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PODCAST

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

news

All Episodes

3:33

Karl Dean: Federated Farmers Dairy Chair voices...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

Federated Farmers thinks it's unlikely the live export ban will be reinstated, now the Government's backtracked. A campaign promise for National and ACT vowed to return the $370-million-dollar trade with improved animal welfare. The Labour Government banned it in 2023. Animal Welfare Minister Andrew Hoggard says there were more pressing matters this term. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says it's going to be very hard to overturn it now. "There was a big industry behind it, that's very much

en-US

2:50

Paula O'Kane: Otago University associate professor...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week. Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay

en-US

2:50

Alan McDonald: EMA Head of Advocacy on Heinz Wattie's...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

There's predictions Heinz Wattie's won't be the last to shutter operations this year. It's proposing closing three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin, and packing operations in Hastings - with 350 jobs at risk. It also plans to phase out sales of products including frozen vegetables, impacting growers. The Employers and Manufacturers Association's Alan McDonald says others will go. "We keep hearing rumblings of others getting ready to exit, significant-sized manufacturers

en-US

3:19

Sir Brian Roche: Public Service Commissioner on the...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

The Public Service Commissioner says giving about 10,000 non-union primary teachers the option to accept pay offers has been a long time coming. Sir Brian Roche today confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Education Minister Erica Stanford says they can get pay rises of up to 4.7 percent within 12 months. Roche says in a normal course of events, he'd carry on NZEI bargaining as usual. "We are still keeping

en-US

7:04

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

Winston Peters believes the Covid inquiry has been 'deficient' and 'biased'. The second phase of the inquiry has found some mandates went on too long and the Government failed to communicate well enough with Kiwis. New Zealand First's Leader says many people perceive the inquiry as one-sided, and the damage is done. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined Peters' concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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2:46

Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on the delays...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

Thousands of travellers have been waiting in hours-long queues at US airports this week, due to increased spring travel and limited security personnel. Security staff have been working without pay during the partial US Government shutdown, and airlines have sent out warning to expect travel delays. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says travellers can be expected to wait an extra 3 to 4 hours during the ongoing shutdown. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

3:17

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the Black Caps...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

Potential T20 international cricket debuts loom for Katene Clarke, Nick Kelly and Jayden Lennox as New Zealand prepare to host South Africa in five matches, starting this Sunday. Much of the Black Caps' World Cup squad will be rested. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

5:32

David Seymour: ACT Party leader on Auckland Council's...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/11

ACT's leader is denying changes to Auckland's housing intensification rules might have 'backfired'. The Government has ordered Auckland Council to reduce total capacity plans from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. Councillors have now opted to zone less density in areas with poor public transport access and in outer suburbs. David Seymour says this doesn't necessarily mean his central Epsom electorate will get the densification he was trying to avert. "It's not as simple as - it's all going to be in

en-US

4:44

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on France sending a...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an 'unprecedented' naval deployment in the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France will deploy eight frigates, along with two amphibious helicopter carriers and the country’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this comes as the UK has appeared to have paused sending a warship to Cyprus. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

4:34

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on New Zealand's...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

It was a big weekend for New Zealand's rural community, with the country's shearers dominating the 2026 Golden Shears event. New Zealand claimed an unprecedented five wins in six events at the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, which ended in Masterton on Saturday night. The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

6:06

Maree Tassell: iFindProperty founder on the growing...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has complained to the Real Estate Authority about the increase - following a sharp drop in 2023. iFindProperty founder Maree Tassell says there's a lot of deception that comes with flipping properties, and vendors often don't find out until it's too late. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

8:00

The Huddle: What can we learn from the Covid inquiry?

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors and former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 were released today, concerning lockdowns and vaccine mandates. What did we think of this? What can we learn? Wellington mayors and social leaders wrote an open letter opposing the Government’s proposed move-on orders targeting rough sleepers and beggars. What do

en-US

2:21

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: This Covid...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

The big Covid inquiry - the Royal Commission of Inquiry - is out and to be honest, I don’t think it’s a game-changer. It doesn’t tell you anything you didn’t already know or at least strongly suspect. Aucklanders, who were the most affected, lived through it. We already knew that Grant, Jacinda and Chippy kept us in that 2021 lockdown for too long. We already knew the Auckland border could have been lifted earlier. Now we simply have the proof in writing that we were right. If there is a revelation

en-US

99:04

Full Show Podcast: 10 March 2026

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 March, 2026, Aucklanders were in lockdown for longer than even Ashley Bloomfield recommended during Covid - we hear from the Covid Minister at the time, Chris Hipkins. How New Zealand's playing a big part in research on a male contraceptive pill. We talk to the owner of Formerly the Blackball Hilton about a demand to get rid of their outdoor tables and chairs. And on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman and Rob Campbell have a passionate

en-US

4:28

Matt Goodson: Salt Funds Management managing director...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson from Salt Funds Management says it's unclear if the US can walk away from this conflict or if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen in time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

6:21

Chris Hipkins: former Covid Response Minister defends...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

The former Covid Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, is being questioned over the latest findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The report was released today - finding New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Chris Hipkins says he thinks it's a fair report, although he doesn't accept every recommendation. "I think the terms of reference were heavily politically loaded. And I actually think the Royal Commission

en-US

3:22

Cynthia Robins: Formerly the Blackball Hilton owner...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables and chairs fell outside the licensed boundary. Owner Cynthia Robins says they've been there for decades - and never caused a problem. "They're becoming much more strict with what's within the licenced area. We said - well, until this is resolved, we just can't have the tables there? Well, now I feel like the town doesn't look as inviting

en-US

2:40

Irene King: aviation commentator on Air New Zealand...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

An aviation commentator says Air New Zealand needs to look at ways to cut costs as the war in the Middle East impacts fuel prices. The airline's adjusted fares - lifting domestic flights $10 and long-haul flights $90. It's suspended its guidance from less than a fortnight ago, expecting second-half earnings similar to the $59 million first-half loss. Irene King says the airline could slash its spending. "They really have never addressed the cost side of their business post-Covid - and they really

en-US

5:38

Simeon Brown: Health Minister on the findings from...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

The Health Minister has raised some concerns after the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19’s final report was released. The report found that New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the previous Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. Simeon Brown says the data shows that the previous Government kept New Zealand locked down for far too long and spent too much money, and the nation is still facing the consequences. "The reality here is, the Royal

en-US

6:12

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political...

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive ·

2026/03/10

The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings. The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown. Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough

en-US

9,376 results

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