Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

One Auckland councillor has voiced disappointment with recent misinformation concerning the fatal bus collision on Tāmaki Drive. An electric bus suffered a fatal collision with a car last week and the bus driver was killed in the flames. North Shore councillor Richard Hills says it was 'shocking' to see the number of posts criticising the EV buses - even though it was proven electric batteries weren't behind the fire.  "It was a significant fire caused by the car itself, so Fire and Emergency New Zealand have confirmed that. And then Kinetic - obviously who are extremely upset they've lost a colleague - also put out a statement that the batteries were unharmed." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 24 October. 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.

Te Pāti Māori's behaviour is once again a topic of discussion following bill burning and allegations of over-spending this week. Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Te Pāti Māori 'shouldn't be anywhere near Government'. Soper identified a possible link between the ongoing party controversies and it's culture of nepotism.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of people arrested in an FBI investigation into rigged, mafia-linked poker games. Miami Heat's Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were named as those arrested. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the NBA stars were used as bait to draw players to the table with the rigged game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prominent colorectal surgeon Frank Frizelle says it is now a necessity for dedicated cancer centres in New Zealand.  The Christchurch-based surgeon believes if New Zealand does not adopt comprehensive cancer centres, the system will fail patients. Frizelle told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "it's just about trying to give adequate volumes and concentrations of resources to try and get the best value for money". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar has suggested a “situational subsidy” to support regional routes when the economy is not doing well and demand is low. Ravishankar officially took over as CEO on 20 October 2025, replacing Greg Foran who stepped down after six years. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour tells Heather du Plessis-Allan that the implementation of a subsidy could allow for too much Government control over the agency which would be a 'complete disaster'.  Seymour also addresses the legalisation of melatonin for those aged under-55. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls to investigate Prince Andrew’s residence at Royal Lodge, with MPs in the UK expressing clear interest in an inquiry. Keir Starmer has indicated he is open to MPs questioning Andrew in person about his home in Windsor Great Park, where he's lived for over 20 years without paying rent.  UK correspondent Enda Brady explains whether Andrew is likely to agree to this. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Quality stocks' such as healthcare companies are trading at their cheapest level relative to the market in decades. This is taking place while market concentration is at record levels. Sam Dickie from Fisher Funds explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MetService says the strong winds that battered the South Island and lower North are now easing - but there are still a few things to keep an eye on. Red wind warnings have lifted for Canterbury, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha, Wellington and Wairarapa. Widespread power outages remain across Canterbury, Wairarapa, Manawatu-Whanganui, Marlborough and Southland, where some repairs could take more than a week. The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacks the damage further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more businesses are rolling back sustainability initiatives and DEI requirements, but one expert says it still pays to be progressive. The Net Zero Banking Alliance has shut down, Nestle has pulled out of the Dairy Methane Action Alliance and the Government recently loosened climate reporting requirements for companies. Despite this, former Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer Michael Kobori says it's still good to make progressive choices to boost your business. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.