Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Local Government Minister says new legislation in the works will give councils clarity. 

An amendment bill's been introduced to Parliament to make local bodies focus on core services. 

It also demands regular public progress reports - and disclosure on the cost of consultants and contractors. 

Simon Watts says it's a return to bread and butter duties. 

"Previously, terms like social, cultural and economic ty...

David Seymour's withdrawn a letter he sent to the United Nations after being called out by the Prime Minister. 

A United Nations' official's letter was critical of the Regulatory Standards Bill, saying it excluded Māori traditions.

Seymour, the Minister responsible for the bill, replied that as an indigenous New Zealander himself, he's deeply aggrieved by the UN's audacity in presuming to speak on his behalf.

 Newstalk ZB...

Anthony Albanese and Xi Jinping have met in Beijing, kicking off high-level talks as Australia and China strive to focus on economic co-operation rather than their increasingly militaristic regional rivalry.

With the Australian and Chinese national flags adorning the walls, it was a welcome befitting the charm offensive waged on the Australian Prime Minister since landing over the weekend.

Australian correspondent Charles Croucher ...

The Blues’ contract with Eden Park is drawing to a close, and a decision on where they will move their home games to is yet to be made.

In a survey sent to supporters, the franchise asked fans whether they would be more likely to attend Blues matches if they were moved to Mt Smart instead of Eden Park next Super Rugby season.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighs in on the discussion.

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New data shows that house prices have dropped for the fourth consecutive month in June.

The Real Estate Institute of NZ shows that across the entire country, the HPI declined by 0.8 percent in June compared to May.

Property commentator Ashley Church says the cause of this downturn goes all the way back to 2021, when Covid impacted interest rates.

"The Reserve Bank, as a result of that, recognized what it had done, reversed course a...

The EU's retaliatory tariffs on US exports have been delayed again - this time until early next month.

The countermeasures, which were due to begin this month, came in response to President Donald Trump's initial import taxes on steel and aluminium.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Trump has recently threatened to bring in higher tariffs for the European Union on top of the earlier sanctions. 

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One of New Zealand's leading building sector bodies is launching standard house designs that will be available to all, in an attempt to bring down costs.

The Building Research Association of New Zealand has developed an accessible plan for building an affordable and sustainable home. 

BRANZ General Manager of Research Dr Chris Litten says housing affordability is a significant issue in New Zealand - and the company's looking t...

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

New data shows more young Kiwis are having issues finding work. Do we have any inspirational messages for young people looking for jobs? How can they get ahead? 

Is the UN interfering with NZ's sovereignty? 

Ray Chung has since apologised for his infamous e...

The Finance Minister says revelations she wanted to keep numbers attending this year's Budget lock-up more restricted than she suggested is a mountain out a of molehill.

After a wave of criticism directed at Treasury for restricting lock-up numbers - Nicola Willis said she stepped in to enable more people in.

An extra 30 people were added to the list.

But new OIA documents show it was actually Willis who pushed for tighter restrict...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 14 July 2025, how much money did we waste on the Te Pukenga experiment? Minister for Vocational Training Penny Simmonds tells Ryan Bridge the shocking cost, and why we're going back to 10 independent polytechs from next year.

A Tasman community has yet again been hit by mountains of slash. Ngātīmoti resident Steph Jewell reports from the clean-up and what should be...

Put your hand up if you've ever had a bus suddenly pull out in front of your car while you're driving along, minding your own beeswax.

I know. It's happened to everyone. They're long things aren't they, buses? So you can be halfway past one when they pull out, and all of a sudden you're slamming on the brakes or you're pushed into the wrong lane.

I don't mind admitting that until this very morning, I had assumed that buses must hav...

There's immense pressure for young New Zealanders trying to find work as opportunities decline.

Stats NZ data shows 16 percent of Kiwis aged 15-24 are unemployed.

NZ Careers Expo director Mark Gillard says the market conditions show it's a tough market for young workers.

"It's not anybody's fault, the onus is certainly there on employers, on industry organisations to engage with young people. There's been a propensity to step back ...

Paul Gallen is speaking out after things got heated between him and Sonny Bill Williams ahead of their high-profile match in Sydney.

The pre-fight press conference initially saw both fighters seemingly ready to skip the verbal jabs in exchange for the in-ring shots on Wednesday.

However, the latter stages saw Gallen accuse Williams of drug use - and for charging large sums for his community work. 

Gallen says he can't see hims...

The Government's assuring industry groups they'll still have influence as polytechnics change.

Next year, 10 polytechs will return to regional governance - but four remain under Te Pūkenga's umbrella.

More decisions will be made mid-next year. 

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds says these 10 institutions are following a planned pathway designed to boost long-term viability.

"This is work that should have happened 5-...

Huge landslides in Tasman have caused widespread destruction in the past week's damaging storms. 

The area's State of Emergency continues - but recovery efforts are in full swing after flooding, slips and power outages.

More than 800 properties are being assessed for damage in Tasman and Nelson.

The town of Ngātīmoti was badly hit.

Local Steph Jewell says logjams that meant homes flooded - are being cleared.

"Further up the li...

Moves have been made to restore regional governance to 10 polytechnics. 

The Government is undoing Labour's merger of institutes under the Te Pūkenga umbrella. 

The 10 selected are deemed to be on a path to financial viability - and will stand alone from next year. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes will hopefully help the regions boost employment in the sectors calling out for...

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson's hinting some more experienced squad members yet to get a run against France could get their opportunity in Saturday's third test in Hamilton.

An unassailable 2-nil series lead affords the hosts the chance to mix up their selections for the final match.

Robertson says they'll be balancing opportunity with continuity in picking their 23.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains further.

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