Airports across the UK were all impacted by an outage at passport e-gates, causing subsequent delays. The outage at e-gates left staff at several airports manually processing travellers to get them through. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is the second high-profile airport issue since May 2023. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

Questions are being raised about the future of the Port of Tauranga. This comes off the back of Auckland mayor Wayne Brown confirming the Port of Auckland's land, assets, and operations will be kept in council ownership. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explores a few potential outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy …

One expert has noticed New Zealand's biggest banks don't seem to be rushing to get more information about the insurability of the properties they lend against. The Reserve Bank wants banks to keep a closer eye on the long-term insurability of properties they lend against, amid concerns about natural risks. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee…

One Cambridge scientist may have gotten us one step closer to discovering life on other planets. Professor Nikku Madhusudhan came across dimethyl sulphide gas on planet K2-18b during a routine scan - a gas mainly produced by living things. He says the planet is suspected to be an ocean world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, meaning the gas could co…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 8 May 2024, the man wanted in relation to the Ponsonby shooting has been found dead in Taupo. Detective Inspector Chris Barry tells Heather whether or not it's a gang related incident. Haeata Community Campus Principal Peggy Burrows responds to David Seymour's free school lunche…

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Authorities still claim Sunday's shooting on Auckland's Ponsonby Road is still a bit of a mystery following the death of the shooter today. Will we learn the truth? Is this a s…

Genesis Energy has confirmed they plan to resume buying coal amid reduced gas supplies and increased consumer demand. The company claims it needs to invest in a solid stockpile to ensure customers can access what they need for the time being. CEO Malcolm Johns warns the company will dip below the 350,000 tonne threshold by spring. "We're going to h…

The dilapidated Gordon Wilson Flats in Wellington will keep their heritage label - for now. RMA Minister Chris Bishop has rejected a last-minute move to remove heritage listings for a number of buildings to make way for development. But he has given the green light to a range of housing recommendations, with hopes to encourage intensification in th…

There's reservations about the Government's new school lunch scheme. Associate Education Minister David Seymour has unveiled a programme he says will continue feeding kids already getting free school lunches. But he says they'll save $107 million a year by serving simple items and having a Government bulk-order for food. Haeata Community Campus Pri…

A constitutional law expert suggests changing rules on enrolling to vote could benefit the current Government. A report by the Auditor-General's found pressures on systems led to mistakes in the vote count, such as a rushed final check of the official results. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has proposed stopping people enrolling to vote on electio…

Police say Sunday's shooting on Auckland's Ponsonby Road is still a bit of a mystery. 33-year-old Robert Sidney Horne was killed by 31-year-old Killer Beez member, Hone Kay-Selwyn, after he and other got out of a car, about 10.15pm. Kay-Selwyn was found dead yesterday in a rural property near Taupō, hundreds of kilometres from Auckland. Detective I…

The Government says the country's low gas production is threatening our energy security. Figures released by the Gas Industry Company show there was a 12.5 percent reduction in gas production last year and almost 30 percent less has been produced this year than projected. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says more people are getting de…

Adult film actress Stormy Daniels has described her alleged affair with Donald Trump - in graphic detail. She's taken the stand today as a key witness in the former US President's ongoing criminal hush money trial in New York. Daniels walked the jury through a sexual encounter in 2006 - that Trump denies - and the $130,000 in hush money she receive…

NZ Rugby's entire board could be forced to reapply under a new governance proposal - regardless of how this month's general meeting plays out. On May 30, NZR will hold the meeting with its voting members to finalise a new governance structure after an investigation determined the current model was not fit for purpose. ZB sports commentator Elliott …

New research indicates manual cars will be phased out within the next five years. The number of new manual cars being manufactured has halved within the last six years - and companies like Volvo, Lexus, Jaguar have stopped producing showroom models of manual cars. AA's Roger Venn says it's likely we'll only be importing battery-powered electric veh…

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is determined to fight on after a poor showing in the UK local elections. The final votes were counted last weekend, and the Tories lost 10 councils and over 470 council seats. UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's hard to see where Sunak goes from here. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Meat exporters are celebrating news the Government's negotiating a free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Trade Minister Todd McClay says he hopes to get a deal over the line as soon as possible. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says it's good that we're striking when the iron's hot when it comes to demand from that part of t…

