Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

China's understood to have warned our Government it's planning a nuclear-capable missile test within the next 24 hours in the South Pacific.

Newstalk ZB understands China's told the Beehive today of the imminent test - the same day Australia and Fiji inked a new defence pact. 

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unknown when exactly this test will take place.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New South Wales police are investigating whether a preschooler's death involved cannibalism.

A mother has been charged with murder after her 4-year-old son's body was found with significant arm injuries at a property in the Central Coast's Wyong.  

Police say the 32-year-old arrived at a police station on Saturday afternoon of her own accord. 

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the woman has been arrested and authorities have described the case as 'confronting' as investigations continue.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dave Rennie era is off to a strong start, with the All Blacks emerging victorious in their weekend game. 

The 34-32 win over France in Christchurch saw the All Blacks score five tries to four.

Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action - and wondered if the Kiwi side could keep up the momentum for their next game.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens want to beef up water regulations, including clamping down on nitrate levels in fresh water. 

If elected, the party's promising stronger national standards for fresh water, more robust rules for wastewater discharges and phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. 

Co-leader Marama Davidson says farmers need clean water too, and it's important to phase out synthetic fertiliser. 

"Who is the political party that wants to protect safe drinking water? It is the Greens sending a clear signal to phase out synthetic fertiliser." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

If there's any good that comes from this awful case of the man dying while waiting for help in Waikato Hospital's emergency department, it's that at least it's getting a lot of media attention.

I don't know if you recall but basically the same thing happened in 2021 at Middlemore Hospital. It was strange to me how little attention it received at the time, especially given everything else that was going wrong. There were people waiting for ambulances and dying in their doorways.

That was happening a lot. There were reports of overcrowded EDs, understaffed hospitals...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 3 July, 2026, we ask Chief Victims Adviser Ruth Money if former Lotto presenter Russell Harrison should have been on leave on full pay for five years at the Justice Ministry after being arrested for money laundering.

Michael Laws tells us why he's in the race for a comeback as a New Zealand First MP.

Conservation Department senior science adviser Kate McInnes on the threat of bird flu for our native birds.

And Paul Allison and Alex Powell are on the Sports Huddle, one...

If you haven't yet caught up on the drama involving the former Lotto presenter and the gold-bar smuggling operation, you need to hear this because it basically involves your taxpayer money.

The chap's name is Russell Harrison. You might remember him from the Lotto draws. He went on to a job at the Ministry of Justice as a Kaiārahi, a Family Court navigator.

He took the job in June 2021 and later that same month he was charged with money laundering after meeting a man in an Auckland cemetery, where the man handed him $420,000 in c...

Meridian Energy's been granted fast track approval to take more water from Lake Pukaki. 

The Fast-track Panel’s decision also grants permission to permanently install rock armour to boost resilience to wave erosion, when the lake's operating at lower levels.

Major Electricity Users Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Heather du Plessis-Allan that she has mixed feelings about the decision

'Some positive impacts possibly for consumers in the short term if we're using this water instead of fossil fuel fuels, but definitely some big concerns in the longer term.'

LISTEN ABO...

Forsyth Barr stadium in Dunedin has a new face at the helm. 

Phil King is taking over as CEO of Dunedin Venues Management Limited, the organisation that owns the stadium. 

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan that his priority is, 'sort of focusing on our own strengths and delivering a bulletproof wide Dunedin business case to partners and promoters'.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make his first official visit to New Zealand. 

His arrival comes amid controversial comments from foreign minister Winston Peters, who says that Indians will be facing unfairly tough immigration laws upon arrival to New Zealand

Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that you would normally expect the foreign minister to greet an arriving Prime Minister, but Peters is abroad for the visit. 

'He arrives back in the country the day after Modi leaves. he's in Japan quite conveniently.'

LISTEN AB...

Steps are being taken to protect our most vulnerable bird species - in anticipation of a deadly avian flu variant,  arriving on our shores. 

The highly contagious H5N1 strain has been spreading globally - including across the Tasman. 

Now the Department of Conservation's starting to vaccinate kākāpō, takahē, tūturuatu, kakī and kākāriki. 

DOC veterinarian Kate McInnes says the vaccine's safe for these species - and they're closely managed through captive breeding.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A security company boss says ACT's newest crime policy could give clarity on how security guards can act.  

The Party says if elected, it wants accredited security guards to have the ability to detain and remove people, issue exclusion notices, and use force. 

Watchdog Security Chief Executive Brett Wilson, told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he expects only the top 10-percent of security personal would apply for a license. 

He says they'd be high calibre of staff, with the physical capability to carry out what's being proposed, given accreditation. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Se...

The Prime Minister says he's shocked the Family Court gave a staffer paid leave for five years until he was convicted of money laundering last month.

Ex-lotto host Russell Harrison was arrested for transporting gold bas for the Comancheros in 2021. 

Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this is 'unacceptable'. 

