Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 26 February, 2026,we talk to Air New Zealand's boss about its net loss of $40 million and ask if David Seymour's right when he says: "Go woke, go broke."

How much the Government's making from clamping cars when people fail to pay fines.

We look at why men are far more likely to own the home they live in than women.

And on The Huddle,Clare de Lore and Ali Jones discuss why many people are happy to see Jacinda Ardern living in Australia.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Labour politicians dusted off their gumboots and went down to the farm for their  annual meeting with Federated Farmers today.

Federated Farmers started the get-together three years ago to better the relationship with the party.

President Wayne Langford said some 'solid' discussions took place earlier, but no new policies were unveiled.

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It's looking to be a rough season for our meat processing sector, with companies struggling to compete with abundant grass and a turbo-charged store stock market.

Some companies have dropped published lamb and beef schedules by 10c/kg, and the decline has prompted concerns. 

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.

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So David Seymour’s right about Air New Zealand - but he’s also wrong about Air New Zealand.

Before we get to why, let me bring you up to speed on what’s happened with the airline today, because the news is not good.

Air New Zealand has posted a half-year result showing a $59 million pre-tax loss, which is slightly worse than expected. And to be fair to Air New Zealand, a lot of this really isn’t their fault. 

They’ve had not one, but two engine types in their fleet causing them trouble. And the economic downturn we’re experiencing in New Zealand - the worst in most of our lifetimes, you have to go back more than 50 years to find anything as bad - directly affects their earnings. 

If we don’t have money, we’re certainly not spending money on flights.

But some of this is their fault. They’re squandering customer loyalty with poor on-time performance and a tired, diminished Koru Club offering.

And this is where David Seymour is right when he says, “Go woke, go broke.”

Because part of the reason Air New Zealand is losing customers to Jetstar is that there are people who no longer want to pay for Koru Club. The offering has slid from the good old days. You can’t even - and this bugs people more than the airline ever seemed to realise -  go into the lounge, ask for a coffee, and take it away like you can at a café.

There are no takeaway coffees because Air New Zealand doesn’t want paper cups going on planes. Paper cups are bad for the environment… when you’re flying planes.

They’ve wasted time and money trialling an electric aircraft they don’t actually know how to integrate into their fleet. And they’re constantly lecturing the government about sustainable aviation fuel - SAF - which is more expensive than standard jet fuel, and standard jet fuel is already extremely expensive right now.

But here’s where David Seymour is wrong - he says the solution is to sell down the Government’s 51 percent stake in Air New Zealand.

We can’t do that.

We are an isolated island nation. There are only two ways to get here - by boat or by plane, and we all know which one people actually use. 

We need to own those planes to make sure they keep flying. If we learned anything during COVID, it’s that Air New Zealand effectively became a logistics lifeline and repatriation service for the entire country.

So yes, David Seymour is part right and part wrong. We do need Air New Zealand to stop the distractions and start doing its job properly. And we do need it to remain in New Zealand hands.

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Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Ali Jones from Red PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Air New Zealand recently posted a multi-million net loss, and it's prompted David Seymour to urge the Government to sell down shares in the airline. Do we think this is the right move? What's gone wrong here? 

New data from Cotality shows women are lagging behind men when it comes to home ownership. Why do we think this is?

Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has made the jump across the ditch and has been spotted house-hunting in Sydney. What do we make of this? 

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Sky TV says even though it's had a strong first-half financial year result - the television market remains challenging.

It's reported a $52 million net profit, turning around a $1.7 million loss last period.

Its revenue rose eight percent, to about $414 million.

Sky TV chief executive Sophie Moloney says revenue for traditional TV was softer than expected.

"The TV side does seem to be suffering a bit more than others, so I do think it's incumbent on us to make sure that we're talking about that value and allowing our clients to see the benefits."

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Should first responding volunteers be covered for post-traumatic stress caused by the job?

ACC currently covers the responders for broad physical injury cover - but not for mental health harm.

A petition to change the legislation with more than 36,000 signatures was unsuccessful last year.

Land Search & Rescue chief executive Wendy Wright says most of their workforce are actually volunteers.

"We can provide short-term support for them, but it's for those that have long-term PTSD - and it's that longer-term support that we are unable to provide." 

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Women are continuing to lag significantly behind men when it comes to home ownership.

Data from Cotality shows more than half of Gen Z men surveyed own their own home, while just a third of women do. 

The disparity also exists amongst the millennial and Gen X age groups.

Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says it's not an attitude issue.  

"Females actually rate property ownership more important than males, pretty much across the spectrum. So this is about other things, monetary factors, there's unfortunately still that gender wage gap across New Zealand."

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Air New Zealand's assuring it's on track for economic stability.

The national airline's announced a first-half before-tax loss of $59 million.

CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the result's driven by challenges from aircraft being grounded, a softer recovery than expected - and rising costs. 

But he says they'll be well on the road to recovery over the next two to three years. 

"One of the key reasons I say that so confidently is for the first time in six years, we've got new aircraft coming back into the fleet and we're solving engine issues." 

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The Government's celebrating a substantial drop in the number of victims of violent crime.

Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is good news, especially considering how frequent violent incidents and ram raids were in earlier years. 

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Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern is now living across the Tasman. 

A spokesperson for Ardern says the family has been travelling for a few years now and for the moment they’re basing themselves out of Australia. 

The statement says they have work there, and it brings the added bonus of more time back home in New Zealand.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this follows weeks of speculation about Ardern house-hunting in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. 

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New Zealand have beaten Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their super eight cricket match at the men's T20 World Cup in Colombo.

