Larry Williams Drive

I've got a life tip for you - Grownups should not post their opinions on social media. Case in point, Gary Lineker. Now, Gary is about to announce that he's leaving his job at the BBC because of a social media post. This, in the UK, is very big news. Gary's a very popular host. He's the highest earner at the BBC because of how popular he is. He gets a salary of about $3 million New Zealand dollars, he's a former professional football player - I wager that if you ask anyone in the UK who Gary Lineker is, they'll be able to tell you. That's how well known he is. But he just torpedoed his own career by reposting a pro-Palestine video on social media that criticized Zionism and included an illustration of a rat. Now know your history on this - a rat is an image that was used in Nazi Germany to characterize Jews as vermin. You don't get away with that, you've got to know what you're doing there. And the thing about it is this wasn't even Gary's first mistake. Like with the first mistake - you could cut the gu

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 19 May 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaks to Heather ahead of Budget Day later this week. Is she worried the debate about the suspension of Maori Party MPs will overshadow her big week? US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley has details about former President Joe Biden's terminal cancer diagnosis. Butter has got so expensive that people are buying boxes of cheap butter from Costco. Former Costco boss Patrick Noone explains why butter at Costco is half as expensive as elsewhere. Plus, the Huddle debates whether a Mt Eden homeowner should be made to rip out his new aluminium windows because they're not compliant with heritage rules. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Budget is due out this week - and the Finance Minister's feeling hopeful despite the concerns around Te Pāti Māori's antics. Prime Minister Chris Luxon made it clear earlier today that National will not make any concessions on the Privileges Committee's recommendation to suspend three Te Pāti Māori MPs from Parliament. Nicola Willis says this week is all about the Budget - which aims to address concerns Kiwis have about the cost of living. "We just need to focus on the things that will make a difference to people. We can't control Te Pāti Māori, they will do what they want to do."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The owners of a Mt Eden villa has voiced disapproval after Auckland Council demanded they remove double-glazed windows from their house to comply with heritage rules - claiming the order is 'expensive' and 'unnecessary'. The new windows have aluminium frames instead of the traditional timber frames - and open up to the outsides, rather than side upwards like the traditional sash windows. Alex Witten-Hannah, a lawyer representing the homeowners, hopes the council will take a 'common-sense' approach and back off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bustle of butter-buying at Auckland's Costco - where it costs $10 a kilo. Stats NZ figures show the price of a block of butter has soared 65 percent in the past year. Videos on social media show shoppers piling boxes of the spread into carts at the bulk-buy supermarket. Former Costco managing director, Patrick Noone, says the store's very unlikely to try to stop bulk buying.  He explained they did it once when eggs were short - but if they can supply it, they'll let people buy as much as they can. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Energy Minister says reversing natural gas policies will take time.  Production fell 20 percent in the first quarter - compared on the year before - to 22.85 petajoules.  Industry spokespeople say available gas is depleting and exploration of new fields is banned. Shane Jones says the last Government wanted the sector shut down - and faith needs to be restored it has a future.  "Since 2018 and 2019, when the curtain came down on the industry, people stopped drilling and people lost confidence - that there would be no future for fossil fuel in New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns over extreme staff shortages in rural hospitals - as the Government announces funding to help urgent and after-hours care.  Patient Voice Aotearoa has revealed more than 20 rural hospitals across the country are looking for one or more locum doctors. The Far North's Dargaville, Bay of Islands, and Kaitaia hospitals are doctor-less - and relying on telehealth. Chair Malcolm Mulholland says it's unclear how we can staff extra services - and we have to do more to keep doctors here. "This is the problem that we've got - whether we're looking at GPs or specialists who operate within our hospitals, we simply don't have enough." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Budget's designed to give businesses even more confidence for the future. The Budget, released on Thursday, will put aside $65 million over four years, for loosening rules that might put off overseas investors from choosing New Zealand. Nicola Willis says we can't let debt keep blowing out forever - and would risk the economy crumbling away if we allow major extra taxes or excessive borrowing.  Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls speculates about other future changes that could be unveiled ahead of Budget day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grieving Australian families feel 'insulted' by silence around the death of two teens in Laos last year. Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died alongside four others staying at Nana Backpackers hostel - after accidentally drinking methanol in alcohol shots. In latest news, up to 13 people may face charges related to food and health security, eliminating evidence, and unlawful business.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the parents of the victims have been met with silence from Laos authorities - and they're not happy about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another successful weekend for Auckland FC - and all hopes are on the Kiwi side ahead of the A-League Grand Final. The Black Knights are returning home with no injury concerns from the 1-nil away win over Melbourne Victory in the first leg of the semi-final. Sportstalk host Jason pine explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis has come after earlier intense public scrutiny of his health fitness for the presidency.  The former US President has an aggressive form of prostate cancer, with possible treatment available, although it's not curable and has spread to his bones.  US correspondent Jonathan Kearsly says it comes at an interesting time - when his legacy is being questioned.  "Hard questions, obviously, over his health, his mental acuity while he was in office - and now, two days before a book is set to be released about those very concerns." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 16 May 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis tells Heather why she's begrudgingly signed off on an almost 600 million dollar subsidy for film productions. Woolworths boss Pieter de Wet has hit back at the Government, saying its the cost of GST that's making New Zealand's groceries more expensive than in Australia. Auckland FC Coach Steve Corica speaks to Heather ahead of tomorrow's playoffs game against Melbourne. Plus, the Sports Huddle talks Ryan Fox' big win this week and is First XV rugby better than Super Rugby? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance, who is currently serving a sentence for a rape conviction, is set to be released from prison in Germany later than originally scheduled. Christian Brückner, 48, was convicted of raping a 72-year-old American tourist in Portugal in 2005 and had been scheduled for release in September, but this could now be pushed back to early next year. He has never been charged in the McCann case and denies any involvement in her disappearance in 2007. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the case, the Ukrainian man charged with arson at Kier Starmer's property and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The trade war between the United States and China has settled down for 90 days. President Donald Trump’s agreed to reduce tariffs by 115 percent. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the developments, Japan’s conditions on singing a trade deal with the US and China’s exports growing sharply - just not in the US. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I just want to be clear, I don't want to start a disagreement between shows here on Newstalk ZB, but I did listen to Mike Hosking this morning talking some smack, and listening to it, I felt, no, I'm gonna have to say something about this just to restore a bit of balance to this debate. In defence of instant coffee, the stuff is great. I love it. I drink it nearly every day, little flat white in the morning, little old school instant in the afternoon. I am, I would like to point out, squarely in the demographic that should be snobby about coffee, right? It should be like fresh beans from Rwanda every day. I grew up on the cafe culture, live in Ponsonby, have some of the best cafes in the country around the corner, but I still write by instinct. Now I don't want to be super unfair on Mike, because obviously he's a legend, but he does some girl math when he wants to. Instant coffee is not more expensive than your ground beans. I mean, if you look at it on the face of what you're paying at the supermarket, yep,

