Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Catherine Beard: Canada is not really playing with a straight back

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand has launched a first of its kind trade dispute against longtime friend Canada. Over an alleged breach of trade rules.  Canada has impleme...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: I feel no sympathy for the teenager who had a bit of his finger cut off but I do feel sad for him

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I feel no sympathy whatsoever for the teenage burglar who had a bit of his finger cut off. But I do feel something: I feel sad for him. If you read h...

The Huddle: Immigration reset, Translategate and Piopio home invasion verdict

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

National MP Gerry Brownlee asked a parliamentary question of Michael Wood – and got a reply entirely in te reo Māori. He asked for a translation f...

Gerry Brownlee: I don't think using it this way was particularly useful

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Labour answered a written question from National entirely in te reo Māori, even though the question was in English. National asked whether a transla...

Bromley resident Caleb Saunderson: Horrendous is one word for it

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christchurch City Council has begun work to put an end to a foul smell that has hung over the suburb of Bromley for months. A salvage firm has been c...

Colin Hurst: Although we don't condone this sort of activity, it was the sensible decision

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What a story this has been. There were gasps, hugs and tears as the father and son who beat a teenage burglar and cut off one of us fingers were foun...

Anne Daniels and Alison Eddy: The decisions that have been made have been made in a bit of a vacuum

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nurses and midwives are dismayed that the Government's treating their professions as second best in its immigration reset.  Doctors and engineers amo...

Jason Walls: This speech today wasn't as much of a blockbuster as the one last week

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another pre-budget speech from Grant Robertson. This one came with a warning. David Seymour caused a stir in the house yesterday suggesting the Labou...

Murray Olds: It was a much calmer affair

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese have their third and final leaders' debate. Racism controversy at Collingwood is back in the news after new audi...

D'Arcy Waldegrave: We've got two Kiwi's in the drivers seat of the English team

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

UK media outlets are reporting that Brendon McCullum has agreed to become England's test coach. LeBron James has been named the world's highest-paid ...

Chand Sahrawat: Our wage costs used to be 30% pre-pandemic

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Restaurants say they have no other option but to increase the price of a meal out. The cost rose 5.3 percent in the year to April.  It's alongside f...

Dan Mitchinson: They're blaming Biden for everything right now

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Biden is facing backlash over inflation and cost-of-living costs and we'll find out just how bad it is when the new inflation number comes out tom...

Peter Anderson: Prince Charles is seen as fair game

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Prince Charles is having a bit of a tough time on social media after his speech last night. Neighbours are to be given significant veto powers over p...

Brent Catchpole: The worry is that Drury will draw away some of that investment

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A city the size of Napier could soon be popping up south of Auckland. Independent commissioners have given the green light for 330 hectares of land ...

Deborah Lambie: Inflation is at its highest in the US for over 40 years

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

US inflation data out overnight tonight, last time it was an eyewatering 8.5% annual rate, this time it’s expected to moderate to a ‘mere’ 8.1% ...

Brad Olsen: For a lot of people it will look like very welcome relief

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Foodstuffs will cut prices by 10% on some 100 products for the winter. Last week we had Countdown freeze prices. Do these moves make a tangible differ...

The Huddle: Foodstuffs price cut, Gloriavale and the immigration reset

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Foodstuffs has announced it will cut prices to some 100 products for the next three months to ease the cost of living. Is this marginally better than ...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Government seems to have gone soft on slashing migration

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government has finally announced its long-awaited immigration reset in the last 3 hours. So, here’s a first take on what it looks like: Depend...

Chris Quin: We need to work hard to see what's happening with supply price increases

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Potential cut to the price of 100 supermarket goods at Foodstuffs stores may be extended.  The discount – about ten per cent on average – begin...

Deborah Pead: It feels like a sulky, petulant apology written by a teenage boy under duress

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Simon Henry has finally issued an apology to Nadia Lim over his 'Eurasian fluff' comments. Simon is claiming to have called Nadia several times last ...