'As taxpayers don't need 5 years of taxpayers' money given to someone who's sitting at home having a cushy life.'

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh New Zealand First candidate and veteran politician Michael Laws says he doesn't have too much baggage to return.

He's a past National MP and has also already been with NZ First. 

He resigned from Parliament in 1996, after revelations his secretary had forged a signature to grant a poll contract to a company his wife part-owned.

Laws told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he's learned valuable lessons. 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weather reports indicate the UK is in for another heatwave next week.

By the weekend, heat is forecast to build across France and southern Britain with some locations reaching heatwave threshold temperatures.

UK correspondent Enda Brady explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humanoid robots taking on factory jobs seemed like a sci-fi concept, but more businesses have made that concept a reality.

These robots are powered by AI to make decisions, and Tesla's San Francisco production line is utilising more of them.  

Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opportunity Party has outlined their new vision for the economy ahead of the election.

The party's looking to invest more into technology and AI, strengthen the Commerce Commission to stand up to the supermarkets and gentailers and boost small Kiwi businesses.

The party also wants to forgive student loan interest in order to draw local talent back into New Zealand.

Leader Qiulae Wong outlined the party's plans further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

Chef Jack Crosti, who has worked for Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK and Europe, has criticised the Michelin Guide after Tuesday night’s inaugural awards ceremony in a post on social media. Do we think his criticisms are valid?

What do we think of Erica Stanford's plan to help language development in under-5s?

Do we think Michael Laws is re...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 2 July, 2026, reports Indian migration is being tightened up days out from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. We ask former trade negotiator Stephen Jacobi if that's a risky move.

Police Association boss Steve Watt on sweeteners being offered by Queensland to attract our cops.

Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong explains economic policy but stumbles on some numbers.

And on the Huddle, Oscar Kightley and Tim Wilson on whether "blast from the past" Michael Laws should be a New Zealand First candidate at the...

A Michelin-trained chef has criticised the Michelin Guide after Tuesday night’s inaugural awards ceremony in a post on social media.

Jack Crosti, who has worked for Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK and Europe, voiced his support for Michelin coming to New Zealand, but described the ceremony as a 'joke' and questioned the selection process.

He says this was a 'once-in-a-lifetime' event for chefs and operators and it wasn't delivered properly.

"It felt very disconnected...some restaurants were left out, some others were included, there's no consistency, really." 

LISTEN ABOVE

S...

Let me hit you with absolutely the weirdest political news of the day. Michael Laws, it's being reported, is going to announce he's running for New Zealand First.

The '90s called and want their man back.

It's not a good move for New Zealand First, it's a bad move. Michael Laws is trouble. He was trouble in the National Party when he was an MP. He was trouble in New Zealand First when he was an MP. He was trouble at Radio Live. He was trouble when he was Mayor of Whanganui. He is...

Finding a deal online is getting harder and harder, according to new reports.

Delivery software firm Shippit has found standard New Zealand delivery fees have risen 30 cents this year, to an average of $10.

Express delivery's gone up $3 to average $17.40

Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young says it's down to global factors. 

"When the Middle East crisis started, we know that freight companies increase their prices immediately." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Association says many members are considering moving across the ditch.

Queensland Police have put up another poaching video on social media, promising New Zealanders better pay.

In the year to May, 144 Kiwi officers headed to Australia - almost a third of police resignations.

Police Association President Steve Watt says the post is tempting.

"When you look at what's being offered over in Australia compared to the remuneration they might receive here in New Zealand, it's an attractive offer." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

A former trade negotiator doubts India will be fazed by Winston Peters claiming bad faith around our new trade deal. 

The Foreign Affairs Minister accused National last week of covertly making immigration changes that could undermine the relationship between the two countries. 

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford's confirmed initial decisions consistent with the FTA have been sent to Ministers for feedback.

Stephen Jacobi says India will be making changes as it implements the deal - and Peters' comments likely won't be much surprise. 

"They will have had numerous reports on the High Com...

The Government has made decisions on tightening immigration settings for Indian nationals, but concerns have been raised ahead of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month.

Speculation indicates Modi will visit on July 12, and Winston Peters has accused National of restricting immigration settings for India.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, Andrew Hastie has vowed to recontest the next election as a Liberal, denying he was reconsidering his political future.

This comes amid ongoing disputes within the party about how to tackle the surge of One Nation in the polls. 

Australian correspondent Murray Olds speculates over Hastie's political future - and whether or not he could be the next leader of the Liberal Party.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has sprung a couple of surprises in his first matchday 23.

Ruben Love - the bookies' favourite to steer the side after a red-hot Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes - has been duly named to start at 10 in Saturday's test against France in Christchurch.

But the intrigue comes arguably elsewhere - with Damian McKenzie to play at fullback with Will Jordan pushed to the right wing.

Luke Jacobson has also won the nod to start at openside flanker, meaning captain Ardie Savea starts at number eight.

...