Wellington’s potential next Mayor is making headlines for dishing out suggestions to the current mayor. Andrew Little called on Tory Whanau to not sign any more contracts in the Golden Mile redevelopment – calling it unethical to do so before a new Mayor is elected in October. In a statement to Newstalk ZB, Whanau said candidates “do not have the mandate to demand that our Council cease progress on any democratically agreed-upon projects” Wellington Mayoral candidate Andrew Little talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and Sports Journalist Jim Kayes join Heather du Plessis-Allan for the Sports Huddle. Auckland FC are facing a huge challenge this weekend as they take on the Melbourne Victory. The Sports Huddle discusses if the team’s prepared for the match. America’s Cup fans will have heard the discourse about Team New Zealandsailing in Italy helmed by an Australian. Does it make it less of a Kiwi team? First XV Rugby is set to be televised again. The Sports Huddle debate the relevance of having it return. All this and more tonight’s Sports Huddle. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland FC have 180 minutes to secure their place in the grand final, when they take on the Melbourne Victory tomorrow. Melbourne Victory are regarded as one of the league’s most dominant clubs, boasting four championships and three premierships. Auckland FC Head Coach Steve Corcia talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan ahead of the momentous game. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New reports show cruise ships are giving New Zealand a miss. Next season will see a 28 percent decrease in port visits nationwide. Cruise Association CEO Jackie Lloyd says cruise ship companies have a negative perception of New Zealand. “They think New Zealand’s unwelcoming, that we’re not wanting crews, and they’re reflecting that in their deployment decisions for the next couple of years,” she said. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Waitangi Tribunal is urging the Government to “immediately halt” the Act Party-promoted Regulatory Standards Bill set to be introduced to Parliament on Monday. In a report, released today, the tribunal condemned the Government not consulting with Māori when developing the legislation, thus violating its Treaty obligation. Author of the bill David Seymour talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.