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Air New Zealand says it's committed to maintaining regional connections, despite the Government turning down its offer. 

CEO Nikhil Ravishankar last week pitched a temporary subsidy for lesser used domestic flights, saying it might be necessary to keep them operational. 

But Prime Minister Chris Luxon says a subsidy isn't the answer, and Air New Zealand should shift its focus.

Ravishankar says it still isn't planning to l...

National MP Andrew Bayly wants to clear up details of events that led him to resign his ministerial roles. 

It was after allegations in February he'd placed a hand on a staffer's upper arm, during what he called an animated discussion.

No formal complaint was made - but he says that's contrary to what he was led to believe and he now regrets resigning. 

He says multiple things prompted him to quit.

"It wasn't just the for...

The Ministry of Health says the measles outbreak isn't at the point where they'd routinely immunise babies under 12 months. 

We have 13 infections - and 2000 close contacts.

Parents have worried vaccinating babies early can cost more than $200. 

The Ministry's Public Health Director, Dr Corina Grey, says allowing vaccinations earlier is a decision for health officials.

"We'll continue to track the outbreak and review the ...

Fonterra's farmer shareholders should get a decent payout from the sale of consumer brands like Anchor and Mainland.

They've overwhelmingly voted for a $4.2 billion dollar sale to French company, Lactalis.

ASB economists predict the sale will deliver a tax-free capital return of $3.2 billion - or $400,000 per farmer. 

Chief executive Miles Hurrell says that's close, with a wide spectrum of farm sizes. 

"Everyone will get ...

A young cricketer, Ben Austin, was killed after he was struck in the neck by a cricket ball thrown at speed using a hand-held training device.

Paramedics treated the 17-year-old at the scene before he was taken to Monash Medical Centre in Clayton in a critical condition - where he later died in hospital.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this took place at an after-school practice session.

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Andrew Bayly is fighting to clear his name and claims he was misled about the allegations against him before he resigned as a Cabinet Minister.

Bayly, the MP for Port Waikato, stood down as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister after he “placed a hand” on a staff member’s arm during what he described as an “animated discussion” in February.

Bayley says the fact that no complaint had been made against him was contrary to wh...

The Prime Minister has offered Donald Trump a day's golfing in New Zealand with Sir John Key - if he visits. 

Chris Luxon had his first face to face conversation with Trump on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in South Korea.

The US President mentioned visiting New Zealand a long time ago, calling it beautiful. 

Key, says he'd have no problem having a round with Trump.

"I showed Obama round New Zealand, he was the former p...

Ten people went on trial in Paris charged with online harassment of Brigitte Macron over the latest case linked to unsubstantiated gender claims made against the French first lady.

This trial comes after she and President Emmanuel Macron filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States in connection with false claims that Brigitte was born male.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Macron's daughter Tiphaine Auziere also testified on he...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 29 October 2025, teachers resistance to the new school curriculum is in full swing. History Teachers' Association chair Craig Thornhill explains the problems he sees.  

Transport Minister Chris Bishop explains why he wants you to only get your WOF every two years rather than every year.

Bill Gates says we worry too much about climate change - and there are ...

Labour recently confirmed it aimed to campaign on the introduction of a capital gains tax on commercial and investment residential property.

Leader Chris Hipkins also claimed the money raised would be used to fund the health system, but questions have been raised over whether this proposal can work.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny weighed up the idea, and whether Labour can be trusted to spend the money wisely...

If yesterday told us anything, it's that National doesn't have to replace Chris Luxon as urgently as some in the party were saying just a couple of weeks ago.

Because if Labour carries on like they did yesterday, National is probably going to be fine for next year, aren't they?

That chat, by the way, was real. There really are senior people within the party who think that Chris Luxon needs to be replaced.

And from the sounds o...

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson 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! 

Bill Gates has cautioned against the 'doomsday' view on climate change and claimed there's more urgent things to worry about. Do we agree with the calls for calm?

Education Minister Erica Stanford unveiled some new changes to the social ...

The rate Labour settled on for its capital gains tax policy is partially below the recommendation made by the tax working group six years ago.

The proposed 28 percent rate would apply to commercial and investment properties from July 2027 - with the revenue going towards health system.

Independent tax expert Geof Nightingale weighed up whether this proposal would bring in what Labour's promising.

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Billionaire Bill Gates is shifting his tone on climate change, cautioning against a 'doomsday' future view. 

In a lengthy online memo, the Microsoft co-founder says he still believes it is a major problem needing solving.

But Gates says innovation and breakthroughs shouldn't come at the expense of funding global health or development. 

Victoria University adjunct professor of climate change, Adrian Macey, says he agrees.

...

Community groups and charities successfully turned the Government view on giving them a share of online casino profits.

It originally set the duty in new laws for licensed online operators at 12 percent, but from today that's risen to16.  

Four percent will be ring-fenced specifically to go to community groups, in similar fashion to physical casinos.

North Wellington Football Club president, Fraser Kirby, says that's a step in...

Aucklanders are about to have short-term free taxi rides to the heart of the city.

The 'Straight to the Heart' service launching tomorrow - across Ponsonby, Newmarket, and Takapuna - lets people hail a retro red taxi, with no booking needed.

It'll take passengers to a surprise - or requested - central location. 

Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck says this is running until November 16, and it's a way to rediscover what Auckland ha...

The Government is looking to broaden the social science curriculum, but it's prompted concern from some educators.

The Education Minister today unveiled proposed changes to content for Years 1-10, on top of the English and Maths refresh announced earlier. 

History Teachers' Association chair Craig Thornhill says there's lots of interesting topics being proposed, but no proper structure.

"They all seem to be quite free-standing...