https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/rss NZME Tune into Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive, 4pm-7pm weekdays. Keep up with the latest news and developments from New Zealand and the world on Newstalk ZB Sun, 12 Apr 2026 02:20:06 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-is-netball-a-dying-sport/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-is-netball-a-dying-sport/ Hands up—who knew the ANZ Premiership starts tomorrow? This is netball. I’m guessing not many hands went up, which is a worry. It’s somewhat forgivable, given the state of netball’s head office at the moment. It doesn’t have a permanent CEO, and the chair and several board members have recently resigned. So you can understand why things are a bit of a mess and the communication strategy isn’t quite working. But it’s also not forgivable, because this is a pivotal season for netball. This season has to work. It probably won’t, but it at least needs the best possible chance, because professional netball in this country is fighting for its life. There’s no broadcast deal this year. Sky pulled out at the end of last year, so netball has had to pay TVNZ just to get it on TV2. That means there’s no money coming in from Sky, and players have had to take a 20% pay cut—those who are still here, anyway. Nine Silver Ferns have already moved to the Australian competition, where they earn double what they do here. And that will keep happening unless the local competition can start generating revenue again and paying players properly. So you can see how important it is that this season gets things moving in the right direction. It seems netball bosses are pinning their hopes on free-to-air TV being the game changer. Before, you had to pay to watch; now you can watch for free on TV2. The idea is you might fall in love with it again, start watching regularly, maybe even go to matches—and before long, netball secures another deal with Sky. But will you watch it again? Will you love it again when nine Silver Ferns are already gone, and the competition isn’t as strong as it was last year—when you probably weren’t watching anyway? Probably not. And the fact that neither of us even knew the season was about to start is probably not a good omen. LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:24:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gareth-williams-smart-energy-alliance-spokesperson-says-lng-terminal-doesnt-address-real-challenges/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gareth-williams-smart-energy-alliance-spokesperson-says-lng-terminal-doesnt-address-real-challenges/ A new alliance has formed to oppose the proposed LNG facility including groups like Master Electricians, Consumer New Zealand, and the Sustainable Energy Alliance. Smart Energy Alliance spokesperson Gareth Williams told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "our view is that it's very short-sighted, that it doesn't really address the real challenges that New Zealand's electricity system faces." LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:18:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-10-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-10-april-2026/ On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 10 April, 2026, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown signs the country's first city deal. He tells us why he couldn't get the bed levy across the line this time. Judge Ema Aitken gets to keep her job. Former Attorney General Chris Finlayson tells us if that was the right call. What was Melania Trump up to with that press conference? Bo Erickson is Reuters US Politics correspondent and was in the room. He gives us the inside scoop. And Alex Powell and Andrew Gourdie discuss why parents don't volunteer on their kids sports teams anymore. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:11:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/bo-erickson-reuters-white-house-press-correspondent-on-melania-trumps-epstein-denial/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/bo-erickson-reuters-white-house-press-correspondent-on-melania-trumps-epstein-denial/ First Lady Melania Trump made a seemingly unprompted announcement earlier today denying any ties with Jeffrey Epstein.  Speculation has arisen online that she made this statement to get ahead of some news that may come out about her, but Reuters White House press correspondent Bo Erickson believes it's just an important issue to her.  "Obviously this has been bugging her, and the way that she did it is very exceptional when it comes to contemporary first ladies who don't really lean into controversies," he told Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:51:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-finlayson-former-attorney-general-explains-careful-ema-aitken-decision/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/chris-finlayson-former-attorney-general-explains-careful-ema-aitken-decision/ A conduct panel has decided not to stand Judge Ema Aitken down from her position as District Court Judge following an incident at Auckland’s exclusive Northern Club in 2024 Aitken was investigated after she, and her husband, crashed a NZ First event and allegedly shouted at the speaker.  The panel called her actions “a serious breach of comity" but did not find grounds to revoke her position.  Former Attorney General Chris Finlayson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the decision.  Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:36:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/dan-mitchinson-is-truth-social-turning-on-donald-trump/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/dan-mitchinson-is-truth-social-turning-on-donald-trump/ Backlash against Donald Trump on his social media site 'Truth Social' is building following the US President's R-rated Easter rant.  