Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has revealed he gets 30 death threats a week - as ministers are accused of 'playing politics' with his safety.  He will present the figures when he holds talks with the head of the MPs security team in a bid to improve protection for Reform MPs following the murder of Ann Widdecombe. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says these stats will likely lead to an overall review into security - as violence is on the rise.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home owners are being warned their insurance claims could be declined if their local councils deem their properties to be at risk of natural hazards. According to Land Information New Zealand, 25,614 properties have natural hazard risks flagged on their titles. That means 25,614 properties may be at least partially uninsurable. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent reports indicate the listed retirement sector in New Zealand has continued to struggle in 2026. Share market expectations were high in the new year, but the predicted growth has since turned flat and negative. Milford Asset Management expert Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty is calling for tougher regulations on misbehaving councillors, including docking pay, banning people from meetings - or even recall elections. Do we think these changes are needed, or is this anti-democratic? We got our first case of bird flu in New Zealand today - should we be worried? What could this mean for our poultry sector?  Paul Henry recently gave an interview about why Prime Minister Chris Luxon isn't clicking with voters after he announced his bid to run for ACT. Does he have a point here? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 15 July, 2026, we talk to Poultry Industry Association executive director Fiona MacMillan about how well we're prepared for the first case of bird flu. Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty explains what punishment he wants for councillors who behave badly. We hear why a treatment centre's now been set up to deal with cellphone and screen addiction. And on The Huddle, we ask Tim Wilson and Mike Munro if ACT's new candidate, Paul Henry, will be a problem for Christopher Luxon. 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.

All right - given the level of hostility we have at the moment towards local body councillors and councils, I suspect there'll be plenty of support for the idea I'm about to tell you about. But I would caution against getting too excited because it's a terrible idea. If you've been following councils around the country lately, you'll be aware of Benedict Ong from the Dunedin City Council and Ray Chung from the Wellington City Council. Both are making nuisances of themselves, which is why they're in the news. Benedict, for repeatedly receiving council emails and then immediately forwarding them to multiple journalists and leaking the information; and Ray Chung, for getting himself to the scene of a missing person during a flooding event in Wellington when he shouldn't have been there, and then telling porkies, or what looked a lot like porkies afterwards, about why he was there. Now, Ben McNulty, the Wellington Deputy Mayor, is so frustrated by this nonsense that he's proposing tougher sanctions for councillors like this to deal with what he calls "almost existential threats to democracy" caused by councillors leaking sensitive information. Ben hasn't said specifically what powers he wants but whatever it is he's proposing, I don't like it. Because while I have no love for the antics of Benedict Ong, Ray Chung or anybody like that, I respect the fact that both of them were democratically elected. They are just as entitled to council information and council access as the most well-behaved councillors. And if we start dreaming up ways to punish wayward councillors we don't like, we may find those very same rules being used against good councillors we do like if the wayward ones gain a majority. Whatever punishment we concoct is a punishment that can be weaponised against enemies. There is already a perfectly good punishment for councillors who misbehave and push things too far. It is the loss of office at the next election. Democracy already has a built-in punishment. We do not need another one. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Netflix is in talks to buy the New Zealand-founded Letterboxd for $423 million, according to new reports. Letterboxd was created by Auckland designers Matthew Buchanan and Karl von Randow, and it allows people to create profiles and log and rate their favourite movies. Entertainment journalist Karl Puschmann says Letterboxd has a reputation as a niche social network, and there's concerns about what a corporate takeover could do for it. "That sense of community around it, you feel like you're with film enthusiasts, you feel part of that club - they've got a delicate balance here to keep that feeling and also get that return on investment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards have gotten underway for another year, with judging beginning today and continuing tomorrow. The awards are set to commemorate the very best in local and internationally available spirits within their categories. Spirits NZ CEO Robert Brewer says a 'remarkable' number of entries have been admitted and the judges are working their way through the options. "You've sort of got to keep innovating and keeping up with the times, so we've got a design and packaging award, emerging products - we even go and judge best cocktail bars, bar vendors."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington's deputy mayor is floating a law change to give councils more teeth for dealing with badly behaved representatives.  