Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

As social media advances, some parenting influencers have pulled back on posting their kids for fear of their digital footprint and other safety concerns.

The founder ofHappy Mum Happy Child, Maria Foy, revealed she's pivoted from her 'mumfluencer' brand and stopped posting her kids as they've gotten older and voiced concern about the consequences.

Foy says kids deserve their privacy - and she doesn't feel comfortable sharing their intimate moments as teenagers. 

"Now they're coming up to a point where I don't feel comfortable talking about certain things - even though as a parent, you yearn for that connection...but they deserve that privacy."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Jan Tinetti says consequences for rule-breaking in the House should apply across the aisle.

Tinetti claims Education Minister Erica Stanford called her a 'stupid b....' after a fiery exchange during Question Time. 

Stanford withdrew and apologised. 

Last week, Labour's Willie Jackson was forced to leave the House when he wouldn't apologise for calling David Seymour a liar. 

Tinetti says it's fair to also call out Stanford.

"Willie got thrown out of the House by the Speaker for that. So, you know, there is a consequence to that, that's why we have the rules and that's why we have consequences." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are warning the Government's policies designed to reduce the deficit and bring down inflation are worsening the impact of the recession on households and businesses.

Former Productivity Commission Chair Ganesh Nana has led group of 15 economists who've written to the Prime Minister claiming spending cuts are harming the economy.

Nana explained that fiscal policy should not be targeting inflation.

"We want fiscal policies to do other things, which is to focus on that external debt that seems to be being ignored by many."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Director-General of Health says she expects puberty blocker prescriptions to continue to fall. 

The Ministry of Health has released an evidence brief showing a lack of quality evidence backing their effectiveness and safety for gender dysphoria.

It says they should be prescribed by a clinician experienced in gender-affirming care, in a team offering wide support.

Dr Diana Sarfati says use was already declining. 

"The peak prescription for puberty blockers was around 2021- and in the last couple of years, we're already starting to see a drop-off."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's Jan Tinetti has accused Education Minister Erica Stanford of using derogatory language in the House. 

Stanford was forced to apologise, after the Speaker was made aware of the minister using unparliamentary language.

Tinetti claimed to reporters Stanford called her a stupid B-word.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Stanford withdrew and apologised - a clear admission of guilt.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Melbourne teen has died in Thailand after drinking a suspected methanol-laced cocktail in Laos.

Bianca Jones is the fourth person to die associated with the poisoning, along with one American and two Danish tourists.

Her friend is still critically ill.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says reports claim the liquor bottles may have been topped up with methanol as a cost-saving measure.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's plenty for Scott Robertson to ponder ahead of the final All Blacks team naming of the year.

The New Zealand side is expected to face off against Italy this coming Sunday.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Australian school is taking a unique approach to educating students about social media and internet safety.

Pymble Ladies’ College has launched a 'Wise Phones' initiative that gives students in Years 4 to 8 age-appropriate smartphones that block social media and the internet until they reach Year 10 or 16 years of age.

Principal Dr Kate Hadwen says it's important to teach kids about the technology slowly as they age - rather than banning phones outright.

"It's a little bit like learning to swim - when we have our children, we don't throw them into the ocean, we teach them slowly and take them with us on the journey. And that's what I believe about the use of technology as well."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral of former One Direction star Liam Payne will be held in a private ceremony in the Midlands, UK.

Payne died on October 16th after falling from a hotel balcony in  Buenos Aries.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Payne's former bandmates will make an appearance - but his family have kept the details private so the fans don't gatecrash. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more surgical procedures around the world are being carried out by trained robots.

The latest field to benefit from the use of robotic technology is orthopaedic surgery - an area with plenty of room for growth as the population ages.

Milford Asset Management analyst Deborah Lambie explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior Reserve Bank official has taken aim at the big banks and accused them of stifling innovation and competition by underinvesting in technology.

Addressing delegates at a Payments NZ conference on Tuesday, the banking regulator’s director of money and cash, Ian Woolford, claimed there was a role for better regulation to push banks to keep up with their peers overseas.

But the banks have pushed back - with Westpac head Catherine McGrath saying regulations were holding the banks back.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacks the regulations impacting the banks.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Richard Chambers is set to take over as New Zealand's new Police Commissioner. Do we expect any new changes? Will we get more old-school policing under Chambers' watch.

Should Auckland Transport stop fining people for parking in their own driveways? What do we make of this? 

It's been revealed NZTA spent $800 million on traffic management and road cones. Do we need to rein this spending in?

New research says young people are drinking less - is this good news or cause for concern?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions have surged around the world - but there's concern from experts that we might be overdoing it.

In New Zealand, prescriptions for the relevant medication have increased tenfold since 2006 and Pharmac has reported a 140 percent rise in demand for these medications.

General Practice NZ chair Dr Bryan Betty says it's a complex diagnosis - and there are several conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms.

"ADHD is very complex, there's a list of diagnostic criteria. It's really really important that assessments give a proper diagnosis, because the treatment can be life-changing - and it's really important to understand that. However, it can mimic a whole lot of other things."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 20 November 2024, the new Police CommissionerRichard Chambers tells Heather he will bring a different style to police leadership than his predecessor.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown reveals theTransport Agency has spent almost $800 million on road cones and traffic management over the past three years.

Heather reckons we need to be careful when celebrating the drop of alcohol consumption among young people.

Plus the Huddle debates Auckland Transport's decision to fine people $70 for parking in their driveway.