Although, US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan the backlash likely stems from a feeling of betrayal surrounding the war in Iran.  They also speak about fighting fire with sound waves, and anxiety bags. LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:11:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/wayne-brown-auckland-mayor-on-government-deal-to-bolster-city-transport-tourism/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/wayne-brown-auckland-mayor-on-government-deal-to-bolster-city-transport-tourism/ A deal signed by Christopher Luxon and Wayne Brown was announced today to work together to bolster Auckland.  The partnership aims to boost economic growth and improve living standards across New Zealand. Some of the key commitments of the Auckland City Deal include; investing in Eden Park and the Auckland Tennis Centre to support international events, jointly developing a destination and major events strategy, establishing a c30-year transport strategy, and working together on the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing project and more efficient transport network management. Wayne Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "there'll be an end to sort of unexpected bits of legislation which don't work that we haven't been told about, or it'll be an end to unfunded mandates that we haven't been told about." LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:49:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rudd-hughes-workers-first-union-national-secretary-on-woolworths-axing-south-island-butchers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rudd-hughes-workers-first-union-national-secretary-on-woolworths-axing-south-island-butchers/ Supermarket chain Woolworths is looking at closing down its in-store butchery departments across the entire South Island to instead only stock pre-packaged meat.  Woolworths are attributing their decision to the difficulty of hiring butchers, but Workers First Union national secretary Rudd Hughes says butchers are only leaving because they can "see the writing on the wall". "So, although it's only a trial, many of them feel it's a fait accompli, and so they're getting ahead of it and getting out before they can," Hughes told Heather du Plessis-Allan.  LISTEN ABOVE Fri, 10 Apr 2026 05:18:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-keir-starmer-claiming-work-needs-to-be-done-to-keep-the-ceasefire-going/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-keir-starmer-claiming-work-needs-to-be-done-to-keep-the-ceasefire-going/ The UK's Prime Minister says there is a lot of work to do to make the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran hold.  Iran's Revolutionary Guard says shipping has once again stopped through the Strait of Hormuz following Israeli attacks on Lebanon.  The US rejects claims Israel's attacks breached the ceasefire agreement - because Hezbollah was never apart of it.  Parties are expected to meet in Pakistan later this week to further discuss Iran's ten-point proposal.  UK correspondent Enda Brady explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:05:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-dickie-fisher-funds-expert-ahead-of-kevin-warshs-confirmation-hearing-next-week/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sam-dickie-fisher-funds-expert-ahead-of-kevin-warshs-confirmation-hearing-next-week/ President Donald Trump named Kevin Warsh as his choice for Federal Reserve chair earlier in the year, and he's set to have an impact on the US economy. Warsh's confirmation hearing is set to take place next Wednesday and there's speculation growing about what this means for interest rates.  Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:59:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/karl-dean-federated-farmers-dairy-chair-on-the-concerns-that-farmers-are-running-out-of-fuel/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/karl-dean-federated-farmers-dairy-chair-on-the-concerns-that-farmers-are-running-out-of-fuel/ Federated Farmers says farmers are experiencing fuel shortages, with some two to three weeks behind their normal fuel drops. The US and Iran have reached a two-week ceasefire, and negotiations are planned in Pakistan this week, on a longer term settlement. Federated Farmers Dairy Chair Karl Dean says there's no signs of this going away amid the ongoing uncertainty. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:50:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-the-global-uncertainties-impacting-kiwi-farmers/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-the-global-uncertainties-impacting-kiwi-farmers/ New Zealand sheep and beef farmers are set to see strong returns for the 25/26 season, but there's global factors impacting the outlook. Concerns have been raised over the US tariffs situation and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:33:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-what-did-jacindas-latest-testimony-really-tell-us/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-what-did-jacindas-latest-testimony-really-tell-us/ Jacinda Ardern is back in the news after transcripts of her behind-closed-doors testimony to the Royal Commission were published by the New Zealand Herald today. While the contents of the testimony contain few surprises, the transcript is notable as much for what it omits as for what it includes. There are no expressions of regret, no apologies, and no acknowledgment of wrongdoing - an outcome that may not shock those who followed the Government’s approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exchanges themselves are largely evasive, particularly on the issue of vaccine mandates. At one point, the Commission chair told Ardern it would be