Julien Leys: At this stage we don't have anyone locally to do these roles

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government says changed immigration settings will make life easier for employers who are facing labour shortages. Speaking to us earlier, Immigra...

Julien Leys: At this stage we don't have anyone locally to do these roles

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government says changed immigration settings will make life easier for employers who are facing labour shortages. Speaking to us earlier, Immigra...

Jason Walls: This move is not a surprise

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has moved the date of the full border opening forward. The semi-regular Pecuniary interests of MP's assets and gifts have been rel...

D'Arcy Waldegrave: The provincial unions have a number of demands

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Brady signs a broadcast deal with Fox worth almost 600 million NZ dollars. Key Silver Lake vote to happen on the second of June. Sportstalk host...

Kris Faafoi: This is vastly an improvement on the previous regime

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Immigration Minister is talking up shorter visa processing times. The Government's announced a raft of immigration changes – including speedy ...

James Harrison: Gloriavale has been pulling the wool over the Government's eyes for years

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should we be doing more to shut down Gloriavale?  That's the question being thrown around after the court confirmed the 'use of child labour' within ...

Enda Brady: There is chatter that she does not want to be seen in a wheelchair

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Queen will miss the parliament opening later today. This has led to loads of speculation over how much we'll see her at the Jubilee celebrations. ...

Dean Long: The pre-departure testing is a huge barrier

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand is wide open and ready to welcome tourists – at least according to our Tourism Minister it is. Stuart Nash is in Australia at the mome...

Jamie Mackay: We've never had this and it would not be good if we did

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Foot and mouth disease outbreak has been reported in Indonesia. This will keep biosecurity officials busy trying to keep this out. Host of the Countr...

Pattrick Smellie: Does any of this look like a relevant budget?

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you feel like we're just hearing pre-budget announcement followed by pre-budget announcement, you'd be right. The Government's been splashing the ...

Michael Barnett: Our public transport at the moment is inadequate

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is expected to announce a new congestion charge for Auckland commuters next week as they try and recoup $1.3 billion in productivity lo...

David Seymour: If Willie wants to make himself a sideshow I'm sure the adults in the room will carry on

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

ACT Party leader David Seymour joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to respond to Willie Jackson's comments.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

The Huddle: Congestion charges, Gloriavale and Willie Jackson

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Willie Jackson's lashed out at David Seymour – saying he's the most useless advocate for Māori because ACT wants to get rid of the Ministry for Mā...

Willie Jackson: Of course it's appropriate, it's parliament

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Minister for Māori Development has hit out at ACT Party leader David Seymour... Calling him a useless Māori.  It comes after ACT proposed to ...

Jason Walls: It's not going to be politically divisive

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

War-of-words in parliament today – David Seymour vs everyone else?  Grant Robertson's throwing down the gauntlet to National over its support of A...

Murray Olds: Thank god we're in the last couple of weeks

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The latest poll has Labor even further ahead of the coalition – but the number of people shunning the two major parties is also at an all-time high...

D'Arcy Waldegrave: It's going to be tough to find a positive about that match

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Warriors coach Nathan Brown is on the show today, have you got a few pointed questions ready? Chris Rattue has made the case that NZ is actually not...

Juliet Rieden: Obviously her doctors have advised against it

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Details of the Queen's mobility issues are scarce... but she's pulled out of British Parliament's state opening for the first time since 1963.  Royal...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: It’s going to take a hell of a sales job to make another tax on people popular

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I can tell you now, the Government’s plan to lump congestion charging on Aucklanders is not going to be popular. From the hints being dropped, it s...

John Gillon: I don't endorse the vandalism at all

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A local board member says tempers are high over a multitude of new T3 lane cameras on an Auckland road, with some vandalised recently. 68 new cameras...

Brian Henry: The labour inspector will need to look at a range of things

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Significant compensation could be the result of a landmark Employment Court decision. The court has ruled a group of former Gloriavale members were w...

Phil Goff: You can't slap on a congestion charge without having alternatives

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So, the Government is expected to announce a new congestion charge for Auckland next week. In an attempt to reduce congestion by up to 12 percent, co...