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

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more power pain to come next year - as Kiwi households can expect a slight increase to their bills come April.

The Commerce Commission has warned the average power bill will go up by $10, and there's room for additional increases to come.

Commissioner Vhari McWha says additional funding is needed to create a safe and reliable power network.

"For Transpower in particular, some of their assets are quite old and they need to be replaced - and some of them are less old and they'll be maintaining those."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has pledged $10 million to a global fund to help developing countries respond to climate change damage. 

Minister-in-charge, Simon Watts has made the commitment at the UN Climate Change Summit in Azerbaijan.

Watts says the contribution will help deliver effective support to help people in the most-affected regions build stronger communities.

He explained that this will come out of New Zealand's overseas aid budget.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concern for hundreds of Kiwi workers as one of New Zealand's biggest pulp and paper mills looks to halt production.

Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill plans to halt paper processing by June 2025 - with 230 jobs on the line.

E tū negotiations specialist Joe Gallagher says these jobs cuts will have a ripple effect that impacts the rest of Tokoroa.

"Tokoroa was born out of the fact that a lot of people migrated to the area to work at Kinleith - a lot of people rely on Kinleith. 230 jobs is not insignificant and that's not counting the downstream of people in cafes, doctors, nurses and all those other jobs.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's proof regulating children's screen time can reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

An Auckland University study has found cutting young children's device use and ensuring they get enough sleep both lower obesity risk.

Professor Boyd Swinburn says it used data from more than 5,000 children aged between two to four-and-a-half

He says the World Health Organisation recommends pre-schoolers have less than an hour of screentime a day.

"In this cohort, 70 percent of them actually had more than an hour of screen time a day - it is a challenge keeping these young kids from the screens."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's new Police Commissioner is keeping an open mind about arming front line staff. 

Deputy Commissioner Richard Chambers is replacing Andrew Coster - and has just returned from secondment with Interpol in France. 

He says he's worked with many jurisdictions over the years, and hopes New Zealand doesn't get the point of arming cops. 

But Chambers says policing is complex and volatile, and he'll do all he can to protect his staff. 

"I've got to keep an open mind -what do my staff need? What sort of support do they need? I think we need to get to that place as a country." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation's new top cop is prepared to step into the role.

Richard Chambers has been appointed the new Police Commissioner by Minister Mark Mitchell - and he's ready to get stuck in on the eve of the Government's new patch ban.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Chambers has been rising through the ranks for decades - and he's a good fit for the job.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SpaceX's sixth Starship test flight splashed down in the Indian Ocean following today's highly-anticipated test mission. 

The booster earlier plunged into the Gulf of Mexico soon after the launch.

President-elect Donald Trump joined Elon Musk to watch the test - and wrote a supportive post about Musk and the team on his Truth Social network.

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the pair have been inseparable after the US election - when Musk was made a key adviser to Trump.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope a women's trans-Tasman Super Rugby final is a sign of things to come.

The Super Rugby Aupiki champions will face the Australian Super W winners in a crossover finale to be hosted in New Zealand next year.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks this news further. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transport Agency has spent nearly $800 million on traffic management in the past three years, according to new reports.

The Government has revealed the spend went to road cones, temporary traffic management, state highway maintenance and capital works. 

Transport Minister Simeon Brown says this is an 'exorbitant' sum and the spending needs to come down. 

"We need to see a much more efficient use of taxpayers' money when it comes to maintaining our roads and keeping road workers safe - we have to get that balance right."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer is hopeful the UK's relationship with China will be strengthened off the back of his meeting with Xi Jinping. 

The pair met at the G20 summit - the first time a UK Prime Minister has met with the Chinese President since 2018.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Starmer's a pragmatist - and will be hoping to strengthen the business relationship between both nations.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pressure on New Zealand's labour market continues to tighten, with job ads falling for the third consecutive month.

Despite these grim figures, one expert has noticed there's light at the end of the tunnel for the economy

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

After nine days, the hīkoi made it to Wellington, with 55,000 people marching on Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill. The protest was peaceful - but will it be a success?

Shane Jones and David Seymour have called for harsher punishments for MPs who misbehave in Parliament off the back of last week's infamous haka in the House. Do we need tougher standards in Parliament? 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 19 November 2024, tens of thousands of protesters have turned up at Parliament to protest the Treaty Principles Bill. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper was there and tells Heather how he saw the day play out.

Shane Jones and David Seymour reckon there should be harsher penalties for MPs who misbehave in Parliament, after the Maori Party's haka went viral on social media.

There's concern that the lack of water infrastructure will significantly slow down housing developments in Auckland over coming years.

Plus the Huddle debates whether the Transport Agency is out of line closing the Desert Road for two months for maintenance.

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

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns that a lack of water infrastructure will slow down housing developments planned for parts of Auckland.

On the Hibiscus Coast anyone without resource consent may have to wait until 2031 for a wastewater connection.

The Army Bay treatment plant upgrade is not expected to be completed until 2031.

Andrew Crosby of Xpect Property Limited says it's 'shocking' how much of Auckland has no water or wastewater capacity.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Councils and waste industry experts are calling for increased regulations for the disposal of used batteries following an escalation in fires.

WasteMINZ, the Waste & Recycling Industry Forum, Auckland Council and Christchurch City Council have come together to request direct action to prevent batteries from being thrown out or included in kerbside recycling. 

WasteMINZ chief executive Nic Quilty says the organisation's website has a map of safe locations where people can dispose of their batteries and battery-powered products.