remiss not to ask whether she had divided the nation. Ardern responded by asking, “In what regard?” - a reply that struck many as disingenuous, given the scale of public opposition at the time, including prolonged protests directly outside her Beehive office. The testimony also reflects the familiar style critics associate with her leadership: lengthy explanations and abstract language. When asked whether she had regrets, Ardern responded that “regret is a curious word,” avoiding a direct answer. The timing of the transcript’s release is striking. Just days earlier, a documentary about Ardern debuted on Netflix and has since attracted renewed public attention, earning an Emmy nomination and sparking fresh debate about her legacy. Conversations about the film are occurring across the country, with many viewers reporting mixed emotions after watching it. Some New Zealanders have expressed discomfort about the animosity directed toward Ardern after her resignation and her subsequent move overseas, saying the country should aspire to be more tolerant. Others argue that accountability remains a fundamental principle of public office. They note that Ardern stepped down before facing voters in the next election, declined to give public evidence to the Royal Commission, and has largely avoided direct public scrutiny since leaving office. The one form of accountability she has not escaped, critics say, has come in personal encounters with members of the public, where she has faced blunt and often hostile feedback - a factor some believe contributed to her decision to leave the country. Whether public sentiment toward Ardern would have softened had she chosen to testify openly before the Commission is impossible to know. What is clear, however, is that her private testimony has done little to change hardened views. For many observers, it reads as more of the same careful language and deflection that characterised her responses throughout the pandemic. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:22:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-09-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-09-april-2026/ Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday 9 April. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:11:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-did-the-royal-commission-need-to-investigate-jacinda-ardern-further/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-did-the-royal-commission-need-to-investigate-jacinda-ardern-further/ Tonight on the Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The results are in, and Fords have topped the list of the worst cars to own. Do we agree with this?  We're one day into the US-Iran ceasefire - and the agreement appears fragile, with Israel increasing their deadly attack on Lebanon and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. What do we think of this? Do we think things will change following the peace talks? The Royal Commission reportedly 'grilled' Jacinda Ardern behind the scenes over her Covid-19 response. Do we think this was really necessary?  More people are getting into iced coffee - do we like it? LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 07:10:45 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/bryan-wall-product-test-journalist-on-the-research-into-the-worst-cars-to-own/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/bryan-wall-product-test-journalist-on-the-research-into-the-worst-cars-to-own/ Consumer NZ says ongoing mechanical problems put Fords to the top of its list of the worst cars to own. The US brand produced the two least reliable cars - in its survey of almost 6,000 owners. The Focus and Escape Models won the top spots. Product test journalist, Bryan Wall, says out of all cars, they had the most major faults reported. "Their cars were off-road for, probably, an extended period of time, because the engine wasn't working or the gearbox had failed or there's an electrical problem." Volkswagen's Tiguan and BMW three series make up the top four.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:53:57 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/richard-corney-flight-coffee-co-founder-on-the-growing-popularity-of-iced-coffee/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/richard-corney-flight-coffee-co-founder-on-the-growing-popularity-of-iced-coffee/ Flat whites are out and iced coffees are in - and there's a wide range of factors behind this change. Cafes across the nation have noticed an uptick in younger customers reaching for cold drinks over hot. Flight Coffee co-founder Richard Corney says there's been a rise in people buying iced drinks, as well as chilled RTD coffees. "I don't have stats off the top of my head in terms of value now, but we've definitely seen a big consumer shift in how coffee's being consumed - mainly lead by Gen Z."  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:27:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sean-lyons-netsafe-chief-online-safety-officer-raises-concerns-over-the-impact-of-sextortion/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sean-lyons-netsafe-chief-online-safety-officer-raises-concerns-over-the-impact-of-sextortion/ The alarm's being raised on sextortion, and ways young people can get help. A Coroner's found an 18-year-old took his life hours after sharing intimate images with someone pretending to be a young Timaru woman. The scammer - who was later traced to Africa - demanded $5000 and threatened to share their conversation. Netsafe's Chief Online Safety Officer Sean Lyons says young people should ask parents or others for support. He says the last thing they should do is hide it. "Because it is that shame, it is that horror that's on many young people - and specifically, the young and their vulnerability." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:06:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/linda-gradstein-cbs-correspondent-on-the-concerns-raised-over-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/linda-gradstein-cbs-correspondent-on-the-concerns-raised-over-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ Questions have been raised over whether both parties are serious about achieving a ceasefire in Iran. The pause appears shaky - with Iran keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to Israel's deadly attacks on Lebanon. The US maintains the ceasefire never applied to Hezbollah. Negotiations on a longer-term peace agreement are expected in Pakistan this week - attended by US Vice President JD Vance. CBS Correspondent Linda Gradstein says there've been positive developments. "Many are hoping, you know, the ceasefire kind of takes on a life of its own and it holds. And, that's what we've seen in Gaza, even though there is still fighting in Gaza." LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:53:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-the-state-of-the-ceasefire-between-the-us-and-iran/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-the-state-of-the-ceasefire-between-the-us-and-iran/ Donald Trump says all US forces in the Middle East are staying in place and loading up until a 'real agreement' is reached.  The two-week ceasefire announced yesterday appears fragile - and Iran's keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to Israel's continued deadly attacks on Lebanon.  Negotiations on a longer-term peace agreement are expected in Pakistan this week.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has criticised the ten-point plan - and concerns have been raised. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:33:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-anthony-albanese-claiming-lebanon-should-be-included-in-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/murray-olds-australian-correspondent-on-anthony-albanese-claiming-lebanon-should-be-included-in-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is one of the world leaders calling for Lebanon to be included in the two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. Both countries agreed to pause their hostilities and allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but uncertainty's growing as the pair disagree over key aspects. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Albanese is set to depart for Singapore for talks based around the ongoing supply chain crisis for oil.  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:24:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/darcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-don-tricker-potentially-leading-nzrs-high-performance-overhaul/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/darcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-don-tricker-potentially-leading-nzrs-high-performance-overhaul/ New Zealand Rugby needs a new face to lead its high-performance system, and there's plenty of speculation about who it might be. New reports indicate former Black Sox coach Don Tricker will pick up the role. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:06:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jon-reeves-public-transport-users-association-national-coordinator-on-wellington-public-transport-going-contactless/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jon-reeves-public-transport-users-association-national-coordinator-on-wellington-public-transport-going-contactless/ There's hopes other regions can catch up to Wellington, on contactless public transport payments.  The council decided to leap-frog the national ticketing system - concerned it would take too long.  It's spent $5.5 million dollars setting up the system.  Public Transport Users Association National Coordinator Jon Reeves says comparatively, the national system seems very expensive.  "Just over $1.3 billion dollars to set up the entire system throughout the country." LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:55:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-prime-minister-starmers-response-to-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gavin-grey-uk-correspondent-on-prime-minister-starmers-response-to-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ Iran and the US have accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting two weeks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's travelling to the Persian Gulf to help shore-up the US and Iran ceasefire. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Starmer is set to attend more meetings to ensure the ceasefire lasts - and gets extended. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:29:38 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jenee-tibshraeny-nz-herald-wellington-business-editor-on-what-the-middle-east-conflict-could-do-to-inflation/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jenee-tibshraeny-nz-herald-wellington-business-editor-on-what-the-middle-east-conflict-could-do-to-inflation/ The Reserve Bank says it's still unclear what today's Iran ceasefire announcement - and resulting dramatic fall in oil prices - mean for New Zealand. The central bank's held the Official Cash Rate unchanged, at 2.25 percent. It's working off the assumption inflation will surge to 4.2 percent this quarter. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:16:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/brendan-larsen-milford-asset-management-expert-on-the-market-reactions-to-the-ceasefire-deal/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/brendan-larsen-milford-asset-management-expert-on-the-market-reactions-to-the-ceasefire-deal/ Both US President Donald Trump and Iran have portrayed the last minute ceasefire deal as a victory for their nations. The nations accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting two weeks and Iran's agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Milford Asset Management expert Brendan Larsen says shares in the US, Australia and New Zealand have gone up off the back of the news. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:08:22 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/neil-webster-employment-hero-spokesperson-on-the-growing-use-of-ai-in-the-employment-process/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/neil-webster-employment-hero-spokesperson-on-the-growing-use-of-ai-in-the-employment-process/ AI is taking up a significant role in New Zealand's employment operations, and one Kiwi company has opened up about the process. Employment Hero, which specialises in recruitment software, has revealed that AI has screened tens of thousands of CVs each month and overseen 1000 job interviews in March. Employment Hero's Neil Webster says business owners have revealed prospective employees have also used AI in the recruitment process - and hiring managers will manually check any candidate that seems promising.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:01:06 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-why-havent-schools-responded-to-the-smart-tool/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-why-havent-schools-responded-to-the-smart-tool/ Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The US and Iran have announced a temporary ceasefire and they've accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting for two weeks. What do we think will happen next? Will this help reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Less than 60 percent of schools have adopted the Government's new SMART framework. Why do we think this is happening?  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:49:54 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-trumps-won-the-battle-but-will-he-win-the-war/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-trumps-won-the-battle-but-will-he-win-the-war/ You might not like Donald Trump’s boorish ultimatums or his threats to end a civilisation but it worked, didn’t it? Iran backed down with 90 minutes to spare. The Strait of Hormuz will be reopened and they will go to Pakistan for ceasefire talks in two days. Now, some are arguing this is yet another case of Trump chickening out - but it isn’t. He got what he wanted, didn’t he? You accuse him of chickening out only if he doesn’t get something. If he gets what he wanted, then the tactic worked. And what has he had to give up to get it? Nothing. The only thing he’s had to give up is his plan to attack - which may or may not have been bluster anyway because it’s Donald Trump. Iran, meanwhile, had been refusing to go to Pakistan for peace talks. It would not agree to anything other than a permanent end to the fighting and wouldn’t accept a temporary ceasefire. It was holding the strait to ransom. Today, it has had to give up on all three positions. That does not mean this is an outright victory for Trump. Take a look at Iran’s 10 demands. There is no way the US is going to agree to that list. Pulling its military out of the Middle East is simply not going to happen. The US has bases all over the region - Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. It’s also hard to see the world agreeing to Iran’s plan to continue tolling oil ships to the tune of $2 million a pop. What that means is that this is far from over for Donald Trump. He can’t accept those terms. If Iran is able to set up a shipping toll booth and make money at will, he will end this bombing campaign with Iran in a stronger position than when he started six weeks ago. In fact, he can’t claim any real victory if he walks away with the Revolutionary Guard still in charge - still able to create the same chaos it has for decades. Today, he can probably claim he won the battle. That would be fair - especially if the oil that’s been held up for weeks does start flowing through the strait in the next 14 days. But claiming that he’s won the war? Not even close. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:16:49 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-08-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-08-april-2026/ On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 8 April, 2026, we talk to a Middle East correspondent about whether the ceasefire between the US and Iran will hold. Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman on the warning bells ahead as she keeps the official cash rate at 2.25%. We talk to the owner about what you'll get if you buy Australia's smallest town. And one of our Huddlers, Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame, is hot on schools ignoring the Education Minister's new SMART tool. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:11:44 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/ethan-nikookar-wollongong-university-expert-warns-shipments-will-still-face-issues-as-iran-and-us-announce-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/ethan-nikookar-wollongong-university-expert-warns-shipments-will-still-face-issues-as-iran-and-us-announce-ceasefire/ A supply chain expert says ships won't immediately return to normal frequency through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and the US have accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting two weeks, and Donald Trump's pulled back his extreme threat he'd obliterate Iran. Wollongong University's Ethan Nikookar says insuring shipments will still be difficult. "Insurers may still treat the area as high-risk, so that means higher premiums, limited coverage, and fewer ships will move to transit."  