Gavin Grey: This comes as we're all gearing up for the Platinum Jubilee

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A fresh sanctions package on Russia and Belarus ahead of Victory Day being celebrated in Russia today. Now the Labour Party leader is caught up in hi...

Tony Alexander: A lot of that interest rate pain is already there

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Economist Tony Alexander says we could face a recession later this year if consumers cut their spending as much as they're planning to. In his latest...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Vandalising other peoples’ cars is not going to win anyone over to the cause

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re not a fan of the kinds of climate activists that glue their hands to walls, then brace yourself because I have got next level douchebagge...

Fran O'Sullivan: It should be a successful trip

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The budget's a week away, do you think this is the Government's chance to claw back some political points?  Jacinda Ardern will be hoping she doesn't...

The Huddle: Ram raids, subsidies and Prince Harry

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The government has tried to stem the bad crime headlines with a half-billion-dollar announcement on law and order. They've promised action on ramraids...

Grant Robertson: The budget will be about finding an equal balance

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The AA reckons we'll see the price of fuel hit $4 a litre this year are you going to extend the discount on fuel taxes and public transport fares? Bu...

Kate Berry: I don't think there's any 'quick fix'

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The director of a clothing chain hit by ram raiders says we should reach out to kids on social media to stop them. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robert...

James Barber: We're not going to condemn what they've done

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People calling themselves "the tyre slashers" have been attacking tyres on SUVs and utes in two Auckland suburbs.  Leaflets left on the vehicles say ...

AA Principal Advisor Terry Collins: We've been struggling to match production to demand

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The price at the pump is expecting to rise again. Despite the Government slashing excise this year, fuel prices propelled past three dollars a litre ...

Mark Mitchell: A cabinet minister should not be out misleading the public like that

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Police Minister Poto Williams has made some big accusations against the opposition, claiming National was in bed with the Australian government when i...

Jason Walls: Technically, the PM is not an essential worker

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some more details from the Deputy Prime Minister on the Government's plan to deal with ram raids. National has backed the Government's emissions budg...

Oliver Peterson: Scomo will need to go for Albanese's character

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The latest election debate between Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese is a bit of a mess. The judge overseeing the trial of Guy Sebastian's former m...

Phil Gifford: There's a whole different attitude in this Blues team

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are the Blues the new Crusaders? It must be hard to be a Warriors fan at the moment.Sports commentator Phil Gifford joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. ...

Dr Carmel Harrington: It's going to be a minimum of three years before we can test for this

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's every parent's worst nightmare – sudden infant death syndrome.  Now a breakthrough study out of Sydney suggests there is a genetic marker tha...

Rod Oram: Business commentator on how companies may be affected by Government's climate initiatives

07 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Government looks set to announce a range of climate initiatives and plans this month ahead of the Budget.That might mean companies may have to che...

Adrienne Miller: Matakana statue conservator on statue being beheaded for fourth time in 20 years

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A statue of King George V in Matakana has been beheaded for the fourth time in 20 years.The statue’s conservator Adrienne Miller has said on social ...

Peter Lewis: Xi Jinping sends warning to anyone who questions China's zero-Covid policy

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

China's top leader Xi Jinping has issued the strongest warning yet against anyone who questions the country's zero-Covid policy, as stringent, freque...

Gavin Grey: UK votes in local polls dominated by cost-of-living crisis

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

People in Britain voted Thursday in local elections that will decide the makeup of local authorities across the country — and possibly the fate of e...

Alan McDonald: Employers & Manufacturers Association Head of Advocacy and Strategy on MYOB survey showing how businesses and consumers want

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re a couple of weeks away from this year’s Budget and people are starting to come out with wish lists for Finance Minister Grant Robertson.An M...

Sports Huddle: NZ Super Rugby struggles, Real Madrid comeback, Warriors take on Sharks

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

New Zealand Super Rugby teams will be licking their wounds ahead of this weekend’s round.Last weekend saw the Crusaders and the Hurricanes lose to t...

