Larry Williams Drive

More women are having children later in life, according to new data. Stats NZ figures show a record-low number of under-25s are giving birth, which is half the number of a generation ago. The number of live births last year was essentially the same as in 1995 - just under 58,000. Massey University Sociologist, Paul Spoonley says he's not surprised as life expectancy rises. "There are many more children born to women aged over 40 in New Zealand, compared to women aged 20 and younger in New Zealand."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's not getting good bang for its infrastructure buck, according to some. The Infrastructure Commission has released a 30-year plan with 16 recommendations, and 10 top priorities for the next decade - including health spending.  Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper says we rank high on spending in the OECD, but our outcomes are in the bottom 10 percent. He says New Zealand has unique problems we need to solve.  "The geography is very difficult and we have a dispersed population. That means more pipes, more roads, more transmission lines and so on - and that costs, if you're going to do that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop warned the Government may need to put a toll on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to fund the new Waitematā crossing. The new crossing will be tolled, but the Government is getting advice on whether the existing bridge needs to be tolled as well - in order to stop people from using the old bridge to bypass the toll. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why this idea isn't realistic for commuters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NRL star Matt Utai was left wounded in an ambush attack with no clear motive. He suffered serious leg wounds after the attack at his home at Greenacre, in southwest Sydney, at 6am this morning. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says investigations are ongoing - as Matt Utai has no criminal links. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Caps  try to lock down a spot tonight in the Super Eight at the T20 World Cup . They play Canada in Chennai from 6:30pm. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed pressure on the Government to get the ball rolling on a social media ban for Kiwi teens. Last year, Australia banned social media for under-16s and it's inspired other countries to consider implementing similar measures. Triple P NZ manager Jackie Riach says it's too early to see the full impact of Australia's ban, but parents are reporting positive results so far. "The ban is one thing - what Australia did do alongside the ban was implement some parenting support, so I'm reporting the data from the parenting support, which is great." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, a measles outbreak is impacting school-aged children and authorities are warning people to stay safe. Families are being warned to ensure their children are up to date with their immunisations in order to avoid serious health complications. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says doctors have warned people that the outbreak could worsen if proper measures aren't taken. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US headline inflation rose by 0.2 per cent month on month and 2.4 per cent year on year - slightly lower than expected. Experts say this is a positive step forward for the US financial markets. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New housing data shows the market hasn't quite matched the mood of the economy as of yet. The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand says housing sales are down 5.4 percent from January last year. Prices were also softer, with REINZ's House Price Index dropping 0.6 percent compared to December.  Property Investors Federation expert Matt Ball says it looks like the housing market will stay flat for the next little while, but it's about the bigger picture. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  New Zealand is set to host its first State of Origin match at Eden Park next year. Do we think this is good news? What does this development mean for Auckland?  The FTA with India has sparked debate and discussion, with Labour outlining their concerns. What do we make of this?  What do we think really defines 'Kiwi cuisine'? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 February, 2026, we dig into the $34 billion we're required to invest in India as part of the free trade deal. Former Warriors hardman Kevin Campion tells us why Australians are happy Eden Park will host a State of Origin match. The president of the Otago University Students Association explains the difference between Flo-week and O week. And on the Huddle, Trish Sherson and Mark Sainsbury discuss what defines Kiwi cuisine - one says "chip". 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.

Given how much of a tease we've had about the Eden Park news today, it's completely understandable if the excitement levels aren't where they should be.  But let's be clear - this is really big news on two fronts. The first, obviously, is the State of Origin game. This is the first time since 1987 that the Aussies have allowed a State of Origin match out of the country, and the first time ever that it's coming to New Zealand. We are a big rugby league nation, and that game - even if it kicks off at some ridiculous hour like 9:30 or 10:00 in the evening - will sell out pretty quickly. Which means I’m not sure how much international money it's actually going to bring in, because surely we’re going to snap up the tickets ourselves before any Aussies can get them. But it will be an event. And if it gets New Zealand a step closer to being considered a serious contender for a second NRL team, that can’t be a bad thing, can it? The second announcement, though, is the one I think is actually bigger. We get very

Labour has raised some concerns over the FTA with India, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back. The opposition says they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers.  Nicola Willis says there's strong aspirations in the agreement to promote investment. "What it's saying is - let's both agree to promote significant levels of investment in our respective countries, let's put some aspirational targets out there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's excitement among Auckland sports fans as New Zealand is set to host a State of Origin game. After more than a decade of speculation, it's been confirmed the country's first Origin fixture will be held here next year at Eden Park. Former Warrior Kevin Campion says this is great news - and it's an announcement that's long overdue. "The Origin is an Australian part of our game and if they get over to New Zealand, I think it's just the next step in the process." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More evidence of an improving economy, based on the amount of freight hitting our roads. Freight company Freightways is reporting a 17 percent rise in half-year profit. Chief executive Mark Troughear says they're starting to see optimism return, slowly and steadily. "It's a good result, and that's a bit of market share gains - Australia is going really well for us. But in New Zealand, you're just starting to see customers trade a little bit up on what they did last year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A student representative says Otago University is being proactive around student safety during orientation week. A jam-packed calendar events kicks off in Dunedin today - including the famous toga party, DJs, movie nights, and an international food festival.  Students' Association President, Daniel Leamy, says students should have fun in a safe way - and with so many people out and about, look after their friends. "There's 20,000-odd students down here in Dunedin now, for the vast majority, students are well-behaved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's issued a list of demands for the Government before it will sign up to the Free Trade Agreement with India. Chris Hipkins says the FTA needs stronger safeguards against exploiting migrants. He wants the full official advice on the deal released to Labour. He says the Party's particularly concerned around the expectation Kiwi businesses will invest $33 billion in India over 15 years. "I think it's almost entirely impossible, and that's why I'm surprised that they're trying to sign us up to that. To put that into context, I think that over the last 25 years, less than $1 billion NZD has been invested in India." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Eden Park stadium's been picked as the host for New Zealand's first ever State of Origin game. The Government's also announced new rules kicking in from April, allowing night-time sport on any day, as long as games wrap up by 10.30pm. The new rules will also boost the number of concerts allowed without the need for resource consent - up from 12 to 32. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the changes further - and discussed what this could do for Auckland's economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, protest laws could be in for a significant overhaul. Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney last week inspired protests, which led to people getting into public altercations with police. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says police could get more powers over whether certain events go ahead - but this has inspired concerns from some. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand SailGP team have broken their silence on the crash that broke grinder Louis Sinclair's legs. Sinclair is in hospital, recovering from the horror smash with the French syndicate. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighed in on the safety debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.