Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has taken a swing at the Government's $70 million major events fund - while seemingly revealing its spend on bringing Robbie Williams here this year.

Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says he can't confirm that figure and Wayne Brown's comments are disappointing.

"The mayor - part of his role is to advocate for our city.  Now, I’m not privy to the investment level. What I am privy to is the fact...

Hotel developments are quietly disappearing and 'ghost communities' are on the rise as Christchurch's council has raised concerns over Airbnbs.

Four motel and hotel operators urged elected members at a policy and planning committee meeting to support a mandatory registration system for short term accommodation providers.

Councillor Nathaniel Herz Jardine wants Christchurch to take charge in rallying other councils to demand change....

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 14 May, 2026, we confront Labour leader Chris Hipkins on his claim not one person outside of Newstalk ZB is raising Covid lockdowns with him.

Air New Zealand's chief executive tells us how it'll cope with a loss of nearly $400 million.

A Christchurch City Councillor on his warning that Airbnb is turning parts of the city into "ghost communities".

And on The Huddl...

Tonight on The Huddle, artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Labour's Chris Hipkins recently claimed no-one outside of Newstalk ZB is fussed about the Auckland lockdowns from 2021. Does he have a point? Will we find out come November?

Yesterday, Prime Minister Chris Luxon said he'd always choose social...

Here’s a question for you: how badly did we get ripped off if it’s true we paid $3 million to get Robbie Williams here?

Now, we don’t know for sure that's the amount the Government paid out of the Major Events Fund, but that is what Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has revealed in a fit of pique at the Government.

And so far, nobody’s publicly denied it - not even Louise Upston, who’s the minister in charge of the money.

Privately, we at...

Air New Zealand's CEO says the airline will trim more flights, with a forecast it'll be $390 million in the red this financial year.

It's blaming the fuel cost hike lifting spending $240 million more than expected. 

The airline told NZX it's already reduced overall capacity three to five percent since the Iran war began.

Nikhil Ravishankar says cuts may continue even after jet fuel prices ease, with cuts for August to October ...

Chris Hipkins says Aucklanders have moved on from long lockdowns, and don't hold a grudge against Labour. 

The Labour leader gave a speech today on the city's future, batting away questions on whether the Party kept the city too long in lockdown in 2021. 

Chris Hipkins clarified that more Aucklanders are focused on the future of the city than what happened years ago.

"Covid-19 was a very difficult time for everybody, and ...

A new poll has National stuck in the high 20s, with Labour seven points ahead. 

National's on 29 percent in the Talbot Mills poll, with Labour on 36. Both parties haven't moved since last month's poll. 

NZ First is down one to 14 percent, and ACT down one on seven percent. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what these results mean for the coalition's odds. 

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Over in Australia, opposition leader Angus Taylor has confirmed the coalition will restrict  the availability of welfare to foreigners if they win the next election.

Taylor is set to deliver his first budget reply speech later this evening, and he's unveiled cuts will be made to the migrant intake in order to reduce housing pressures.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds explained why this turn won't appeal to younger voters.&...

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s proposal to change funding criteria for more type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need.

Under the proposal, 25,000 more diabetic Kiwis will gain access to the treatments over the next few years.

David Seymour says there's a lot of potential in investing in more GLP-1 medications to prevent other health problems impacting people down the line.

"We've made a lot of pro...

Could this be the year that the Opportunity Party meets the threshold to get into Parliament?

Phillip Mills, the founder of gym franchise Les Mills International, has always supported Labour and the Greens, but he's topped up donations to TOP.

Political commentator Bryce Edwards says this upcoming election is TOP's best chance, as Labour, National and NZ First continue to lose favour. 

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Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners 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! 

Chris Luxon made a speech to a Business NZ audience in Auckland ahead of the 2026 Budget. He's indicated that this year's Budget won't splash the cash despite the ongoing global conflicts impacting New Zealand. Are we surprised by this?&n...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 13 May, 2026, a warning from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that there'll be no treats in this month's Budget - we ask senior correspondent Katie Bradford how much is going on the credit card.

Sociologist Paul Spoonley on why there's not really a brain drain.

We talk to Retail New Zealand chief executive Carolyn Young on why Kiwi shoppers are loyal to local wh...