Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico has been moved from hospital, two weeks after being seriously wounded in an assassination attempt. 

Fico has served as prime minister for more than 10 of the last 18 years - returning to power last September, leading a populist-nationalist coalition. 

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He’s not out of the woods yet - he was shot several times, undergoing a number of operations.” 

Grey said “Slovakia is really polarised at the moment – the attack has deepened tensions.” 

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The Government's Budget centrepiece has passed in the House - and tax cuts will become law. 

By shifting income tax brackets, it will give earners earning more than $14,000 dollars an extra $4-$40 a fortnight. 

Senior Political Correspondent Bary Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “We’ve seen nothing like it in 14 years – since the tax brackets were last moved.” 

Soper said they should have been moved gradually over the years, as they don't catch up for where they would’ve been. 

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Eden Park hopes to be Auckland’s frugal stadium option. 

Proposals for ‘Eden Park 2.0’ and a brand-new stadium at Quay Park will undergo a feasibility study. 

Eden Park CEO, Nick Sautner told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We can introduce a whole range of new activities – from boxing, UFC to religious festivals.” 

Sautner said the government invests in Eden Park for events of naitonal significance. 

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There's another $1.2 billion for the Regional Infrastructure Fund - to support regional economies. 

It’s also allocating $2.7-billion package for roads, rail and public transport. The package includes a billion-dollars to speed up Roads of National Significance construction, 940-million to repair weather-damaged roads and an investment in rail networks. 

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones told Heather du Plessis-Allan this will be different from the Provincial Growth Fund. 

Jones says “We’re driven by common sense.” 

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Local businesses are thrilled a 20-year deal's been struck with the Tiwai Point Aluminum Smelter. 

The deal was signed with three energy companies - guaranteeing supply to New Zealand Aluminum Smelters until 2044. 

It brings certainty to hundreds of plant workers, and thousands in related jobs. 

Southland Business Chamber CEO Sharee Carey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “When you’ve got both sides coming to the party for a good deal - you get that commitment to the region, which is fantastic for us.” 

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The Employment Court has rejected an appeal by state broadcaster TVNZ, over how it handled staff job cuts. 

E tū union alleged the broadcaster hadn't upheld a clause in its collective agreement - which vowed to support staff taking part in changes to workplace practice. 

E tū Negotiator Michael Wood told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It’s a very significant ruing – it makes it clear TVNZ broke the agreement they had with staff.” 

Wood said “It also means staff that were made redundant now have a very strong case to take significant personal grievances.” 

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Donald Trump has been found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to former porn star, Stormy Daniels. 

He’s the first former US president to ever be convicted of a crime. 

Republican Commentator and former advisor to George W. Bush, Scott Jennings, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He’s not a violent offender, he doesn’t have a criminal record – it's highly unlikely he’ll get jail time.” 

Jennings said “Our constitution is very lean on qualifications to be president – you've got to be 35 years old and a natural citizen.” 

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The Labour Party has suggested its supporters donate their tax cuts. 

The request was sent in an email by party secretary Rob Salmond - stating, "You may get a few dollars in tax cuts, but they come at the cost of services that Kiwis rely on". 

The statement then asked, "Friend, will you donate some of your tax cut to Labour?" 

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Talk about hypocritical.” 

Soper said “The tax cuts have meant a lot to a lot of people – to most wage and salary earners.” 

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Donald Trump has been found guilty of falsifying business records to conceal a hush-money payment to former porn star, Stormy Daniels. 

Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts - the first former US president to ever be convicted of a crime. 

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He could face jail time, although a lot of people feel it’s unlikely.” 

Mitchinson said “Here you’ve got a former president, in his late 70s – he will more likely be put on probatiON or house arrest.” 

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We got a rare bit of good economic news today hearing that Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter is committed to staying here for at least another 20 years.  

Normally, I don't have a lot for time for Tiwai. And that’s largely because of how the owners have behaved in the past: threatening to leave, going cap in hand to the government, getting saved, then a few years later threatening to leave again... getting some assistance, then a few years later threatening to leave again.  

So, I'm always tempted to be hard on them. But this time... I'm actually relieved that those three electricity companies - Meridian, Contact and Mercury - have come to the party to keep Tiwai point going. Simply because we can’t afford to lose such a big manufacturer. 

It's not a particularly sexy subject, so it doesn’t get talked about nearly enough.  

But we have lost a lot of manufacturers out this country... to the point that we should actually be quite worried about it. Marsden Point has been closed.  There have been threats that Glenbrook Steel Mill might close (if it can’t get itself together). A 30-year-old Gisborne Wood Mill closed just before Christmas, a 40-year-old Kawerau Paper Mill closed too. James Hardie shut its NZ manufacturing. Fonterra closed a couple of Waikato plants last month. 

Manufacturing has been contracting since March last year. Back in 1992 the goods producing part of our economy was 35%.  Now it’s down to 20% - that's money lost.  