The Black Caps recovered from 84 for six to post 168 for seven - the tournament co-hosts replied with 107 for eight.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further.

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The Government's car-clamping system - targeting people owing fines and victim reparations - appears to be paying off. 

A law change since July allows cars to be clamped until people not paying court fines cough up. 

More than $700,000 has been paid since.

Independent Victims Advocate, Claire Buckley, says about 600 people paid on the spot. 

"I think it's always been known that most of the time, these offenders have been able to pay and were electing not to, because for quite a long time, it was not enforced." 

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The head of France’s Louvre museum has resigned after a months-long string of scandals, including the brazen daylight theft of priceless jewels.

Laurence des Cars submitted her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron, after facing months of pressure since the October robbery of US$100 million ($167.5m) of French crown jewels. 

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says some believe this resignation was a long time coming, as confidence in the Louvre has plummeted.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, we talk to Transport Minister Chris Bishop about plans to let E-scooters use cycle lanes and allow children under-12 to ride their bikes on the footpath.

Why the Reserve Bank wants banks to set up more ATMs and branches.

Real Estate agent Rawdon Christie tells us why so many newly built townhouses aren't selling.

And on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour and Jack Tame assess Donald Trump's record one hour 47-minute State of the Union speech.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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New Zealand won't be going cashless anytime soon under the Reserve Bank's new proposal. 

It wants to set up 1300 multi-bank hubs to provide full services free of charge.

The plan ensures those in urban areas can walk to get cash - and the drive for those living rurally is reasonable. 

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further.

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AI firm Anthropic has made upgrades to their Claude model and it's sparked concerns about what this could mean for markets and jobs.

Claude specialises in coding and technology, and IBM's stock recently took a hit - with experts citing the model as a reason.

Milford Asset Management expert Andrew Curtayne explained further.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Australia's Labor Government is pushing to add 40 members to Parliament before the 2028 election. This move has prompted plenty of debate about the pros and cons. What do we think of this? 

The Government announced proposals to let under-13s bike on footpaths and allow e-scooters in cycle lanes. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a 'common sense' approach is needed on this issue. Do we think this is fair?

US President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking State of the Union speech discussing crime, immigration and the economy. What did we make of the address?

Why aren't people buying townhouses?

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The Government announced today it wants to shake up the road rules a little - allowing kids under the age of 12 to ride their bikes on the footpath, and letting e-scooters use cycleways.

Now, it might surprise you to learn that both of those things are against the rules. Kids aren’t allowed on footpaths on their bikes unless the wheel diameter is roughly the length of a ruler or smaller, and e-scooters are not allowed in cycle lanes.

And it probably does surprise you, because we do these things all the time, don’t we? We’ve got a cycleway near our house and scooters are on that thing constantly - because frankly, it’s the safest place for a scooter to be.

I took my boy and his six and nine-year-old cousins for a bike ride to the skate park at the beach during summer. They rode on the footpath. Two of those bikes were definitely against the rules - far too big.

So you could probably characterise Chris Bishop’s proposed changes as simply updating the law to reflect what people are already doing.

But I have a question for you - Why have an age limit for kids at all?

We’re hardly going to stick to this rule, are we? We’re hardly going to tell a 12-year-old that the day they turn 13, they suddenly have to get off the footpath and cycle down Ponsonby Road.

In fact, we regularly see older adults riding their bikes along Ponsonby Road, past the cafés. We just step out of the way. It’s an adult on an adult-sized bike - they’re courteous, they’re surrounded by pedestrians and they go slowly.

So here’s my proposal - when we change the rules, why don’t we take the age limit out altogether? Don’t have an age limit. 

Simply say - we’d prefer you to cycle on the road but if you can’t do that safely, you’re welcome to use the footpath. If you do, please go slowly and give pedestrians the right of way. Our goal is that no one dies on the road and no one gets hurt on the footpath.

Maybe we could just pass a rule that reflects what we’re already doing - and what also reflects a bit of common sense.

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A positive financial result has gentailer Meridian thinking about infrastructure upgrades. 

It recorded a half year profit after tax of $227 million.

Chief executive Mike Roan says they're considering increasing capacity at the Pukaki dam in the Mackenzie basin. 

He says it's still early days though. 

"The question that I've asked the team is - is it economic to do it? Does it actually make financial sense to expand the amount of hydro storage that we've got?"

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Questions have been raised over whether adding politicians in Australia would improve law-making or just add bureaucracy.

Australia's Labor Government is pushing to add 40 members to Parliament before the 2028 election. 

Nine News chief political editor Charles Croucher says electorates are so large that it's becoming harder for single MPs to represent them. 

But he says Australia also has layers of Government to consider. 

"We're already pretty over-governed over here, it's not just the federal Parliament you've got to think about, it's state Parliament."

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A real estate agent says there isn't enough demand to meet the supply of townhouses.

Newly constructed townhouses are sitting on the market so long that they no longer qualify as 'new builds'. 

It means first-home buyers can't get low-deposit loans on the property. 

Real Estate Agent Rawdon Christie says developers are shifting close to what the market wants. 

"So rather than putting 15 in there, let's put 8 standalone two-story houses, which are still three-bedrooms." 

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A record-breaking State of the Union speech from Donald Trump.

His 107 minute address today is the longest since records began in 1964.

The US president also spoke directly to invited guests - including the US Olympic champion men's hockey team, victims of crime by illegal immigrants, and a 100-year-old World War II veteran. 

Reuters reporter Bo Erickson says Trump covered a wide-range of topics. 

