Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

A three-month long investigation has revealed that many of the offers available this Black Friday are not the bargain they may seem to be.  Consumer NZ conducted an investigation into Briscoes, Noel Leeming, Farmers and Harvey Norman, and found that customers could have picked up the same items at a similar or lower price over the three-month investigation.  Consumer NZ's Head of Research Gemma Rasmussen told Heather duPlessis-Allan that, 'there's so much hype around Black Friday, but the deals are a little dubious.' She said that it's important consumers do their research before hitting the shops.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle: Sports Commentator Nicky Styris and NewstalkZB's own D'arcy Waldegrave join Heather duPlessis-Allan to discuss the latest sports news. NZ Cricket CEO Scott Weenink is in hot water over his stance on the proposed T20 league, will it cost him his job? The international Judo Federation has allowed Russian athletes to compete again, breaking away from many global sports organisations who banned Russia after their invasion of Ukraine. And when will we finally get confirmation about Liam Lawson's future in F1? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new plan to make Auckland safer is being welcomed by the city's main business association.  Today Auckland Minister Simeon Brown and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown unveiled their action plan - including boosting outreach teams to connect rough sleepers with support, and a review of bylaws.  Heart of the City CEO Viv Beck told Heather du-Plessis Allan that the plan is broad.  She says it picks up things businesses have been crying out for, and while the proof's in the pudding, businesses have got their point across.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A prediction we haven't seen the last of a transnational crime syndicate operating out of Auckland airport. Operation Matata's seen 43 arrests since February, including 20 border workers - allegedly involved with smuggling large quantities of meth and cocaine.  It's thought the group were exploiting baggage handlers at the airport.  Chair of the ministerial advisory group on organised crime Steve Symon told Heather du Plessis-Allan that authorities have done a fantastic job rooting out that many offenders.  But he suspects either there are more, or if not, they'll be replaced like they were at the start of the year.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is hosting a conference in Auckland this weekend, with speculation rising around the potential for new policy announcements from the opposition.  And expelled Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris has called on Labour to show 'strategic restraint' in Māori electorates, as he believes it's the best way to unseat the current government.  Thomas Coughland told Heather duPlessis-Allan that it's an 'interesting strategy', and one that has the potential to backfire.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aucklanders are strongly rejecting a proposed fortnightly rubbish collection trial in select suburbs. The six month trial would start in February, and involve 10-thousand homes in Te Atatu Peninsula, Panmure, Tamaki, Clendon Park and Weymouth. Of the more than five thousand submissions, 78 percent were opposed. Auckland Council's Waste Solutions General Manager Justine Haves told Heather du Plessis-Allan that a final decision will be made next month, but their goal is to cut down waste. She says there's lots of evidence from other councils that fortnightly collections makes a huge difference to the volume of waste. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK’s embattled Labour Government has unveiled a tax-raising budget - after its full contents were leaked half an hour early. The plan's designed to lift economic growth and ease cost-of-living pressures. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledged ordinary people would have to pay more, and it's prompted backlash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing concerns from experts about the risks surrounding AI investments. Investors believe AI is at risk of forming a stock market bubble, and some analysts are worried about the risks coming home to roost. Fisher Funds expert Sam Dickie explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Green Party MP Gareth Hughes and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar wants airports around the country to stop giving Jetstar an 'advantage' with discounts that allows them to run cheaper flights. What do we make of this? The Northland business chamber has suggested many businesses in the area won't want to join a class action lawsuit against Transpower because they just want to move on from the collapsed pylon saga? Do we think the business owners will get on board?  New research shows millennials are the first generation to drift further left than their older counterparts. Why do we think this is? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 November 2025, Attorney-General Judith Collins tells Heather why she's called a public inquiry on the Tom Phillips case. Air NZ's new boss has asked airports to stop supporting Jetstar's competition edge by giving them discounts. Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully speaks to Heather - and Heather reveals why she's booked her first flight on the orange bird. Mike Colson KC explains why he's getting involved in a class action lawsuit against Transpower and Omexom over the toppled power pylon saga. Is NZ becoming more litigious?   Aussie researchers reckon millennials are the first generation to not become more conservative with age. Why is that? Plus, the Huddle debates millennials' politics and flying Jetstar. 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.