Now, I don’t know what kind of sweet deal those electricity companies offered Tiwai to make them sign on for twenty years, because that’s a big commitment. And I don't know how much of Tiwai committing for that long is because the parent company Rio Tinto is trying very hard to rescue its corporate reputation by not being bullies and bad guys anymore.  

But whatever the case is... It almost doesn’t matter. I'm just pleased we’ve got them sticking around.  

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A number of homeless people have been removed from Edinburgh to make way for tourists ahead of Taylor Swift's tour.

Taylor Swift is set to perform in the region from 7 to 9 June, and reports have surfaced of homeless people being moved amid an accommodation shortage. 

UK correspondent Enda Brady says accommodation prices have skyrocketed during that timeframe - with some rooms going for $1400 per night.

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Over in the US, a slew of big-box retailers have slashed prices across their stores.

Walmart, Target and Amazon are among the big names bringing down their prices ahead of the summer season.

Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds says these moves are being made to appeal to inflation-weary customers.

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One expert says the 2024 Budget was never going to be transformational, amid everything working against it.

The Government unveiled their Budget today, and Minister Nicola Willis says keeping the books sound was her main priority.

Listen to NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpack all of today's new updates.

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Foreign Minister Winston Peters is seeking urgent talks, as the Australian Government considers making changes to its deportation policy.

Peters says we don't want people whose formative experiences were nearly all in Australia being deported to New Zealand.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds unpacks the proposed changes - and the impact they could leave. 

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A call for unity from both sides of the New Zealand Rugby governance divide.

The special general meeting ballot saw proposal 2 passed, meaning three of NZR's nine board directors must have experience at the provincial level.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the issue further.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Is this a transformational Budget - or a big letdown? The tax cuts were unveiled and new spending priorities were revealed, are they enough?

Is it a bad look for the Government to stop funding cancer drugs?

The provincial unions have voted against NZ Rugby's governance proposal - what do we think of this verdict?

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​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 30 May 2024, a special Budget Day edition from Parliament.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered her first Budget. She tells Heather how big your tax cut will be and how our economy will fare over the next three years.

A tax expert tells Heather the tax cuts were well overdue, but cancer advocates are disappointed funding for new cancer drugs has been dropped.

The rugby community is at war after provincial rugby unions voted against the NZ Rugby proposal to change the game's governance structure.

Plus, Labour's Chris Hipkins, Associate Finance Minister David Seymour and the Huddle debate whether this Budget is transformational enough.

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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Associate Finance Minister David Seymour was very vocal that ACT would have cut more in the 2024 Budget.

Government spending is still set to continue at record levels, despite the current drive to reduce savings in the public sector.

Seymour says ACT campaigned on cutting 'wasteful' spending - and would have liked to see more in this year's Budget.

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The provincial unions believe the heart of rugby has been secured with the New Zealand Rugby governance vote going their way. 

A bid for fully independent governance has been rejected - the board will require three members holding experience as a provincial director.

Provincial unions spokesperson Rowena Duncum says this verdict is a good decision for New Zealand rugby.

"There's two things that rugby players love - they love playing rugby and they love getting paid to play the game they love. So they won't want to walk."

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No arrests or issues of note for police at today's mass protests.

Streets in towns and cities across the country were filled with the sounds of chanting and waiata, as thousands marched against the Government's stance on Māori issues.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the protests were peaceful - and wrapped up relatively quickly.

"They came along, they were peaceful, and they've left - so it seems to have gone well. There was a very good police presence there monitoring it."

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No praise from opposition leader Chris Hipkins, who claims this budget will only take New Zealand backwards.

The Labour Party has unleashed a torrent of criticism over the Government's spending plans, including a lack of new cancer drugs, climate funding, and initiatives for Māori.

Chris Hipkins says this Budget is a 'missed opportunity' to provide meaningful relief to struggling Kiwis.

"The tax cuts that are being delivered for, say, someone on a minimum wage would be less than what they would have got if the Government had increased the minimum wage by the rate of inflation."

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The Finance Minister admits the Budget could have gone further on tax cuts, but it wouldn't have been responsible.

Today's documents included the Government's long anticipated tax package, at a cost of $3.68 billion.

Funded through a suite of scrapped spending initiatives, all workers on more than $14,000 a year will receive between $4 - $40 dollars a fortnight.

Nicola Willis says she was determined that every dollar of tax relief would be fully funded.

"But we also needed to find a lot of money for frontline services. For hospitals, for the Pharmac budget, for our police, for schools - this was the tax reduction that we felt was prudent." 

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Newstalk ZB's Barry Soper says the 2024 Budget's unsurprising, as everyone was prepared for tax cuts.

Although, he says it's more like attacking an unruly hedge with clippers rather than a chainsaw.

"Further down the track, you'll see more cutting, there'll be many more people aggrieved - but when they look at tax and money in their pocket, then they'll be rather happy."

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There was no room in today's Budget to fund the cancer drugs National promised during the election campaign.

Patient Advocacy Aotearoa's Malcolm Mulholland says he's disappointed.

"There are patients right now with terminal cancer who are waiting for these medicines to be funded - if they're not funded, to be perfectly blunt, some will die."