Ben McNulty's highlighted Dunedin City Council's stand off with suspended councillor Benedict Ong, who's being investigated over allegations he shared confidential information.  McNulty says some things done within councils would get people booted from the private sector.  He says a variety of punishments could be considered.   "It's something like being able to dock pay, being able to suspend them from attending council meetings." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's moving to protect local content, as it pushes through on mandatory AI standards. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promised to pass legislation by early next year. The protective controls will include barring AI companies using Australian books, music, art or news to build or train AI without the creator's consent and control.  Gorilla Technology CEO, Paul Spain, says he thinks music will be a particular focus. "What they're probably not going to tolerate is music that is too obvious as a rip-off of Australian music, and we would see that across a whole range of areas."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Poultry Association's worried but prepared, as New Zealand's first case of bird flu arrives. The virus was detected in a dead seabird on Wellington's Petone Beach today, but officials say there's no evidence of widespread transmission. Association boss Fiona MacMillan says the industry's confident in its plans, and there's no cause for panic.  "What it can do is devastating, but we've been preparing for this for quite some time. So in a sense - this detection doesn't change anything."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's newest - and best known - political prospect says the party has a perception issue he's hoping to fix.  Former broadcaster Paul Henry's announced he's standing as a list candidate this election, and is gunning for portfolios if their campaign is successful. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the reactions to the announcement from both sides of the political aisle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is turning up the heat, telling Iran it needs to make a peace deal. His military has renewed blockades on Iranian ports and launched a fourth day of strikes on the country. Meanwhile, Iran has targeted US allies in the region, including Kuwait and Jordan. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's unclear how this will end, given that Trump is thinking about the mid-term elections and the political impact of the conflict.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Europe's football champions have ruled over the FIFA World Cup champions. Spain has beaten France 2-nil in the first semi-final of the tournament - denying French manager Didier Deschamps a third successive final as his 14-year-old reign draws to a close. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nationwide-first treatment phone-addiction centre is launching next month. The Touchgrass service in Auckland's Grafton will treat 13 to 24 year olds - and their families. Forty percent of young people in a recent Internet NZ survey reported being addicted. Clinical lead, Frances Russell, says there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to helping. "What we're talking about here is different levels of harm. So it's really about matching the level of intervention to the level of need for that young person and their whanau."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heatwave conditions are set to continue across the UK over the next few days, according to new reports.  More than eight million households in England are now living under hosepipe bans, and some parts have recorded a wet weather shortage.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says more people are also working from home to beat the heat. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite being at 4.7 percent in the latest Reid Research-RNZ poll, the Opportunity Party hasn't managed to attract many farmers. The party is promising a 'Citizen's Income', compulsory KiwiSaver and a land value tax - and these haven't been received well by rural communities.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paul Henry has confirmed he's standing for the ACT Party ahead of the election - what do we make of this? Will this help ACT's chances? Do we see him making a difference in Parliament?  National underperformed in another poll - should we be worried?  Does it surprise us that Kiwis spent more than a billion dollars in takeaway deliveries in the first three months of the year? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strategic Pay’s latest Directors’ Fees Survey shows the non-executive director pay gap has narrowed to just 0.5 percent. The findings highlight a significant narrowing of the gender pay gap across New Zealand boardrooms - with women earning 5.9 percent less than their male counterparts in 2025. Strategic Pay managing director Cathy Hendry says growth in the public sector has helped move this change.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 14 July, 2026, ACT candidate Paul Henry tells us he'll think big if elected - but doesn't want to be leader. Delivereasy founder Tim Robinson explains our growing appetite for takeaways, spending more than $1 billion on them in three months. Karangahape Precinct Collective chair William Keung on why he believes the popular Auckland street needs 24-hour policing. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Mark Sainsbury are at odds on whether the Opportunity Party is on course to get into Parliament. 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.

