Larry Williams Drive

The former boss of Air New Zealand is jetting off to America.  It's been reported Greg Foran will be named as the new chief executive of retail giant, Kroger. It operates supermarkets and multi-department stores throughout the US, and is regarded as one of the country's big four retailers. Greg Foran says he'll have his hands full but he's looking forward to it. "It's a business, does about $150 billion a year and just over 400,000 associates work there, there's about $3,000 stores, multiple brands - it's going to be complex." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the newly announced facility for importing liquefied natural gas will save Kiwi households more money. The Government plans to impose a levy on electricity users to pay for the importation facility, expected to be around a billion dollars. A contract's expected to be signed later this year. Nicola Willis says this will help fund a more secure energy supply, meaning lower costs for households. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 February, 2026, our reporter tells us about changes to the Christchurch mosque attacker's appearance - as he fronts up to the Court of Appeal. Shane Jones explains what's happening with his regional development fund. Former Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran says that job has helped set him up for his new big venture in the U.S. And on the Huddle, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson discuss whether our children should be learning to touch type. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds. Around half of Crown Regional Holdings' loan book is considered at risk of default. Most of the $433 million portfolio covers the Provincial Growth Fund and the current Regional Infrastructure Fund, were both looked over by Shane Jones. Jones says his party supports investment in regions. "Not too different from what the commercial banks are dealing with, as we speak at this moment."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible that some sporting events are just so big that they can more or less do whatever they want politically without suffering any real consequences? I’m asking this because of what happened during the Super Bowl halftime performance. Bad Bunny was everything the MAGA crowd expected - and perhaps feared - he would be. Some were already threatening to boycott the halftime show because Bad Bunny has been a vocal critic of Trump’s ICE raids, having spoken out at the Grammys last week, which was just the latest in a series of comments.  A Trump-aligned MAGA group even hosted an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock. So expectations were high, and the moment came. At the end of Bad Bunny’s performance, standing among flags from various South American countries, he made his point. He said, “God bless America,” and then name-checked countries from across North and predominantly South America - an obviously deliberate provocation, given ICE’s targeting of migrants from those nations. And right on

The role of touch-typing in schools is in the spotlight, as digital testing becomes the norm. A new NZQA report reveals Education Minister Erica Stanford weighed up adding it to the curriculum last year. The report doesn’t make a call, instead suggesting technical and cognitive skills be taught across subjects. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken says there are pros and cons - and schools are already struggling with an overcrowded curriculum. "Anybody who's sat exams knows the pressure situations and you're trying to get your ideas down really quickly, and having that ability to type would be an advantage."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government isn't giving a firm figure on what'll be paid to build a liquefied natural gas import facility in Taranaki. It's aiming to sign a contract by mid-year. It says it'll save the country about $265 million a year - about $50 dollars per household - and protect about 2000 jobs.  An electricity levy of $2-$4 per megawatt-hour will fund the infrastructure. Energy Minister Simon Watts says limited gas supply contributed to the recent increase in energy crisis and the Government needs to establish a new supply. "That'll take the risk and put certainty back in to ensure we do have gas in a dry year, and with that, that provides benefits through to the broader country."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mosque terrorist claims prison conditions essentially forced him to plead guilty to his crimes. The shooter has addressed three Court of Appeal judges in Wellington in a bid to vacate his guilty pleas for murder, attempted murder, and terrorism - in March 2019. He's serving life in prison. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell says Tarrant told the court solitary confinement, being under constant observation and the lack of reading materials helped his health decline. "He also mentioned he thought guards were playing mind games with him and telling him they couldn't understand what he was saying. So all of this, he says, led to something of an identity crisis." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is contracting to build a liquefied natural gas import facility, as a reliable backup fuel source. It's expected to save the country about $265 million a year, equivalent to about $50 per household.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains the project further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Australia to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, but his arrival has prompted concerns. Herzog's visit is facing nationwide protests by pro-Palestinian groups and authorities are warning people to be prepared for disruptions.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says thousands of people are set to gather in Sydney's CBD and workers have been warned to stay out of the way and work from home if possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seattle Seahawks have shut down the New England Patriots to win the 60th edition of the Super Bowl in California. The Seahawks have claimed a 29-13 win, keeping the scoreboard ticking over with four field goals to have a 12-nil lead before the game's only touchdowns came in the final quarter. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Air New Zealand customers are being warned to be prepared as the airline braces for an upcoming strike. The airline has been forced to make schedule changes and 44 flights have been cancelled ahead of the industrial action planned for February 12 and 13. Air NZ Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien says the airline will be ensuring that the impact on customers will be as minimal as possible. "If you do need to change plans and you do incur reasonable costs for transport, accommodation, meals - the customer should look to have those reimbursed as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 5 February, 2026, our political reporter at Waitangi tells us the prime minister got a harder time this year than ACT leader David Seymour. We ask why the wastewater plant pumping poo into Wellington's water wasn't fixed earlier. Is Invercargill not up with the times? The council's plan to spend $2 million on a clock tower. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Mark Sainsbury discuss how councils need to lift their game. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s a question for you: Was your first reaction to the news of sewage pumping into Wellington’s water something along the lines of, “Oh well, these things happen”? I ask because I’ve spent the past 24 hours fighting the urge to wave this away as one of those unfortunate, unforeseen things that just happen from time to time. You know — mistakes happen. I’m glad I resisted that urge, because the latest information actually makes the situation far more concerning.The Moa Point facility is run by a private contractor, Veolia, and there have been years of warnings that it was non-compliant. Since January 2024 — two years ago — it has failed to meet compliance every single month except for two. That’s a pretty poor record. The issues have included inappropriate discharges, odour problems, and repeated problems involving faecal bacteria. A review three years ago looked across all four water‑treatment plants Veolia runs in the Wellington region and found understaffing, inexperienced operators, and frontline teams