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:55:19 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/carol-yarrow-cooladdi-resident-on-selling-australias-smallest-town/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/carol-yarrow-cooladdi-resident-on-selling-australias-smallest-town/ The two residents of Australia's smallest town have decided to sell up and move on. Cooladdi is a nine-hour drive west of Brisbane, and the new owner will be expected to keep busy - working as a postie, publican, motelier, restaurateur and shopkeeper. One of Cooladdi's residents, Carol Yarrow, says the town is on Australia's longest road, and it sees lots of people come through every day. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:43:25 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/anna-breman-reserve-bank-governor-on-whether-the-middle-east-conflict-could-drive-up-the-ocr/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/anna-breman-reserve-bank-governor-on-whether-the-middle-east-conflict-could-drive-up-the-ocr/ The Reserve Bank says there are still plenty of unknowns, after today's Iran ceasefire announcement and resultant oil price drop. It's held the Official Cash Rate at 2.25 percent, but is forecasting inflation could surge to 4.2 percent this quarter. Governor Anna Breman says that figure could be much lower if things settle in the Middle East. But she says if not, fuel costs could rise more, pushing inflation even higher. "The worst case scenario is that firms that are already squeezed feel like they have to pass these costs onto consumers, and that we see inflation getting embedded into the economy." LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:09:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gordon-robison-middle-east-correspondent-on-whether-iran-will-continue-to-toll-ships-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gordon-robison-middle-east-correspondent-on-whether-iran-will-continue-to-toll-ships-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz/ It remains an open question if Iran will continue to toll ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, with moves to reopen the critical shipping lane. Iran and the US have accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting two weeks. Israel says it supports suspending strikes on Iran - but not on Lebanon. Middle East correspondent Gordon Robison says Iran's made huge profits tolling the few ships it's let through the Strait since the war began. "The ship owners don't care much about paying the tolls, as long as they can get out. What we can all hope is that the American administration decides to look the other way, at least for now." LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:58:02 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-the-us-and-iran-agreeing-to-a-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-the-us-and-iran-agreeing-to-a-ceasefire/ Some mixed messaging on a ceasefire being worked through by Iran and the US, that quickly sent global oil prices below $100USD a barrel. Both countries have accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting two weeks and the US President's backtracked on threats to obliterate Iran. Iran's put forward a 10-point plan, which includes letting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with Donald Trump saying the US will help with the traffic buildup. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's announcement further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:38:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/dan-mitchinson-us-correspondent-on-the-impacts-of-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/dan-mitchinson-us-correspondent-on-the-impacts-of-the-us-iran-ceasefire/ The White House is considering in-person talks with Iran - hours after Donald Trump pulled back his threats to obliterate the country. The US President says he's agreed to Pakistan's request for a two-week ceasefire, if Iran allows shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump says they're working through a10-point peace plan, proposed by Iran. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says this news led to oil prices dropping, but it's unknown how long this will last. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:16:00 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/darcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-ameliaranne-ekenasio-revealing-she-hasnt-spoken-with-dame-noeline-taurua-since-exit/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/darcy-waldegrave-sportstalk-host-on-ameliaranne-ekenasio-revealing-she-hasnt-spoken-with-dame-noeline-taurua-since-exit/ Former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio says she has not had any contact with the national side’s management since making herself unavailable for selection last year. The 35-year-old revealed she has not spoken with head coach Dame Noeline Taurua since stepping away from the Ferns, a decision she made midway through 2025 in order to prioritise her physical and mental wellbeing. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:58:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gareth-sinton-douglas-park-school-principal-explains-why-schools-havent-adopted-new-assessment-and-reporting-policy/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/gareth-sinton-douglas-park-school-principal-explains-why-schools-havent-adopted-new-assessment-and-reporting-policy/ Less than 60 percent of schools have adopted a new assessment and reporting policy, and many have no intention of using it. SMART launched in February, replacing a 20-year-old framework. It gives parents of year zero-to-10 students progress markers, and twice-yearly updates. Masterton’s Douglas Park School has signed up - with no plans to bring it in. Principal Gareth Sinton says he doubts the system lives up to its name. "But I just don't think we need to use a new tool, an overseas tool, that wasn't actually designed and developed for New Zealand kids when there are better options available inside our own country." LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:45:09 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-the-uk-government-reviewing-whether-kanye-west-should-be-allowed-in-the-country/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/enda-brady-uk-correspondent-on-the-uk-government-reviewing-whether-kanye-west-should-be-allowed-in-the-country/ The UK Government is reviewing whether Kanye West should be allowed to enter the country after a major festival sparked outrage. Wireless Festival announced West as the headliner, causing several major brands to withdraw their sponsorships from the three-day event.