New data shows that business confidence has picked up for  in the June quarter, but Middle East tensions and higher fuel prices remain a concern. The latest NZIER survey shows a net 12 percent of business owners are feeling positive - up from just 1 percent in March. Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon says things are changing day-to-day, and it's unclear where things will end up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How good is that Paul Henry announcement, eh? How good is that? ACT sent out a little media advisory last night about 7:30pm, saying there would be a major announcement. It would not be a policy announcement, no exclusive would be offered and there would be no embargoed material. I looked at it and immediately the texts started coming in. Is David Seymour resigning? Has somebody died? Is somebody pregnant? What's going on? I looked at it and thought, that's a lot of hype right there in that little media advisory. This better be good or the chat is going to be about damp squibs. But no, Paul Henry is absolutely worth all that hype. Paul Henry, I think, is the candidate get of the election so far. Don't forget, he was the highest-rated host of breakfast television in this country. He is immensely popular. He probably, I think, will single-handedly lift ACT's vote; at the very least, he will hold it up. Paul brings two things to ACT. The first is his absolute belief in New Zealand. That is authentic. He's been raving about New Zealand being paradise for years now. He's even done a TV show about it. When he says he wants to be in Parliament to sort out New Zealand's prosperity for the sake of his grandkids, I absolutely believe that to be true. The second thing he brings is entertainment. ACT has been struggling to break through on the right. The headlines have largely been hogged by New Zealand First. Paul Henry, I think, can get cut-through with his wit alone. Go and have a look at that press conference. He was very, very funny. Now, this is not to say that Paul Henry is going to go down well with everyone. There is a small group of people out there who absolutely hate his guts, but that is no loss to ACT because those people were most probably going to vote left anyway. My only hope for Paul is that he doesn't come to regret this decision because going into Parliament very rarely ends well for people who already have public profiles and successful careers.  Somehow, though, I think if that is how it goes for Paul Henry, he's not going to give a damn anyway, so it probably doesn't matter. Ten out of ten. This announcement is brilliant for ACT's campaign. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls for a 24-hour police presence in Auckland's Karangahape precinct before the City Rail Link opens. Two men are due in court today - after one person was seriously injured on Mercury Lane last night. Several people were arrested in the weekend after a bar fight nearby. Karangahape Precinct Collective chair William Keung says there's been a persistent series of anti-social incidents in the area - and concerns have been raised. "It seems to draw in that crowd that's actually causing the issues and challenges that we've got in play...there's been numerous callouts."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New evidence suggests nitrate in drinking water could increase the risk of premature birth.  A study of more than 700,000 birth records and estimated nitrate levels at the mother's residence, found it potentially contributes to about 4 percent of pre-term births every year.  Otago University professor Michael Baker says this research, paired with similar studies carried out overseas, adds up to the need for an evaluation of nitrate levels in water. "Denmark has recently reviewed its levels and it's dropped the level to 1.3 milligrams per litre, so that's about a tenth of that current level that we have in New Zealand. And they looked at a lot of evidence to do that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data shows that Kiwis spent a collective $1.1 billion on takeaways in the first quarter of 2026, as delivery services see more popularity. Delivereasy, Uber Eats, and DoorDash are becoming a key part of New Zealanders' lives - and diets - and many local eateries are reliant on these services. Delivereasy founder Tim Robinson says people like the convenience, and the growth has been interesting to watch. "Even when times are a little bit tough, people seem to like the convenience and the comfort."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New ACT candidate Paul Henry says he's not entering politics aspiring to leadership.  The former TVNZ Breakfast host is standing on the party list for this year's election.  Leader David Seymour says he'll be placed in an electable position.  Henry says he doesn't want to lead ACT. As for his hopes on becoming a minister, he says he hasn't thought yet which portfolio he'd want.  "If we are successful, ACT - if we get our way, there'll be far less ministers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former broadcaster Paul Henry recently confirmed he plans to run for the ACT Party this election, and leader David Seymour has expressed confidence in him. Henry has announced he's running as a list-only candidate, and has resigned from TVNZ's board. The famed former broadcaster failed in a National bid for Wairarapa in 1999. He says he wants to be a minister - but won't name a portfolio. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVE   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tributes to the late Sir Sam Neill are being made by former friends and colleagues, following his death last night. The 78-year-old actor died unexpectedly in a Sydney hospital yesterday, surrounded by family. He has more than 150 acting credits to his name across film and television - including Jurassic Park, The Piano and Peaky Blinders. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Neill was 'revered' across the film industry, with big name directors and fellow actors remembering his impact. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Customers of a liquidated solar-panel subscription service are complaining they're stuck in expensive contracts.   SolarZero went into liquidation in 2024, with thousands of customers still on 20-year-agreements. Now many customers say their power bills are rising more than expected - with no easy solution.  Customer Rohan Metrani says he has no one to speak to, to cancel his contract.  "We want to get rid of their system, we're paying for the rental - which isn't really getting us any savings. So it's become more of a liability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black Caps bowling coach Jacob Oram is applauding Mitch Santner's decisive captaincy after their five-wicket over the West Indies in game two of their one-day cricket series in Guyana. New Zealand's decision to bowl first paid off, cleaning the hosts' up for 138 - including a maiden international five wicket bag for Jayden Lennox. New Zealand chased down 139 with 17.4 overs spare to tie the series 1-all. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave speculated further ahead of game three. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beloved New Zealand actor Sir Sam Neill has died aged 78, as confirmed by his family in a new post. The Northern Ireland-born New Zealand actor was best known for his leading role in the Jurassic Park franchise, Peaky Blinders, The Piano and numerous other films.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey said he's had an impact all over the world. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reports indicate the ceasefire in the Middle East has been scrapped and the conflict is starting back up again. The US claims it's struck 140 Iranian military targets in response to an attack on a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says it's hit multiple US military sites. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices. Oil prices are back, baby. At the moment, West Texas crude is sitting near US$74 a barrel, while Brent crude is around US$79. Prices are up slightly, rebounding as tension continues between the United States and Iran. Looking at the oil trading charts, West Texas crude has fallen to almost its lowest point in quite some time. But if you look at the futures markets, the expectation is that prices will rise. Some analysts say that could very well happen when US markets open tomorrow - Monday in the United States, which is Tuesday for us. So, where are we with oil prices? Geopolitically, the ceasefire signed on June 17 has effectively collapsed. The United States has struck more than 170 Iranian military targets across Tehran and key locations in the south. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, causing casualties across multiple areas. Donald Trump has warned that 1,000 missiles are "locked and loaded", while US intelligence, backed by Israel, says Iran has developed fresh plots to assassinate Trump on US soil. Trump says the Strait of Hormuz is open. Iran says it isn't. Does that sound like peace to you? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Is it fair that MPs get a better KiwiSaver deal that the rest of us? Is this fair to ensure we get quality politicians?  The family of actor Sam Neill today confirmed he died at a Sydney Hospital, aged 78. How will he be remembered?  The Internal Affairs Department workers' strike - is this a sign we're cutting the public service too hard? What do we make of this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Defence Minister says New Zealand will think carefully about joining the recently signed defence alliance between Fiji and Australia. The Ocean of Peace Alliance was signed by the leaders of Australia and Fiji last week, but concerns have been raised over how it could impact our relationship with China.  Minister Chris Penk says working together is important for all Pacific nations and there's a potential role for New Zealand in there.  "We'll consider carefully the obligations under that - at the moment, it's just between Australia and Fiji, and we congratulate them for working together on matters of regional security."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The film industry is mourning the loss of one of New Zealand's greats, with news of Sir Sam Neill's sudden passing.  His family's confirmed Neill died at a Sydney Hospital, aged 78. The Northern Ireland-born actor moved to New Zealand in 1954 at age eight - and began his five-decade acting career in the 70s.  He starred in award-winning films and TV in New Zealand and abroad, including Jurassic Park, The Piano and Peaky Blinders. Film Commission Chief Executive Annie Murray says it's a very sad day.  "He had carved out an international career while he remained very firmly anchored here as a New Zealander - we will be feeling his loss locally, but also internationally."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast with Andrew Dickens for Monday, 13 July, 2026, beloved New Zealand actor Sam Neill has died at the age of 78. Film Commission chief executive Annie Murray says he was one of the genuinely good guys. On The Huddle with Trish Sherson, Josie Pagani pays tribute to Neill, who was a family friend. Automobile Association fuel spokesman Terry Collins says fill up your car now. And a bumper long weekend on our big skifields has NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson buzzing. 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.

