Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

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.

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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...

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.

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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 ...

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 l...

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 w...

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 ...

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 ...

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 s...

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 Wald...

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...

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 Depar...

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 Zeal...

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 B...

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 ...

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 gene...