"Most of the facilities are free of charge, some of them cost a little bit of money - but not much - and that's the best thing to do."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's disappointment among some as State Highway 1 in the Central North Island will be closed for repairs for two months.

The Desert Road is closing between Turangi and Waiouru from January 6 until the end of February.

The detour will add half an hour and an extra 50 kilometres to journeys.

NZTA's Roger Brady says the approach is well-planned - and the closure lets them squeeze in four months' worth of work into two.

"So instead of having a long, drawn-out, ongoing inconvenience - yes, it's going to be inconvenient, but there'll be a limit to the inconvenience to two months." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dawn Aerospace's Mk-II Aurora flew at supersonic speeds for the first time, clearing the way to begin commercial operations in a few months.

The aircraft is the first Kiwi-designed-and-made rocket to break the sound barrier since the Concorde- opening the doors for expanded space travel possibilities.

CEO Stefan Powell says this proves the technology works - and sets the stage for further opportunities. 

"That sets the stage for us to be able to extend that certification, ultimately up to above space. This can be the first vehicle to fly to space multiple times a day."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A competition lawyer says it'll be very unlikely Foodstuff's appeal will succeed.

The Commerce Commission declined its merger of its North and South Island arms- saying it would lessen grocery competition and hurt suppliers. 

Foodstuffs North Islands chief executive, Chris Quin, says the change would actually make it easier for suppliers. 

Lawyer Neil Anderson says it's unlikely a case like this will go to court, with even less chance of winning.

"The commercial parties, by the time they've been through a clearance process and then are faced with an appeal process - they'll push it out a further six months, it's quite unusual for a deal to survive that."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A ground-breaking hīkoi of 42,000 people descended on Parliament today, telling lawmakers to kill ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. 

It passed its first reading last week in a session punctuated by Te Pāti Māori's Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke leading a fiery haka and being suspended. 

Bill author, David Seymour, says Parliament Speaker Gerry Brownlee should tighten the rules.

Former Speaker David Carter says Brownlee should possibly pass it on to the Standing Orders Committee. 

"What's very clear as you chair those meetings is - all politicians realise that they may well be in opposition at some stage, so they make rules that actually make our Parliament work."

Police say one person was arrested at today's protest. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities are urging Hīkoi mō te Tiriti attendees to travel safely as their journey home begins.

It's estimated at least 42,000 people gathered at the Parliamentary precinct and in the surrounding streetsto protest the contentious Treaty Principles Bill.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the protestors were polite and restrained at today's event.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former broadcaster and Wallabies coach Alan Jones has been charged with two further offences against a ninth victim, bringing the total up to 26.

Jones was arrested and charged on Monday in relation to alleged indecent assaults spanning over two decades.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Jones has denied the allegations and will likely assert his innocence in court.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One-test All Black Harry Plummer is poised to leave New Zealand after next year's Super Rugby season.

The Blues pivot, who played his so-far only test to date against Australia in Sydney in September, has reportedly signed with French outfit ASM Clermont. 

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wayne Brown is proposing major reforms to Auckland's council controlled organisations in his draft budget proposal.

Brown wants to scrap the council's urban regeneration and property management arm Eke Panuku, and return its functions to the council.

Tataki Auckland Unlimited could lose its economic development, events and tourism marketing roles, becoming solely focused on managing stadiums, theatres and other facilities.

Brown says he's 'hopeful' Auckland Council will be on board with these changes.

"I think that Aucklanders should be in control of Auckland, frankly. And that means I'd like to get a bit less input from Wellington, as well as independent councils." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police in Essex have defended investigating a social media post written by a Daily Telegraph columnist amid growing backlash.

Allison Pearson received a visit from officers on Remembrance Sunday over a long-deleted social media post - and was left 'dumbstruck'.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says people have questioned why the police have time to go after this woman while violent crime and burglaries continue to impact people.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's return to the White House continues to have implications on the US economy.

The US Federal Reserve has indicated it won't be cutting rates again anytime soon.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Thousands are expected to join the hīkoi protesting the Treaty Principles Bill arriving in Wellington tomorrow. This follows a war of the words between David Seymour and Jenny Shipley, as well as Chris Finlayson. Has this whole thing gone too far?

Should the police consider a different strategy when negotiating with Tom Phillips? Locals think the police need to try something new after three years of appeals, searches and rewards. What do we make of this? 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A return to London could be on the cards for Air New Zealand.

Reportedly, the national carrier's bid to fly into Heathrow has been turned down - but it's succeeded in getting daily slots at Gatwick.

It's been five years since Air New Zealand ditched its London route after decades flying there.

Aviation commentator Geoff Thomas says the airline could look at pairing up with Virgin Australia for a Perth connection.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Media and Communications Minister says he's working his way through the process when it comes a new law that would force tech giants to pay for news content.

The Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill was set to have its second reading in Parliament last week, but it wasn't ready.

Paul Goldsmith says it's a difficult issue.

"The broader issue of how you corral one of the biggest companies in the world and have a conversation around how that works - it's not straightforward."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian authorities believe a nine-month investigation into former broadcaster Alan Jones is not over yet.

The 83-year-old will appear in court next month, facing 24 charges.

He's accused of indecently assaulting eight victims over nearly two decades.

Sydney Morning Herald reporter Kate McClymont says Alan Jones was a powerful figure in Australian media - and it took victims years to come forward.

