Larry Williams Drive

Local Government New Zealand is warning a proposed rate cap on councils will increase debt costs and place additional burdens on ratepayers. This comes after S&P Global Ratings released its downgrade of the New Zealand local Government institutional framework score last week - lowering the credit ratings of 18 councils and three council-controlled organisations. LGNZ President Sam Broughton says capping rates would stop local councils from properly investing in their communities. "New Zealand's got billions of dollars of infrastructure deficit at the moment because we've kept rates artificially low over generations." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are welcoming direct entry for Oceania to next year's Football World Cup - ahead of kickoff in their qualifying final against New Caledonia at Eden Park. It's the first time the winner from the region automatically qualifies for the tournament.  Former All White Ben Sigmund is feeling hopeful ahead of the big match. "If they play like they did on Friday night against Fiji - I think they'll be too good and too classy and bring it home for sure." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oranga Tamariki's privacy standards are in the spotlight after a critical review.  The report highlighted nine cases it described as a 'snapshot of issues'.  They include a locked cabinet of client files being donated to charity, and social workers giving a mother's and child's address to a father accused of rape.  In another, a mother suffered more abuse - after her file was shared with her child's father.  Minister for Children Karen Chhour says that case was particularly tough reading.  "That gives me grave concern - which is why I set an expectation for Oranga Tamariki around privacy and privacy breaches. These are unacceptable."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Land owners will have more control of their property under the Government's new Resource Management Act system.  It's scrapping the RMA to replace it with two acts focused on land use and environmental protections.  Cabinet is hoping to pass it before the next election - to be in place before councils start 2027 long-term plans.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says building and expanding will become much smoother.   "So as long as you meet the standards and you're using your own property - you can go off and do it. So fewer plans, fewer resource consents, much more standardisation - a much simpler system." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for some bi-partisanship as the Government reveals key features of a replacement Resource Management Act system. Two replacement acts will include clearer environmental boundaries and prioritise property rights.  RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says it also has common sense ideas - like standardised zoning countrywide. He says he'll reach out to Labour and the Greens to look for areas where they can work together. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Albanese-led Government has recently promised to extend energy rebates until the end of 2025, providing another $150 in energy bill relief. The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to giving Australians cost-of-living relief ahead of the upcoming federal election. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the upcoming Budget will also unveil more relief solutions for prospective voters - and set the tone ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are gearing up to punch their ticket to the football World Cup. New Zealand square off against New Caledonia at Eden Park tonight. The winner secures automatic entry to next year's tournament, while the loser faces an intercontinental playoff.  Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been growing calls to make churches pay more in tax - and the Government is set to review this in the upcoming Budget. But after over a decade of research, one academic has changed her mind and now believes churches should pay less taxes and receive more funding from the Government. Dr Juliet Chevalier-Watts, Associate Professor at Waikato University's Faculty of Law, says she's been researching the economic impact and value of religious charities in New Zealand.  "It blew my mind...and quite often, the reason why we don't know about this amazing work that they carry out is because they hide it under a bushel, unfortunately. They don't do themselves any favours doing that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they were slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis.  The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 21 March 2025, the Government is vowing changes are coming to the building consent process.. after revelations that two in three approvals are delayed. The Warehouse boss tells Ryan Bridge how he managed to lead the company back to profit. Celebrity chef Al Brown explains why he's not serving Bluff oysters this year. Plus, Ryan comes under fire for his controversial ranking of  this weekend's sports offering. 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.

London's Heathrow airport is closed after a major fire at an electrical substation caused a power outage. 120 flights were in the air and had to be turned around or diverted. Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge about the shutdown, why former Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon's no longer under investigation, and Finland's ranking as the world's happiest country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is hinting that China’s President Xi Jingping might be visiting the United States soon. This comes as the two nations are deep into a trade war.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about the potential meeting, why there's good news for exporters, and Kiribati’s deep-sea mining deal with China.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christoper Luxon’s time in India has come to an end, relaunching free trade one decade after they fell apart.  A timeline is yet to be secured.  Meanwhile Winston Peters was in Washington as the US decides it needs a stronger presence in the Pacific.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins the show to discuss the international trips, the Green party’s rally for criminal Dean Wickliffe, and the latest GDP figures. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier is leaving his role next month after 10 years in the role. The current Government asked him to stay in the role after he quit last year as he approaches 72, the oldest someone can be in the position. His ten year term is coming to an end once and for all and he has a strong parting message. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One News Sports Editor Abby Wilson and Sports Journalist Jim Kayes join the Huddle.  The All Whites are playing Fiji tonight in a 2026 World Cup qualifier - The Huddle it's a definite New Zealand will take home the win. What could our impact on the World Cup be?  The Huddle is still reeling from the Warriors performance in Las Vegas, but can they pull off a win this weekend? The team is playing at home tonight against the Sydney Roosters.  Western Springs has everyone talking - should it be a music or sporting venue?  The Huddle chat all this and more.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Whites are just two games away from securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  Tonight they take on Fiji as part of the second semi-final.  If they win they'll head back to Auckland on Monday, giving one last fight for a place in the world's biggest sporting event.  Former All Whites Coach Ricki Herbert talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The poor state and decline of seafood is causing celebrity chef Al Brown to take oysters off the menu at his high profile Auckland restaurant.  Depot Eatery is known for their oysters but a lack of quality in Bluff Oysters has had them culled.  Al Brown talks to Ryan Bridge about the decision.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The building consents process is taking too long, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has said.  Applications are supposed to be processed within 20 working days, but numbers out today show 66% of the time it takes longer than that.  Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk talks to Ryan Bridge about what needs to change.   LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Warehouse group is making a profit again, announcing its half-year results for the six months ending 26 January this year.  But results did show a revenue drop of 1.6% for the first half of 2024. The Warehouse interim Chief Executive John Journee talks to Ryan Bridge about the results.   LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they will slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis.  The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.