Larry Williams Drive

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. It’s been a decades-long goal of the United States to put individual states in charges of running schools. The Education Department was created in 1979 and cannot be shut down without Congress’ approval, but Trump’s order might have done enough. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about why that is, why Americans are less happy than ever, and how much money two astronauts stuck in space earnt. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a big weekend of sport with the All Whites taking on Fiji tonight as well as the Warriors against the Roosters at 8pm.  The All Whites are aiming for the World Cup in this qualifying match at 7pm tonight.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave talks to Ryan Bridge about the games and the F1.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The grass might not be greener in Australia as an inquiry into supermarket’s is recommending 20 reforms to support consumers and suppliers. It has been revealed that Aldi, Coles and Woolworths are among the most profitable supermarkets in the world. Retail Consultant Nick Hogendijk tells Ryan Bridge they’re no better off than New Zealand's supermarkets. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 20 March 2025, the Finance Minister says the economy has turned a corner after the GDP grew 0.7% in Q4.    Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull defends his criticism of Donald Trump, saying he's no longer PM and will speak his mind in the face of a bully.  Plus, an admin for one of Auckland's largest Facebook groups reveals the toll the job takes - and why he would like to charge people to make posts.  Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Direct flights to India are one step closer following a codeshare agreement signing between Air New Zealand and Air India. Passengers will be able to travel from Indian counties Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on their national airline, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore and onto New Zealand. Both airlines revealed they are aiming for direct flights in 2028. Indian New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla talks to Tim Beveridge about what this means for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On top of a forecast $10 milk price (Milk Price range narrows: NZ $9.70 - $10.30 per kgMS), Fonterra Ltd has increased its FY25 full year earnings guidance from 40-60 cents per share to 55-75 cents per share. Fonterra released its FY25 interim results today. The Co-op’s dividend policy is 60-80% of full year earnings, with up to 50% of the full year dividend to be paid at interims. That's a possible range of 33 to 60 cents. The Country host Jamie McKay talks to Tim Beveridge about Fonterra's results.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has climbed out of a recession as the economy grew 0.7% in the December quarter.  The outcome was better than economists predicted and Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pleased with the results.  What are the chances of the number being revised down again later?  New Zealand Herald Business Editor Liam Dann answers all the important questions with Tim Beveridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s good news for diary giant Fonterra, whose first half net profit is up 8 percent to $729 million, with a revenue growth of 14 percent. A dividend of 22 cents a share will be paid, and the forecast farmgate milkprice is sitting at a midpoint of $10 a kilo. What is the message to farmers? Fonterra Chief Executive Miles Hurrell talks to Tim Beveridge about the result. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former National Party staffer Ben Thomas and Ali Jones of Red PR join Tim Beveridge for The Huddle. Admins of the popular Facebook group ‘Auckland Flatmates Wanted’ want to start charging for posts. Could this be the future of successful social media groups? New Zealand is officially out of a recession - can we now feel instantly better about the future? The Huddle also discuss whether world leaders should keep their opinions on Donald Trump quiet, and if it’s counterintuitive to cut almost 400 defence roles.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hugely popular Facebook page ‘Auckland Flatmates Wanted’ is proposing a $3 fee for posting in the group. The page has more than 200,000 members and is a godsend for those trying to find or fill a room. An admin of the page is proposing the fee due to the work it takes to monitorscams and approve posts, but they’vereceived widespread backlash. Another admin from Auckland Flatmates Wanted speaks anonymously to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has concluded his trip to the United States where he met with US Secretary Marco Rubio. Peters has given little insight into the meeting, but said it was successful. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcom Turnbull has been outspoken about standing up to the Trump administration, does he agree with Peters approach to the US President? LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of the worst recession since 1991. New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.7% in the December 2024 quarter, following a 1.1% decrease in the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Tim Beveridge about the turning point. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of recession, but that doesn't mean the focus is off recovering the economy. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says the May budget will be tough.  "There was a lot of criticism at the last budget that it wasn't tough enough, they had to do more ... they'll be hoping they can do something that will turn the economy on a better basis than what it has been," he said.  Barry Soper joins the show to discuss this, Ginny Anderson's charter contradicting charter school comments, and the Green MP who visited Dean Whitcliffe in prison.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's federal government is promising to cut the cost of pharmaceuticals at the election nears closer.  Peter Dutton and the Liberal Party have piggy-backed on the promise.  Dutton has made another financial commitment - to cut funding to United Nations Relief and Works Agency, the agency currently looking after refugees in Gaza, if he wins the election.  It comes as cost of living is a major voting point for Australians.  Australian Correspondent Murray Olds joins the show to discuss this, Trump's Australian tariffs, and developments in the cast that saw an ex-cop allegedly murder his former lover and that man's new partner.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oceania Qualifiers Semi-Finals are on tomorrow night for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.  But is it too easy to qualify? Does the simplicity take away the emphasis?  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave and Tim Beveridge discuss the qualifying games.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost 400 civilian New Zealand Defence Force jobs are set to go as part of a major restructure. NZDF staff were informed of the cuts today. This comes after 145 civilian workers took redundancy last year.  Retired Lieutenant Colonel Hayden Ricketts says workload will increase for remaining staff, and the growing need for a strong defence force.  LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government has unveiled a series of measures designed to slash £5 billion from the current welfare bill. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall has revealed the number of new people claiming the benefit is 'not sustainable'. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this been met with backlash from some groups - and some feel the Government hasn't tightened things enough. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 councils and three council-controlled organisations have recently had their credit ratings downgraded by S&P Global Ratings. The credit rating agency has expressed concern that councils aren't receiving enough revenue to cover rising costs, including investment in infrastructure.   NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US stock market is still undergoing a turbulent period, with more investors aiming to cut their losses. Donald Trump's tariffs still loom large over the market, with numbers dipping into the red after a short rebound. Milford Asset Management's Andrew Curtayne explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame, host of ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Former All Black Ali Williams, his billionaire wife Anna Mowbray and US billionaire Bill Foley want to build a new stadium in Auckland's Western Springs. They promise it won't cost ratepayers anything. Do we need this?  Do we think employees should be free to tell their co-workers their salary? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.