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Changes to tax thresholds will help deliver tax relief to three and a half million people from the end of July.

Tax expert Robin Oliver says the brackets haven't moved enough.

"They're nowhere near where they would be if the tax brackets were indexed for inflation - or for wages."

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Three police officers have been injured during a demonstration in Westminster organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups.

One officer suffered a serious facial injury, and 40 arrests related to assaults on emergency workers, obstruction of the highway and public order act breaches were made.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are still ongoing into the incident.

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Auckland University has released a draft policy regarding academic freedom and freedom of expression.

As written, the policy will enable the university to establish regulations around the speech used by staff, students and visitors - if it's necessary to safeguard the well-being of others.

Professor Natasha Hamilton-Hart has expressed concern with this draft policy.

"I think it's a backwards step, and it will kill the atmosphere when it comes to expressing contentious or unpopular views."

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Global logistics company Mainfreight is still meeting investor expectations, despite suffering drops in profit.

It's been revealed the company posted a 33 per cent fall in profit before tax to $395.4 million for FY24.

Milford Asset Management's Sam Trethewey explains these figures further.

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Reserve Bank governor Adrian Orr has stepped up his verbal war against the big four banks.

It's been revealed Orr sent a letter using 'colourful' language to defend the amount of capital the Reserve Bank requires these banks to hold.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains the issue further.

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MPs are pushing back against the Speaker's ruling on the treatment of a Maori elder in House.

Assistant Speaker Maureen Pugh demanded the Whakatohea kaumatua stop - as he tried to introduce a waiata.

Speaker Gerry Brownlee has supported Pugh - but Labour leader Chris Hipkins says a karakia's often given before waiata - and he's never seen a Speaker interrupt.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the controversy here today. 

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 29 May 2024,Te Kāhui Raraunga Chair, Rahui Papa unpacks the new Census data revealing nearly one million Kiwis identify as Māori.

Flagship Auckland department store Smith and Caughey's is set to close in 2025, following a five-year rough patch.Chair Tony Caughey justifies the decisions he needed to make for the business.

The Commerce Commission's Vhari McWhaalsowarned that households could expect an increase in their power bills by next year. 

Plus, the Huddle debates what the closure of Smith and Caughey's means for the state of the economy - and Auckland's Queen Street.

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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Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union 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!

It's been confirmed Smith & Caughey's will close for good by next year. Is this due to the ongoing economic downturn - or is it a sign of bigger problems for the retail sector? 

The Commerce Commission has revealed it plans to raise power bills to pay for work on the lines next year. Is this a necessity we have to accept?

A lobby group has urged MPs to tighten their travel spending as many people are forced to cut costs in their own lives. Is this a fair call?

It's Budget Day tomorrow - what are we looking out for?

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China's downturn and conflict in the Middle East remain front of mind for Fonterra.

The dairy co-op is forecasting a Farmgate Milk Price midpoint of $8 next season, just up from its current season forecast of $7.80.

It says global conditions remain volatile, and demand from China is taking a while to recover.

Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says Middle Eastern markets increased their stockpiles last year and won't be buying as much this year.

"We're talking geopolitics here - things aren't getting any easier out there, you just read that in the headlines or any of the international press that's out there. We need to be mindful of that."

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Opposition parties are calling on Assistant Speaker Maureen Pugh to apologise for interrupting a rangatira in Parliament. 

Pughfaced backlash after she told Te Kahautu Maxwell to stop his brief speech ahead of the planned waiata.

Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee says permission was given for a waiata - but not a karakia.

"We can scramble round all the stuff all we like, but Maureen Pugh did what was right, according to the standing order."

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Asthma hospitalisations have fallen 20 percent in four years.

Asthma affects one in eight New Zealanders - and more than 500,000 take medication for their symptoms.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation CEO Letitia Harding says the drop in hospitalisations is mostly due to a new medication.

"This has actually really been down to a new type of inhaler, which is what we call your two-in-one combination inhaler."

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Households can expect to pay an extra $15 per month for their power bills if a Commerce Commission proposal is confirmed.

The commission regulates prices and performance standards for the national grid operator, and says these higher prices are necessary to fund investment in the electricity network.

Commissioner Vhari McWha says they're being mindful of the possible effect this could have on consumers.

"One of the things that we have done in order to try and mitigate that a little bit is to smooth the increase over a five-year period."

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Flagship Auckland department store Smith and Caughey's will close down next year, after 144 years.

This closure comes off the back of a 40 percent drop in revenue drop across their Queen Street and Newmarket stores in the past five years.

Chair Tony Caughey says they tried to find a way through the rough patch two years ago - but there was no solution.

"We really turned over every stone we could find to see if we could see a way through it. We had independent professional advisors in, we really worked hard to find a solution - we couldn't find one."

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Questions are being raised about the next steps after Donald Trump's hush money trial.

After nearly five weeks, the prosecution and the defence have rested before the jury starts deliberations.

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says if Trump is found guilty, he could face a large fine, house arrest or community service. 

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Hurricanes hooker Raymond Tuputupu has been handed a three-week suspension for a high shot on Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i in the win over the Chiefs.

