Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Middle East conflict continues on for another week, and it's led to economic forecasters revising their predictions for recovery.

Significant cuts to growth, higher inflation, lower investment, household consumption, and higher unemployment appear to be on the cards, according to new reports. 

HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham says it's unclear how the central banks on both sides of the Tasman will proceed. 

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Power bills are set to go up from tomorrow, from as high as 5 to 10 percent.

Electricity lines charges are set to go up, following an earlier Commerce Commission decision to allow for the charges to go up.

Consumer NZ's Paul Fuge explained that these increases will vary across households, with some seeing higher increases and some seeing lower ones. 

"Because it is so convoluted and so complex and the maths is so hard, we have to run the service we've been running for 25 years now to try and help people make heads or t...

The Federated Farmers High Country Field Day recently took place at Glenaray station in the Waikaia Valley.

Over 280 visitors visited various sites across the farm to discuss the issues impacting New Zealand's rural sector.

The Country's Jamie Mackay recapped the action, and speculated about the lack of Labour MPs at the event. 

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Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Auckland mayor Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

David Tamihere's murder conviction got quashed by the Supreme Court today. What do we think this says about New Zealand's justice system? Should we be concerned?

The Greens have recently declined a former sex worker’s candidacy, prompting speculation and debate. What do we make of this? 

Trump has been ramping up his threats against Iran if a ceasefire deal isn't reached sho...

So David Tamihere has finally got what he’s been fighting for for decades. The Supreme Court has quashed his convictions for murdering the two Swedish backpackers all those years ago.

Now this doesn’t mean a retrial will necessarily happen. That’s up to the Crown, which must decide whether it wants to pursue the charges again.

In a nutshell, this all comes down to the jailhouse snitch - Conchie Harris - who claimed Tamihere confessed the murders to him. Two years ago, the Court of Appeal ruled Harris’ evidence could not be relied upon and...

The Supreme Court today confirmed it would quash David Tamihere's double murder convictions after his trial was ruled 'unfair'.

He was found guilty in 1990 of killing Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen, but the verdict was since overturned.

Private investigator Tim McKinnel says there's a 'clump of cases' from the mid-1980s to 2010 that are being evaluated through the system - and it points to a bigger problem.

"I think there are some structural issues we have in the justice system, like many similar countries where they have an adversarial system where...

There's concerns an on-the-fence smoker may not switch to vaping, after an Australian study suggested it causes cancer. 

The new research from New South Wales University finds nicotine-based vapes are likely to cause it in the lung and mouth. 

Former World Health Organisation director, Robert Beaglehole, labels that misleading - saying it's proven to be less harmful. 

He says the likes of apple and orange juice are linked to cancer, because of the other factors, not the juice itself. 

He says it grabs headlines. 

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The Supreme Court says it is up to the Crown if it wants a retrial of David Tamihere, whose murder convictions were quashed today.

Tamihere was found guilty in 1990 of killing Swedish tourists Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen.

The Supreme Court's now ruled his trial unfair.

Herald Reporter David Fisher says the case has taken serious knocks over the years. 

"It sounds like, from Tamihere's point of view, that he has been gathering information, which would make his defence even stronger." 

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The Housing Minister says Cabinet's agreement to reduce Auckland's minimum housing capacity for a second time puts the issue to bed.   

The Government announced a revised density plan of 1.6 million homes just last month, and today reduced that to 1.4 million. 

Wayne Brown says he suspects as it's an election year, this is simply politics at play.

Chris Bishop says this is about agreement between Government, Aucklanders and Council. 

"We achieved consensus as a Cabinet and as a Government, which is what we are always aiming to do." 

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The Supreme Court's quashed David Tamihere's double murder convictions, 37 years after two Swedish tourists disappeared. 

Open Justice reports Tamihere was found guilty in 1990 of killing Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen.

He was released on parole in 2010, and granted the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in 2020, after a trial witness was found guilty of lying. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the implications of this Supreme Court verdict. 

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As the conflict in the Middle East continues, the Australian Government has moved to decrease their fuel excise tax.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the halving of excise for three months - equivalent to a 26 cent reduction per litre of fuel. 

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this cut will benefit Australian households who are already being stretched thin - but it's sparked concerns about inflation.

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The All Whites have delivered an appetiser of their capability as they prepare for football's World Cup in North America during June and July.

A tepid 2-nil loss to Finland has been followed by a robust 4-1 rout of Chile at Auckland's Eden Park.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped the action.

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Iran's ambassador to New Zealand has suggested regime change is not at all close in his country.