"He really, kind of, treaded on older ground, though - focusing on a lot of domestic issues, like the economy and what his administration's trying to address." 

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The Transport Minister says rule change proposals hope to return some common sense lost in New Zealand, long ago.

The Government's today announced proposals to let under-13s bike on footpaths and allow e-scooters in cycle lanes.

Consultation's open for the next month via the Transport Agency.

Chris Bishop says it could mean some details may change and he's happy to take feedback on the policies into account.

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Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington.

The US President's spoke for nearly two hours - with topics ranging from the cost of living, defence and immigration. 

It's the longest State of the Union speech since at least 1964.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the highlights of the address. 

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US President Donald Trump has broken records with his recent State of the Union speech.

The President's address lasted more than an hour and 40 minutes, making it the longest speech before a joint session of Congress since 1964. 

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump claimed the US has been 'turned around' and praised his handling of the economy and defence. 

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Scott Robertson will get an opportunity to coach against the Springboks this year.

The former All Blacks mentor will guide the Barbarians for matches against the world champions and Wales.

The fixture against South Africa is on June 20 at Port Elizabeth.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further.

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The Reserve Bank's emphasising the importance of cash services being free-of-charge.

It's proposed requiring the banking sector to provide accessible full-cash services across the country - at $104 million a year.

The plan ensures those in urban areas can walk to get cash, and the drive for those living rurally is reasonable. 

Money and Cash Director Ian Woolford says people don't expect to pay to deposit or withdraw cash. 

"Communities need easier access to cash, closer to home...what we've learned, partly, from those cash trials is that this is what communities need." 

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Peter Mandelson has been released on bail hours after his earlier arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to Met Police.

This follows an investigation that took place earlier in the month over allegations that, while he was serving as a Government minister, Mandelson passed on sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing.

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New Zealand's Ukrainian ambassador says the end of the war still seems a long time away. 

Today marks four years since the start of the large scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. 

Our Government's pledged another $8 million dollars in support, taking out total contribution to about $150 million.

Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko says Vladimir Putin has already seen 1.2 million of his soldiers killed, wounded or captured. 

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Momentum's sky-high for state-owned farming enterprise Pāmu.

Landcorp's half-year net operating profit jumped $28 million - from a $2 million loss in December 2024 to a $26 million profit last December. 

It's forecasting a record full-year net operating profit of up to $107 million.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Early childhood education fees have soared, which could see more facilities closing their doors. Do we need the Government to intervene and help keep these facilities going?

The People’s Select Committee of former MPs has written a report criticising the Government for scrapping the pay equity law last year. Do we agree with this?

Private medication platform MediMap was reportedly hacked, with unauthorised changes made to people's records. What do we make of this?

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 24 February, 2026, we talk to former National MP Marilyn Waring about the Unofficial People's Select Committee report on pay equity changes.

We ask Ukraine's ambassador what it would take to end the four-year war with Russia.

A third of New Zealanders have savings of less than $500 - but South Islanders are better savers.

And on The Huddle,Maurice Williamson and Mike Munro argue about parents facing increasing charges for early childhood education.

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So, the People’s Select Committee of former MPs has reported back today and, completely unsurprisingly, has slammed the Government for scrapping the pay equity law last year.

Which is fair enough in some ways, it was a shoddy process. The MPs say it offends the rule of law and they’re probably right.

It was done in a hurry to save last year’s Budget, rushed through under urgency and changed the rules retrospectively. It’s all really cynical stuff from a Government and too much of that sort of behaviour undermines confidence in the way the system works.

But even though they make some fair points and mount some fair criticism of the way Nicola Willis and Brooke van Velden ran this thing out, I can’t get past the next question I have, which is: so what?

What do these former MPs think will happen as a result of this report? The pay equity scheme is not going to be brought back in the form it previously existed. It’s far too expensive.

The cost to the Government was estimated at $13 billion over four years. The cost to the entire economy would have been much, much higher.

The former MPs want political parties to make it a bottom line to reintroduce the scheme after the election. No party can credibly commit to that.

Where would they find $13 billion, other than by making the country’s already worrying structural deficit even worse and adding to our already far-too-large debt?

Chippy will make noises about bringing it back, but press him a little harder - ask him where he’s going to find the money - and you don’t get any sufficient answers.

Ultimately, that’s where the argument ends - where do you find the money?

Yes, it was bad lawmaking. Yes, people were hurt by it. Yes, it’s fair to criticise. But where do you get the money?

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Media company NZME's remaining cautious about the economy despite a positive financial year.

The owner of The Herald and Newstalk ZB reported a $13.1 million net after tax profit - turning around the previous year’s $16 million dollar loss.

Its operating costs were four percent lower annually - reflecting the closure of community publications in December 2024.

CEO Michael Boggs says it's a grind to recovery.

"There's still been inflationary pressures, they're not feeling the best, they're not feeling confident yet to go and invest. And advertising is probably one of the first levers you can pull."

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More early childhood education centres are expected to fold under rising costs.

The Household Economic Survey shows the average weekly ECE fee has jumped from $25 in 2007, to $90 in 2023.

Early Childhood Council CEO Simon Laube says pay parity rules have driven 443 centres to shut in the past three years.

He says it drives up teacher salaries.

"But the funding from the Government doesn't follow suit, so as the salaries increase, the providers are paying more and more to pay the teachers - but the funding stays the same."

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The cost of living is hitting Kiwis hard, with new data showing Aucklanders are more likely to be worse off.

More than a third of New Zealanders have a savings balance of less than $500, according to new data from Westpac.

