Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Foreign Minister's defending recalling Trevor Mallard as Ambassador to Ireland now, and not 18 months ago.  The previous Government appointed the former Parliament Speaker to the role in 2023. Winston Peters yesterday replaced him, saying Mallard will return home two months early.  He says Mallard should have resigned. Peters further explained he didn't bring him home earlier to avoid being accused of being vindictive.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Secondary teachers aren't backing down from their fight for better pay. Thousands of teachers walked off the job today and picketed across the country.  They say a proposed one percent pay rise is actually a cut in real terms - and concerns on staffing, professional development and support aren't addressed.  PPTA President Chris Abercrombie says he hopes that'll be the end of action, and the Government will come to the table. He says Minister Erica Stanford's signalled interest in improvement.  "Erica's come out and said she wants a world-class education system, and we want the same. So there's definitely common ground there, but it's just about how we get to that space." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's cautious optimism from the Reserve Bank Governor after cutting the OCR by 25 basis points this afternoon. Christian Hawkesby says the economy's been a bit stagnant, but there's reason to be positive. "We've lowered interest rates a long way now, we've sent out a pretty strong signal that we're willing to lower them further, as required, we've got other drivers of the economy - like high commodity prices." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is signalling further OCR cuts, but making no promises. It's slashed the cash rate 25 basis points today, to 3 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is a sign that the screws are off the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House is claiming plans are well underway for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin's and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. US President Donald Trump met with Zelenskyy and several foreign leaders earlier in the week. He's also now ruled out sending US troops to Ukraine under any peace deal. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says it's clear Trump doesn't want to be a part of any discussions between the leaders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The champions of last month's Softball World Cup are under a doping cloud, after Venezuela pitcher Maiker Pimentel returned a positive drug test. Pimentel has been provisionally suspended for taking the anabolic steroid stanozolol, which promotes and enhances lean muscle growth. He was named tournament MVP after pitching Venezuela to victory over the Black Sox in the final. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two New Zealanders who took drastic steps to prevent deadly hereditary cancers recently informed Parliament that insurance discrimination is stopping others from doing the same - costing lives as a result. As part of AGenDA’s campaign to end 'genetic discrimination', Jody Bews-Hair and Julian Grennell urged the Government to protect Kiwis from being penalised by insurers for their genetic test results. Jody Bews-Hair says genetic testing saves lives, and people should be encouraged to take the tests without fear. "Anything that encourages people to get testing is really important, because it literally saves lives - and it ultimately saves money down the track. It's a lot cheaper to fund a prophylactic surgery or screening than it is to fund 10 years of cancer treatment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Waterloo-based pub has raised eyebrows among Londoners after it introduced an extra service charge for all purchases.  Drinkers at the pub will be expected to pay an extra 4 percent on their purchases going forward. UK correspondent Enda Brady outlined the terms further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is widely expected to cut the OCR tomorrow, according to new reports. The OCR is currently sitting at 3.25 percent and the major banks have already been dropping their mortgage interest rates in anticipation. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham outlined his predictions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legislation being drafted to bring back the controversial trade of live animal exports by sea is getting stuck in the cogs of Cabinet. The Labour government banned the trade two years ago, but National and ACT campaigned on bringing it back.  The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.