His high shot connected with Tupou Vai'i's head - he was yellow-carded, which was upgraded to red.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains the controversy further. 

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Census data has revealed a surge in Kiwis identifying as Māori.

Almost one million people says they're of Māori descent, up more than 12 percent on the 2018 Census.

Te Kāhui Raraunga Chair, Rahui Papa, says it's a transformation shift.

"I think there's been a groundswell of people who have not only identified as Māori, but have found their Māori whakapapa. And that's been one of the upturns that the latest Census data captured."

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has denied the rumour that he plans to move to California if he loses the election.

Ex-Tory Minister Zac Goldsmith had hinted Sunak aimed to leave the UK - and suggested the majority of his party's MPs will be out of a job by July.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Rishi Sunak hopes to stay in Parliament for the next five years, no matter what the election outcome is.

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Ahead of Budget 2024, there's concern the proposed tax cuts will contribute to existing inflationary pressures.

The Government has confirmed they plan to deliver tax relief to most households - the details of which will be revealed on Thursday.

Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen explains why people shouldn't be too concerned.

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The Reserve Bank surprised economists by revealing they considered hiking the Official Cash Rate - and haven't ruled out further hikes either.

Last week, the Reserve Bank confirmed they were keeping the OCR in place at 5.5 percent, in line with expectations.

HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said this was 'surprisingly hawkish', given the economy is weakening.

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Ahead of Budget 2024, the rural community is holding out hope for improvement.

The Government has promised more tax cuts, but it's been hinted plenty of cuts will take place too.

The Country's Jamie Mackay isn't feeling too hopeful - listen to him predict some outcomes ahead of the big day.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 28 May 2024, Warriors coach Cameron George voiced disapproval with Hamilton Boys High School's approach to sport for their students.

The Reserve Bank plans to to introduce debt-to-income ratios for prospective home buyers.Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesbyexplained why these restrictions will stop boom-bust cycles in the housing market.

Later, Lady Tureiti Moxon defends Te Pāti Māori's proposed strike action planned for Budget Day.

Plus, the Huddle debates if it's possible to get tech giants to pay for news, after the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill got rejected.

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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Tonight on the Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Tim Wilson from Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

The country's back to square one on getting Google and Meta to pay for news, after a select committee sent the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill back to Parliament recommending it not be passed. Where can they go from here?

Te Pāti Māoriare urging all Māori to go on strike on Budget day and participate in protest action across the country. Is it an unwise time to encourage employees to walk off the job illegally?

The Great Walks booking system was yet again completely overloaded, and Milford tickets sold out within minutes. Should Kiwis get first dibs on bookings?

There's been a debate surrounding emoji use in the office - is it a good or bad idea?

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New research from recruitment experts shows 90 percent of white-collar employees would look for another job if they had to come back to the office more often.

A survey run by recruitment company Robert Walters, which interviewed over 2000 Kiwi workers, revealed a majority preferred their flexible working hours.

CEO Shay Peters says it's unlikely employers would be demanding their staff to return en masse.

"I do think employers are wanting a little more presence by their employees. I think everyone understands the benefits of people collaborating together, innovating together and bouncing ideas around." 

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The Broadcasting Minister is assuring a law change to help fund news media is still on the table.

A select committee today recommended the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill, a bill designed to make Google and Meta pay for news, not be passed in its current state.

Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill is still being workshopped.

"I accept it's a complicated issue, it's not a slam dunk - which is why I'm taking a bit of time to work out what's the best way through it."

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There's been more problems for the Great Walks booking system.

The Department of Conservation website crashed this morning - when 11,000 people tried to access it this morning.

By 11.15am, there were about 2800 bookings for the Milford Track and 400 for the Lake Waikaremoana.

Federated Mountain Clubs Chief Executive, Megan Dimozantos says so many people will have missed out.

"The most disappointing thing is that after last year's debacle, we would have hoped this would have been sorted out by this year."

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Māori leaders are defending calls for workers to strike and to join anti-Government protests on this week's Budget day.

Multiple hīkoi are planned around the country, including rolling road blockages in Auckland and a rally outside the Beehive.

The Prime Minister today said strike action could be illegal - and if people wish to protest, they could do so on the weekend.

Lady Tureiti Moxon is leading one protest.

She says if people want to strike, they can.

"I think it's a way of our people expressing the fact that they are not happy with this Government - and what they're doing is not just in breach of the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but very disrespectful to Māori." 

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The Reserve Bank has confirmed it will soon introduce debt-to-income ratios.

From July, most owner-occupiers can't borrow more than six times their pre-tax income and investors can't borrow more than seven times their income.

Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby says these restrictions have been a long time in the making.

"What it's really about is filling a gap in the tools that we need to live up to our responsibility of avoiding boom-bust cycles in lending and house prices."

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Te Pāti Māori have urged all Māori to go on strike on Thursday and participate in protest action across the country.

The Toitū Te Tiriti National Day of Action protesters will be participating in 'carkois' - which entails driving slowly across the roads to disrupt traffic flow at peak times.

