

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
Newstalk ZB
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
Mentioned books

Sep 25, 2025 • 3min
Jillaine Heather: Free Speech Union CEO on the rise of school-aged boys spreading 'extremism'
There's growing push-back on the idea that children should be censored at school, as extremism spreads. PPTA members are seeing misogyny spread through the classroom, and they're putting it down to a 'toxic online culture of masculinity'. The union wants to make addressing online extremism an official policy, and is calling for Government action. Free Speech Union CEO Jillaine Heather says it's hard to stop children picking up new ideas different to their parents' views. "What you want to do, if you disagree with those ideas, is engage with them. Engage in counter-speech, dismantle the ideas, test them, get them to bring their receipts. You can't censor those ideas, surely." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 3min
Tamati Ellison: All Blacks assistant coach speaks ahead of All Blacks v Wallabies clash
The All Blacks are hoping to turn their luck around following their worst-ever defeat to South Africa. Ahead of their Eden Park clash against the Wallabies this Saturday, there are 11 survivors in the run-on side to meet the Aussies. All Blacks assistant coach Tamati Ellison says the team's morale is running well ahead of the big game. "I don't think worry's the right word...you prepare every week with all due respect to your opposition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 2min
John Carnegie: Energy Resources Aotearoa CEO on oil and gas exploration applications reopening
Oil and gas exploration applications have reopened for the first time since the 2018 ban. Companies can now apply for new prospecting and exploration permits anywhere in the country - not just onshore Taranaki. An open market application pathway's also being introduced to allocate new permits, in addition to the current competitive tender process. Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive John Carnegie says there's concerns among investors about the ongoing certainty of this, given the backlash from the opposition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 6min
Miles Hurrell: Fonterra CEO reveals how strong result could lead to lower butter prices
Fonterra's CEO says cheaper butter prices could be on the horizon. The dairy co-op's announced a 13 percent rise in annual operating profit and a record-high final milk payout of $10.16 per kg. Chief Executive Miles Hurrell says it's a great result for farmers. He says the price of wholesale butter globally has fallen 15 percent in the past two months. "At some point, that'll flow through to the supermarkets - I suspect that they'll set their own prices, but that should flow through and give it an element of relief." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 5min
Azaria Howell: Newstalk ZB reporter on the investigation into National MP Carl Bates
An inquiry's being held into whether the MP for Whanganui has complied with his obligations to declare interests. National's Carl Bates didn't disclose 25 properties, linked to his family trust, many of which are rentals in the area. They weren't declared on Parliament's list of MP's property and financial interests. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell unpacked the investigation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 4min
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on Albanese and Trump meeting in New York
Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump came face-to-face in New York - and locked in plans for a formal meeting in Washington for October. Albanese posted a photo of the pair to his Instagram and claimed it was good to chat with the US President as part of a welcome event for world leaders. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says it's 'crucial' for the leaders to have a meeting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 3min
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the line-up changes ahead of the All Blacks v Wallabies test
Ardie Savea will stand in as All Blacks captain this weekend, with Scott Barrett ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Barrett's replaced by Fabian Holland in the run-on side, which features 11 survivors from the worst ever defeat a fortnight ago to South Africa. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 5min
Mike van de Elzen: chef and host of Eat Well for Less on the number of Kiwis cutting back on fruit and veg due to cost of living
Half of New Zealanders are cutting back on fruit and vegetables as the cost of living rises. A Ministry of Social Development report reveals nearly two in five Kiwis report an inadequate income, with 48 percent cutting back on produce to save money in 2023 - more than double since 2018. Chef and host of Eat Well for Less, Mike van de Elzen, says produce isn't expensive if you buy efficiently. "We need to kind of just step back and go - what are we buying? Are we buying stuff out of season? Because you just need to use your nut a little bit. You need to think about what you're buying and the time that you're buying it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 2025 • 5min
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on London's mayor rejecting criticisms made by Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump recently made the claim that London wanted to 'go to sharia law' under its 'terrible mayor', Sadiq Khan - a claim the mayor's office has quickly dismissed. The US President made this claim in an address to the UN general assembly earlier today. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says Sadiq Khan's team claimed they refused to dignify Trump's comments with a response. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 2025 • 5min
Mark Callander: 2degrees CEO on the company's net loss of $18.2 million for 2025
Telco provider 2degrees made a net loss attributable to shareholders of $18.2 million for the 2025 financial year. Despite this, operating earnings and overall revenue, plus revenue in key product categories such as mobile, broadband and energy, were up. CEO Mark Callander says it's a tough economic environment - but the company's hoping things will pick up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.