Larry Williams Drive

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 14 June 2024, the Government has committed to completely overhauling our gun laws. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee tells Heather what she wants to change.  Health NZ's Chief People Officer explains why a hiring freeze across his organisation is needed to save money urgently - and why it won't affect your healthcare.  The Huddle debates who should win in this weekend's Super Rugby Playoffs.  Plus the greatest hit of political memories... It's the 40th anniversary of Rob Muldoon's calling a snap - schnapps - election. Barry Soper remembers the night...  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 European Union's top court has fined Hungary €200m ($400m NZD) for failing to follow asylum policies.  The court will also penalise Hungary €1m a day until it changes its policy.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis-Allan “Hungary is a big recipient of funds from the E.U.”  Grey said “The E.U is annoyed with Budapest as they’re in breach of a 220 judgement.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders could soon find it easier to travel to China after yesterday's bilateral meeting between Christopher Luxon and Li Qiang.  It was the first meeting of a New Zealand Prime Minister and Chinese Premier on New Zealand soil since 2017.  Li Qiang has agreed to extend China's unilateral visa-free treatment to New Zealand, following similar agreements with other countries, and says his country also stands ready to offer infrastructure funding.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “The Chinese state media is focusing on the trade aspects – this is being presented as a trade visit.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's leader has revealed the previous Government had a major relationship breakdown with the agriculture sector at the end of its term in Government.   Speaking to the Country from Fieldays, Chris Hipkins said he was at the event to listen to the concerns of farmers.  Senior Political Correspondent, Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan farmers are the economic backbone of this country.  Soper said “Farming exports way and above outweigh anything else in this country, so let’s look after them.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016, NZ Herald ran the headline: ‘Is Soumil Singh New Zealand’s smartest teen?’   Singh was Hamilton Boys High School’s Dux – now he’s a Harvard grad, with a $6 million A.I start-up in New York City.  Singh told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The landscape for investing in tech start-ups is good – and so’s AI.”  He said “I had the itch to go to Harvard since I was a kid.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sports Huddle this evening: Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentators Elliott Smith and Paul Allison.   The Black Caps lost to West Indies in Thursday’s crucial T20 pool game in Trinidad and Tobago – so they won’t make it to the knockout phase of the tournament.  Paul Allison told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he’s disappointed in the Black Caps loss, given their performance in recent T20 tournaments – being semifinalists two years ago and runners up 2021.   Allison said “They’re blaming weather and poor preparation of pitches – they also have to have a good hard look at the planning.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hurricanes will host The Chiefs tomorrow night for tomorrow’s semifinal at Sky Stadium.   Hurricanes Captain, Brad Shields, is one of only two remaining players from their winning 2016 side.   Hurricanes Assistant Coach Cory Jane told Heather du Plessis-Allan “The excitement of having a semifinal at home doesn’t secure a win - but it’s exciting to play in front of your crowd.”  Jane said he’s gutted Xavier Noumea is injured, as he’s the best loose-head prop in the country.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has implemented a freeze on hiring for all non-frontline roles – to bring down spending.   This will include all hospital roles that are not patient-facing, and all public health roles that are not community-facing.  Health New Zealand Chief People Officer, Andrew Slater, told Heather du Plessis-Allan “That pause is likely to be on as we enter July-August as well.”  Slater said “This pause will move the recruitment process back down to local hands.”  LISTEN ABOVE.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will change the Arms Act by 2026 - as part of its planned firearms reforms.  Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee said New Zealand’s gun laws had been in place for over four decades.  McKee told Heather du Plessis-Allan “We want to remove NZ Police from the administration, regulation and policymaking of firearms.”  She said this will allow Police to focus on enforcement - and get the gangs away from guns.  LISTEN ABOVE.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks 40 years since Robert Muldoon’s snap election – and Barry Soper recounts the former Prime Minister’s drunken media interview.   Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan “He was absolutely incoherent.”  “The Governor General, David Beattie, had to take over the interview, while Muldoon was bundled into his LTD limo, and taken back to parliament to sober him up.”   LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a 10-year security agreement on Thursday – stating it’s a milestone in relations between their countries,  G7 leaders have also agreed to a $50 billion USD loan to help Ukraine in its conflict. Interest earned on profits from Russia’s frozen central bank assets would be used as collateral.  