Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

More investment in New Zealand businesses is Labour's announced goal in a policy released today. It's modelling the Future Fund off the existing Super Fund, to be seeded with $200 million in Crown money and existing assets. It'll invest solely in local projects.  Labour leader Chris Hipkins says this project is designed to create jobs and keep more wealth here at home. "We're focused on long-term investments, we own all of those existing public assets for a reason." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief from some economists that inflation's peaked, and it's all downhill from here.  It reached 3 percent in the year to September - up from 2.2 percent the year before. Kiwibank says the third quarter is traditionally tough, and conditions are likely to improve as the year ends.  Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr says he's satisfied domestic prices will now ease.  "We think inflation, this time next year, will be running at about 1.7, 1.8 percent. So job done for the Reserve Bank." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data shows inflation reached three percent in the year to September, and it's prompted concerns about the economy. Stats NZ figures out today show the rate rose from 2.7 percent annually to June - hitting the top end of the Reserve Bank's target band. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is higher than what the Government was hoping for, and it's unclear what this could mean for the Reserve Bank. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan has stated Melbourne is perfectly safe, despite some recent incidents coming out of the city's CBD. Two police officers were hospitalised after clashing with protesters during the weekend's March for Australia rally. This attack came days after a woman was stabbed in the chest near Spencer St in broad daylight.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the police union has voiced concerns - and is calling for updated legislation regarding protests. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Stacey Jones is lauding the Kiwis' defensive resilience in their 24-18 Pacific Championships league win over Toa Samoa. The Kiwi Ferns won a 22-20 thriller against Fetu Samoa. Sportstalk host Jason Pine unpacked the action further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Auckland's Tangaroa College has asked students to cover uniforms in public after videos of student brawls surfaced.  Tension between students at Manukau schools is also spreading into online goading. One video shows about 15 young people fighting, with one lying on the pavement being kicked in the head. Principal Chris Bean says because Tangaroa College's uniform is so distinctive, he doesn't want students wearing it around and about.  "We just wanted to be sure that they could move through from home to school and vice-versa in a safe way." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 17 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.

Health Minister Simeon Brown was met with booing at the senior doctors' annual conference before accusing doctors of  "crossing an ethical line" and threatening compulsory arbitration.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters fired off some threats of his own suggesting regulation for Fonterra if the Lactalis sale proceeds.  ACT leader David Seymour hit back at Peter's threats saying the decision is for the farmers, not the Government.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says 'politicking' tiffs like Peters and Seymour's will become more common as elections approach next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In July the Government announced a ban on surcharges on credit card payments in-store from May 2026 at the latest. ACT is attempting to block this ban by allowing credit card surcharges, as long as other payment options are offered- such as cash or eftpos. They suggest the ban will either increase prices for customers or unfairly punish businesses.  ACT Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar said to Heather du Plessis-Allan that ACT's proposal was creating with 'cost and choice' in mind. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The final report from a ministerial advisory group on organised crime recommends the urgent implementation of it's proposed solutions. This includes a dedicated organised crime minister, a new strategy, and a charter to hold agencies accountable.  The report calls organised crime one of the 'most significant threats' to New Zealand.  Chair of the advisory group, Steve Symon, said to Heather du Plessis-Allen "organised crime is effectively, affecting every New Zealander". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.