"I think that power imbalance prevented people from coming forward in the past. As one victim said to me - I just don't want Alan Jones to get a state funeral, I want people to know what he has done before he died."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 18 November 2024, a war of words has broken out on the political right.David Seymour has hit out at former PM Jenny Shipley and National Party MP Chris Finlayson over their opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill.

Famous Australian broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones has been charged with 24 offences against eight victims. Sydney Morning Herald chief investigations reporter Kate McCLymont tells Heather what the victims told her about his alleged offending.

Plus, the Huddle debates whether police should change its approach in the search for the missing Marokopa family. Should we cut Tom Phillips some slack to get him to bring his kids out of the bush?

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

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scammers are draining billions of dollars from Kiwis' back pockets - and Netsafe is calling for change.

New Zealand's latest State of Scams report shows more than $2.3 billion was lost this year, up from $2.1 billion last year.

Andrew Bayly has been appointed anti-scams minister.

Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says he welcomes this appointment, as it'll be easier to co-ordinate with one person.

"It enables us to co-ordinate directly with one person instead of across multiple ministers - and the UK has a fraud minister. This is great news." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's more back and forth between former ministers and David Seymour over the Treaty Principles Bill. 

Thousands are joining the hīkoi protesting the bill - which will arrive at Parliament tomorrow.

Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley said Seymour is 'inviting civil war' and former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said it's doing 'great damage'.

Seymour responded by saying Shipley's comments were grossly irresponsible and Finlayson was showing haughtiness and bitterness.

Finlayson says his comments are immature. 

"I thought David wanted to debate the issues - but when people sort of try and debate them, he turns on them."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister is giving himself a pass mark one year into his new role, but acknowledges there's work to be done.

Last August, he said if the public hadn't started to see a change in public safety within a year of his appointment, he'd resign.

Mark Mitchell believes he's delivered, pointing to a three percent reduction in victimisations in the first nine months of the year - compared to the same period last year.

He says things are headed in the right direction, but more need to be done.

"We're working hard and achieving results - and although there's a lot more to do, we are headed in the right direction, no doubt." 

LISTEN ABOVE  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington authorities are bracing for big crowds, as up to 30,000 people are expected to join the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti marching on Parliament tomorrow.

Marchers have walked the length of the North Island in opposition of ACT's Treaty Principles Bill - and the nine-day journey is set to come to an end.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed there are preparations in place ahead of tomorrow's event. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Wallabies coach and broadcaster Alan Jones has been arrested over allegations of indecent assault.

Child Abuse Squad detectives swarmed the 83-year-old's Sydney home today.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says Jones has not been charged as of yet, but the allegations go back decades.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks are ruing missed opportunities in the second half of their narrow 30-29 loss to France in Paris.

Leading 17-10 at halftime, the team allowed 14 unanswered points coming out of the break - including a 50th minute try to French winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey - who pounced on a kick following a loose pass from New Zealand's attack.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacked the loss.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Canterbury University researcher wants bigger fines to stop prolific speeders.

A study has found drivers who have received speeding tickets are three times more likely to be in a crash than those who haven't been ticketed.

Speed was a factor in a third of fatal crashes last year. 
 
Canterbury University's Dr Darren Walton says the lowest fee is $30. 

"Whether that is a suitable punishment is moot - but it is certainly out of kilter with the rest of the world, most places have larger fines than we have in New Zealand."

Walton says altering demerit points could also help change behaviour. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you convinced by Razor yet? 

Cause I feel you should be, because what Razor has managed to do on this northern tour has been pretty impressive.

If the All Blacks beat Italy this weekend - which apparently they will because it’s supposed to be a foregone conclusion - then we can say the All Blacks have come within one point of a clean sweep of the northern tour.

Which is remarkable, because we haven't done a clean sweep of the northern tour since 2017.

Now obviously, we haven’t done it this time either. But we’ve come within one point, which is impressive because this is Razor’s first year. He's taken over a team that, frankly, sucked a lot of the time.

I mean, don't forget why we wanted to get rid of Fozzie. The All Blacks were all over the show - they lost a series at home to the Irish, they got smashed 26-10 by the Springboks, and then there was the Twickenham disaster where the 'Boks smacked us 35-7.

So it's actually not bad to turn those performances into a very-nearly clean sweep of the northern tour in just one year.

Now look, let’s not pretend it’s perfect out there, because it isn't.

The discipline's a major problem, there was that weird call to try for two penalties in the last six minutes of a game - where they obviously should have gone for a try, that was the wrong call. And we're talking about wins, but they're not exactly massive margins.

But let's be fair - think of any other discipline out there. Think of a business where a CEO takes over, you don't expect perfection in the first year, you just expect improvement. And I think we've got it.

I think we can say that short of something horrible happening this weekend, Razor's proved himself.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 15 November.
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good luck to TVNZ.  

Good luck to TVNZ trying to convince anyone that they are unbiased, given what's just happened with them in the last week.  

I just played you the clip of the Breakfast reporter singing with the organiser of the Hikoi - which I think any right-minded person would interpret as an endorsement of the Hikoi.  

I think this should earn her some serious trouble if TVNZ takes perceptions of bias seriously.  

What is much more serious for them is that the woman who was tipped to become the top news boss has just been outed today for taking personal leave to go on the Hikoi.  

The reason we know this is because she loves a social media post, and she's put it up on her Instagram. So just flaunted it for everyone to see.  

If you are a news boss, or about to become the news boss, you should be smart enough to keep that private emphasis on private - especially if your organisation is trying to pretend that it's unbiased, which is what TVNZ is trying to do.  