US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan “President Zelenskyy seemed optimistic that his country would retain support from the Biden administration – or any administration.”  Mitchinson said “Joe Biden makes the commitment right now, but if he’s not re-elected in November, can that that be fulfilled?”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Blues face The Brumbies tonight at Eden Park, for The Super Rugby semifinal.   The Blues have already beaten Canberra team this season – a major 46-7 win at Eden Park in April.  Weekend Sport Host Jason Pine told Heather du Plessis-Allan “No Australian side has ever come to New Zealand and won a playoff game.”  Piney said “Hurricanes will have the home advantage – but no degree of overriding certainity.”  LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taxpayers Union has said that the New Zealand Film Commission needs to stop giving out film subsidies – because they’re not good value.  According to numbers compiled by former boss of South Pacific Pictures, John Barnett, the Film Commission has spent a whopping $88 million of taxpayer money on 54 movies over the last few years. However, they only made $14 million at the NZ Box Office.   John Barnett told Heater du Plessis-Allan “Our stories need by told by us, and to us.”  Barnett said “We should be smarter about what we put our money into.”  LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is 40 years to the day since Rob Muldoon called the snap election.   Which then, of course, led to his defeat. Which then, of course, led to the incoming Labour Government, realised we were nearly broke as a country. Which then led to them embarking on the most amazing set of reforms which they do not get enough credit for to this day - and get way too much grief for.   It is a really interesting anniversary for us to mark right now - as we find ourselves in a recession that feels like the worst that many of us have ever experienced. As we watch old names in New Zealand, like Smith and Caughey give up. As we see projections that the country's debt will just keep growing.  Because today, Roger Douglas - one of the primary architects of those reforms back in 1984 - has given an interview saying we are as in as much trouble today, as we were back in 1984. By the way, if you ask why is Roger Douglas piping up again? He's not stopped, ay. You cannot stop the man. He's still pouring over all the government fi

Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others, has gone on trial accused of the attempted murder of another newborn in her care. The 34-year-old was found guilty in August last year of committing the crimes between June 2015 and June 2016, while working as a nurse in the neonatal unit of a Chester hospital. The former nurse is now on trial at Manchester Crown Court charged with one count of attempted murder of a further young baby girl, known as Child K, in February 2016. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Letby has since denied the charges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple has made a plunge into the AI universe through its new offering: Apple Intelligence. The tech giant revealed how it planned to pair up with OpenAI in order to integrate AI into its devices and software. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained this development further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fitch ratings agency is casting doubts on New Zealand's economic future. The agency is considering bringing down the nation's rating, amid concerns surrounding increased debt and low immigration flow. NZ Herald Business editor-at-large Liam Dann unpacks the implications of this news.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he has discussed issues important to New Zealand's interests with China's Premier, Li Qiang. The pair held high-level talks this afternoon, following an official powhiri welcome to Government House. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the fanfare surrounding this high-profile visit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 13 June 2024, China's Premier has touched down in NZ amongst new revelations of Chinese foreign interference. Transport Minister Simeon Brown tells Heather why he's increasing speedlimits again across the country. The Black Caps have had a horrific showing in the T20 World Cup. D'Arcy Waldegrave can't believe it. The Huddle debates whether Kevin Spacey will ever get a movie job again. Plus what are "hot rodent men" and why is Hollywood in love with them? 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Men's Health Week director Mark Sainsbury and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The coalition Government has committed to reversing Labour's restrictions on speed limits. From July, speed limits will be readjusted to pre-2020 levels. Is this sensible or too risky? New research shows the difference between what mayors earn and what councillors earn. Auckland mayors and councillors bring in the most money - but a Stratford councillor get $23,000. Does this need to be changed? What did we think of Kevin Spacey's infamous interview with Piers Morgan? Will he ever get another acting job? Coal-generated electricity has risen by 99 percent, while gas supply has decreased 12 percent in the March quarter. How much trouble are we in? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.