Westpac's Financial Wellbeing programme manager, Warren Ngan Woo, says Auckland is a big city where things cost more, which eats into people's ability to save money.

"This is just a snapshot in relation to savings, but it certainly doesn't take into account what other people have in options with their savings."

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Mercury's achieved a strong return to profit. 

BusinessDesk says the energy company's half year earnings before interest to December 31- reached $537 million.

It recorded a net $20 million dollar profit - up from a $67 million loss last year. 

Chief executive Stew Hamilton says they're doing well and don't need to raise capital. 

"We've been disciplined in how we manage our money, how we earn our money and spend it, so we're investing wisely, performing strongly - and I think that gives us options."

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Findings claim the Government extinguishing pay-equity claims destroyed an earlier system that was fit for purpose. 

The People's Select Committee - a group of 10 former women MPs - has released its final report on the changes rushed through by the coalition under urgency last year.

It held three months of hearings and almost 1400 submissions.

Group chair and former National MP, Dame Marilyn Waring, raised questions about the 'urgency' that this legislation was rushed under.

"This wasn't an emergency war regulation, it was an equal pay amendment. It's just quite unnecessary, you don't do that. And so, it was all done simply for the Budget."

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Labour's calling for caution, while agreeing with National that Auckland needs a new harbour crossing. 

The Infrastructure Commission last week suggested a toll as high as $9 to fund the new crossing - and also tolling the existing bridge. 

But Chris Hipkins ruled out tolling Auckland Harbour Bridge at his State of the Nation speech yesterday. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why this position doesn't quite match Labour's earlier stance on extra costs for road users.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has written to his British counterpart Keir Starmer to confirm Australia would support the removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor from the line of succession.

Andrew remains eighth in line to the throne - despite being stripped of his titles amid pressure over his ties to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Albanese is the first Commonwealth leader to openly voice support for Andrew's removal from the line of succession.

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New Zealand Rugby will open applications for a rescoped high performance director role, to replace Chris Lendrum who is leaving after 20 years.

Lendrum, who is NZR's general manager of professional and performance, will leave at the end of May.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave speculated further.

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There's concerns among experts following the latest medical platform hack that's left an impact on Kiwis.

MediMap is widely used across New Zealand, particularly in aged care, disability, hospice, and community health.

Some users' information had been changed, including altering ages, changing patient's names to Charlie Kirk - and claiming living users were deceased.

CISO Lens Country Manager Nadia Yousef says it's unclear why this happened, and there's nothing hinting towards extortion or blackmail just yet.

"It's not clear who did it, it's very unclear why - there's, I think, a lot more to follow over the next few days."

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US President Donald Trump recently took to Truth Social to offer to send a hospital boat over to Greenland - an offer Greenland's  prime minister has criticised.

Trump claimed in the post that 'many people' on the island are sick and 'not being taken care of'.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Trump has long coveted Greenland, and it's unusual that Trump would want to send extra medical help to a country with free healthcare.

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Donald Trump remains steadfast in his pursuit of sweeping global tariffs - slamming a US Supreme Court decision outlawing them as anti-American. 

The President's now taking advantage of a never-used trade law to enact 15 percent temporary levies, under the guise of a balance of payments deficit.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the market reactions.

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Comvita’s half-year result shows the company is seeing a noticeable financial turnaround.

Its result for the six months ended December 31 had revenue up 18.3 percent to $118 million, EBIT up 10.7m to $10m, and debt reduced by $32.9m to $48.7m.

Comvita CEO Karl Gradon says he's proud to see the company return to profitability and he's confident the company's been through the worst of it.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

The Remuneration Authority says more responsibility attracts more pay, as more local councillors see bigger pay rises. What do we make of this? 

The Government has proposed giving police more powers to move rough sleepers along. This has generated some backlash, but do we think this change is needed to improve New Zealand's city centres? 

Labour's Chris Hipkins has delivered his State of the Nation address in Auckland at a Business Chamber event. Did this make you feel more or less confident in Labour? 

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 February, 2026,the Genesis chief executive tells us why the energy company needs nearly $200 million from the Government.

A Wellington councillor on whether the Government's "move-on" orders for homeless people will work.

Chris Greenacre becomes interim coach of the Wellington Phoenix for a fourth time - should he just get the job?

And on the Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani give us their assessment of Chris Hipkins' State of the Nation speech.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Listening to Chris Hipkins' State of the Nation speech today, I found it really hard to take him seriously.

The speech was mostly just a list of things wrong with the country right now, most of which anyone who can remember back five, six, seven years, knows were caused by him, Grant, Jacinda and Adrian Orr.

Take this line, for example:

“I see young New Zealanders - smart, hardworking, full of potential - making calculations that no young person should have to. Do I stay in the country I love, or do I leave to build the life I've worked for? It breaks my heart.”

Well, it shouldn’t break his heart - because he was warned about this. When he, Jacinda and Grant were contemplating those long Auckland lockdowns at the tail end of the pandemic, Treasury explicitly warned that young people would suffer the most. I quote:

“The negative consequences are that low employment and income rates are shown to persist for young people well after recessions have waned.” - Treasury advice, 13 May, 2021.

Now, we’ve already spent more than enough time debating whether the lockdowns should have happened - we don’t need to do that again. But the consequences of those lockdowns are there in black and white. Young people would bear the brunt. So he can hardly complain now that young people are leaving the country. It was predicted.

He complains about affordability. Well, it was during his Government that inflation spiked to 7.3 percent. Yes, some of it was global. But a lot of it was Grant Robertson allowing Adrian Orr to print billions of dollars.

