Larry Williams Drive

New Zealand Road Cycling champion, Olivia Ray, has been issued a two and a half year ban for doping.  She admitted to the US Anti-Doping agency that she had been using banned substances at the behest of her abusive ex-partner. Any races operating out of New Zealand involving Olivia Ray will be investigated. Drug Free Sport CEO, Nick Paterson, has more here. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countdown has ended their Wiltshire  promotion early. They'll conclude their e-stamp promotion by midnight tonight, and no more cutlery or e-stamps will be available.  Here to explain how Countdown could have done this promotion better is Associate Professor of Marketing at UOA, Mike Lee. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newly released Mood of The Boardroom Survey indicates that confidence in Labour's economic strategy has decreased. Jacinda Ardern and Grant Robertson had their ratings go down to a 2.3 out of 5 and a 3 out of 5, respectively, according to new statistics. Harcourts Managing Director, Bryan Thompson, is here today to walk us through the survey results. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week has proven that New Zealand businesses are not fans of what's going on in The Beehive. Political editor Barry Soper is here with us to recap the Labour Party's week and  James Shaw's overtaking of Grant Robertson.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Vladimir Putin's infamous nuclear threats, international tensions between Russia and the rest of the world are quite high.  Over in America, the response to Putin's threats has been negative. U.S correspondent Dan Mitchinson has more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was that controversial haka performance in Melbourne really worth this level of discussion? Jason Pine, host of Weekend Sport, is here to share his thoughts on the matter today. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In order to meet increasing demand, Kainga Ora is building an apartment complex just for over 55 year olds. This apartment building will be situated in Manukau, and will fill a housing need. Kevin Lamb, CEO of Age Concern, has more. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The three largest American banks say if the U.S Government wants them to pull out of China, should China attack Taiwan, they will.  This comes a day after Biden again committed to help defend Taiwan in the event of an invasion. With us now is our Asian business correspondent, Peter Lewis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russians are trying to flee the country after Vladimir Putin's military call up, and flights out of the country are starting to sell out. The Kremlin say these reports are exaggerated. Meanwhile Ardern is pouring cold water on expelling our Russian ambassador, saying it's not a very meaningful option. With us now is Director for the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University, Rouben Azizian. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you know what I would do if I was in the Labour Party cabinet at the moment?  I’d find a way to get out ASAP. Especially if any of them want a career in business after this Government.   They should probably think about finding another job, because the rot is starting to trickle down according to this year’s mood for the boardroom.  I think we expected the PM to take a hammering and she did.  Down from 4/5 in 2020 to 2.3 out of 5 this year. But I don’t think we expected Grant Robertson to fall this much. He was the most highly ranked Cabinet Minister last year. It’s a surprise because he’s been seen as a safe pair of hands up to now.  He’s affable… He’s unflappable... he doesn’t do that annoying performance thing that the PM does when she answers questions. But even he is being tainted by this Government. And it should be a warning to them all. That the highest ranking Cabinet Minister is James Shaw.  Who is (a) not in Cabinet. And (b) not in Labour. Which says that he’s escaping the worst of it by being a

Over in the UK, a mortgage rise is on the horizon. A 75 basis point hike is looking likely, according to recent data. UK correspondent Enda Brady joins us here today to explain what that means.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on The Huddle- David Farrar of Kiwiblog and Curia pollster, and Trish Sherson of Sherson Wills PR talk about: Sky's rebrand, will a refresh be enough to keep us interested in using their service? Is Putin bluffing with his threats to the West? The Greens have been saying there's no excuse for the Government not to bring in mandatory pay gap reporting- is this necessary? All of these and more will be discussed today on The Huddle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political editor, Barry Soper, joins us today to highlight why New Zealand may still need a Russian ambassador for international relations. This has been inspired by discussions in the wake of Putin's recent comments. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

M bovis infections have been spreading around farms. This could have negative consequences, despite the infected farms fencing themselves off.  Jamie Mackay, host of The Country, joins us today to explain. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Federal Reserve has again hiked interest rates by another 75 basis points. That's a 14 year high as it tries to fight inflation. With us now is our NZ Herald business editor at large, Liam Dann. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fonterra's annual results are out and it's not looking bad at all for them. They made a $583 million dollar annual profit, it's down slightly, but earnings were still up per share. CEO Miles Hurrel joins us now. "It is a great milk price, it's great for farmers. At the end of the day, we shouldn't also lose sight." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All UK businesses have been given a six month emergency energy price cap. In other parts of Europe, manufacturers are furloughing workers because they can't pay the gas and electricity bills. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds is with us with some more info on all this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the second Bledisloe test match, the competing All Blacks squad has been named.  Captain Sam Cane has been ruled out, and Jordie Barrett and Beauden Barrett are confirmed to appear. Former All Black and rugby commentator Mils Muliainia is with us now. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Greymouth, several hundred eels have disappeared from a creek without a trace. A local motel owner, who has been feeding them for the last 15 years especially feels their absence.  A reward is being offered for more information. Joining us now, is a freshwater ecologist, Mike Joy. He's here to explain what happens- and if they were taken from the creek. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you feel confident about the amount of money you currently have in the bank? The Financial Services Council is concerned that kiwi households have misplaced confidence about not having enough emergency money put aside, or not having sufficient retirement investments.  CEO of the Financial Services Council, Richard Kliplin , joins us now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.