Very hard at the moment in the face of falling public trust in media.  

Just a few weeks ago, TVNZ self-published its editorial guidelines for journalists.  

The point of that was to tell us that they take impartiality seriously and that they are impartial.  

Well, that's just been massively undone by finding out that the woman who will be in charge of all of the journalists actually doesn't really like the current government at all.  

So, good luck.  

You can corral those journalists into a neutral space, all you like.  

But if the lady who is their boss has views so strong about the current government that she wants to go on a protest against them, I think you've got a problem with perception of bias.  

Now, the important thing here about TVNZ to understand is that it pretends it's impartial, right?  

It is not, that is the important thing here. 

Nobody would mind if the editor of The Spinoff turned up at the Hikoi because The Spinoff wears its colours on its sleeve.  

We know what they're about and that they own it. They’re just are completely honest about it.  

TVNZ though was trying to convince us that they are neutral.  

The other important thing here is that TVNZ is the publicly owned broadcaster on television, right?  

So that also means there are standards that we expect from them that are different to what everybody else is subjected to.  

Now, TVNZ in order to convince us that they are impartial and that they demand impartiality from the people who work within the newsroom and in the editorial team, they would have to a not give that woman the news job and I doubt that's going to happen.  

They would have to discipline that woman and discipline the reporter for what happened on television and then make that public.  

Do you think that's going to happen?  

No, me neither.  

So good luck to TVNZ trying to convince us from here on that they're impartial. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of prison officers sacked for misconduct in UK jails has gone up by more than a third on last year. Offences include sex acts with inmates and other inappropriate behaviour and selling drugs and phones. 

UK correspondent Gail Downey tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the problem is being put down to young, inexperienced staff with poor vetting and inadequate training. 

Plus, one of the brothers of Mohamed Al Fayed, who owned the Harrods department store in London has been accused of sexual assault and trafficking by three women who worked there. 

And, the UK government wants to merge the country’s 86 local government pension schemes into a handful of “pension megafunds” in what is being called the "biggest pension reform in decades.” 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump has nominated Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State.  

Rubio, an Iran and China hawk who serves on the Senate foreign relations committee, would become one of the most prominent members of Trump’s foreign policy team if confirmed by the Senate next year. He would be the first sitting secretary of state to have been sanctioned by Beijing, meaning he cannot visit China. Rubio sponsored a bill trying to prevent the import of goods made by China’s ethnic Uyghur minority, which Biden later signed into law. 

Meanwhile, Beijing has prepared powerful countermeasures to retaliate against US companies if president-elect Donald Trump reignites a smouldering trade war between the world’s two biggest economies. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commerce Commission are taking action against One NZ over their ‘100% mobile coverage’ plan and Starlink rollout. 

The watchdog believes the advertising campaign breached the Fair Trading Act, saying customers were under the impression that coverage would include data and voice calling – not a text only service. 

Tech commentator and Gorilla Tech CEO, Paul Spain tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the case seems over the top, given the CommComm hasn’t chased other companies whose products have not met all claims. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper wraps the political week that was with Heather du Plessis-Allan – including Parliamentary debacle, apology to victims of state care abuse, and Wellington Council’s observer’s first week on the job. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby commentator Paul Allison and sport journalist Jim Kayes join the Sports Huddle to discuss Beauden Barrett getting the number 10 nod over Damien Mckenzie, Tim Southee’s retirement, and the Blues hoarding All Blacks first fives. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have made five changes ahead of the weekend’s test against France. 

Beauden Barrett and Cam Roigard have been given the nod at 9 and 10, with Ardie Savea moving to openside. 

Former All Black Ben Smith tells Heather du Plessis-Allan Barrett’s experience at 10 will make for a strong start, with Damien Mckenzie bringing good impact from the bench in a game that will need to be fought to the end. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is looking at overhauling its approach to conservation. 

The current Conservation Act hasn’t been touched in 37 years. 

Proposed changes include charging for access to Department of Conservation land, simplifying rules to make protecting natural areas easier, and reducing red tape for tourism opportunities. 

Deputy Director-General Policy and Regulatory Services at Department of Conservation, Ruth Isaac tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the government has been looking at what is being done overseas to generate the revenue needed to maintain and support conservation areas. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday’s Treaty Principles parliamentary debate caught international attention. 

Labour MP Willie Jackson was ejected from Parliament during the debate, and Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was suspended following a haka. 

A number of countries have reacted, with Sky News Australia labelling the scenes a “temper tantrum”. 

US Fox News attempted a haka of their own. 

UK newspaper The Guardian described the “significant public backlash” the Bill faces, and international news agency Reuters reported on “shouting drowning out others in the chamber”.  

Political commentator Peter Dunne tells Heather du Plessis-Allan “Parliament is the highest court in the land and proper decorum and dignity should be a part of its proceedings.” 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is preparing for the arrival of the hīkoi next Tuesday.  

And, former National minister for Treaty Negotiations Chris Finlayson believes the Treaty Principles Bill will greatly damage National’s relationship with Māori. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has tapped vaccine-sceptic Robert F Kennedy Jr to be US Secretary of Health.  

The nomination has prompted widespread criticisms, though Trump says Kennedy “will restore these Agencies to the traditions of Gold Standard Scientific Research, and beacons of Transparency, to end the Chronic Disease epidemic, and to Make America Great and Healthy Again!”  

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson tells Heather du Plessis-Allan Kennedy’s signature cause is to fight chronic disease, but he is also urging the removal of fluoride from water. 

Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) has seen its largest user exodus since Elon Musk took over. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps veteran Tim Southee has announced his retirement from test match cricket.  

Southee will bring the curtain down on his career after the upcoming series against England, starting on November 28 in Christchurch. 

Host of Weekend Sport, Jason Pine tells Heather du Plessis-Allan the series will be a nice way for Southee to finish on home soil. 

Meanwhile, the All Blacks have made changes in key positions for this Sunday’s test against France. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is calling for local democracy reporting to be expanded to all communities. 

The call comes as NZME proposes to cut 14 North Island-based community papers before Christmas. These newspapers collectively serve over 850,000 people. 

Local mayors are concerned the closures could negatively impact turnout in next year’s local body elections. 

Central Hawkes Bay Mayor and LGNZ Rural Chair tells Heather du Plessis-Allan “this is not just a local newspaper issue; this is about wider media.” 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

British news outlet The Guardian will no longer be posting on Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter) going forward.

The news organisation has voiced concerns with the platform's content - and believe the risks now outweigh the benefits.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says many in the media industry feel that X has gotten more toxic since Elon Musk bought the platform. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US investors are still riding high one week after Donald Trump won the US presidency - but what can they expect long-term?

Dow, and S&P, among others are experiencing rapid growth, but experts wonder how long this can last.

Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monthly food prices fell 0.9 percent in October compared with September, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

The largest contributor to the fall was vegetables, down 7.2 percent. But a rise in fruit prices, up 0.6 percent, partly offsets that.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains what this means for the state of the economy - and inflation.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmers at this morning's Fonterra AGM took the opportunity to probe the company around their reasons to sell off the company's consumer brands. 

Fonterra is looking to sell key brands such as Anchor and Mainland - and the farmers have expressed disappointment with this choice.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

A lot of drama in the House as Te Pāti Māoridisrupted the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill with a haka. What do we make of this? 

The IRD is cracking down on overseas student debtors - and called in the collectors. Is this a good move?

Air New Zealand has launched their latest safety video starring Steven Adams and Tom Sainsbury and other big Kiwi names. Is this a good idea - or a waste of money?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 14 November 2024, dramatic scenes in Parliament this afternoon during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill. Labour MP Willie Jackson got thrown out of the house, and Maori Party MPs staged a huge haka that saw Parliament suspended.

Senior political correspondent Barry Soper says he's never seen scenes like that and NZ First Minister Shane Jones has called for the disruptors to be jailed.

The IRD is cracking down on the people who now live overseas and aren't paying back their student loan.

Plus, the Huddle weighs in on Air NZ's new safety video. Naff or a Kiwi classic?

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

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First Minister Shane Jones has been quick to lambast the haka by Te Pāti Māori that disrupted the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill.

Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee named Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke as the instigator - and the House has voted to suspend her.

Shane Jones is not surprised Te Pāti Māori undermined the discussions happening in Parliament.

"I'm not surprised the Māori Party are subverting Parliament - they're malcontents, they were there to undermine the legitimacy of Parliament and they are using that as a basis to recruit members for their party." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand's head is defending splashing out on a new safety video, as airfares rise.

Kiwi NBA player Steven Adams features in the airline's first safety video in two years, alongside cameos by other notable Kiwis.

Chief executive Greg Foran says this is a worthwhile investment.

"It's an important part of the brand, it's a bit like the mangōpare on the tail or the uniforms - and we're doing a new one and you'll see them next year."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's reassurance from the Government that Kiwis will be treated more fairly by insurers.

A bill designed to better safeguard insurance consumers has passed its third reading in the House. 

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says the bill gives insurance companies clarity around their responsibilities - and better protects policy holders filling out a claim application. 

"You have to honestly respond to stuff - but it's up to the insurance company to ask you the right questions, not for you to anticipate."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's outrage among Melbourne commuters as Extinction Rebellion climate activists blocked traffic during peak hour.

The activists were protesting this year's climate summit, COP29, which is set to take place in the city of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the group occupied a busy freeway in Melbourne's East, delaying drivers for as long as 30 minutes.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party is standing by their choice to go against ACT's controversial Treaty Principles Bill.

A haka by Te Pāti Māori MPs interrupted the first reading of the contentious bill today, causing Parliament to be briefly suspended.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith says National believes the bill is no way to deal with a difficult and sensitive topic. 

"Our view is - yes, address these issues, but the best way to do it is issue by issue."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inland Revenue is cracking down on outstanding student loans - and has doubled its team working on overseas collections.

It's also putting more money into collecting debt in Australia and the UK.

The number of borrowers has risen by more than 5,000

The IRD's project lead Andrew Stott says about 150 people could face an arrest warrant.

"It's really about whether they're engaging with us or not. So if they're just ignoring all of our communications or they're leaving us no way to get in touch with them, then that's our last resort." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Te Pati Māori MP has been suspended from Parliament for kicking off a deafening haka in protest of the Treaty Principles Bill. 

Opposition MPs and people in the public gallery joined in, interrupting a vote on the legislation and forcing the Speaker to clear the House.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says today's events were a mess.

"I've never seen anything like it in more than 40 years of covering Parliament - the Speaker lost control, by no fault of his own."

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks name their team to face France overnight tonight, with a few intriguing decisions to make. 

Codie Taylor's a likely swap for Asafo Aumua at hooker, while Beauden Barrett could replace Damien McKenzie at 10.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave outlined his predictions ahead of the match.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is continuing to appoint high-profile Republicans to his team.