The US President's threatening to destroy Iran's energy infrastructure if a ceasefire deal isn't reached.

Donald Trump also claims regime change has been achieved - because attacks have killed many of Iran's top leaders.

Thousands more US troops are descending on the region, with reports ground operations are possible.

Reza Nazar Ahari says the hierarchy in Iran remains.

"The same system we have already - of course, some of them have been...

The shower's the perfect environment for your mind to get creative.

The content creator dejiwastaken has built an entire platform on sharing the unusual thoughts you can have in the shower, and the Afternoons tema discussed their favourites.

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Three people have been arrested in connection with a suspected foiled bomb attack outside the Bank of America's headquarters in Paris.

An initial suspect was detained at the scene after he placed an explosive device, and two more have since been arrested in connection with the attack.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are taking place, and authorities are warning people this could be linked to Iran.

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KiwiSaver is undergoing some reforms, and former Mercury head Fraser Whineray is hoping to make it more competitive with Australia. 

The new changes are set to kick in this week, with the default contribution rate for both employees and employers rising from 3 percent to 3.5 percent.

Whineray explained how these changes will benefit Kiwis in the long run.

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The Brent crude oil price is on track for a record surge as the conflict in the Middle East continues.

Oil prices have been climbing all month as a result of the conflict and experts have raised concerns.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explained further.

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The Government's looking at ways to keep hold of even more fuel than legally required. 

Fuel stocks have risen as of last Wednesday, with 27.9 days of petrol, 21.7 of diesel and 25.3 of jet fuel in the country. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's now exploring more options to guard against supply risks

"We want to be prepared if the worst happens and they can't get enough fuel for New Zealand." 

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A fixture between Tottenham and Auckland FC has offered former Spurs defender Ledley King the chance to finally come to New Zealand.

The two sides will play a match at Eden Park on July 26.

The former Tottenham captain turned club ambassador said this will be exciting news for Kiwi fans.

"Judging by the reaction, judging by the fans that I've met just in my short time here - and I've heard about the Auckland FC fans, we're really hoping we can sell it out."

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 30 March, 2026, we ask a defence expert if a US ground invasion risks prolonging the war in Iran.

We talk to an education official about what can be done with half our secondary students ignoring a ban on phones in schools.

Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King tells us why he's excited about his club playing Auckland FC.

And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Josie Pagani debate the merits of street graffiti.

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Geez, that old LNG terminal idea didn’t last long, did it? Seven weeks - that’s it. From the moment it was announced on February 9 to the first knife stuck in it today, seven weeks to the day.

Now, before you come at me arguing that the LNG terminal hasn’t been killed - yes, it has. It is dead. The Herald report this morning that multiple ministers are privately admitting they may have to kill the project did not happen by accident.

This is Politics 101 when you’re winding something down. You start slowly a...

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland councillor Maurice Williamson and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

There's debate around the rules surrounding street art after prolific graffiti artist Karl Truell was charged in Auckland. Is there a place for this? 

Donald Trump has revealed he's weighing up seizing the key Iranian island of Kharg - which holds the country's major oil terminal. What do we make of this? 

Is the LNG terminal dead? Reports indicate that multiple ministers have privately ad...

Street artists are calling for clearer rules around their craft, after one prominent artist was charged.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul has voiced support for prolific graffiti artist Karl Truell - aka 'Pork' - after he was fined in Auckland.

Auckland street artist Jesse Jensen says there's no spaces for people to paint legally - and changes need to be made.

"There just isn't an outlet, it's like how skating used to be - now you've got skate parks. Well, where's the art parks?"

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A sovereign citizens expert believes the death of Aussie fugitive Dezi Freeman will be seen as evidence of corruption. 

The 56-year-old's believed to have been killed by police this morning.

The self-proclaimed sovereign citizen - a person who doesn't recognise the state - was wanted for allegedly murdering two officers in Victoria's Porepunkah last August. 

University of New South Wales' associate professor Harry Hobbs says these initial killings sparked conspiracy theories from other movement members. 

"I expect the same thing will happen here - people engaged in this behaviour will craft a n...

The Government wants to keep more fuel in New Zealand as the Middle East conflict threatens supply chains. 

Fuel stock levels have risen as of last Wednesday, with over 50 days worth of petrol, diesel and jet fuel remaining or en route. 

The Government's exploring ways to increase fuel stocks above minimum obligations to guard against supply disruptions. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further.

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A defence expert says a US ground invasion into Iran would be high risk and may not achieve its stated goals. 