Again - right or wrong - we can debate that. But it was the actions of his Government that created the affordability crisis he now laments.

He complains about unemployment. Unemployment is up because of the recession Adrian Orr engineered to bring down the inflation that, as I’ve just said, was created by him and Grant.

Now, I’m not defending the National-led Government - that’s not my job. Frankly, I think they could have done a lot more to tidy up the Government’s books, that part has been woeful. But they did not create the mess that Chippy is complaining about.

And it is beyond ironic to have him standing there saying, “Oh, look what a mess this is,” and proposing to be the man to fix it - when he was part of the team, in fact right up there in the top three of the team, that created the mess in the first place.

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Still no clarity about whether Wellington's second Mt Victoria Tunnel will begin construction this year. 

National promised to begin work on the tunnel this term, but Transport Minister Chris Bishop last week suggested that wasn't firm. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says geotechnical work is underway - but Cabinet hasn't decided when construction will start. 

"We're looking at all the Roads of National Significance to determine what order do we sequence these in, and how do we make sure that we fund them in the most appropriate way - and how does that sit alongside our really important obligation to be maintaining the roads?"

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The Remuneration Authority says more responsibility attracts more pay. 

The Taxpayers' Union says Western Bay of Plenty District councillors are getting an average 57 percent pay increase.

Authority Chair Geoff Summers says the pool of funding for council has been decided - but not individual raises. 

He says the council will operate with two fewer councillors this term. 

"And most people would say - if I'm going to be doing more work than what some other people used to do, I want more money for it."

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Chris Greenacre will take charge of the Wellington Phoenix for at least their next A-League fixture against Sydney FC.

The club legend moves back into the interim coaching role for a remarkable fourth time, stepping up from his role at the club's academy.

He is in ongoing discussions with the club about the head coaching position for the rest of the A-League season - and beyond.

Wellington Phoenix Director of Football Shaun Gill says the plan is to get through this week first, and then finalise some details.

"There's not a contract in place for him for the role at the moment, but he's prepared to jump in and we'll finish those discussions in due course."

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The Government has introduced new measures to tackle the issues with rough sleepers, but it's prompted concerns from some critics.

Under these changes, police would be able to order beggars and rough sleepers to leave for up to 24 hours, with refusal being punished with fines and jail time.

Wellington City Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher says it's another cog in the wheel for police to help improve cities.

"It's really more a substance abuse problem and a mental health issue. Once we accept that, then the approach we need to take is that we need to work on those solutions."

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Genesis Energy says fresh Crown investment into the power generator will go towards building infrastructure. 

The Government's confirmed it will put up to $200 million dollars - letting it retain its 51 percent shareholding, as Genesis launches a capital raise.

Chief executive Malcolm Johns says the money will speed up its ability to build.

"We're gonna build some solar farms, some grid-scale batteries and some wind, and extend the life of Huntly Rankines."

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Labour's promising to be realistic as it shapes up election year ideas.

Leader Chris Hipkins has delivered his State of the Nation address in Auckland at a Business Chamber event.

The speech lacked new policy - but addressed concern around people leaving the country and the state of our tax system.

 Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper voiced disapproval with the speech, and questioned whether Labour would be able to deliver on anything for Kiwi voters.

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A row's deepening about so-called 'ISIS brides' returning to Australia - with the Opposition pushing for a hardline approach.

More than 30 Australian women and children have secured passports and are trying to return from a Syrian camp.

Opposition parties argue helping Australians with Islamic State links return home should be a criminal offence.

Correspondent Oliver Peterson says the Government's being neutral - and the Opposition will be looking to exploit that.

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Chris Greenacre will have every opportunity to secure the Wellington Phoenix head coaching gig full-time.

The former 'Nix player will sidestep from his role at the club's academy into the seat vacated by Giancarlo Italiano - the fourth time he's become the club's interim coach.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine speculated about whether Greenacre will take over the role full-time.

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Chris Hipkins says he doesn't want to make promises he'll have to change - announcing no new policy in Labour's State of the Nation address today. 

He says policies can wait until after the Budget, and he explained that he's made Labour's political priorities clear to the voters.

Hipkins explained they party's not going to be making big sweeping promises ahead of the election this time round.

"We're going to be promising things that we know we can deliver on, that are actually going to make a difference - but are actually going to solve the problems we've got as a country." 

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 20 February, 2026, a royal expert tells us why Andrew's arrest is the biggest scandal in the history of the British monarchy.

Why more than half of our police officers are thinking of quitting the job.

We hear from a linguistics expert on why English doesn't need to be an official language.

And on the sports huddle, Nathan Limm and Adam Cooper debate if it's ok to ask an Olympic athlete if snaring a silver medal is a disappointment.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Let’s not beat around the bush: the biggest news in the world is the arrest of Andrew, the King’s brother. It’s huge, not least because the last time a royal was arrested was around 350 years ago, when Charles I was taken prisoner and ultimately executed.

What also makes this so significant is that Andrew wasn’t, as is usually the case with celebrities, politely asked to come into a police station to assist with inquiries. He was arrested at his home, which was then searched by police for further evidence. That distinction is massive.

That said, anyone predicting either the collapse or the survival of the royal family today is being premature — and there’s plenty of that going on. The charge Andrew faces, misconduct in public office, is apparently very difficult to prove in the UK because of the way the law is written. So this may end up going nowhere.

