Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Eight men, including seven Iranians, have been arrested over two suspected terror plots in England.

Five were arrested at various locations around the UK as part of an alleged plot to 'target a specific premises'. 

Meanwhile, three men were arrested in London as part of a investigation led by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says the suspects have been held overnight for questioning.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Josie Pagani from Child Fund and Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Minister Erica Stanford is in a spot of trouble after it was revealed she sent pre-Budget announcements to her personal email before they were announced last year - one of tens of examples since she's been a Minister. Is this a good look? Shou...

Westpac New Zealand’s profits are continuing to rise, as it makes more money from existing customers, rather than materially growing its business.

The Australian-owned bank’s New Zealand division reported a net profit of $525 million in the six months to March - a 10 percent rise from the same period last year.

Westpac CEO Catherine McGrath explains why New Zealand's margins have gone up - despite Australia taking a dip. 

LIST...

The Finance Minister says she steers clear of emails - following a recent ministerial scandal. 

This follows 1News reports that Erica Stanford sent pre-Budget announcements to her personal email before they were announced last year - one of tens of examples since she's been a Minister. 

Her use of personal email could be a breach of the Cabinet manual - which all ministers are obliged to follow.

Nicola Willis says she's n...

The Police Minister has expressed interest in locking up criminals for longer in a bid to cut down on reoffending.

Criminals that serve five years or more in jail are generally less likely to reoffend, according to new reports.

Mark Mitchell says he's asked Corrections to examine whether shorter sentences can be extended.

"Longer sentences normally mean the people commit to their rehabilitation better, engage in more rehabilitation...

People are prioritising smaller guest lists as fewer couples marry - according to new reports.

Wedding Professional has revealed its average client spend this year is more than $87,000, anchored by an international wedding with a $160,000 dollar budget.

Director Suzanne Carson says Kiwis want the great experience, without the price tag for lots of guests.

"Personalisation is a great big thing - I think they want the experience and ...

A focus on 'Australian values' during geopolitical uncertainty could explain the vast gap between the two parties at Saturday's federal election, according to one expert.

Labor swept to a majority victory - securing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese a historic second term. 

It's widely thought US President Donald Trump's volatility has influenced the outcome. 

But political commentator Peter Dunne says Albanese's messages a...

A Kiwi negotiation team is in India this week, holding our first in-person Free Trade Agreement talks.

Trade Minister Todd McClay says it's an important step in our relationship with one of the world's fastest growing economies.

He says this will be the first of many meetings with New Zealand.

McClay explained India is also holding talks with the US, UK, EU and others over this week and the next.

"That's why I thought to send our p...

The Prime Minister says it's too early to understand the potential impact of tariffs on New Zealand films. 

Donald Trump has most recently written he'd like100 percent tariffs on all movies produced outside the US. 

Chris Luxon says he's seen the social media post, but we'll need to know a lot more.

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Chris Luxon has expressed interest in getting more Bollywood productions to co...

The sweeping loss for Peter Dutton's Liberal National coalition in the Australian election likely has long-term implications for the party going forward.

Anthony Albanese has become the first Prime Minister since 2004 to win back-to-back elections, with an even larger majority than his last. 

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says nobody saw this political 'blood-bath' coming for the opposition.

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A West Auckland butcher says a lot of shoplifting is too small to bother reporting. 

A Retail NZ survey has found 40 percent of retail crime goes unreported. 

Butcher Reuben Sharples says for small amounts it's not worth the hassle to get CCTV footage together to send police. 

He says they only report on bigger robberies, which get a bigger police response. 

"We've had break-ins, we've had thousands...around Chr...

After Albo’s massive win across the ditch on Saturday, I can see a lot of commentators are tempted to blame it on Trumpism - in the same way they blamed the Canadian election upset on Trumpism.

But I'm not convinced they’re right - at least not in the way they think they are. 
 
What these commentators are saying is that Trump has given Canadians and Australians the ick so badly that they voting against anything tha...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 2 May 2025, Heather and Deborah Coddington pay tribute to their good friend, Sir Bob Jones. Jones passed away today after decades as one of the great characters of NZ politics and business for many decades. 

There's speculation that Shortland Street might not be coming back next year with TVNZ refusing to confirm that its future. 

Former Minister for Wome...

David Seymour is calling for culling of the government. 

He’s floated a policy that would reduce the number of ministers and government departments, calling into question the necessity of some. 

Racing, Hunting and Fishing, Hospitality, Space, and Child Poverty Reduction were a few he named. 

Jan Tinetti is the former Minister for Women and Child Poverty Reduction, and she told Heather du Plessis-Allan the reason the...

Court's adjourned for the weekend after day four of the accused mushroom killer trial in Melbourne. 

Erin Patterson's estranged husband took the stand once again, presenting a series of texts demonstrating a strained relationship between the accused and his late parents. 

Herald Sun reporter Brooke Grebert-Craig told Heather du Plessis-Allan the messages also highlighted the pair's on and off dynamic. 

She says they ...

A short term as US National Security Advisor for Mike Waltz, who's been removed from the role by Donald Trump. 

Current Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over the job in the interim, as Waltz has been nominated for Ambassador to the UN. 

This comes after he says he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat, where officials planned military strikes in Yemen. 

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told H...

A passionate author and a man with a sharp wit and unapologetically colourful personality who shaped New Zealand politics. 

Sir Bob Jones is being remembered by friends, former MPs, and current political leaders. 

The property investor, ex politician, and boxing aficionado died at his Wellington home today at 85, surrounded by family. 

Sir Bob grew up in a state house and made his riches in the world of property. &nb...