The president-elect is making former 2016 rival, Senator Marco Rubio, his Secretary of State.

His former Chief of Staff, Matt Terrill, says he'll lean into negotiations with Trump. 

"On the foreign policy front - Israel, Ukraine, Russia, Iran - those are going to be key themes and key issues that are going to pop up here."

Congressman Matt Gaetz has been nominated Attorney General - and Elon Musk will co-lead an agency on Government efficiencies with Vivek Ramaswamy.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, here’s some good news if you don't like the idea of people freeloading on other taxpayers - the IRD has finally started properly cracking down on people who don't want to pay back their student loans.

They have doubled the size of the team that chases Kiwis living overseas to pay the money back, they've got the debt collectors in Australia involved and when any of these people with debt over $1000 comes in, 100 percent of them can expect to hear from the IRD.

And - this is something I particularly like - if the debt is big enough and these people have shown they really don't want to pay their money back, then they don't get to leave the country again.

So if they come in for a holiday or to visit family- nope, they're stuck here because they owe us some money.

And it looks like this crackdown is starting to work, because 7000 names have been given to the debt collectors in Australia - and about 1000 of them are now paying back their debt.

I don’t have any sympathy for these people and the crack down that’s coming at them. Because we are talking about a lot of money  - about $2.2 billion. And as we know, this country's broke.

And these are not kids we’re talking about, these aren’t predominately 21-year-old graduates off an OE just forgetting to pay back their loans.

Most of the debt is owed by people in their 40s and 50s. Come on, you haven't paid your debt back in 40 years? By then - it's deliberate, isn't it?

These guys are the ultimate free-loaders. They get a nice education for free and then while the rest of us paid our money back and stayed to contribute to the country and pay taxes, they've taken that free education and skipped the joint and went and lived somewhere else and didn't pay that money back. 70 percent of them aren't paying anything at all.

If anybody should be paying up, it's these guys. And I'm very pleased to see the IRD is finally getting our money back so we can use it to build this place back up again.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, confirmed he was resigning following a damning report that concluded the Church of England covered up a serial abuse case.

Welby was facing growing pressure to quit after the independent probe found he 'could and should' have reported decades of abuse by a church-linked lawyer to authorities in 2013.

UK correspondent Gail Downey says several figures in the church had called for Welby's resignation.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a week since Donald Trump won the US election - and the markets underwent a shift once the results became clear. 

Small to medium-sized businesses have picked up - and they're expecting to see a boost driven by proposed tax cuts and fewer regulations.

Milford Asset Management's Stephanie Batchelor unpacked the results further.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Insurance has been a hot topic of late, as premiums are continuing to shoot up while general inflation abates.

Findings of a Treasury survey show owners of apartments and other multi-unit buildings (MUB) are being hit extra hard.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny revealed how much insurance premiums had gone up - and how that impacted owners.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's outrage from Auckland commuters, as a hīkoi working its way down to Parliament marched over the Harbour Bridge and added to traffic issues.

NZTA was forced to close some lanes on the bridge and people were delayed in their morning commutes. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the political causes that inspired the hīkoi. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Nick Mills from ZB's Wellington Mornings and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

The hīkoi working its way through New Zealand has disrupted the commutes of thousands of Aucklanders today. Is this the right move? Will they lose favour from the public if they keep negatively impacting people?

Donald Trump has started setting up his political team - including putting Elon Musk at the head of his new Department of Government Efficiency. What do we make of this?

The Government has launched a new online calculator designed to help companies address their gender pay gaps. Can the Government address this issue?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

42 members of the King's Counsel, some of New Zealand's most senior legal minds, are calling on the Government to abandon the Treaty Principles Bill.

The group has written a letter to the Prime Minister and attorney-general Judith Collins outlining their 'grave concerns' about the bill - claiming it 'seeks to rewrite the Treaty itself'.

One of the signatories is Karen Feint KC, and she says the bill will erase several key Treaty principles.

"You can't just rewrite the constitution of New Zealand without having a proper dialogue about it."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 13 November 2024, the big hikoi to Parliament has disrupted thousands of Auckland commuters' day -and Heather is wondering whether this really is the best way to get the general public on board the cause.

Lifetime Black Power member Denis O'Reillyspeaks to Heather after the police launched Operation "Nickel" to enforce the gang patch ban from next week.

Shihad frontman Jon Toogood tells Heather why the band has decided to call it quits after four decades together.

Plus, Auckland Unlimited reveals a little financial help was needed to entice Coldplay to come to the country.

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

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has launched a new online tool designed to help businesses address their gender pay gaps.

The online calculator is now live on Ministry for Women’s website, meaning businesses can calculate their gaps and take action.

Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says it's unlikely this tool will drive companies away from hiring more women - despite recent concerns.

"I think they're going to see the power of it, and it's going to unleash something quite cool."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the end of an era for Kiwi rock fans - as iconic band Shihad are set to call it quits after their last tour.

After nearly 40 years, the group has confirmed they will split up for good, with demand for this final tour causing their website to crash.

Shihad frontman Jon Toogood says the group's priorities have changed - as all the members have children and families now.

"Everyone's busy all the time, this is a great band that deserves that full-on attention - and I just think we just sort of came to a collective agreement that we couldn't do that. It was time to put it to bed, but go out on a high."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour is warning principals they're technically public servants - and must display political neutrality. 

The Associate Education Minister is hitting out at schools who've marked absences by students attending a national  hīkoi as 'justified'. 