The party have also encouraged all Māori to leave work and attend the hīkoi near their location.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper criticised the 'provocative' language behind the strike - and hopes the party will be held to account for their rhetoric.

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A panel of experts is set to deliver their advice for preventing violence against women and children to the Australian Government.

This comes as the Government has faced criticism from the violence response sector after releasing this year's federal budget.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Australians are sick of seeing the domestic violence stats soar - with at least one woman dying at the hand of a family member or former partner per week.

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The traditional rugby tours between New Zealand and South Africa could be set for a comeback.

Reports out of South Africa say the All Blacks are set to tour The Republic for a three-test series in 2026, with the Springboks coming to New Zealand in 2030.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

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Warriors coach Cameron George has voiced disapproval with Hamilton Boys High School's approach to sport for their students.

The school has told students their opportunities to play rugby for the school’s champion first XV were at risk if they continued to play league as well.

Cameron George says this pressure on students is 'disappointing'.

"I think kids should be allowed to be kids and play sport and be happy - and make decisions later in life, if they find a path they wish to follow."

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is standing up to ridicule over his plan to introduce mandatory National Service for 18-year-olds.

Sunak claimed he would encourage employers to consider those who complete armed services training more prominently.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says critics from both sides of the political aisle have criticised Sunak's idea. 

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It's a few days to go until Budget Day, and experts have outlined their predictions.

The Government has promised tax cuts will come, but speculation lingers over the kind of cuts needed to cover them.

NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says this Budget will be focused around financial recovery.

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One of New Zealand's smallest banks has posted significant earnings amid a boost in customers and lending.

The Co-operative Bank today reported a 10 percent rise in full year profit, compared to last year's $11.5 million.

CEO Mark Wilkshire says this comes on top of leading in customer satisfaction - which is a key priority for the company.

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Prime Minister Luxon and Finance Minister Willis have fronted up to confirm the 2024 Budget will be more 'responsible' and 'careful' this time round.

Nicola Willis says over the past six months ministers have evaluated hundreds of Government spending initiatives, line by line.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the proposed tone of this Budget.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 27 May 2024, senior doctors are warning that NZ's cancer service is at the brink of collapse.

It's Budget week! Heather asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis whether her first budget will be transformational.

Labour MP Duncan Webb tells Heather du Plessis-Allan why he wants Wilson Parking to lose access to our personal information.

Plus the Huddle debates the five most complained about ads of all time - and what they say about us.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Chris Wikaira, director of BRG, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Christchurch Labour MP Duncan Webb wants a crackdown on Wilson Parking over their use of customer data. Is this a fair call?

What can we expect from this week's Budget? The narrative going on is that the Government will have to exercise restraint to ease the cost of living. What do we think?

New data from the ASA has showed advertising standards have changed - is this a good thing? 

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The Finance Minister says the current Government plans to exercise caution around spending ahead of Budget 2024.

Thursday's Budget will still come with the promised tax cuts, but the main priorities for the Government are reducing inflation and interest rates.

Minister Nicola Willis says the last six years of the Labour Government resulted in tougher financial conditions - so being careful is key.

"The bit I'm always cautious about is anyone saying - the way to achieve greater growth is to just spend more Government money. We've had a Government who did that for six years, and it resulted in record inflation." 

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Auckland Council has moved one step closer to determining the future of the city's stadiums.

Quay Park and Eden Park 2.0 are in the running, as both will be recommended for further investigation and examined for feasibility.

Shane Henderson, the stadium working group chair, says both options will be analysed in detail this coming Thursday.

"Then we'll come back around the table in probably about nine months, but we'll see how that goes."

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The Advertising Standards Authority released its latest annual report today - celebrating 50 years of complaints from the public.

The medium has grown and changed over the past several decades, and so have the standards from audiences.

ASA Chief Executive Hilary Souter says the areas that used to push buttons have changed, and certain topics have become less acceptable.

"The things we don't see anymore are in an area we used to call - sexual appeal to sell an unrelated product. So cars, perhaps alcohol, there were the sexy images of women or men in terms of trying to sell the product."

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One Labour MP says Wilson Parking is abusing its rights - and wants the company's access to the personal information of customers revoked.

Duncan Webb has written a letter to the Transport Minister urging NZTA to remove the ability for Wilson Parking to access the personal data they use to issue infringements.

Webb says Wilson's ability to utilise the home address and number plate details of their customers is an 'abuse of power'.

"They're claiming damages for you not paying your parking. That's the kind of language they use - an infringement, a breach notice, you can appeal it. That's the language of the courts, and that kind of misleading conduct just isn't on." 

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The Regional Cancer Treatment Service, caring for patients across the middle of the North Island, hasn't been allowed to recruit needed doctors.

An internal report 18 months ago recommended hiring four senior doctors, one part time, but none have been.

The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Executive Director, Sarah Dalton says the report was never officially signed off.

"Not only have they not appointed extra staff or approved the process to appoint extra staff, but they haven't put any mitigations in place to recognise the extra work being done by the remaining doctors."