Donald Trump has told the Financial Times he's considering seizing Iran's major oil terminal on Kharg Island.

Defence Priorities Senior Fellow Gil Barndollar says the island's deep in the Strait of Hormuz and difficult to get to. 

He says Trump probably wants it for leverage. 

"You take the port, and 97 percent of their oil goes out through, as well as whatever amount of oil is there right now, and use tha...

Victoria's Police Commissioner is calling the hunt for Dezi Freeman the biggest in Australian history, crediting New Zealand for its assistance.

Local media's reporting the 56-year-old's been shot by police after more than seven months on the run. 

Freeman killed two police officers executing a warrant at his rural Porepunkah property last August. 

Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says he'd been on the run for over seven months, and investigations into the case are set to take place.

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Warriors co-captain James Fisher-Harris admits some honest reflection is required after a mauling at Mt Smart Stadium in league's NRL.

After three straight wins to start the season, they're contemplating their first defeat after an upset 32-14 loss to the Tigers.

Sportstalk host Elliott Smith unpacked the loss.

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A push for tougher consequences, as concerns grow over compliance with the Government’s school cellphone ban.

The Ministry of Education says only about half of secondary students are following the rules.

The Education Review Office is calling for phones to be confiscated more often, and for parents to contact students through school offices instead.

Chief Review Officer, Ruth Shinoda, says the ban is working far better in primary schools.

"It's because most primary schools just take the phone off the kids when they walk in, so kids just stopped taking th...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 27 March, 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis' "keep calm" message as she sets out what it'll take to start fuel rationing.

New Zealand First's plan to put millions of dollars into a Christchurch Cathedral rebuild.

Lord of the Rings actor Bruce Hopkins on why the film's still a big drawcard for tourists.

And on The Sports Huddle, D'Arcy Waldegrave and Jim Kayes debate the IOC's u-turn on transgender women.

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The Warehouse Group has reported a first half net profit after tax of nearly $16 million.

CEO Mark Stirton told Heather du Plessis-Allan he is 'pleased' with the result

But, like most of the world, concerns over Iran and fuel costs plague future outlooks. 

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It has been 25 years since the release of the first Lord of the Rings film, The Fellowship of the Ring. 

Actor Bruce Hopkins, who played Gamling in the series, joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the ongoing popularity and tourism pull in New Zealand. 

Hopkins said the support for the franchise is 'astounding'. 

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Now look it may not altogether surprise you today to hear that the International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women from competing in female events because this was so obviously going to happen once Kirsty Coventry was elected president of the IOC. She was clearly going to do it, given that she campaigned on doing exactly this.

But, you may be surprised to realise what an enormous U-turn this actually is.

I had to go back and have a look to actually believe it.

Five years ago, the IOC publicly praised Laurel Hubbard...

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat the latest news out of the USA. 

As the war with Iran continues questions over the likelihood of a peace deal remain, meanwhile, in California gas prices are quickly coming up to $6, $10 NZD, per gallon. 

And, controversy over Southwest Airline's 'fat tax' booms online.

"They are singling out people that are overweight and they are forcing them to buy another seat," Mitchinson said. 

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Today, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones announced the four-stage fuel plan in response to fuel supply concerns stemming from the war in Iran.

Phase one of the plan focuses is on monitoring global developments, phase two would involve active co-ordination between the Government and industry, including supporting efforts to reduce demand, phase three and four, at this stage, would include prioritising fuel for emergencies, freight and food supply chains, and key industries.

Willis told Heather du Plessis-Allan that phase three and four would negatively impact the New Zealand economy. 

In three days Spark is set to switch off their 3G network for good. 

Spark Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer, Leela Ashford, told Heather du Plessis-Allan only about 0.2% of Spark's total data traffic still uses 3G. 

"There's still people on there, and that's why we are encouraging them, to move off to use this weekend, get into a store and get onto a 4G capable device," Ashford said.

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Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a meeting of the Joint Expeditionary Force alliance.

The focus of the talks will be Russian aggression in Ukraine, but Starmer says that there's 'a war on two fronts'.

UK correspondent Enda Brady unpacked the defence solutions being discussed. 

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The private credit sector has given investors cause for concern.

Questions have been raised about the sector's future amid a flood of redemption requests among some high-profile private credit funds.

Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. 

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This year’s Federated Farmers High Country Field Day is set to take place on 27 March at Glenaray Station.

The event will give  Ministers, MPs, officials and sector leaders insight into the work carried out by high-country farmers.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. 

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