So far, I’d say Charles has handled both today’s developments and the wider scandal leading up to them far more decisively than even the late Queen handled Andrew’s previous indiscretions, and that does help the monarchy. Most importantly, the key figures in the royal family — William, Kate and their children — seem far enough removed from anything Andrew may have done to remain safe from fallout.

On the other hand, what’s happened today is only the beginning. Next may come formal charges, then potentially a prosecution, then possibly a judge and jury. If it gets that far, the risk to the royal family increases dramatically, because it could reveal who knew what about Andrew’s behaviour, and for how long.

If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s this: the system is working. No one is above the law — not even the brother of the King.

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A new poll suggests the public's on board with the Government's proposed ban on card surcharges, just as the proposed law has been put on hold. 

The Government announced plans to ban all credit card and contactless surcharges last year, but faced criticism from businesses who'd be forced to stump the cost. 

Consumer NZ Campaign Manager Jessica Walker told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there is a middle-ground for both parties to settle on. 

"Too many surcharges are excessive or just not disclosed or unavoidable. So there would need to be some really firm caps in place to stop consumers being ripped off."

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A bill has been introduced to make English an official language of New Zealand.

Despite being the country's most-spoken language, it is not an official language by law.

The bill provoked ridicule in Parliament from the opposition, but was staunchly defended by Winston Peters.

AUT Associate Professor of Linguistics Sharon Harvey says that language laws exist to protect languages that aren't as widely used, and English doesn't fall in to this category. 

"If we look at like jurisdictions like Australia, federal level of the US and the UK, those jurisdictions don't have English as an official language and don't see any need to."

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Fifty seven per cent of cops have considered quitting in the last year.

That's according to a new Police Association survey, which asked 6000 officers. 

Key concerns from officers were salaries, as well as resourcing. 

Police say attrition is hovering between 4.5 and 5 percent - but association president Steve Watt told Heather du-Plessis Allan that the result can't be ignored. 

He says the job's risky, weighs heavily on wellbeing - and the result proves the pressure officers are under. 

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Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest is being dubbed the biggest scandal in modern royal history. 

The King's brother was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office, in the wake of allegations he shared confidential information with late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. 

The ex-prince's properties were searched by UK police, and he has since been released but remains under investigation.

Royal Commentator Juliet Rieden told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the Royal Family are in unchartered waters.

She says some believe the abdication was the worst, but that was a love story - adding this situation is very far from that. 

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The Local Government Minister says people should have zero-tolerance for poor dog behaviour. 

62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs on Tuesday, as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville.

Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'.

Minister Simon Watts says there are issues with local and central Government enforcing the 30-year-old Dog Control Act. 

He says he is getting advice next week on changing the act - and wants it done promptly. 

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The BBC has commissioned a slate of new shows and will be showcasing some of Sir David Attenborough’s most loved programmes to mark his 100th birthday.

Sir David Attenborough turns 100 on May 8th, and the network will run a week-long celebration of his work and legacy spanning over seven decades. 

UK correspondent Enda Brady says there's also going to be a special live broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall with a full concert orchestra.

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New reports indicate the tech sector is getting hid hard by a turbulent market, with many software companies taking a hit.

Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained the impacts - and which companies are doing it tough.

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Confidence green pastures lie ahead for Fonterra, as the sale of brands like Anchor and Mainland nears completion.

Almost 99 percent of shareholders voted today to get the tax-free $3.2 billion capital return, from the purchase by French company Lactalis.

FedFarmers Dairy Chair, Karl Dean, says the sale is part of Fonterra's move to focus on ingredients.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Labour MP Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings. Do we think this is a good idea?

Chris Bishop today confirmed the Government is revising the city's housing capacity number in its new plan and focusing more on building in the city and by transport hubs. Why do we think the Government had to back down? 

Winston Peters copped some backlash over some comments that Labour and the Greens have dubbed 'racist'. Do we think this backlash is fair?

Why do we think the Government hit pause on introducing four-year terms?

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Well, finally Chris Bishop has done the right thing and made the u-turn on the two million new houses he had planned for Auckland.

It’s not altogether a surprise that he did this and announced it this afternoon, because it’s been rumoured for months - for the obvious reason that it’s election year.

Auckland is a key battleground. Aucklanders are obsessed with houses. Auckland voters who own their homes were already stressed about this plan, and if it turned into a full election issue with proper media coverage, even more of them would’ve become stressed.

That would mean blue Auckland voters heading straight to New Zealand First, ACT or Labour. So it was a political problem for National and Bishop had to back down.

But in reality, it’s not just politics, is it? It’s basic common sense. I think it’s reasonable for an Aucklander who has sunk one to two million dollars - maybe more, maybe a bit less, but still a lot of money - into their home to feel stressed at the idea of a multi‑storey apartment block popping up next door, blocking their view, blocking their light, ruining their privacy. Whatever it is.

We mock these people as NIMBYs, but actually, I think it’s fair for them to want to protect the place they live in. Don’t you want to protect the place you live in?

This battle, though, is far from won. Anyone looking at this and thinking, “That was a close call, thank God that’s over,” - it’s not over.

All Bishop has done is reduce the number of new houses to the point that it shouldn’t impact on suburbs. But whether it does affect suburbs is a decision for Auckland Council, and that decision hasn’t been made yet.

So while it should, on balance, be okay, nothing is certain until the Auckland maps are released. What this is, then, is one u-turn down, and one more to go.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 February, 2026, Chris Bishop on the Government's backdown on two million houses for Auckland.

A relaxing of rulesaround serving alcohol at community and sports clubs.

Why grocery tourism is becoming a popular pursuit for holidaymakers.

