Larry Williams Drive

Well, of course you heard it here first last Monday - the surplus has been pushed out again. It's like waiting for Christmas when you're a ten-year-old, the whole month of December feels like an eternity. This lot have now pushed it out three times and changed the definition of surplus. Not only have we moved the goalposts, we've lowered them, too. Next year's deficit is almost $14 billion, that's $1.8 billion worse than they thought it would be in May. We're not back in black till 2030 now, instead of 2029. That's what happens when you borrow a bunch of money you have to pay back and then fail to grow your way out of it. Basically, Grant Robertson went and bought a brand new lambo on the credit card and then when he buggered off, we got Nicola who promised she'd get us some more work to pay for the debt so we wouldn't go broke.  But that extra work hasn't quite happened yet - so here we are. The good news is - it is coming, they tell us. More than 3 percent next year. In theory. All going to plan. And W

Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update has painted a concerning picture for the Government books. It forecasted the deficit will peak at $16.9 billion dollars, and only drop to $60 million in the 2029-2030 financial year.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says this forecast doesn't come with many surprises. "If you look at the bigger picture, we're now going to have a decade of deficits. And if you look at the last two years, the situation's actually been worsening."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The lawyer representing victims of a former Russell McVeagh partner, whose behaviour helped ignite New Zealand’s #MeToo movement, says it’ll be up to clients whether they want to work with him. James Gardner-Hopkins was found guilty of six misconduct charges by the Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal in 2021 - and suspended for three years. He’s now been granted a new practising certificate by the Law Society, which says he’s fit to return as a barrister. Steph Dyhrberg says the decision will put some clients off, but others may not see it as a barrier. "That's the thing about having a practicing certificate, you've sort of got a brand on you from the Law Society that you're a fit and suitable person." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council's trashing a plan to trial fortnightly rubbish collection - but the idea hasn't yet been removed from the picture. The trial would've included 10,000 households in Te Atatu Peninsula, Panmure, Tamaki, Clendon Park and Weymouth. Of more than 5,000 submissions, 78 percent opposed the trial. Councillor Daniel Newman says the possibility for fortnightly collection lives on in the current Waste Management Minimisation plan. "Some of us were trying to permanently move the whole region to a weekly service next year when the matter comes up, and we'll have to consult on it then. it's very painful." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bondi hero who wrestled the firearm off a gunman has a long recovery ahead. Syrian-born Ahmed al-Ahmed has catapulted to international fame for intervening during the terror attack that killed 15 and injured more than 40. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $2 million to help the 43-year-old father of two, who's in hospital, shot in the shoulder. Australians for Syria Association spokesperson, Lubaba Alhamidi Alkahil says there was a lot of fear the Muslim community would get the blame. "But who was the one who rushed to help? Who endangered himself? It was the Muslim one, right? So he proved that we are not terrorists." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's still aiming for a surplus this decade, despite today's bleak economic news. Treasury's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update shows more delay to getting the books back to black.  The deficit's expected to deepen more to a high of $16.9 billion and not narrow to $60 million dollars until 2029-30. Nicola Willis says a 2029 surplus is very achievable. "What that will take is just a small revision to the growth upwards, combined with fiscal discipline. And those are two things that our Government is committed to."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A painful wait could be worthwhile for Nathan Lyon, if he rediscovers his form in the third Ashes cricket test starting tomorrow. The veteran off-spinner's been sitting on 562 test wickets for five months, one short of equalling Glenn McGrath as Australia's second highest wicket taker. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Condolences and support from New Zealand MPs for Australia's Jewish community, after Sunday's terror attack. Parliament's held a moment's silence - marking the 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says speakers from all the major political parties paid tribute to the victims.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The deadly Bondi Beach shooting, which saw 16 people killed and dozens more injured, has prompted the Australian Government to tighten up gun laws following the incident. The Government revealed plans to further restrict gun licences to citizens only - with limits on the types of guns and number obtained.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says questions have been raised over why people who live in suburban Sydney needed multiple weapons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's confident a planned mega-ministry, MCERT, will support RMA and Local Government reforms.  It expects the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport to be up and running by next July. It replaces the Ministries of Environment, Transport, Housing and Urban Development.  Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says New Zealand's great challenges involve all those agencies.  "At the moment, it's all disconnected between three of four different agencies that we're merging together into one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five people were arrested in Germany after they were suspected of being involved in a plot to drive a vehicle into people at a Christmas market. The group were detained over the plan to target a market in the southern Bavarian state. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index has slowed down, according to new data. Reports show it fell by 1.5 points to 46.9, sparking concerns about the future of the economy. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Motor Trade Association is coming out against proposed changes to the Warrant of Fitness scheme.  Under the proposal, the first WOF on a light vehicle would last four years. Head of Advocacy James McDowall says the annual check help ensure brakes, tires  and essential parts of the car are working - keeping people safe on the road. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This terror attack in Sydney is what everyone else has been saying it is: absolutely horrific. Antisemitic terrorism. Sadly, this type of attack is happening and will keep happening more frequently, according to intelligence agencies. And the worst part is that it's almost impossible to stop. Australia has what the world considers the 'gold standard' gun control. After the Port Arthur massacre, they tightened up the rules. But it still has more guns now than it did back in the 90s - both in number and per capita. Guns don't cause terror attacks of course. For that, you'll need radial fanatics with a screw loose. The internet is full of them. It's a great place to meet like-minded people, sadly. We run very expensive security agencies in most Western countries whose job it is to track people down and prevent Bondi beach events. In this case, ASIO knew about the son with the gun in Sydney as early as six years ago. There were links to ISIS. But it didn't stop him, did it? Brenton Tarrant was posting a