A constitutional lawyer's defending MPs' generous Super scheme, saying it guards against corruption. Taxpayers contribute $2.50 for every dollar MPs put in - up to $36,000 dollars.  Ordinary employers only contribute 3.5 percent of a worker's salary.  Graeme Edgeler says MPs who know they'll be safe in retirement are less likely to look for money elsewhere.  "It's the 'you're going to be looked after'. Yes, it's generous, but it's money that would come out of your salary, probably, if we didn't have the Super scheme - your salaries would be a bit higher."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Christchurch City Councillor says $200,000 to light up a CBD mural is money well spent - because small touches help bring people into the city. The lights were installed on Press Lane to address concerns it felt uninviting after dark. The Taxpayers' Union says the cash could have been better spent. Councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine says creating a vibrant city requires choices that cost money. "The big problem with Courtenay Place, with Queen Street - partly, it's the pipes that are leaking - and also, there's no sense of fun. There's no sense of beauty and excitement in those cities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global conflict other the Iran war is expected to keep knocking up petrol prices.  The Automobile Association says prices are unlikely to get any lower for a while. Spokesperson Terry Collins says the Strait of Hormuz is still disrupted, but fewer ships are stuck - and others are sailing alternative routes.  Collins says conflict in other countries will also impact supplies.  "The effectiveness of the Ukrainian attacks on the oil refineries in Russia - what it's done is created rationing so severe that in Russia, they've banned the export of diesel fuel." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unionised Internal Affairs staff are taking a stand, striking for the first time in the department's 138-year history.  More than 1300 workers walked off the job for two hours today, responding to the latest pay offer. The Public Service Association says it doesn't keep pace with inflation - with members already struggling with the cost of living.  National Secretary Duane Leo says they won't accept an offer that takes them backwards.  He says this is the Government's workforce, and through ongoing funding cuts, these employees are becoming the working poor.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Agriculture Minister's off to India to talk up Kiwi wool this week. Mark Patterson will meet the Indian Textiles Minister and visit the Bharat Tex conference - the country's largest textile expo. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says NZ First has fired back at this plan and labelled the visit a 'taxpayer funded trip'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of BHP workers will  walk off the job at Port Hedland on July 16, after talks with the mining giant broke down. Between 150-200 workers represented by the Combined Ports Unions are expected to down tools in what could be the Western Australian mining industry's most significant industrial action for a quarter of a century. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says plans are in place to try and get the strike called off before Thursday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A familiar face around the halls of the All Blacks hotel in Auckland ahead of facing Ireland this Saturday. Rieko Ioane has been called into camp to provide injury cover for the outside backs. Coach Dave Rennie says they're looking at an otherwise clean bill of health, with Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Jacobson - subbed off at halftime against Italy - declared fit. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snowmaking is proving its worth at ski fields, with the busiest weekend at Canterbury's Mount Hutt in a decade. More than 10,000 people hit the slopes over the long weekend, helped by up to a metre of fresh snow and three bluebird days. Snowmaking boosted the base as much as 1.5 metres in parts. NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson says the tech's become essential - and is here to stay. "It allows us to get open as early as we possibly can, cover the slopes, and then the natural snow will come along and then supplement that good base that we have built the snowmakers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says it's a waste of time talking with Iran, declaring the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran 'over'. The US President has made the comments at the NATO summit in Turkey, as both sides swap strikes. Trump says his White House negotiators can continue, but he thinks the Iranians are 'liars', calling them cuckoo. UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the reactions further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft is cutting 4800 jobs - about two percent of its global workforce - in a sweeping restructure. Most cuts are part of a restructure of its struggling Xbox gaming division. It's the latest in a string of mass layoffs by the tech giant alongside major investment in AI. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained the implications of this move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kaikōura's main route south could be closed several more days, as flooding, debris and rockfall is cleared. State Highway 1's back open north of the township, but it's still closed to Waipara, and the Inland Kaikōura Road also can't be used. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 9 July, 2026, Transport Minister Chris Bishop explains how he got it so wrong with the Roads of National Significance promise. Waitakere Indian Association president Sunil Kaushal on how many billions of dollars Indians are contributing to our economy. Warriors chief executive Cameron George on the close connection with Australia's most popular theme park that'll see it renamed Wahs-world. And on The Huddle, Oscar Kightley and Thomas Scrimgeour discuss if Prince Harry made a mistake in picking a fight with Britain's tabloids. 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, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! National has recently confirmed some of the Roads of National Significance and similar transport projects will be placed on the back-burner, with this new scheme being rolled out in 'phases'. Did we think this was too ambitious? Are we disappointed with this?  The US-Iran conflict has started up again, with both nations launching fresh strikes at each other. Are we surprised by this? Did we think the ceasefire was going to last?  Will Prince Harry suffer for taking on the British tabloids?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.