The small town of Reefton, located in the West Coast, is sitting on a supply of a valuable mineral. An Australian mining company believes Reefton could have 5 percent of the world's supply of antimony. Siren Gold CEO Victor Rajasooriar says it's likely they'll find at least 50,000 to 100,000 tonnes of antimony if they keep drilling. "We're quite co…

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has announced his idea of leasing out Port operations for 35 years is now off the table. A new agreement with unions and the Port will instead see the land, assets and operations retained by the Council. Mayor Brown says the Auckland ratepayers can't keep on subsidising Port operations. "I think it's worth keeping the Por…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 7 May 2024, an investigation into vote counting errors uncovered more mistakes at last year's election. Chief Electoral Commissioner Karl Le Quesne tells Heather why their checks weren't up to scratch. Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell fronts after his shambolic press conference …

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Paddy Gower and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour deputy leader Carmel Sepuloni may or may not be one of the contestants on the upcoming season of Celebrity Treasure Island. Is this the right move for a politician to make? Did s…

A property manager is defending asking tenants to clean wheelie bins after backlash online. The Xclusive Property Management guide sets out end-of-tenancy expectations for renters. They include cleaning extractor fans, heat pump filters and wheelie bins. The Tenants' Protection Association says these terms are 'pathetic' and 'petty'. Xclusive direc…

The Correction Minister's holding his hands up after mixing up new spending numbers. The Government's putting up $1.9 billion to add more than 800 beds at Waikeria Prison and deliver 685 more frontline Corrections staff, including 470 prison officers. Mark Mitchell's office has been forced to issue a correction, after several figures were confused …

Two-and-a-half-thousand junior doctors have been striking since 7 this morning over pay negotiations. The Resident Doctors Association says the latest offer meant about 600 registrars would have had pay freezes or cuts of up to 12 percent. Health NZ Chief People Officer Andrew Slater says no current resident medical officers would get a pay cut. "T…

Big numbers of special votes and enrolments took a toll on vote counters in last year's election. A report on the count by the Auditor-General has found the final check of the official result was done in a few hours, on the day it was announced. The rushed assessment failed to identify multiple errors. It normally takes two days. Chief Electoral Of…

The Green Party leadership says it's been made clear to Julie Anne Genter she can never repeat last week's behaviour in the House. Genter hasn't spoken publicly, since crossing the chamber and confronting Minister Matt Doocey during a transport debate. It's been confirmed today she'll face the Privileges Committee and a party disciplinary process i…

Australia's Reserve Bank has made the decision to leave the OCR in place at 4.35 percent. This decision is in line with predictions from economists, amid an uncertain financial outlook. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Reserve Bank hasn't ruled out more increases in order to tackle inflation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

Security has become a focal point for the men's T20 cricket World Cup and the Black Caps next month in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has confirmed a terrorism threat. ZB Wellington sports reader Adam Cooper explains the impact of this update. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

The country's largest bank has increased its cash profit, despite falling interest margins. ANZ New Zealand's cash profit rose to $1.15 billion dollars in the six months to March. That's stable on the previous six months, and up four percent on the same period the previous year. Chief Executive Antonia Watson says the bank has taken on less provisi…

It's being reported the UK Government considered using Iraq to process asylum seekers - similar to the Rwanda scheme. This move could have seen people sent from the UK to a country the Government advises against travel to. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Iraq was willing to move forward without a formal or public agreement, according to leaked doc…

New Zealand universities are urging Immigration to figure out a quick solution to approving student visas. 18 percent of student visas remained unconfirmed by the time universities started for the 2024 year. Immigration NZ visa director Celia Coombes says a number of student visa applications were sent in too late to process. "We provided advice re…

There's hopes Auckland's water deal with the Government can be replicated in the Wellington region. The Government and Auckland Council yesterday announced an agreement to help Aucklanders avoid a previously-signalled 25.8 percent water rates hike. Carterton mayor Ron Mark says they've agreed to working collaboratively to producing a regional water…

The Government is pumping $1.9 billion into bolstering prison capacity, staffing and criminal rehab programmes. The Budget investment will add more than 800 extra beds at Waikeria Prison and deliver 685 more frontline Corrections staff, including 470 prison officers. ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unclear if the extra cash boost i…

