Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Episodes

April 24, 2025 3 mins

The UK is still hoping to work out a trade deal with the US - but early reports indicate it's quite a way off.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently arrived in Washington DC, and she's warned negotiations will take time.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says the UK economy needs the extra help, but it's unlikely a deal will come by the end of the week.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

US President Donald Trump has spent the past week verbally attacking Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and it's prompted concerns from the markets.

Trump recently claimed the US economy could slow down unless interest rates were lowered immediately - and said that Powell's termination 'cannot come soon enough'.

Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explains what this could mean for investors.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Mark as Played

Local cheesemakers have voiced concerns about the competition created by supermarket-produced home-brands.

Smaller brands have been forced to scale back on production to reduce their reliance on the supermarkets - in a bid to focus on filling niches that appeal to Kiwi cheese lovers.

The Country's Rowena Duncum explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

Consumer confidence has gone back up - but new data indicates people are also worried about inflation.

The latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey shows consumer confidence rose 5 points to 98.3 in April - but inflation expectations soared 0.5pts to 4.7 percent, the highest reading since July 2023.

NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann unpacked the factors contributing to this data.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Mark as Played

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and Infrastructure NZ's Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

How do we feel about the fact that we're buying new cars - and paying for their maintenance - for our former Prime Ministers?

Should taxpayers be funding more locally made reality shows? 

ACT and National are at odds over the ACC's race-based policies - what do we ma...

Mark as Played

Now, listen, I hope that this ACC business is a Scott Simpson problem and not a National problem, but I'm starting to get a little worried about it - because this is at least the 3rd case of race-based stuff still happening under National when we thought National was going to put a stop to it.

I mean, with the free GP visits in Hawke's Bay for Māori and Pasifika kids and no one else - at least that stuff could be ...

Mark as Played

New reports indicate Donald Trump is considering slashing tariffs on Chinese goods by more than half.

No announcements have been made yet- but tariffs could reportedly come down to between roughly 50 percent and 65 percent, according to one senior White House official. 

Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis says China has signalled it's open to trade talks - as officials believe this is the US blinking first in the trade dis...

Mark as Played

Doctors are welcoming an inquiry into the prescriptions from medicinal cannabis clinics.

The Medical Council's leading the investigation following patient complaints they weren't properly briefed on non-cannabis options at the clinics, or about the ongoing costs and side-effects of cannabis.

The Royal College of GPs Medical Director Luke Bradford says regulation of the clinics is overdue.

"Medicinal cannabis is lacking in evidence ...

Mark as Played

There's growing calls among industry experts for the Government to give NZ-produced reality shows a funding boost.

Local versions of shows like Married at First Sight and The Block currently don't get the 40 percent screen production rebate available to other programs - and Kiwi TV broadcasters are hoping to turn that around.

SPADA President Irene Gardiner says these shows were originally funded by advertising revenue - which has d...

Mark as Played

ACT is criticising ACC measures that aim to reduce disproportionate workplace injuries among Māori and Pasifika.

It's written to the ACC Minister, asking if targets with an ethnic focus match a Cabinet requirement for need-based public service.

Act MP Laura McClure says she hasn't seen evidence to back the targets.

"It's completely lazy - and I actually think it is a bit racist to say one particular group of people needs specific t...

Mark as Played

The Finance Minister is preparing to tweak the Family Boost payment plan, admitting IRD had the wrong numbers on eligible families.

Data to April 9 reveals 249 families received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter - since the scheme came into effect last year. 

Nicola Willis had said 21,000 families were eligible when launching the policy, but now concedes the modelling was wrong.

She says she wants to make sure fami...

Mark as Played

There's a new push for changes to the FamilyBoost scheme, after the Government incorrectly estimated the number of families eligible.

New data shows 249 families have received the maximum payment of $975 dollars a quarter since the scheme came into effect last year. 

21,000 were originally forecast to be eligible.

NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explains the impacts that come with this.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.co...

Mark as Played

An elderly man was recently the victim of a fatal stabbing in Darwin - prompting outrage and concern from residents.

Northern Territory Police have arrested the 18-year-old suspect over the death of  Linford Feick, 71, who ran the Friendly Grocer store in Nightcliff in the region's north.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the 18-year-old had only just been granted bail for sexual assault charges - and shouldn't have be...

Mark as Played

Embattled ventures into America in other sports aren't swaying New Zealand Cricket boss Scott Weenink's confidence in their new investment.

They've become the first national body in the code to invest in a franchise T20 league - taking a stake in an expansion team in North America's Major League Cricket.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played

The wheels are in motion for South Auckland's Mill Road project.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has announced $91.1 million has been approved for completing design and consent work on the Manukau to Alfriston sections.

It includes a four-lane general traffic corridor, with a westbound bus lane at the northern end.

Bishop says the road will be tolled - allowing the road users to help pay the cost of the road.

"All the new Roads of ...

Mark as Played

Pope Francis' body has been moved to St Peter's Basilica, in front of crowds of worshippers. 

The late pontiff lies in a simple coffin of wood and zinc, wearing a red robe with a rosary in his hands. 

The Pope's coffin will remain there following the Liturgy until his funeral on Saturday.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says crowds are coming in to pay tribute - and tens of thousands will be expected to come through in the co...

Mark as Played

The Finance Minister has adamantly denied any suggestions of the Government trying to interfere in the Reserve Bank.

Critics have raised concerns that the Reserve Bank's temporary Governor and Chair are acting to appeal to Nicola Willis' interests.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark as Played
April 23, 2025 100 mins

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 23 April 2025, two days, two shocking twists in the case of the disappearance of John Beckenridge and his stepson Mike. The Herald's senior crime reporter Anna Leask tells Heather why a key witnessed changed his story at the last minute.

Donald Trump says huge tariffs on Chinese goods will come down in a first sign of a major backdown. Former ambassador to the U...

Mark as Played

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame, host of Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! 

Labour wants Chris Luxon to tell Winston Peters to back off after the latter had a fiery interview on RNZ this morning - and his threat to cut RNZ's funding off. Was he right? Was it appropriate?

New Zealand is pledging more money and ...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Decisions, Decisions

    Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!

    Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

    All The Smoke

    ALL THE SMOKE pairs two of the most outspoken and controversial players of their time. Known as fiery, intense competitors during their on-court careers, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson are now two of the most widely respected voices by today’s crop of NBA stars. Serving as mentors to numerous players throughout the league and with their hands firmly on the pulse of the game, they have first-hand insight into the minds, lives and pressing issues facing today’s players. Barnes and Jackson, who have played alongside two generations of All-Stars, will dish on the latest news and drama from on and off the court without boundaries.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.