Ruth Stokes: Queenstown Chamber of Commerce CEO on town's new level of worker shortage

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Queenstown businesses have reached a new level of worker shortage.There are now more job vacancies than ratepayers in Queenstown and hospitality venue...

James Mac: Musician on the New Zealand Music Month version of Heardle

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone knows about Wordle, and some people may have heard about Heardle - a game for guessing songs.Heardle got a Kiwi makeover for New Zealand Musi...

Frances Sweetman: Milford Asset Management portfolio manager says their sustainability policy is to try and work with DGL instead of excludi

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

KiwiSaver provider Milford Asset Management will try to engage with DGL Group instead of excluding the company.Company CEO Simon Henry made offensive ...

Matthew Lane: Nite n' Day general manager says Countdown price freeze is likely down to The Warehouse breaking into the market

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Competition may be the driving force behind Countdown's decision to drive down costs.From Monday, the supermarket chain will freeze prices on 500 esse...

Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter on today's decarbonisation announcement

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jacinda Ardern has weighed in on Simon Henry’s comments on Nadia Lim.Ardern said this afternoon that the comments do a complete disservice to Nadia ...

Dan Mitchinson: Biden taps 1st Black woman, LGBT White House press secretary

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

President Joe Biden on Thursday named Karine Jean-Pierre to be the next White House press secretary, the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to ...

Graham McKean: First Union organiser says bus drivers have no option but to avoid key stops for their own safety

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tauranga bus drivers will no longer stop at three of the city's main bus stops if they see youths gathered.The boycott comes as drivers fear for their...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Countdown price freeze helps them a lot and shoppers just a little

06 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’ll have to give Countdown a little bit of credit here.A price freeze is definitely better than no price freeze during a cost of living crisis.But...

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on what to expect for the start of duck hunting season

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Duck hunting is set to start at 6:45 am on Saturday.Fish and Game New Zealand says that good bird populations and the ease of Covid restrictions means...

Liam Dann: NZ Herald Business Editor at Large on supply shortage problem at PlaceMakers

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is a bit of a supply shortage problem going on at PlaceMakers.On Thursday, PlaceMackers delivered price rise and shortage information, revealing...

Enda Brady: Boris Johnson faces his first serious electoral test since his reputation hit rock bottom

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ever since the "Partygate" scandal rocked Boris Johnson's premiership at the end of last year, the British Prime Minister has repeatedly dodged ques...

Mark Knoff-Thomas: Newmarket Business Association chief executive on Auckland Transport's plan to oversee solutions to ram raids

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Auckland Transport are appointing a designated staff member to oversee solutions to the recent ram raids experienced by local businesses.In some cases...

Lynda Keene: Tourism Export Council chief executive on Kiwi overseas travel exodus

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nearly a quarter of Kiwi adults are planning on flying the nest in the next year.Horizon Research shows that more than 900,000 Kiwi adults are plannin...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: Simon Henry would be wise to apologise for what he said about Nadia Lim

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You know by now I’m not one to join aboard the cancel culture train when someone says something deemed out of line, but I think that businessman Sim...

The Huddle: Nadia Lim, Auckland cyclepaths, Simon Bridges

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nadia Lim has hit back at comments from DGL CEO Simon Henry.Henry claimed in an NBR interview that things including Lim's appearance could explain why...

Leonie Freeman: Property Council chief executive on Adrian Orr's comments about house prices

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr was grilled by MPs today, telling them to “take a step back and just breathe” when it comes to inflation.He told ...

Topsy Rule: Sumner-Redcliffs Historical Society secretary on Christchurch City Council refusing to provide a flagpole over worries about Chi

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christchurch City Council is refusing to provide a flagpole for a Sumner building because it’s worried about the Chinese Government.It had promised ...

Cameron Bagrie: Economist says there needs to be fiscal restraint in Government spending

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One economist warns tax cuts may not be a good idea.The latest Newshub-Reid Research poll showed almost 69 percent of those polled want taxes slashed,...

