On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Winston Peters about NZ First's new members bill to remove 'woke' DEI hires for the public sector.  Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the re-creation of the Health NZ Board - what's next for Lester Levy?  The Mayor of Byron Bay Sarah Ndiaye gives us a latest on cyclone Alfred as it touches down.  Plus, the sports huddle discusswhat's gone wrong with the Fijian Drua and their team bus. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Ukraine talks are headed to Saudi Arabia next week, with President Zelensky saying he hopes it'll be a meaningful meeting. It has been revealed around 20 countries are now interested in joining what's being called a coalition of the willing to help Ukraine. They're largely taken from the Commonwealth and from Europe, spearheaded by the UK and France.  UK Correspondent Gavin Grey talks to Ryan Bridge.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is China feeling amid the trade war coming out of the United States?  Tariffs have been on and off under Trump's direction, but when it comes to China they have been consistent.  Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Ryan Bridge about what's been happening in China in the aftermath.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation.  Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday.  Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr.  "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.'  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S President Donald Trump has paused tariffs on Mexico and Canada, again, after first doing so one month ago.   The executive actions mean products covered under the USMCA treaty won’t be subject to a tariff until April 2nd. What is the President’s game plan?  Executive Director of the International Business Forum Stephen Jacobi talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports Commentator Andrew Gouride and Newstalk ZB Rugby Commentator Paul Allison join Ryan Bridge on the Sports Huddle. Super Rugby is taking a hit after the Fijian team were forced to right in the back of a truck on their arrival in Napier. How bad is this for the tournament? The Champions Trophy is getting underway on Sunday – could the Black Caps win? What does the Huddle think of a new review saying Super Rugby franchises should be merged with provincial unions? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fijian Drua have reported several travel issues before their Super Rugby game in Napier last month.  A photo showing the rugby team crammed into the back of a truck has circulated online, leading to officials blaming a breakdown in communication as the culprit.  FBC Sports Journalist Indra Singh talks to Ryan Bridge about the incident. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New film Tinā is shaping up to be a Kiwi classic and has already earned more than $1 million.  The film ranks third as the biggest opening weekend for a New Zealand film. Director Miki Magasiva talks to Ryan Bridge about the movie and why it's connecting with audiences nationwide.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred continues to head towards Queensland.  Four million people are set to be directly affected according to the latest numbers.  Several towns have been evacuated and thousands are without power.  Byron Bay Mayor Sarah Ndiaye gives Ryan Bridge an update on the situation.  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is reinstating the board of Health New Zealand, only eight months after it was scrapped. Lester Levy was appointed as commissioner and replaced the board last year. What does the new model look like?  Health Minister Simeon Brown said the recruitment process has begun for a new board and talks to Ryan Bridge about the change. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.