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The murder of a mother and daughter in Western Australia has pushed the region's Government to strengthen gun laws. 

On Friday afternoon, a man shot a 59-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter in their Floreat home while allegedly searching for his ex-wife.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the new laws will ensure limits are in place on the number of registered guns owned.

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The Warriors have once again overcome a plethora of missing players to beat the Dolphins 24-20 in their NRL contest.

Trailing 16-12 at the break, two second-half tries gave the hosts a 24-16 lead ultimately holding on for the win. 

Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacks this weekend's victory here today. 

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New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has embraced a report revealing the industry contributes over a billion dollars to the economy.

In last year's season, almost 10,000 people worked in the industry - and race attendance was at under half a million.

Chief executive Bruce Sharrock says the company has been experiencing rapid growth over the last 6 to 8 months.

"There's certainly some green shoots appearing for continued growth, that's for sure."

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 24 May 2024, Dunedin is reeling after a 16 year old was stabbed to death at a bus stop and a 13 year old charged with his murder. Mayor Jules Radich tells Heather security guards don't have enough powers to intervene.   

Where'd the $51 million go? Wellington Water's CEO Tonya Haskell says a "spreadsheet error" led to a massive budget hole. 

The Sports Huddle debates the big question that divides the rugby community. 

Plus step aside boomers and Gen-X...The Catholic church has named a Millennial as the first saint in 100 years. 

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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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s law to ban smoking for future generations could be dropped, after it was not fast-tracked in the lead up to the general election. 

The UK Labour Party has promised to bring in the ban if it wins the election in July. 

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis Allan “Both sides of the house are debating what they’ll managed to get done, before Parliament is put on hold for the general election.” 

Grey said “The problem is, every time a country gets near doing, something thwarts it.” 

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China is encircling Taiwan in a series of military drills - just days after Taiwan’s president was elected. 

The Chinese military says the onslaught of planes, war ships and coast guard vessels is punishment for what it's calling "separatist actions". 

Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “This is a step up from what we've seen before.” 

Lewis said “For the first time ever, China has simulated a full-scale invasion of Taiwan.” 

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Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper wraps the political week. 

National’s New Plymouth MP David MacLeod has been stood down from his select committee roles after failing to declare 19 candidate donations. 

MacLeod received $168,335 in donations in 2022 when he first became the National Party candidate. 

Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “To forget that is incredible. It’s pretty obvious from the electoral law.” 

Soper said “Chris Luxon wasted no time at all in removing him, as he has done in the past.” 

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Resource Minister Shane Jones has come under pressure from Labour and the Greens, over the Government's new plans for mining. 

Jones wants to bolster gold and coal mining across the country, and to have a renewed focus on value-add refining. 

Greenpeace NZ executive director Russell Norman told Heather du Plessis Allan “He’s getting rid of all environmental constraints expect one - mining in national parks – because that got him in trouble last time.” 

Norman says “There’ll be no environmental balance to his desire to put a commercial incinerator next to your house.” 

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Former All Blacks captains Richie McCaw and Ian Kirkpatrick have urged New Zealand Rugby to change their governance structure. 

Meanwhile, nearly 1.59 million New Zealanders have watched NRL matches on Sky Sport and free to air on Sky Open, a lift of 14 per cent from last season. 

Sports Journalist Lavina Good told Heather du Plessis Allan “The Warriors don’t even have to win for people to love it.” 

Good says “The game [rugby union] is in disarray. Everyone is watching rugby league.” 

Sports Journalist Jim Kayes says “Rugby is still rating as well as it has done in the past – there's no reason why you can’t watch both codes.” 

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Richie McCaw is urging New Zealand Rugby to change the way they’re governed based on an independent review - emphasising long-term benefits over short-term interests. 

McCaw has warned that New Zealand rugby may lose the unity that has historically strengthened the sport from grassroots, to the professional level. 

Former All Blacks Captain Ian Kirkpatrick told Heather du Plessis Allan “It’s time for change. Changing administration will change the game too, we hope.” 

Kirkpatrick said “The game has become so gladiatorial, that mothers don’t want their kids to play.” 

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Another Defence Force evacuation flight from Noumea has landed in Auckland today - with 49 passengers. 

It's our third group to return - and it's understood 160 New Zealanders are still in the French Territory. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told Heather du Plessis Allan “We think we might have it resolved by the end of the week.” 

Peters said “We’ve got security issues, that those on the ground will better understand.” 

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A 13-year-old's been charged with murder over the death of another teen in Dunedin yesterday. 

Police say they've been aware for some time of anti-social behaviour at the city's Great King Street bus hub - and they arrived at the scene within one minute of the 16-year-old being stabbed. 

Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich told Heather du Plessis Allan “We instigated private security patrols, which have provided more eyes on the street.” 

Radich said that although private security don't have police powers, they are the eyes on the street, who provide pastoral care and give people someone to talk to. 

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Auckland Council is removing almost a third of rubbish bins around the region to save $9.5 million over the next eight financial years.  