Thousands marched through Auckland today on the pilgrimage to Parliament, protesting the Treaty Principles Bill. 

Seymour says parents can only urge schools to do the right thing. 

"Ultimately, it's up to communities to say to principals through their school boards - we don't like what you're doing and maybe it's time to get someone new."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coldplay is set to hit the stage at Auckland's Eden Park later tonight, with over 50,000 people being expected to attend.

Extra public transport services are scheduled and fans will have the option to walk down a trail from the CBD - but traffic will be heavy.

Auckland Unlimited's head of major events, Michelle Hooper, says the headliners are expected to start about 8.15pm.

"They are absolutely global icons - and I'm just so pumped that Auckland's buzzing at the moment as a city. Coldplay are such loyalists to Auckland."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A longtime Black Power member says he'll be waiting to see how enforcement of the gang patch ban plays out from Thursday next week. 

Denis O'Reilly says the extensive preparatory meetings between gangs and police could mean it goes well. 

He says care is needed. 

"We need calm heads and steady hands and careful words, I think."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is tapping the shoulder of billionaire Elon Musk for a new role.

The incoming US president has handed the Tesla boss leadership of the new Department of Government Efficiency, alongside Republican Vivek Ramaswamy.

Its goal will be cutting regulations and bureaucracy.

But US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's not necessarily a job.

"These guys can keep their real jobs that pay a gazillion dollars - and still have influence over policy."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 A host of young talent have earned fulltime contracts with the Blues for next season.

Among the seven fresh faces are fullback Payton Spencer - son of former All Blacks first-five Carlos - and loose forward Che Clark.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's some new Government measures to regulate online gambling operators.

Only 15 operators will be granted licenses  - which will include mandatory age verification. 

Ads targeting children will be banned and operators will be limited to casino games, not sports betting or lotteries. 

Breaches could result in $5 million dollar fines. 

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden says things need tightening up.

"At the moment, anybody can go online and play thousands of different regulated games in New Zealand. It is a bit of a wild west." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've actually been surprised at the level of anger I've heard expressed today at that Treaty Principles Bill hīkoi crossing over the Harbour Bridge - and I don't think it's a good thing for this particular cause.

Yesterday, completely out of the blue, I got an email from a mum I know complaining about the impact it will l have on kids trying to get to their NCEA exams on time.

Today, I bumped into someone this morning furious about the timing because it was rush hour. And someone in my family is raging about it as well.

To be fair to these people, it's understandable anger and I can see why they're so cross.

Basically, it's because this protest feels like it was designed to create disruption. Either that or the organisers didn't think it through - which I doubt very much because they have proven to be quite deliberate in a bunch of the things they do.

What happened to facilitate the hīkoi today was that authorities had to close two lanes on the Harbour Bridge in our biggest city from 8 in the morning - at peak morning traffic time. That will have messed up the day for thousands of people coming in from the North Shore.

If these guys were decent to the people of Auckland just trying to do their jobs and get their kids to school, they would've shifted their walk time back by a couple of hours, when most people are in the office and won't be messed around.

It's not as if the hīkoi would lose attention because it caused less disruption.

They are all over the online news feeds, they’re being covered by radio shows like ours, they'll be all over the TV news later because the protest is big. And it's about a very contentious issue, that being the Treaty Principles Bill. These guys did not have to muck Aucklanders around to get the coverage they wanted.

Ultimately, I don't think it's a smart move from them. Just like I don't think it's too smart to have gang members join the hīkoi with their patches on display.

All it’s going to do is frustrate middle New Zealand and make middle New Zealand more sympathetic to the other side, because that’s how politics works nowadays - we pick sides. We don't like that side, we go to the other, that's how this works.

And that’s ultimately an own goal, because the only hope David Seymour has for this bill is that it becomes very popular and that it gets rescued because enough people want it.

And this hīkoi, I reckon, won’t have hurt his chances at all.

A lesson to people planning future protests - try not cause disruption on purpose, because that way we’re more likely to be sympathetic to your cause, not less.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think the hardest news story to read today is of the kindergarten teacher in Victoria who died yesterday afternoon saving children from a truck that smashed into the kindy.  

The truck driver lost control, the truck ploughed into the kindy, the teacher pushed the kids out of the way, but died herself. 

The speed limit outside that kindergarten was supposed to be dropped from 50 to 40 kph – but hadn’t been.  

A similar thing happened a few weeks ago in Melbourne.  

An SUV crashed into a primary school, killing an 11-year-old boy and hurting 4 other children.  

I don't love speed reductions.  

All too often they’re done in stupid places like open roads. But when it comes to places where kids are, I've completely 180’d on this.  

I read the book ‘The Anxious Generation’ a few weeks ago. The book tracks why kids are having mental crises en masse lately.  

One of the reasons, particularly for boys, is that since the 1970s parents have increasingly stopped their kids from just playing around the neighbourhood on their bikes, or running around with other kids - because parents are scared of fast traffic.  

And with good reason... cars go fast in our suburbs.  

I live on a road that’s 30kph. No one does 30kph – I don't do 30kph.  

The good news is that because of recent rule changes here, Auckland schools should have lower speed limits during school hours by the end of 2027. But, I wouldn’t mind if that was pretty much everywhere where kids are.  

I get that would drive people bonkers, having to slow down all the time around houses and parks and schools...  

It would require us sacrificing our time.  

But, for the benefit of going as fast as we do around kids... we are sacrificing quite a lot.  

Their best childhoods. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.