Larry Williams Drive

There's uncertainty about what's next after today's OCR cut. The Reserve Bank has slashed the Official Cash Rate 25 basis points to 3.5 percent, with most banks responding by cutting their advertised rates. Economists are divided on how far rates will fall. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the global trading environment is changing by the day. "There's no clarity, really, about the extent to which these tariffs are going to be in place, how countries are going to respond - and importantly, how this impacts on New Zealand as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Benjamin Doyle has conceded it was naïve to not delete old social media posts with sexually suggestive captions, as suggested by the party. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters spearheaded criticism of the private Instagram posts - escalating a barrage of extreme, violent threats against Doyle. Doyle has returned to Parliament - after taking leave since the onslaught. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's statements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chances of a full blown trade war between the US and China is looking more and more likely. China will be hit with an additional 50 percent tariff from tomorrow, taking their total to 104 percent.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the Nasdaq has taken another hit - and Chinese trade officials have made it clear they plan to 'fight this out'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man who treated countless numbers of All Blacks and Warriors players over more than a 30 year period has died. Dr John Mayhew has died at the age of 70, after recent heart complications. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks his legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions are being raised about whether a politician's religious beliefs are of public interest. Christchurch-based National MP Hamish Campbell has admitted to TVNZ  a connection to a religious group embroiled in alleged child abuse allegations. The group, dubbed the Two By Twos, has no official name or buildings, is not registered as a charity, and its members meet in homes.  Religious historian Peter Lineham says he believes some claims are against preachers. "The only aspect that is concerning for people in the group is this - that because it's so secretive, the Two By Two preachers are held in such respect that an abused person's story would probably not be believed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A baby girl has become the UK's first child born to a mother using a donated womb.  The BBC reports 36-year-old Grace Davidson received her sister's womb in 2023, the country's only successful transplant at the time.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says Davidson has given birth to baby Amy - named for her sister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's dairy sector has voiced concerns as the world prepares to accommodate the financial impacts of Donald Trump's tariffs. Reports show only six percent of NZ-produced dairy goes into the US - but there's still worry among experts. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Clare de Lore and Infrastructure New Zealand's Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Could Andrew Little be the next mayor of Wellington? What do we think he'll bring to the role? The world is grappling with Donald Trump's tariffs - and the economic uncertainty that they bring. Do we think the Government is doing a good job at reassuring us?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton are set to face off in the first election debate of the campaign. The debate is set to air on Sky News at 9:30pm (NZT) - and both leaders will be looking to boost up their campaigns and showcase their policies. 7 News political editor Mark Riley says opposition leaders stand to gain more from debates - and the pressure's on for Dutton. "Campaigns are all about momentum - and if you can get what you believe is a shift in momentum from a debate and then ride it into the campaign proper, it can have a material impact."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 8 April 2025, former Finance Minister Steven Joyce tells Ryan Bridge we're in unchartered territory when it comes to the global economy. Minister for Children Karen Chhour explains why she's happy Oranga Tamariki is ditching a target to place kids with their wider family. Black Caps coach Gary Stead wants to stay on as test coach, but will step down as ODI and T20 coach.  Plus, the Huddle debates whether former Labour MP Andrew Little would make a good new mayor for Wellington. 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 Government has revealed the New Zealand Green Investment Finance will stop making new investments - and will wind down its' existing portfolio. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says it has invested almost $400 million into various projects, with 'limited' results. Watts says there's no need for the Government to be involved in this particular market going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s commerce ministry has vowed to fight US tariffs 'to the end' after Donald Trump threatened them with new levies. One ministry spokesperson has labelled these threats a 'mistake on top of a mistake' - and claimed China would not accept this. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is starting to resemble the beginning of a full-on trade war. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long-serving Labour MP David Parker has confirmed he's departing from Parliament.  Parker has been an MP for 23 years - holding portfolios in trade, revenue, energy, and transport. He says it was important that he ended his career on a positive note. "You're never finished in this job - but it felt the right time, and I'd just sort of reset Labour Party policy around foreign affairs." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second phase of police withdrawal from mental health callouts starts in parts of the country next week.  From Monday, detained mental health patients will be handed over within 60 minutes at Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast EDs.  Police will also tighten custody rules to reduce unnecessary assessments.  Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says police will make sure handovers are done safely.  "We want our police staff to be out dealing with the issues that the public are expecting - and keeping people safe."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Finance Minister says New Zealand faces uncharted territory - as the world grapples with Donald Trump's tariffs.  New Zealand, Australian and Asian markets tumbled yesterday, but regained some ground today. Current Minister Nicola Willis is warning the tariffs and world events will impact the Government books.  Steven Joyce says given the daily uncertainty which will slow investment - no one can predict what will happen.   "I don't think Donald Trump knows, to be blunt - I don't think he knows quite where it lands and he's making it up every day as he goes along. And I think that's one of the problems."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Children's Minister says 'outdated' requirements could be institutionalising kids by limiting resources.   The Government is scrapping Oranga Tamariki targets for placing children with family and investing with Māori organisations.  A Bill passed last week to remove Treaty provisions from the Children's Ministry.  Children's Minister Karen Chhour says she hears non-Māori caregivers have felt unwanted in recent years.  "I want good caregivers, people who are willing to open up their homes and love these kids, to feel comfortable putting their hands up knowing that they can do a good job for these young people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is again dismissing criticism of her views on policing. Billboards depicting Paul and Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick have popped up in Wellington and Auckland -- with the tagline - 'Defund the Police, vote Green'. The Sensible Sentencing Trust is behind the ads, and claims the Greens have expressed copyright concerns about their use of official candidate photos. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the reactions from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the ASX has seen a slight rebound following a drop from earlier in the week. The S&P/ASX 200 Index lifted 2.1 per cent, or by 151.5 points, to 7494.8 after recouping some of Monday’s 4.2 per cent loss as part of the fallout from Trump's newest tariffs. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the tariffs have also damped business confidence across Australia, according to new reports. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand Cricket admit there's a chance they'll turn Gary Stead down if he decides he wants to continue as Black Caps test coach. The long-serving mentor has stepped down from the white-ball formats, but is yet to decide whether he wants to continue in the red-ball role. The governing body is deciding whether to split the coaching role or bring in a new, singular coach. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A victims' advocate wants authorities to investigate the finances of offenders refusing to pay reparations.  Ministry of Justice data shows more than 10-and-a-half thousand payments are overdue - out of the 24,000 ordered by courts. More than $105 million is owed across the country.  Chief Government Victims Advisor Ruth Money says she isn't seeing much due diligence. She says some will claim they can't pay, while also owning a new car or a house. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.