Larry Williams Drive

Extra motivation for Queensland ahead of tonight's State of Origin series decider against New South Wales in Sydney. Maroons skipper Cameron Munster has returned to camp after the death of his father, Steven. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Otago University professor says extinction is forever and the moa isn't coming back. A US genetic engineering project with backing from Peter Jackson claims it might restore the extinct South Island moa to New Zealand within a decade. But zoology professor Philip Seddon says he's questioning the researchers' goal and whether it's even possible. "Its genetics will be different, its physiology will be different, its behaviour will be different. There's a lot of question marks about whether a GMO version of a moa is actually going to be useful at all." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK Government is looking to plug up a multi-billion dollar financial hole - leading some to speculate about the possible introduction of new taxes. Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has advocated for the Government introducing a tax on wealth. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this suggestion has prompted backlash, with experts claiming wealth taxes have historically never worked. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has defied market expectations by leaving its cash rate target unchanged at 3.85 percent. Market expectations were for the central bank to cut its rate by 25 basis points. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham this came as a surprise to experts - but the central bank opted to wait ahead of the CPI release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waikato-Bay of Plenty farmer Hugh Jackson has takne home the title of New Zealand's top young farmer. The 26-year-old was crowned the 57th FMG Young Farmer of the Year last weekend after the final event in Invercargill.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle Ali Jones from Red PR and former National ministerial advisor Brigitte Morton joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The second stage of the Covid-19 inquiry is still going on - and Labour's Chris Hipkins has suggested this gives conspiratorial views a platform. Do we think these comments are out of line?  TVNZ is set to launch an independent review of its news content to check for balance and bias. Is this a serious enough problem? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Heather Du Plessis-Allan Drive with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Tuesday 8th of July 2025, Brooke van Velden responds to Chris Hipkins saying the Covid inquiry terms of reference provides a platform for conspiracy theorists. Donald Trump has met with Benjamin Netanyahu in the White House, Managing partner of Firehouse strategies & Former Chief of staff for Marco Rubio's 2016 campaign, Matt Terrill provides some analysis. Rich-listers who planned to fully fund a new arena at Western Springs Stadium have removed their bid, rival Western Springs Stadium bidder Brent Eccles tells Ryan Bridge what happens next. Plus, TVNZ is launching a independent review to check its news for balance, Ryan asks the Huddle if TVNZ is too biased. 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 Reserve Bank is expected to take a breather when it reviews the Official Cash Rate on Wednesday, before pushing on with cuts later in the year. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3.25 percent. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the central bank runs some risks if they cut at this point. "What they risk is that the CPI, which is due later on this month, comes in uncomfortably high - and some of the data we've seen since May suggests that it is actually going to be a bit stronger than what they forecasted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property lawyer says new proposals take a major burden off realtor's shoulders.  The Government is streamlining the process for selling a house held by a family trust - as it makes changes to laws preventing money laundering.  It says real estate agents must currently collective excessive amounts of information about the trust. But McVeagh Fleming Associate Mario Thorne says documents are often missing - or never existed.   "You're dealing with really straightforward situations where it's clear where the funds have come from - and then to cast the net too wide and ask for these invasive documents, it's cracking a nut with a sledgehammer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ is set to launch an independent review of its news content to check for balance and bias. This follows Media Minister Paul Goldsmith expressing interest in seeing trust in media improve - particularly for the state broadcasters. NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie says viewers have taken issue with the 'editorialising' of the news. "The reporter comes in at the end and gives an opinion or analysis that the viewer might take issue with. The feedback that we get a lot of is - just report the news." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small moves have been made that could help achieve a Gaza ceasefire - but no certainty. The US President hosted Israel's Prime Minister at the White House, as the world holds onto hope the war will end. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest in working together for peace in the Middle East, but seemed to downplay the prospect of Palestinian statehood.  Former Secretary of State Chief of Staff, Matt Terrill, says their shared dinner today was a good step in the path towards a deal.  "Obviously a ways to go here, but his administration feels good about where they're at - and about the direction forward here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims comments by Chris Hipkins on the Covid inquiry are 'unhelpful' and 'divisive'.  The Labour leader said the terms of reference for the second phase - currently underway - provide a platform for conspiratorial views. He pointed out they exclude decisions made when New Zealand First was in Government . But Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, told Ryan Bridge the terms were expanded so people felt listened to.  "They wanted the inquiry to be fulsome and to find the truth so that when we have another pandemic, we have less division and we have a better response." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins won't commit to appearing before the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid response. The Labour leader earlier said the terms of reference for the second stage - which is currently underway - provide a platform for conspiracies. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Hipkins has some good points - but the Government at the time did make decisions that intruded on people's rights. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian convicted triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been accused of tampering with prison food, which has reportedly made a fellow inmate sick. Patterson was reportedly given a job in the prison kitchen while awaiting trial, with accusations surfacing after her conviction was announced. Australian correspondent Charles Croucher says investigations are still ongoing - and more will come to light given how much information on this case has been suppressed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France will avoid Hamilton and instead base themselves in Auckland for as long as possible before their test series finale against the All Blacks next week. A spokesperson confirmed that following the second test of the three-match series, Les Bleus will relocate from Wellington to Auckland, citing preferred facilities. ZB sports reporter Nathan Limm explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group planning a concert venue at Auckland's Western Springs want council approval to get on with it.  A different bid recommended by council staff - for an arena backed by Auckland FC rich-listers - has been withdrawn. The council says more assessment's needed to find a path forward.  Eccles Entertainment Founder Brent Eccles says he's thrilled the competition's pulled out.  He says his group remains the obvious choice.  "I believe that we're kind of in the box seat now, there were only two expressions of interest that were accepted - from us to build a proper concert bowl." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles led commemorations on the 20th anniversary of the 2005 London transit bombings - the deadliest attack on the capital since World War II. 52 were killed and over 700 were injured when four men inspired by al-Qaida blew themselves up on three subway trains and a bus during rush hour on July 7th, 2005. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says King Charles spoke of the importance of unity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time's ticking for US trade partners to sign tariff deals with Donald Trump. In April, the President announced most countries, including New Zealand, would face a 10 percent minimum levy - but has delayed their implementation.  This week, he's promised to send out what he's calling 'take it or leave it' letters.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly revealed how the markets reacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has a limited range of ventures producing medicinal cannabis - but the most successful distributor doesn't even sell directly to Kiwis. Medical marijuana company Puro has just signed a $16 million distribution deal in the UK, but co-founder Tim Aldridge says red tape is stopping the business from selling domestically. Aldridge says there's no manufacturing or packaging companies that can take their product - and they need to ship that out to Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's concerns broadening citizen's arrest powers could endanger young people - both thieves and retail workers. Do we need to find a better solution? The second part of the Covid-19 inquiry is under way - do we think Jacinda Ardern will return to answer questions? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.