Meanwhile, the council spent almost $147,000 dollars on a sculpture at the Pakuranga Rotary Walkway in November last year, two months before removing a bin. 

Auckland Council chair of revenue expenditure Maurice Williamson told Heather du Plessis Allan “This has got to be the greatest example of a policy that was good in theory, and has been a disaster in practice.” 

Williamson said “About 30 percent of the bins weren’t being used, or had an alternative bin nearby.” 

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The Foreign Affairs Ministry's budget appears to have increased under Winston Peters - despite its savings announcement today. 

Peters has revealed MFAT is cutting 60-million-dollars over four years. That's less than one percent, well below the Government's 6.5 percent savings target for most ministries. 

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis Allan “Winston is the saviour of MFAT.” 

Soper said “You may remember in 2018, he had a big argument with Grant Robertson about how MFAT needed more money - and he got just under a billion dollars.” 

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A top competition lawyer says the anti-trust lawsuit against music promoter Live Nation, is long overdue. 

The US Department of Justice is suing the Ticketmaster parent company - alleging it's holding a monopoly - as it's putting on the concerts, selling the tickets and owning the venues. 

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis Allan “This isn’t a surprise... I think they’ll be out a chunk of change somehow.” 

Mitchinson said “Ticketmaster will usually add another $30-$70 in fees and taxes.” 

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Warriors’ prop Addin Fonua-Blake has been stood down for breaching team standards. 

Fonua-Blake left the dressing room before the team address and song – and as a result will miss Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. 

Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis Allan “In terms of breaching protocol, it’s very low-end. In fact, I can’t think of anything lower.” 

Pine said “But, it’s a line in the sand that has been agreed on by all the players.” 

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Wellington Water has made a $51 million dollar mistake, and is asking councils for a funding top-up. 

Wellington Water board members fronted up at a committee meeting this morning, saying there will be an independent investigation. 

Wellington Water CEO Tonya Haskell told Heather du Plessis Allan “In the process of coming up with those numbers, we missed our corporate overhead, which is six percent.” 

Haskell said “Part of that is due to the systems, we’re waiting for new systems and water reforms.” 

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Man alive. There is a family in Dunedin doing it tough today. I mean, these guys sent their 16-year-old boy to school yesterday and he didn't come home. He was stabbed at a notoriously dangerous bus stop by a 13-year-old. What the hell, by the way, as a 13-year-old doing with a knife? 

Now, that stabbing at the bus stop will have sent chills through parents up and down this country. Because the thing is: that is not just a Dunedin problem, it’s an every part of the country problem. And we have for a few years now been warning that kids are beating each other up at bus stops at places like Rotorua, Tauranga, New Lynn, Pukekohe, Albany, Dunedin....And now the worst thing that could possibly happen has happened. 

The warnings have clearly just not been taken seriously enough by authorities. Even that bus stop, by the way, there have been assaults on kids by kids since at least 2021, right? That's the last three years and we've been aware of that. And there have been calls for police to do something about it. And according to locals, they haven't. 

But today, the area commanders said that they were there within a minute, apparently, and now they've further increased our patrolling in the area. Well, it’s too late. I mean, the thing is, the kid is dead. The patrols are not going to help him now, are they? 

Now, I'm not blaming police for what happened here. They do have their hands full, but they are the solution. And this is why they need to step up and help us here. Every place in this country that is struggling with crime at the moment is calling for the same thing: more police on the beat. Auckland CBD, with a handbags getting nicked from people who are just sitting down for something to eat. Malls, where masked men are breaking into Michael Hill Jewellers. Point Chev in Auckland, where they're dealing with some really bad behaviour from people. 

Every single place that’s got a problem at the moment is saying that the solution is more police patrols. They need greater visibility. The Police Minister actually already knows this. I mean, just yesterday in an interview, he said that he wants more cops on the beat as well. Then he needs to make it happen. He needs to sit down with his mate Andy Coster and say: “I don't care what you do to sort this out, but your priority is the boys in blue hitting the streets.” People need to see them. They need to be there when some ruckus breaks out at a bus stop. They need to be sorting it out. In fact, they need to be there so the kids know that they are there, and no ruckus breaks out. 

I hate to make something like this political, but National has got the goodwill of this country at the moment, because they have told us time and time again, they're gonna sort out the crime. And at least, good for them, they acknowledge that there is this kind of crime. 

But they will run out of time. They need to get on to it, or they're gonna go exactly the same way as Labour in our estimations on this particular subject. A kid is dead. There is brazen crime all over the show. It's not my job, it's not your job to try to figure out how to get more police on the beat. It's their job and they need to get on with it. 

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Prime Rishi Sunak has recently announced the UK will have a general election on July 4.

Sunak has promised to earn voters' trust and prove to them only a Conservative government led by him will not put economic stability at risk.

UK correspondent Enda Brady explains the collective outlook following Sunak's announcement.

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Copper prices have surged this year by 25 percent, according to new data.

Copper has a broad level of demand, with plenty of industries relying on this commodity.

Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains how copper can be a barometer of the human economy.

