Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Episodes

July 14, 2026 1 min

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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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July 13, 2026 101 mins

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 ...

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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...

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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 Plac...

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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 attac...

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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 th...

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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'.

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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 calle...

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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.

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