The Government is taking urgent meetings after breakthrough research revealed airborne asbestos was present in children’s play sand.

An AUT study in Auckland confirmed today that airborne fibres could be released from sand samples during simulated play.

The discovery has prompted safety fears from parents.

AUT associate professor Terri-Ann Berry says it's important that plenty of testing take places into these products, because there's a clear risk.

"If we can't have really good controls on mineral-based substances coming into our country - then yes, I don't think we have a ch...

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has outlined the nation's UK's long-delayed plan to invest in defence.

In one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Starmer announced an additional £15bn will be spent on funding the armed forces, but analysts say he's left his successor with the unpopular task of finding almost £5bn to fund this.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is a 'significant' financial black hole - and it's likely more details will be unveiled at the next Budget.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

The International Monetary Fund is broadly happy with how the Government and Reserve Bank are steering the economy - but it's warned some changes need to take place.

The agency says the Government will need to hike taxes, as well as continue cutting spending, to get the country’s finances on a more sustainable path forward.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained how this could be implemented.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 is halfway over, and experts have noticed which trends are leading investor conversations.

The chips and computer hardware sector has seen some growth thanks to the AI boom, but the Middle East conflict has continued to generate concerns.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union 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!

Are we surprised judges are still suppressing the names of serial sex offenders? A recent case has raised concerns and sparked debate about this issue - what do we think?

A report out today has revealed how much illicit tobacco is out there in New Zealand - are we surprised by these stats? 

Do we think the issue o...

I totally run the risk of being way too much of a fangirl about the Michelin stars handed out, but I am so excited about this.

Mainly, I'm excited for the people who run those restaurants because I realise what this means for them. It means full bookings. It means international recognition. It means the ability to walk into a kitchen anywhere in the world and say, "I worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant," and have people know exactly what that means - and know that you're good.

I am also stoked for the people who...

Wellington council has unveiled their new team aiming to help the capital get its mojo back.

The council has brought together a lineup of business, property, technology and creative sector leaders to help shape a five-year plan to grow the city's economy.

Mayor Andrew Little says Wellington's seen limited economic growth over the last few years, and the council's hoping to turn that around.

"We've got our work cut out for us. We do have some strength - beyond being a public service city, we do have some other strengths, and it's about...

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 1 July, 2026, we talk to Customs about how much a bust of more than a million illicit cigarettes has dented the black market.

Planet Fun chief executive Jeremy Kirksmith tells us why he's so happy with updated toy safety standards.

On The Huddle, Jack Tame and Jordan Williams discuss whether a sex offender's name should be permanently suppressed.

And Tala restaurant executive chef Henry Onesemo on what his mum told him about being awarded a Michelin star.

Get the Heather du...

There's concerns New Zealand's top netballers could be pushed to look overseas, amid concerns about the future of the nation's domestic competition. 

The Northern Mystics recently won the ANZ Premiership, but there's no word yet from Netball New Zealand on plans for next season.

Northern Mystics goal shooter and former Silver Fern Maia Wilson says there's a lot of 'uncertainty' around the future of the sport.

"It's really scary times for us as professional netballers in New Zealand. I guess, as a part of the Mystics, we've had a delay in that because w...

There's been a surge in bookings for the world's first Michelin star Samoan restaurant. 

Auckland's Tala was awarded a single star at last night's New Zealand Michelin Guide awards, alongside 14 other star-winners.

It was first time the event was held on our shores - after a $6.3 million dollar Government investment. 

Restaurant founder and chef Henry Onesemo says he's already noticed some additional interest.

"There's like 300 emails that we have to go through today, and it just seems non-stop at the moment."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Dairies have been named as the primary outlet for an illegal tobacco ring, now busted.

The Illicit Tobacco Action Group has run a six-month op - seizing more than 1.3 million cigarettes, $170,000 in cash, and arresting five across Rotorua, Waikato and Auckland.

Officers conducted 21 searches at eight outlets and six homes across Rotorua, Waikato and Auckland.

Customs' Terry Brown says they caught a mix of retail outlets, distributors and storage areas.

"We remain very hopeful that evidence, particularly forensic evidence, will give us a steer towards the import supply chain." 

L...

The Free Speech Union says the court should show its workings over permanently suppressing a sex offender's name. 

The man sexually assaulted a woman over five years, and had other convictions for similar offences.

The judge says naming the civil servant would bring him extreme hardship and could harm his family. 

Union chief executive, Jillaine Heather, says having a vacuum of information can be dangerous. 

"We can't even see the evidence, which only just leads you to start making conjectures of why this is happening." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See...

World-class honours have been dished out to select New Zealand restaurants, with hopes they'll lead to a much-needed boost for the industry.

Queenstown's Essence has been crowned our only two star Michelin restaurant - alongside 14 others awarded a single star, like Auckland's Tala and Christchurch's Inati.

Ninety-five other venues received the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected accolades.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained how this development will boost tourism.

LISTEN ABOVE 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.