And on the Huddle, Phil Goff and David Farrarlament the Government ditching a referendum on a four-year term.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Auckland Airport says it's gaining momentum.

It's reported a four percent increase in revenue in its half-yearly results. 

The airport says that lift in revenue is being driven by a two percent increase in passenger numbers to 9.6 million.

Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui says there's still more work to do - since numbers still haven't caught up to pre-pandemic levels. 

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Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings when it comes to planning law reforms.

The council’s submission asked for powers to strip buildings’ heritage listings to avoid paying compensation and to make granting heritage listings to be by consent only.

Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty says there's been many cases that inspired this move, including when the Gordon Wilson flats had to be pulled out through legislation. 

"We've got things like private homes that have the same heritage significance as Parliament House - that statistically zero percent of New Zealand will ever visit, cost double the insurance to maintain and you've got to get a resource consent if you want to re-roof or re-glaze." 

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There's a new travel trend that's taking the world by storm for 2026, and it's set to give local stores an extra boost.

Over the last few months, 'grocery tourism' has seen foreigners exploring supermarkets on their travels and seeking out products they can't buy at home.

Sarah Pollok from the NZ Herald says travellers are looking to cut costs and get an authentic look at the places they visit, and nothing quite matches that description like the weekly shop.

"There's a bit of nostalgia there - there's old American candy or British products that they want to bring home. But then sometimes it's just the bizarre things that you'll find in other countries, like different flavours." 

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There's speculation that US President Donald Trump is about to launch a major bombing campaign against Iran. 

US aircraft have been moving towards the Middle East, and a Washington DC source has told international media there's a 90 percent chance of war in coming weeks.

Waikato University's Al Gillespie says it's entirely possible, given Donald Trump's desire to show strength.

But he says it could have major consequences. 

"Everyone's thinking Venezuela - like, you cut the head off the snake, but here, it's a very big snake. If you removed the Ayatollah, you're likely to have problems with the Revolutionary Guard."

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Auckland's suburban, heritage, and green areas aren't guaranteed immunity from housing intensification. 

The Government has revised the city's housing capacity number in a new plan - from just over 2 million, to 1.6 million, with more focus on the city and transport hubs. 

It follows pushback from Aucklanders - particularly in National strongholds like Ōrākei, Mt Eden and Franklin.

But Housing Minister Chris Bishop says it's ultimately up to the council where houses are built.   

"If they wish to take growth out of the suburbs, then they can do that. The strong feedback coming through is that that's what they want to do."

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Winston Peters has been accused of racism in Parliament by Labour and the Greens following his comments in Parliament yesterday.

Peters singled out a Green MP for his Rarotongan heritage - and Labour's Willie Jackson was quick to voice his concerns in the House today. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the events. 

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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson sparked outrage in Australia over the suggestion that there are no 'good' Muslims and criticised the Government for 'bending over backwards' for migrants.

Hanson later issued a partial apology, but claimed she would not apologise for speaking out against Islam - and the threat she believed it posed to Australia.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been quick to criticise these comments.

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Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has earned a silver medal in the snowboard slopestyle at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, her fifth across three Games.

She sat in fourth as the last rider up, before registering 87.48 with her final attempt.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further.

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Less confusion over a drink at the local club, as options increase for serving alcohol. 

Currently, local sport clubs, RSAs and community clubs can only serve alcohol to members and their guests.

The Government's today announced clubs can now choose to stick with their current license or apply to serve the wider public - like a restaurant or bar.

Clubs NZ CEO, Lucy Waterreus, says many people didn't know these restrictions exist. 

"You might have someone that decides to pop into their local club, support a community event - only to discover they actually can't be served."

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UK police are evaluating information regarding private flights linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Reports claim Epstein used London's Stansted Airport to fly women in and out of the UK - according to the new release from the US Justice Department.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says there's been multiple reported incidents of alleged victims being flown through the airport. 

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The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent.

Anna Breman said the Bank isn't happy with inflation being at 3.1 percent, but it's likely it will drop later in the year.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further.

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An improving financial situation for one of our largest companies, Fletcher Building.

It's announced half-year results, weeks after agreeing to sell off its construction arm.

The company's confirmed a half-year loss of $11 million - compared to a loss of $134 million in the year before.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton unpacked the reactions.

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Telecommunications company Spark's mobile and broadband businesses delivered some revenue growth over the first half, contributing to an 83 percent increase in net profit.

The company is reporting a net profit after tax of $64 million, compared with $35 million from a year ago. 

Spark CEO Jolie Hodson says the company's still recovering, but there's clear signs things could go up.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Anna Breman made her first call as Reserve Bank Governor and left the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. Do we think this is the right move?

Do we need to start putting down more dangerous dogs? The recent attack in Northland has sparked discussion - and some outrage. Do we need tougher regulations for dogs, or owners? 

Heather says the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band in existence. Do we agree with that?

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 February, 2026,we hear from the new Reserve Bank Governor on the first big call of her tenure - keeping the official cash rate at 2.25 percent.

We talk to Northland MP Grant McCallum about Shane Jones' call to kill "homicidal" dogs.

The head of Christchurch's newTe Kaha stadium hints there's more than just the Foo Fighters to come.

And on the Huddle, do Jack Tame and Tim Wilson support Heather's call that the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band?

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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We’ve had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it’s not until you get a new captain at the helm that you realise just how little confidence you had left in the previous one.

Now, to be fair, it’s early days for Anna Breman. We’ll judge her by what she does from here on in. But she does start with a clean slate - without us reading too much into her decisions or second-guessing every move because of a poor track record. 

