census data has revealed a surge in Kiwis identifying as Māori. Almost one million people says they're of Māori descent, up more than 12 percent on the 2018 Census. Te Kāhui Raraunga Chair, Rahui Papa, says it's a transformation shift. "I think there's been a groundswell of people who have not only identified as Māori, but have found their Māori whakapapa. And that's been one of the upturns that the latest Census data captured." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has denied the rumour that he plans to move to California if he loses the election. Ex-Tory Minister Zac Goldsmith had hinted Sunak aimed to leave the UK - and suggested the majority of his party's MPs will be out of a job by July. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Rishi Sunak hopes to stay in Parliament for the next five years, no matter what the election outcome is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Budget 2024, there's concern the proposed tax cuts will contribute to existing inflationary pressures. The Government has confirmed they plan to deliver tax relief to most households - the details of which will be revealed on Thursday. Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen explains why people shouldn't be too concerned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank surprised economists by revealing they considered hiking the Official Cash Rate - and haven't ruled out further hikes either. Last week, the Reserve Bank confirmed they were keeping the OCR in place at 5.5 percent, in line with expectations. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said this was 'surprisingly hawkish', given the economy is weakening. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Budget 2024, the rural community is holding out hope for improvement. The Government has promised more tax cuts, but it's been hinted plenty of cuts will take place too. The Country's Jamie Mackay isn't feeling too hopeful - listen to him predict some outcomes ahead of the big day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 28 May 2024, Warriors coach Cameron George voiced disapproval with Hamilton Boys High School's approach to sport for their students. The Reserve Bank plans to to introduce debt-to-income ratios for prospective home buyers. Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby explained why these restrictions will stop boom-bust cycles in the housing market. Later, Lady Tureiti Moxon defends Te Pāti Māori's proposed strike action planned for Budget Day. Plus, the Huddle debates if it's possible to get tech giants to pay for news, after the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill got rejected. 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.

Tonight on the Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The country's back to square one on getting Google and Meta to pay for news, after a select committee sent the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill back to Parliament recommending it not be passed. Where can they go from here? Te Pāti Māori are urging all Māori to go on strike on Budget day and participate in protest action across the country. Is it an unwise time to encourage employees to walk off the job illegally? The Great Walks booking system was yet again completely overloaded, and Milford tickets sold out within minutes. Should Kiwis get first dibs on bookings? There's been a debate surrounding emoji use in the office - is it a good or bad idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New research from recruitment experts shows 90 percent of white-collar employees would look for another job if they had to come back to the office more often. A survey run by recruitment company Robert Walters, which interviewed over 2000 Kiwi workers, revealed a majority preferred their flexible working hours. CEO Shay Peters says it's unlikely employers would be demanding their staff to return en masse. "I do think employers are wanting a little more presence by their employees. I think everyone understands the benefits of people collaborating together, innovating together and bouncing ideas around."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Minister is assuring a law change to help fund news media is still on the table. A select committee today recommended the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, a bill designed to make Google and Meta pay for news, not be passed in its current state. Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill is still being workshopped. "I accept it's a complicated issue, it's not a slam dunk - which is why I'm taking a bit of time to work out what's the best way through it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been more problems for the Great Walks booking system. The Department of Conservation website crashed this morning - when 11,000 people tried to access it this morning. By 11.15am, there were about 2800 bookings for the Milford Track and 400 for the Lake Waikaremoana. Federated Mountain Clubs Chief Executive, Megan Dimozantos says so many people will have missed out. "The most disappointing thing is that after last year's debacle, we would have hoped this would have been sorted out by this year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Māori leaders are defending calls for workers to strike and to join anti-Government protests on this week's Budget day. Multiple hīkoi are planned around the country, including rolling road blockages in Auckland and a rally outside the Beehive. The Prime Minister today said strike action could be illegal - and if people wish to protest, they could do so on the weekend. Lady Tureiti Moxon is leading one protest. She says if people want to strike, they can. "I think it's a way of our people expressing the fact that they are not happy with this Government - and what they're doing is not just in breach of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but very disrespectful to Māori."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has confirmed it will soon introduce debt-to-income ratios. From July, most owner-occupiers can't borrow more than six times their pre-tax income and investors can't borrow more than seven times their income. Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby says these restrictions have been a long time in the making. "What it's really about is filling a gap in the tools that we need to live up to our responsibility of avoiding boom-bust cycles in lending and house prices." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori have urged all Māori to go on strike on Thursday and participate in protest action across the country. The Toitū Te Tiriti National Day of Action protesters will be participating in 'carkois' - which entails driving slowly across the roads to disrupt traffic flow at peak times. The party have also encouraged all Māori to leave work and attend the hīkoi near their location. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper criticised the 'provocative' language behind the strike - and hopes the party will be held to account for their rhetoric. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A panel of experts is set to deliver their advice for preventing violence against women and children to the Australian Government. This comes as the Government has faced criticism from the violence response sector after releasing this year's federal budget. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Australians are sick of seeing the domestic violence stats soar - with at least one woman dying at the hand of a family member or former partner per week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The traditional rugby tours between New Zealand and South Africa could be set for a comeback. Reports out of South Africa say the All Blacks are set to tour The Republic for a three-test series in 2026, with the Springboks coming to New Zealand in 2030. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors coach Cameron George has voiced disapproval with Hamilton Boys High School's approach to sport for their students. The school has told students their opportunities to play rugby for the school’s champion first XV were at risk if they continued to play league as well. Cameron George says this pressure on students is 'disappointing'. "I think kids should be allowed to be kids and play sport and be happy - and make decisions later in life, if they find a path they wish to follow." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is standing up to ridicule over his plan to introduce mandatory National Service for 18-year-olds. Sunak claimed he would encourage employers to consider those who complete armed services training more prominently. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says critics from both sides of the political aisle have criticised Sunak's idea.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a few days to go until Budget Day, and experts have outlined their predictions. The Government has promised tax cuts will come, but speculation lingers over the kind of cuts needed to cover them. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says this Budget will be focused around financial recovery. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.