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unlikely Kanye West will get approval, and the festival will need to book a new headliner. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:14:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-chief-executive-on-what-auckland-needs-to-improve-in-terms-of-infrastructure/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nick-leggett-infrastructure-nz-chief-executive-on-what-auckland-needs-to-improve-in-terms-of-infrastructure/ One expert says it's important Auckland makes the most of what it has in terms of infrastructure, rather than daydreaming about future mega-projects. Infrastructure New Zealand is calling for more investment in Auckland's transport woes in order to boost the city's productivity.  CEO Nick Leggett says Auckland needs to unlock the right tools to make the most of the city - and said a congestion charge is needed to fund more infrastructure.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:05:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-the-sheep-and-beef-profits-forecast-for-2025-26/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jamie-mackay-the-country-host-on-the-sheep-and-beef-profits-forecast-for-2025-26/ The average sheep and beef farm is forecast to make double what they did last year - according to new projections.  The Mid-Season Update by Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Economic Service is forecasting an average profit before tax for 2025-26 of $287,600 per farm, following two difficult seasons for the sector. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:53:20 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-what-did-we-think-of-tovas-luxon-interview/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-what-did-we-think-of-tovas-luxon-interview/ Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Tō Waha Media's Carmen Parahi joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Tova O’Brien asked Prime Minister Chris Luxon how many Māori MPs are in the National Party portion of the Cabinet following the recent reshuffle. What do we make of this? Do we think this matters?  US President Donald Trump is warning the US military will obliterate Iranian power infrastructure and bridges within four hours, if Tehran doesn't agree to his deadline for a deal tomorrow. Do we think Trump will follow through on this?  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:44:58 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-the-increase-in-fuel-prices-as-a-result-of-the-middle-east-conflict/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/nicola-willis-finance-minister-on-the-increase-in-fuel-prices-as-a-result-of-the-middle-east-conflict/ The Finance Minister says these increasing fuel prices will be tough on Kiwis as the Middle East conflict continues on. Fuel supplies remain stable with the Strait of Hormuz still blocked, but petrol and diesel prices have continued to surge. US President Donald Trump's threatening to obliterate all Iran's bridges and power infrastructure - if Iran doesn't do what he wants by tomorrow. Nicola Willis says New Zealand is experiencing a price shock in line with the rest of the world - and it's tough. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:26:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-07-april-2026/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/full-show-podcast-07-april-2026/ On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 7 April, 2026, we ask a former CIA officer if Donald Trump's serious with tomorrow's midday deadline for Iran. Air New Zealand's cutting flights - we talk to the Airports Association chief executive on who'll be affected. Fancy a bird? Why Oamaru is giving them away. And on The Huddle, Jordan Williams and Carmen Parahi debate whether the Prime Minister should know how many Maori he has in Cabinet. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:11:41 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-do-we-think-trump-will-go-through-with-the-iran-threats/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-do-we-think-trump-will-go-through-with-the-iran-threats/ Midday tomorrow - our time. That is the deadline Donald Trump has given Iran. Now, if your reaction is something along the lines of not really caring because Donald Trump has set plenty of deadlines before and then walked away from them, that’s fair enough. All of that is true. But this one does feel ever so slightly different. This time he has set a very specific deadline - an exact hour on an exact day. He doubled down on it this morning in a lengthy news conference. It isn’t weeks away. And the threat itself is very specific: he says he will target bridges and power plants. It also appears the administration has, to some degree, thought through how such an attack would unfold. Trump has even claimed it would take a precise amount of time - four hours. Now, even if he sounds more serious and more prepared, that doesn’t mean he’ll actually go through with it. The obvious off-ramp is the same one he’s used before: announcing that Iran has come to the table, that progress has been made in peace talks - progress no one else can verify - but insisting we simply trust that it’s happening behind closed doors. What’s clear, though, is that Trump is deeply frustrated. At the weekend, that frustration has centred on the Strait of Hormuz. And this should be dawning on everyone: Donald Trump can’t force it open. That reality seems to be hitting him now, hence the expletive-laden messages on social media in the past few days. He has two options. One is to escalate - to hit Iran so hard that it concedes and opens the strait. That’s a long shot. The other is to declare victory, claim he’s achieved everything he set out to do and walk away - leaving Iran effectively in control of the strait. Iran would then be able to levy a charge of around US$2 million a ship, split with Oman, which sits across the water. We know this because Iran has now put forward a 10-point peace plan that explicitly lays out this intention. Those appear to be the only two paths left. Trump has made a very big deal out of choosing the first - out of threatening massive escalation. So at midday tomorrow, it’s either all on…or it’s the most spectacular walk-back yet. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:08:33 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rima-nakhle-takanini-national-mp-on-the-proposed-changes-set-to-be-made-to-the-public-finance-bill/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/rima-nakhle-takanini-national-mp-on-the-proposed-changes-set-to-be-made-to-the-public-finance-bill/ A potential new law could restrict Crown funds reaching gang-linked organisations. Takanini National MP Rima Nakhle's proposed amendment to the Public Finance Bill has been pulled from the biscuit tin.  It would prohibit agencies from providing money to organisations run, administered or associated with gangs.  Nakhle says the last Government gave $2.75 million to gangs via Kainga Ora.   "There's no doubt that there's people that choose to change their lives, but we're not going to accept that public money goes to gangs, basically, when they're the ones selling the drugs. So how do they become the saviours?" LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:42:10 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/mel-tavendale-waitaki-mayor-on-the-district-looking-to-give-away-48-aviary-birds/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/mel-tavendale-waitaki-mayor-on-the-district-looking-to-give-away-48-aviary-birds/ If you're in search of a budgie or a pheasant or even a sulphur-crested cockatoo, Waitaki District Council may bring good news. The council is looking to re-home over 48 birds as it plans to demolish two aviaries that are no longer fit for purpose. Waitaki mayor Mel Tavendale says these birds are all free to good homes - and they've seen over 50 applications from interested prospective owners. She explained the council's trying to find a better life for the birds, as the aviaries can no longer offer that. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:22:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/glenn-carle-former-cia-intelligence-officer-on-whether-we-should-take-trumps-iran-threat-seriously/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/glenn-carle-former-cia-intelligence-officer-on-whether-we-should-take-trumps-iran-threat-seriously/ An intelligence expert's looking at Donald Trump's reputation of walking back on threats.  An expletive laden social media post from the President over the the weekend warned Iran the US would destroy power infrastructure if it doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz by tomorrow.  Former CIA intelligence officer, Glenn Carle, says Trump often turns up the heat with ultimatums - before turning it down again. "I wouldn't dismiss it - obviously, he lost the attack, but I find it hard to imagine that even he would obliterate the infrastructure of the country." LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:02:50 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/billie-moore-airports-association-chief-executive-on-the-increase-in-airlines-axing-flights/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/billie-moore-airports-association-chief-executive-on-the-increase-in-airlines-axing-flights/ There's no surprise regional flights are some of the first on the chopping block for Air New Zealand. The airline says rising jet fuel prices are making it cut about four percent of flights, including many for Tauranga and Nelson. Affected customers will be told this week - and most put on same-day alternative flights. It axed more than a thousand flights in March. Airports Association chief executive, Billie Moore, says it's not just about reducing fuel costs. "One return flight to New York, for instance, would use the same amount of fuel as 170 return flights to New Plymouth. So this is about broad commercial optimisation."   LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:47:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-donald-trumps-iran-deadline-looming-closer/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/barry-soper-newstalk-zb-senior-political-correspondent-on-donald-trumps-iran-deadline-looming-closer/ Iran has less than 24 hours to make a deal, before Donald Trump's threats of total obliteration could take effect.  Trump's rhetoric is growing increasingly violent - threatening to decimate Iran's bridges and power beyond repair, after tomorrow's deadline passes.  But Tehran's rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal, saying it wants a definitive end to the war.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's another Trump deadline that's set to pass, and it's unclear what Trump's terms are.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:25:32 Z