And that, I’d say, is a very welcome change from just a few weeks ago before she took over.

Her assessment is that inflation is fine. Yes, it’s a little high right now - 3.1 percent, outside the target band - but it’s expected to fall back within the band by this time next year. 

The economy is improving. The green shoots that were previously limited to certain regions and industries are becoming more widespread. Households are getting more money in their pockets, but they’re still cautious - and that’s a problem.

Because unless they’re confident enough to spend, they’ll hold back the economic recovery from what it could potentially be.

But - and this is probably the bit you’ve been most interested in, and waiting for - they will start raising the OCR faster than expected.

Previously, the Official Cash Rate projection had it going from 2.2 percent in March to 2.3 percent in December. That’s now been brought forward: they’re forecasting 2.3 percent in June and 2.4 percent in December.

The first increase will still most likely be in December, but the chances of it happening in September just increased.

It’s not a major concern. It’s not a major correction. It’s not a game-changer for most people. But it does bring the inevitable a little closer.

Still - for now - it’s nice to have a change at the top, isn’t it? And here’s hoping this Governor does a better job than the last one.

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Pharmac is proposing funding two new leukaemia medications in pill form from May.

It could relieve pressure for hospitals.

It could also apply to people currently paying for it, who'd receive funding for the treatment in a private hospital - subject to meeting criteria.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says Pharmac will sign off on this - and it's likely this will move forward.

"There'll be two new blood cancer medicines and they'll help an estimated 80-90 people every five years, with what is quite a rare, but brutal disorder." 

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There's hints that Christchurch's brand-new stadium will be soon hosting an event no other city will have.

American rock band Foo Fighters are the first international act confirmed for One NZ Stadium, scheduled to open in April.

Other major events lined-up include Super Rugby’s Super Round and a concert featuring Six60 and Synthony in May.

Venues Otautahi CEO Caroline Harvie-Teare says a New Zealand-exclusive event announcement is coming soon.

"They're the things that really shift the dial when it comes to visitation here in Christchurch and they're the things that we want to see here in Christchurch, and this is why we've got this beautiful new venue."

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Fletcher Building says it's not out of the woods yet, but their financial situation is improving.

It recorded an $11 million half-year loss  - down from $134 million the year before.

Earnings are out of the red at $45 million, compared to $-88 million the year before.

Chief executive Andrew Reding says they'll take a while to get back on track.  

"We're not forecasting great times for our financial year 2026, and indeed think that the calendar year 2027 is when things are lined up and moving properly."

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The Reserve Bank says inflation's too high, but it's actually worried it could soon end up too low.

It's kept the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent.

New Governor Anna Breman says they're not happy with headline inflation surpassing the one-to-three percent target band last quarter.

But she says underlying core-inflation is much lower, and wage growth slow.

She explained that unless the economy rebounds, they think inflation might actually fall below the target.

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Tensions in Parliament today - with barbs traded between the Prime Minister and Opposition leader.

Chris Luxon took a swipe at Labour's Chris Hipkins at Question Time over inflation.

Speaker Gerry Brownlee told numerous MPs to cool down, after heckling from both sides.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the action from today.

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A fight for the oppressed and overlooked is encompassed in Jesse Jackson's legacy.

The Civil Rights leader has died aged 84 surrounded by family. 

Jackson built a career around activism - fighting alongside Martin Luther King Jr to improve the lives of Black people in America. 

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Donald Trump paid tribute - and so did some other former leaders.

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Outgoing Netball New Zealand chair Matt Whineray insists they will heed the lessons from the Silver Ferns coaching debacle.

Whineray's ending his eight-year tenure alongside three other board members.

The governing body came under intense scrutiny last year for their handling of Dame Noeline Taurua's standing down and eventual re-instatement.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further.

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The latest dog attack in Northland has sparked calls for urgency around manging savage canines. 

Northland 62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs yesterday as she visited a home in Kaihu.

NZ First's Shane Jones has suggested penalising owners of dangerous dogs with prison sentences.

Northland MP Grant McCallum says councils need to enforce regulations to keep people safe - but some law changes are in order.

"We've got too many dogs out there and you have to question some of the breeds, so the question becomes - do we look at a stronger de-sexing policy going forward? And also, some of the breeds of these dogs...are there just some breeds we don't need?"

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Six companies linked to the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, are being wound down, according to new reports.

One company is related to public relations, another to retail, and none appeared to be commercially active.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Ferguson was desperate for money, even emailing Epstein for help while he was in prison. 

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The Infrastructure Commission's suggesting the Government spends less on roads and tolls Auckland's future additional harbour crossing.

It's 30-year-road-map released today makes 10 recommendations for what should be prioritised over the next decade, with hospital investment topping the list. 

The plan suggests the extra crossing in Auckland, tunnel or bridge, gets a $9 toll.

National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers says the infrastructure has be paid for - and solutions need to be found. 

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New data shows wool sales are still up in the South Island.

PGG Wrightson South Island auction manager Dave Burridge said exporter demand remains highly competitive - with the SWI lifting a further 47 cents.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. 

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Sky TV is seeing the loss of HBO content as a new opportunity. 

Warner Bros Discovery's announced it will launch HBO max mid-year, home to original hit shows like The Pitt which originally featured on Sky's Neon service. 

Sky CEO Sophie Moloney says they need a broader suit of options than what they've been securing through the HBO deal. 

"It means that we can be investing in other content that makes sense for our business with other studios, like Sony and the BBC. So as a team, we're really excited about what the future holds." 

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