Jason Walls: Newstalk ZB Chief Political Reporter on Trevor Mallard's third consecutive day of absence from Parliament

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Mallard has been absent from Parliament for the third day in a row.Mallard was meeting with the US Ambassador, but meanwhile National MP Chris ...

Nadia Lim: Chef and My Food Bag founder says she's speaking up for people who feel they don't have a voice

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nadia Lim isn't sweating the small stuff after a Kiwi richlister brought up her attire and race in an interview.DGL Group CEO Simon Henry claimed in a...

Murray Olds: Anthony Albanese under fire for not knowing party’s own NDIS policy

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anthony Albanese has stumbled over details of one of his party’s major policies before an adviser handed him notes in the middle of a press conferen...

Jill Brinsdon: Branding expert says New Zealanders are not unique in preference for bigger brands

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kiwis could save more than $3000 a year on food by prioritising budget over brand.Branding expert Jill Brinsdon told Heather du Plessis-Allan New Zeal...

Gavin Grey: Police have not identified what the fresh evidence yet

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is fresh evidence in the Madeleine McCann case. BP's profits for the first three months of this year have more than doubled after oil and gas p...

Kirk Hope: We've been really frustrated as a business community

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Business New Zealand has today launched a campaign to stop the government from implementing fair pay agreements. In an opinion piece in the Herald to...

Mike Cullerne: Our short-term plan is to continue to expand

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Well known biscuit and cracker maker Arnott's is returning some of its production to NZ after 25 years away.  The company announced it is building a ...

Gareth Kiernan: There's probably still a lot more to come through in the system yet

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.2% and wage growth is accelerating but is still well below inflation. Gareth Kiernan from Infometrics j...

Heather du Plessis-Allan: There’s still some runway for Chris, but it’s running out

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Up to now, because he’s a beginner, Luxon’s been given a relatively easy run on little slip ups and own goals. But I suspect that’s going to st...

Alastair Boyce: What he did just incited the crowd and the riots

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

First, he dished them out, then he's taken some back... Trevor Mallard's trespass notices have landed the Speaker in hot water. It's led to outrage f...

Cecilia Robinson: People make assumptions or exclude you because of your gender

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's a bit of uproar over some comments by an NZ business leader... CEO of DGL group Simon Henry.  Henry was interviewed by the NBR and was dispa...

The Huddle: Auckland Transport, Simon Bridges and Trevor Mallard

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are warnings that we could see more construction companies collapse because of high costs and a lack of skilled labour. Trevor Mallard's backdo...

Poto Williams: We have 43,000 apprentices in NZ in apprenticeship schemes

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Construction Minister says she's working hard to fill skill shortages in the sector.  There's an estimated gap of more than 200 thousand construc...

Mark Riggall: Wilford Asset Management Portfolio Manager provides some Kiwisaver advice

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone who has checked their Kiwisaver account recently will be aware that returns have slowed down somewhat recently, with losses across funds from c...

Vaughan Couillault: Removing carparks for teachers won't help

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An educator thinks removing teachers' carparks wouldn't be popular.  An Auckland cycling plan includes such ideas as mandatory bike training in schoo...

Andrew Little: Do we let people linger on the waiting list or do we do something about it?

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Health Minister says private hospitals want to help slash dire hospital waiting lists – but it's unclear what capacity they have.  Andrew Lit...

Chris Bishop: National lost faith in the Speaker a long time ago

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

National says it lost faith in the Speaker a long time ago. Winston Peters is calling for a vote of No Confidence – after Trevor Mallard trespasse...

Aaron Dahmen: This screams of an avoidance of accountability

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trevor Mallard's U-turn. Health Minister Andrew Little announces a plan to deal with hospital waitlists. Simon Bridges will give his valedictory lat...

Dan Mitchinson: There is no bigger decision

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Supreme Court looks to overturn abortion rights... But the fact that this is even public is a bit of a scandal in itself. Some elections in Ohio ...

Denis O'Reilly: This is smart Kiwi policing in my opinion

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Police are reportedly planning yet another crackdown on unlawful behaviour by gangs. The New Zealand Herald is reporting that Operation Cobalt (not t...