Qantas has been slapped with a hefty fine over flight cancellations. Australia's consumer watchdog sued the airline, claiming in 2022 it sold thousands of tickets for 'ghost flights'. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the airline will have to pay millions of dollars extra to the affected customers, beyond their $120 million dollar fine.…

The Warriors have been left lamenting another sloppy performance after their winless run in league's NRL extended to four matches. A lack-lustre effort in Newcastle has ended in a 14 to 8 defeat to the hometown Knights. Sportstalk's Jason Pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 6 May 2024, Detective Inspector Chris Barry tells Heather a manhunt is underway for the "extremely dangerous" man accused of fatally shooting another man on Ponsonby Road on Sunday night. The Resident Doctors Association says they will push ahead with their 24-hour strike in solida…

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has called out disgruntled residents of high-end Auckland suburbs who left poo bags scattered around local parks to protest the removal of the bins. …

The Finance Minister says today's OECD report reinforces what the nation needs ahead of the 2024 Budget. The OECD's biennial report has warned inflation is likely to be persistent - and the Government should set polices to reduce the deficit. Minister Nicola Willis says it's clear New Zealand needs to get spending under control and invest in crucia…

Pay increases for corrections staff from a $1.9 billion Budget boost. The Government says the funding will go into more than 800 extra beds at Waikeria Prison - and 685 more frontline Corrections staff, including 470 prison officers. Millions will go into rehab for the 45 percent of prisoners on remand. Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell says this …

Award-winning Māori musician Ria Hall has announced she's running for the Tauranga mayoralty. She's up against former deputy mayor Tina Salisbury, who announced her interest last week. Ria Hall says the Tauranga region desperately needs change - and she's ready to step up. "There's some real excitement on the ground - there's lots of murmurs happen…

The OECD has released its detailed biennial report on New Zealand's economy, ahead of the 2024 Budget. It lays out suggestions to improve productivity - highlighting competition. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny says the OECD thinks the Government could more aggressively break up monopolies and duopolies, like supermarkets. "It…

Police say there's no indication a deadly shooting on Auckland's Ponsonby Road last night is gang related. A man who was part of a group was killed after getting out of a car, shot by a man who'd reportedly been denied entry to a bar. He's described as dangerous, and is of a large build, with dark hair, a beard and moustache - and a large tattoo on…

2,500 resident doctors are striking across the country at 7am tomorrow, for 25 hours. Mediation with Health New Zealand did not result in a settlement last week. More than 2,000 doctors had been offered raises of up to 25 percent, but about 300 would have had a 12 percent pay cut. Resident Doctors Association President James Anderson says the offer…

We have a young producer working on this show called Jack, who’s recently moved over from London. He asked us today why we're all so worked up about this one shooting on Ponsonby Road - and why if you open any of the local newspapers' websites today, it’s right there at the top of the front page. As Jack says, this happens all the time in London, i…

Political Correspondent Barry Soper wraps the political week. The Deputy Prime Minister's facing defamation accusations from former Australia Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr, following comments Peters made about Carr's relationship with China. Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan ‘Winston has been terribly diplomatic overseas, and maybe the …

Wellington's Victoria University's controversial free speech debate is back on, with more speakers added. A panel discussion around the role of universities in free speech was meant to be held on Monday, but it was pushed to the end of May, after opposition from some students. Victoria University Vice Chancellor Nic Smith told Heather du Plessis-Al…

Julie Anne Genter shouted at Wellington florist, Laura Newcombe about cycleways in Wellington. Newcombe told Heather du Plessis-Allan that she could tell Genter didn’t really want to buy flowers and came in with a big attitude. “It’s common knowledge that I was opposed every single car park removed from the shopping precinct.” Newcombe said “Perhap…

I reckon Bob Carr might be wasting his time and money sueing Winston Peters for defamation. If he was hoping that he would scare Winston into silence... he hasn't. Winston just hit twitter today and doubled-down. Calling Bob Carr a shill. A shill is someone who is a bit of a hustler... who tries to convince other people to think something is great.…

The UK local elections are underway - and Rishi Sunak's fate is hanging in the balance. Polls indicate Sunak is losing, and his party stands to lose approximately 50 percent of their council seats. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this could open up a discussion about Sunak's standing ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener …

China's economy has been experiencing a downturn- weak growth, increased debt, and unwanted Government intervention. Despite this, China's stock market is the second-best performing market in the world so far this year. Fisher Funds' Sam Dickie explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…