Larry Williams Drive

Over in Australia, treasurer Jim Chalmers is expected to deliver the nation's federal Budget for 2024. Chalmers has warned Australians not to expect a 'cash splash' as the nation continues to fight a war with inflation. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Government is still promising cost-of-living relief in key areas, including energy and adjustments to rent assistance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a lot of speculation in the rugby world, as fans and experts predict the next All Blacks captain. Incumbent captain Sam Cane has revealed he plans to step down at the end of the 2024 season - and Scott Barrett and Ardie Savea are the leading contenders. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave joins in on the speculation - and shares his personal pick - here today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 14 May 2024, Police Commissioner Andrew Coster tells Heather about his plan to crackdown on gangs - but he seems unsure it'll actually work. Prime Minister Chris Luxon speaks to Heather about the decision to turn the Christchurch Call into a charitable foundation - without taxpayer funding. The Block host Mark Richardson on finding out from the media that the show had been cancelled. The Huddle debates whether the new gang taskforce will make a difference in reducing crime. Plus, the uncomfortable truth Millennials need to hear about their socks. 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.

Over in the US, President Joe Biden is set to announce new 100 percent tariffs for Chinese EVs. This is the latest bid from the Biden administration to keep China from undercutting US companies and impacting manufacturing jobs, as Biden fights for a second term in the US election. Drive Electric Chair Kirstin Corson says " LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour chief of staff Mike Munro and Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors NZ joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government has announced a new National Gang Unit, which is designed to tackle increasing gang crime. Will it make a real difference?  Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed he plans to turn the Christchurch Call into a foundation - and scrap taxpayer funding for the initiative. Is the best decision for it? Joe Biden is set to double the price of Chinese EV imports through new tariffs to protect the local car manufacturing industry. Is this really the best move to address climate change?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One New Zealand-based whisky producer has walked away from the San Francisco World Spirits Awards with an impressive haul. Pōkeno Whisky brought home two Double Gold Awards, a Gold and two Silver medals by the end of the event. Founder Matt Johns says this is great for the company's international credibility. "We're just focused on making the best single malt we possibly can with no compromise on anything we do - and that's starting to show through and be appreciated."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Four Auckland townhouses are on the market, as The Block NZ joins the local television scrap heap. The Brown's Bay homes were nearly ready for contestants on the house renovation show. But Newshub owner Warner Brothers Discovery has confirmed today it's pulling the next season. Host Mark Richardson says it's a shame to see the end of the show, which has been part of his life for 12 years. "It was just light television that captured this large demographic of people, from kids to oldies. And it was just enjoyable to watch." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Commissioner says the new scheme designed to tackle gang crime will set police up for future measures.  The specialised National Gang Unit will have 25 to 30 people, and up to seven ring-fenced officers in every police district. Commissioner Andrew Coster says these units will examine the gang activity happening in various districts to combat harm. "We know we're going to need to move resources around to enable this enforcement to occur - and these gangs will sit at the core of that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education-based unions are picking apart the Government's scheme for charter schools. The coalition's putting more than $150 million in the Budget for 15 new charter schools - and converting 35 state schools. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says we shouldn't privatise a public good, and believes there are 'better uses' for the money. "Strengthening the state system and not siphoning money out of it - I think that would be the biggest benefit to the vast majority of students in this country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says the Christchurch Call has done good work. The Government has decided to pull taxpayer funding for the initiative, launched by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern after the Christchurch mosque attacks. From July, it will run off donations with Ardern staying on as patron - rather than New Zealand's special envoy for the foundation. Chris Luxon says eliminating violent extremism online is a very tough task. "But actually, the work of coordinating tech players to see what they can do to eliminate it is actually a good thing. And it's a good mission." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, you can’t keep a good idea down, can you?Strike Force Raptor is back! Do you remember that? That was Simon Bridges' big crime plan when he was the National Party leader in opposition. He announced a dedicated anti-gang police squad called Strike Force Raptor which would go around "harassing and disrupting gangs every single day”. He was mocked for it and the idea was put to bed.And guess what Police Commissioner Andrew Coster just announced today - it's basically the same thing. He's not calling it Strike Force Raptor, but that’s basically what it is, it's a specialised National Gang Unit across the country.We're still a little bit light on detail today, Coster couldn't say how many officers there would be or what the targets would be and I'm guessing some of these questions may be answered in the Budget in a couple of weeks.But the the bones of the idea are there, and it's a pretty good idea. Because it's worked in Australia. Strike Force Raptor wasn't our idea, it was set up in New South Wales in 2009

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warns the UK is at a 'crossroads' ahead of some 'dangerous' years in a pre-election pitch. The UK Prime Minister says the years ahead will be 'challenging' for the nation - and that he's the best person to get everyone through them. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says security is set to be a significant issue ahead of the UK's general election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The legal dispute between Children's Minister Karen Chhour and the Waitangi Tribunal is set for another round. The Court of Appeal recently overturned a High Court decision to block a summons order from the Waitangi Tribunal to Minister Chhour. National Urban Māori Authority chair Lady Tureiti Moxon says this case has wider implications for New Zealand's Māori community. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tauranga Businesses have released their key priorities for prospective council candidates. The city is having elections in July after being under the control of commissioners since 2020. A Tauranga Business Chamber survey found 82 percent of respondents agreed with the direction the commissioners set. Chief Executive Matt Cowley says that may not be love for the commissioners but a dislike of the previous council arrangements. He says businesses were against the stagnation that happened before the commissioners arrived. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Court of Appeal has overturned a High Court decision, that had said the Waitangi Tribunal couldn't summon Minister Karen Chhour. But despite the ruling, it's too late for the Tribunal to call her to front up. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains what comes next. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The export of live sheep from Australia will be banned from May 2028 onwards. The Government has promised a $117 million transition package to support the sector over the next five years. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this will be disappointing news for farmers - who weren't properly consulted before the legislation was implemented.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister has promised Budget 2024 will address fundamental areas - and help the nation aim for growth.  Despite concerns that the budget will be focused around austerity, Nicola Willis says the budget will offer some hope for the future.  Willis says she's focused on helping boost growth to get New Zealand out of this economic patch. "We are doing a lot of work across Government - we're thinking about how we can boost growth in New Zealand. Because that's ultimately how we'll get out of this difficult economic patch." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 13 May 2024, Auckland Transport Chief Executive Dean Kimpton defends why he's introducing 24/7 parking charges for the city centre. Heather asks NZ Rugby's Chris Lendrum what made Sam Cane call time on his All Blacks career at the end of the year. Should a convicted sex offender be allowed to become a lawyer? Lawyer Steve Cullen weighs in. Plus, the most important lessons from motherhood for our three mums on the Huddle. 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, 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! Auckland Transport is under fire after they confirmed they plan to implement 24/7 parking charges for residents and visitors from July onwards. How will this impact businesses? How will Sam Cane be remembered? The incumbent All Blacks captain has confirmed he plans to step down at the end of the 2024 season. Will he be missed by Kiwi rugby fans? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's Olympic Committee is on the hunt for a skilled fan to step into the suit of Goldie the Kiwi. The New Zealand Team is bringing back the iconic mascot - and they've put a call out for someone to don the suit and amp up the crowds in Paris. The winner will will receive flights, accommodation, and tickets to four New Zealand Team experiences. NZ Olympic Team Chef de Mission Nigel Avery says they're searching for someone with lots of energy to step into the costume and take over the role. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.