Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's been growing debate over how Auckland's CBD can be revitalised after years of uncertainty and economic decline.

The $5.5 billion City Rail Link is due to be built at the second half of the year and it's promised to bring in economic benefits, but it's unclear if it'll get the city in motion. 

Kiwi entrepreneur Andrew Barnes says a lot of shops and businesses have been closed, and it's not as attractive to prospective v...

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Donald Trump sparked some outrage following his criticism of allied efforts, including New Zealand, in Afghanistan. Were his comments out of line? 

New Zealand Rugby has unveiled their updated criteria for a new All Blacks coach - applicants must be fr...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 26 January, 2026, we explore how long Mount Maunganui's likely to remain off-limits in the wake of the landslide.

Interim New Zealand Rugby boss Steve Lancaster gives us details of the search for the next All Blacks coach.

An entrepreneur outlines how he'd give Auckland's CBD a makeover.

And on The Huddle, Phil Goff and Trish Sherson have harsh words for Donald Tru...

As the human tragedy at Mt Maunganui continues, the timeline around warnings and what authorities knew and when they knew it is becoming clearer.

Fire and Emergency has confirmed it received a 111 call about landslides on the Mount before 6 o’clock on Thursday morning. As you would expect, it has a robust record-keeping system, which records that call as being at 5.48am.

The slips at that time did not affect life or property, and s...

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hoping inflation can drop back into the Reserve Bank's target band off the back of the latest data.

The annual inflation rate for 2025 was 3.1 percent, up from 3 percent for the year to September.

Willis says the Government supports the Reserve Bank getting back to their target band of 1 to 3 percent.

"It's inflation that's the broadest driver of the cost of living. At the same time, interest rate ...

There's belief among experts that New Zealand depends on the World Health Organisation for disease prevention and health promotion. 

The US officially withdrew from the WHO last week. 

Now Winston Peters has questioned the organisation's effectiveness and how it's using its funding. 

Former WHO director Dr Rob Beaglehole says while the WHO has room to improve, New Zealand ultimately benefits from membership - especia...

New Zealand is the benefactor of the World Surf League granting its athletes the left hand break they've been begging for.

Raglan's Manu Bay will host the newly instated New Zealand Pro in late May.

Surfing New Zealand CEO Ben Kennings says says this is 'huge' for the sport's place in New Zealand.

"We can't wait to host those best surfers in the world, it's going to be pretty spectacular."

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New Zealand Rugby interim CEO Steve Lancaster has insisted today's coaching policy change isn't an admission of fault when hiring Scott Robertson.

NZR has invited Kiwi coaches with international experience to apply for the vacant All Blacks job, something Robertson didn't have.

Lancaster says New Zealand is 'incredibly blessed' to have a high calibre of potential coaches and he's confident the right choice will be found.

"We're con...

The future of Mount Maunganui's Mauao is unclear, as efforts to recover six people buried in a landslide continue.

Iwi leaders say they are yet to have a hui to discuss what the long term plan is.

 Ngāti Pūkenga and Ngāti Ranginui historian Buddy Mikaere says a rahui is being placed on it now, and there does need to be a rest - which should be taken advantage of.

"Have a proper review of the entire Maunga, the track system, to...

Parliament is set to return from tomorrow for a single-week sitting block, but the big day's already been overshadowed.

Last week's extreme weather has made a significant impact, with Prime Minister Chris Luxon skipping  Rātana to visit the impacted areas. 

Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says it's likely Parliament will pay tribute to those lost to the extreme weather to start the year off.

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It's Australia Day today, and the holiday's sparked protests, division and debate about the meaning of the day.

Thousands of people took to the streets for the Invasion Day march protesting the holiday, only to clash with protestors out for the March for Australia rally.

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says people have raised concerns about the polarising nature of the holiday.

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Concerns about how many investigations will be held into Mount Maunganui's deadly landslide, with six people still buried and careful recovery work continuing.

WorkSafe will look into organisations with a duty of care at the holiday park, the Council's reviewing events beforehand, and Fire and Emergency could launch a probe.

The Institute of Safety Management's Mike Cosman says police will investigate on behalf of the Coroner, and ...

Now, have a listen to this. This happened in Thames this morning as the Prime Minister arrived to go and check on the damage to the properties and check out the roads and to meet with the victims' families. 

It's a disgrace what you're doing with your climate pos...

A large insurance bill is looming from the latest weather-related disasters.

The landslide at Mount Maunganui combined with flood damage in Northland, Coromandel and Gisborne means that the claims are set to roll in.

Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens told Ryan Bridge that people affected can expect delays given the high number of claims being made. 

"I think everybody understands that with a significant ...

Shoppers may be hit with a new unexpected fee if they are using Woolworth's click and collect service.

Currently, Click and Collect is free at Woolworths as long as you're buying at least $50 worth of groceries, but the chain is going to change the rules so that all Click and collectors pay $3.50.

Woolworths Director of E-Commerce Mark Wolfenden told Ryan Bridge that the price was put in place to simplify the fee on all orders, and...

An expectation the official cash rate will be held steady as inflation is higher than expected. 

Inflation's clocked in at 3.1 percent which means its snuck outside of the Reserve Bank's target band. 

ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says there's now quite wide agreement that the OCR will be held at 2.25 to prevent further inflation. 

She told Ryan Bridge that more extreme measures could be needed. 
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