Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The upcoming reporting season looks likely to reflect the tough times seen in the economy in the second half of last year, yet company 'outlook' statements may provide some optimism for the year ahead.

The season – comprising mostly second-half 2024 results – gets under way this week, and it's widely expected most major companies won't do too well.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explains further.

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The Government is running the ruler over the way the Accident Compensation Corporation manages its $50 billion investment portfolio.

The newly appointed minister responsible for the state injury insurer, Andrew Bayly, has commissioned consultants at Willis Towers Watson to review the performance of the Accident Compensation Corporation’s investments, its governance, and the approach it takes to managing its investments.

 NZ He...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 12 February 2025, our fishing industry is in for a shake-up with catch regulations set to be loosened and cameras on boats no longer accessible to the general public.

Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith is considering forcing streaming giants Netflix and Co. to produce local content.

ASB CEO Vittoria Shortt reveals where she's seeing green shoots in the economy...

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors 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! 

What do we make of Judith Collins' latest warning to the public service? She told industry leaders to show respect to taxpayers and not use so much bloated language. What do we make of this? 

Plans to build Wānaka’s first McDonald’s ha...

ASB is reporting a one percent increase in net profit, for last year's second half.

Profit margins remained flat, but home lending grew five percent and business and rural lending increased two percent.

CEO Vittoria Short says this is a sign the economy is turning a corner for the better after a lengthy downturn.

"Inflation's back in target range, we know that the OCR or interest rates are moving downwards to more neutral levels an...

There's some agreement with a plea from the Public Service Minister for sector bosses to be more genuine - but questions have also been raised. 

Judith Collins has advised public service leaders to show respect for taxpayers in their communications - and to treat the money as their own.   

She asks them to be sure they're not speaking 'gobbledygook', or sounding superior. 

PSA Acting National Secretary, Fleur Fi...

A McFlurry of controversy is over in Wānaka - with a proposal for the region's first-ever McDonald's declined.

The District Council has turned the fast food giant's resource application down after strong pushback from locals concerned about food waste and pollution.

It planned a 450-metre site by the Mount Iron Roundabout.

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith says in the proposed setting - McDonald's wasn't a good fit.

He explained if McDona...

Two Sydney nurses may not yet know they've been stood down over anti-Semitic comments.

A video has been posted to social media of the pair in uniform, saying they'd rather kill Israeli people than treat them.

The Australian Government has launched an investigation.

Australian correspondent Andrew MacFarlane says the nurses work night shifts, so may still be asleep.

"So while the health department in has said they've been stood down...

Seafood New Zealand says new fishery proposals will keep workers safer.

Public consultation is open on loosening up on extending or reducing catch limits.

The reform would also restrict access to fishing vessel camera video - to officials and the courts.

Seafood NZ CEO, Lisa Futschek says the public has no need to access the footage.

"Unfortunately, we see some pretty bad behaviour and attitudes towards our fishers - who are bullie...

A report's been tabled in Parliament, recommending a Te Pati Maori MP apologise for deliberately misleading the House. 

In a debate in September last year,Takuta Ferris described MPs as being masters of obscuring the truth. 

Ferris denied an accusation he'd called MPs liars - language considered un-parliamentary -  and it was referred to the Privileges Committee.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Fer...

Donald Trump met Jordan's King Abdullah today, amid ongoing discussions about redeveloping Gaza and potentially reducing aid for the US-allied Arab country if it refuses to resettle Palestinians.

Trump's proposal, floated one week ago, for the US to take over Gaza, move residents over and turn the war-ravaged territory into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has been met with disapproval from various Arab nations. 

US correspond...

Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach by 'mutual agreement' after a record run of 14 straight Test defeats, the Welsh Rugby Union announced today.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take temporary charge for the side’s remaining three Six Nations games against title favourites Ireland, Scotland and England.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. 

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The Media and Communications Minister says cutting funding for NZ on Air and the Film Commission isn't on the table. 

The Government is asking for feedback on five proposals, aiming to help local media go up against international competitors. 

One includes merging the Commission and NZ on Air.

Paul Goldsmith says the two categories are becoming far less distinct - and a merger could even give both more funds.

"Rather than...

Over in the UK, the Government has launched a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

The Labour-led Government has revealed that since they came to power, they have deported 19,000 people out of the UK - including failed asylum seekers and illegal immigrants.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says this may have been inspired by Nigel Farage's Reform Party - which is seeing a significant boost in the polls.

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The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over the state of the economy during his morning media round.

This follows two disappointing showings for the coalition in the polls, with Chris Luxon's standing as preferred Prime Minister taking a hit.

Luxon has stayed optimistic - and Infometics Principal Economist Brad Olsen is hopeful things will turn around later in the year.

"Those interest rates are coming down - but it takes a bi...

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Richard Hills and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Kāinga Ora has unveiled their tougher new approach to address rent debt. Is this move justified - or a step too far?

Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick brought some lunchboxes into the House and challenged Prime Minister Luxon to eat one after claims t...

Questions have been raised over how much tax Netflix is currently paying in New Zealand.

Research indicates there are over 1.3 million Netflix users in New Zealand paying at least $18.50 per month each.

However, new reports reveal the company apparently doesn't meet the $11 million revenue threshold to make finances public - indicating Netflix pays a smaller-than-expected tax bill.

Edward Miller, an expert from the Centre for Inter...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 13 November 2024, Kainga Ora boss Matt Crockett tells Ryan Bridge the state housing agency is going to start evicting tenants who don't pay rent.

Trade Minister Todd McClay reacts to Donald Trump's announcement of 25% taxes on NZ steel and aluminium.

NZ Rugby is suing its major sponsor Ineos, alleging the company breached its six-year sponsorship contract.

An econ...