Last year, food giant Watties had to cut contracts with 20 peach growers, citing market dumping and Cyclone Gabrielle as the key factors for the decision. An investigation by the government found that Chinese fruit company J&G International Co. Ltd. was indeed dumping peaches in to the market, causing 'material damage' to the industry.  Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this situation unfortunately isn't rare.  "It's not completely uncommon. We get probably 1 or 2 a year cases of dumping of product, not just peaches, a whole range of stuff." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing calls for an overhaul our 30-year-old dog control laws. The Listener reports between 2020 and 2024, the cost of ACC claims for dog bites rose from just over 10 and a half million to just over 15 and a half million - with most occurring in private homes. Ministry of Hound owner and dog trainer Diana Haggitt says she's in support of making changes. She told Heather du Plessis-Allan that many of the problems stem from a lack of education for dog owners. Haggitt says that includes breed specific requirements, what's involved in training a dog and what the legal obligations are. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Belief from an Invercargill City Councillor the city doesn't need to rebuild its clock tower. The council plans to spend two million dollars on the renovation work in Wachner Place. Councillor Ian Pottinger says he believes the money could be spent on other things. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that the money could go to a local high school which wants improved road safety. Pottinger says councillors were told they don't have money in the bank for that work, and would need to go and find funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revelations Wellington's wastewater treatment plant has been non compliant almost every month for the last two years - after a huge failure yesterday. Heavy rain flooded the Moa Point plant's lower floors, causing it to shut down and millions of litres of sewage to pour into the ocean. Wellington Water Chair Nick Leggett told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there's going to have to be significant money spent on Wellington's plants from now on. He says they haven't had the investment over many years that's needed to keep them up to scratch. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A higher level of security's been seen at Waitangi this year.  Protestors and hecklers have made their presence known, but the increased security presence has deterred larger gatherings. Political Reporter Ethan Griffiths told Heather du Plessis-Allan that there's a larger quantity of people with diplomatic protection, as well as Police at the grounds and around Paihia.  He said that police-operated drones have been seen, as well as officers checking for any suspicious devices under cars.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are discussions around bidders potentially giving Chateau Tongariro a fix-up. A Government response to a petition confirms the Department of Conservation's been urged to speak with investors and iwi to potentially fund restoration for the heritage-listed hotel. Demolition still remains an option. Adrift Tongariro Guiding owner Stewart Barclay told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it's significant for employment - and would pay for itself over time. He says it's essential for tourism, which brings money in to the local area.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.