Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Stock exchange operator NZX chief executive Mark Peterson has resigned from the role - and will step down at the end of April 2026. Peterson explained that the time was right for him to stand down and for the board to look for a new chief executive. He says he's overseen plenty of challenges and successes in the role over the last few years. "You've got to make these tough calls - but we've also, at the same time, got to a period in the exchange where we've ticked off a bunch of expectations and objectives...really, it's the right time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is pushing to reinstate passenger rail across the country - starting by connecting Tauranga and Auckland.  It's launched a petition targeting the Minister for Rail to get it done.  The party says it would cost $10 million over four years to extend the Te Huia train to Tauranga.  But Transport Spokesperson Julie Anne Genter says it will cost more to achieve the long-term vision.  "Total budget for all the projects, including a transformational improvement to the rail network - which would mean a two and a half hour train journey between Tauranga and Auckland - is about five and a half billion." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's repeating dismay over the Reserve Bank handling of its Governor's abrupt resignation. It's been confirmed chair Neil Quigley apologised to Treasury over Adrian Orr's behaviour, just weeks before he quit. It wasn't released through official information requests - and follows the central bank also apologising over its management of the departure. Nicola Willis says she was aware emotions were running high at the time.  "Yes, I do have confidence in Neil Quigley. I have also, however, previously shared my disappointment at the way information on the way information on this matter has been shared with New Zealanders." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says its overhaul of electoral laws - will bring swifter and simpler election processing. It plans to end same-day enrolments - with a cut off 13 days before election day.  The Justice Minister says late enrolling contributed to vote counting ballooning to three weeks.  Paul Goldsmith says it could have grown to four weeks, without change. "More and more people have been enrolling on election day - or just before - and that all has to be sorted out before they can do the vote counting, so we're just having to get the system sustainable because we're proud of our electoral system and we want it to work well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister is moving to overhaul electoral laws, calling them outdated and unsustainable. He'll end same-day enrolment and prohibit offering free food, drink and entertainment near a voting place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper agrees with these proposed changes - and suggests it could speed up the vote-counting process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Government's denying their move to lift restrictions on imports of US beef is not related to President Trump's increasing tariff war. The Government recently confirmed that the Department of Agriculture would allow the imports into Australia, saying the US now 'effectively' manages the biosecurity risks.  Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Opposition has raised questions about this move.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The removal of Sport New Zealand's community sport trans guidelines are sparking debate around who wins and who loses protection.  The principles around allowing participation based on gender identity were scrapped following a Government directive.  Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the situation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donors have expressed concerns after Givealittle shut down multiple pages designed to raise relief aid money for Gaza. Givealittle has confirmed it's required to assess the risks amid concerns surrounding money laundering. ReliefAid founder Mike Seawright says Givealittle can't determine where the money is going in a peer-to-peer donation situation. "There are other issues of course, there's legal compliance issues that also go with that - but ultimately, giving is good and giving responsibly is also a critical part of that action." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treasury has confirmed concerns were raised about former Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr’s conduct. Its comment comes as it responds to an allegation there was more to Orr’s departure than the public has been led to believe. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny speculates further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 100 survivors of alleged sexual abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have entered the company’s compensation scheme, reports confirmed. The retailer set up the scheme after dozens of women came forward with allegations of abuse by the late owner, with some going as far back as 1977. UK correspondent Gavin Grey explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.