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Kiwifruit producer Zespri’s profit has dropped 27 per cent but growers have been paid record prices for their output.

Zespri reported a net profit after tax of $173.3 million for the 2023-24 financial year - down from $238.7m the year prior.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explains what this means for the sector.

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One week ahead of this year's Budget day, the Finance Minister has warned Kiwis shouldn't expect too much.

Minister Nicola Willis warned the Government faces a significant structural deficit of $6 billion a year - and changes will need to be made to fix that.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains how this warning could potentially impact the upcoming budget reveal. 

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The Finance Minister turned up to readjust expectations ahead of this year's Budget.

Addressing the Employers and Manufacturers Association in Auckland this afternoon, Nicola Willis has warned the Government faces a structural deficit.

That's the fact Government spending has way exceeded tax revenue, and it's projected to continue without significant spending reforms.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains how this update will impact next week's Budget reveal.

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There's concerns from epidemiologists as the threat of bird flu rears its head. 

Australia has recorded its first human case of the H5N1 strain, in a child returning to Victoria from India.

Another case was later found in an egg farm within the region.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says both of these cases have been dealt with - but it's still a concern.

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Crusaders coach Rob Penney has found himself caught in a storm of backlash over a hot-mic comment.

Penney was picked up using a derogatory term to describe a reporter after responding to questions about his performance and future with the side losing 10 out of 12 games this season.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the controversy further.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 23 May 2024, the Government's unveiled its mining strategy and it sounds very much like "drill, baby, drill". Patrick Phelps from Minerals West Coast tells Heather about the opportunities that lie in the ground.

Former defence advisor for French President Emmanuel Macron, General Dominique Trinquand, explains how the French President is trying to smooth the situation in New Caledonia.

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridgeapologises after his coach called a reporter the c-word.

Plus the Huddle debates why teachers are so useless at math and science - and whether we should liberate the c-word?

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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Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and TV3 broadcaster Paddy Gower joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

More experts and advocates have voiced support for Minister Shane Jones' plan to boost mining efforts and remove red tape. Is this a good idea - or is it giving people false hope?

Crusaders coach Rob Penney is under fire for using derogatory language to describe a sports reporter - what do we make of this?

New data has revealed a quarter of primary teachers didn't achieve NCEA level one maths and over half failed level one science. How alarming are these statistics? What can we do to alleviate this?

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Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has called out the nation's biggest banks over their profit margins and lack of competition

The banks have since claimed their margins in New Zealand are bigger than they are overseas - thanks to certain capital requirements.

KPMG partner John Kensington says Orr's comments were a little harsh - but more competition is needed for the sector.

"Think back five years ago - it was hard to change your telco or your power company. Now that's easy. So open banking, if people adopt it and people can be bothered changing their banks, will lead to more people changing their banks."

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Tensions are high in New Caledonia, as France's President meets officials in the region.

The violence is over voting reforms that indigenous Kanaks say would dilute their vote - and undermine their struggle for independence.

Six people have died and new barricades have been appearing across the capital.

Emmanuel Macron's former Defence Advisor, Dominique Trinquand says things are still very tense.

"The French President will spend 24 hours there, to try to sort out and calm down the situation. But until then, it will be very difficult to move from Noumea to the airport."

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Advocates and experts are supporting the resource minister's plan to cut barriers to mining.

Shane Jones has outlined a draft strategy for the industry.

He wants a stock-take of available minerals and to double export value in 10 years.

Minerals West Coast manager Patrick Phelps says you could get a feel for New Zealand's resources within a year or two.

"There's quite substantial gold mines being talked about in Otago, West Coast and Coromandel - which, if they're all up online within five or ten years, could double, if not triple New Zealand's gold production." 

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Crusader chief executive Colin Mansbridge has offered a defence after their coach was scrutinised after their ten-loss Super Rugby season.

Coach Rob Penney is in hot water after getting caught referring to a journalist in a derogatory manner after facing questions over his future in the role.

Penney's apologised to Mansbridge - who in turn apologised to the reporter.

Mansbridge says Penney's apology for his actions was satisfactory.

"I'm not sure what Rob could say now - he's got a job and he's preparing athletes for a game, another one of those exciting clashes on Saturday."

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Concern over a quarter of new primary teachers not passing NCEA Level 1 maths.

The Institute of Economic Research has analysed NCEA achievement of those starting between 2017 and 2022.

It found more than half didn't pass Level 1 science.

Deputy chief executive and principal economist, Sarah Hogan, says this confirms what other studies have claimed - that primary teachers are not equipped to teach maths.

"I guess what's new about here is that it's even worse for science."

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There's concerns over possible abuse and neglect at Tauranga Hospital.

Associate Health Minister Casey Castello is asking for a report on the hospital - after a video's showed an elderly patient lying on the ground.

It shows a patient in the mental health services for older people unit crying for help - as people walk past him.

Ken Coull, the husband of one of the impacted patients, says he's complained multiple times about women in his wife's ward only being showered every five days.

"We're not a third world country, the only thing I expect from this hospital is for my wife and these women to be kept clean, fed, and given their medication."

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