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 15 December 2025, the ripple effects of the shocking Bondi terror attack are being felt far and wide. Ryan Bridge speaks to terrorism expert Dr Levi West, Holocaust Center chair Deborah Hart and Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Pannett. The Reserve Bank Governor has swung into action to talk down financial markets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis seems happy. Avatar director James Cameron has warned this might be his last Avatar movie and is pitching for a better film rebate for local productions. Plus, after the Bondi attack the Huddle debates whether we have let antisemitism become acceptable. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day! There was a fatal attack on Bondi Beach last night, with 15 dead and over 40 people injured. What do we think of this? Is this a sign we've normalised anti-Semitism?  The Motor Trade Association is warning that we shouldn't extend WOFs from one to two years. Will this lead to more road-unfit cars on the roads?   James Cameron has said he might not make another Avatar sequel, and he wants the Government to strengthen the film rebate system. Do we really think this is the way to go? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectations.  Experts have speculated a projected surplus will be pushed back from 2029 by another year, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon tempered expectations earlier today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says 'fiscal discipline' will see New Zealand's economy keep growing in the coming months. "Importantly, I also get to update the Treasury's economic forecasts and that's what shows the picture for more job creation, income growth into the future, and people doing better." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are assuring the public there's no immediate threat of a terror attack in New Zealand.  They're bolstering their presence around Jewish sites after the targeted attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney's Bondi yesterday.  A father and son opened fired on a crowd of some 1,000 people - killing 15 and injuring more than 40.  Assistant Police Commissioner Mike Pannett says in these situations, try and escape quickly and quietly, hide, and contact police when safe to do so.   "We will absolutely attend as fast as we can, but as these circumstances have shown over the last day, there is no crime advance warning."   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Film Commission says bringing more film projects to New Zealand isn't as simple as hiking subsidies.  Oscar-winning director James Cameron released his third instalment of the Avatar franchise over the weekend.  However, Cameron says it may well be his last due to industry belt-tightening.  He's called for the Government to revisit the rebate scheme.  CEO of the Film Commission, Annie Murray says production opportunity isn't just about money.  "Yes, they're looking for the best for their bottom line, but they're also looking, first and foremost, for a creative fit. And they're certainly finding that here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nod of approval for the KidsCan school lunches scheme. A Ministry of Education ECE report shows consistent near 100 percent satisfaction scores for reliability, food safety, and communication. KidsCan CEO Dame Julie Chapman says it costs $2 dollars per meal, on average - under their not-for-profit model. "You're talking 30 to 50 kids, as opposed to, you know, hundreds or potentially thousands of kids. So that bespoke model for early childhood works really well."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.