Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

There's confidence Israeli hostages will be released as early as this weekend, with Hamas and Israel today agreeing to the first phase of a peace plan. It includes Hamas releasing hostages and Israel withdrawing some forces from Gaza.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters has welcomed the news - and urges Israel and Hamas to continue working towards a complete resolution. Australian National University lecturer Anas Iqtait says this first phase could be carried out in the next 72 hours. "It is highly likely that Israeli captives in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention camps and prisons will also be released." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori's pledged to concentrate on policy - and listen more.  The party held its promised reset event at Parliament this afternoon, reflecting on its history and looking towards next year's election. Former Te Pāti Māori co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says a party reset would be a good move. "What that means in terms of translating into policy gains, what it means in terms of taking an approach to the country and reflecting the original kaupapa for Te Pāti Māori - I think still remains to be seen." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oriini Kaipara is promising to use te Reo Māori as much as possible, as she launches her political life. The newly sworn-in Te Pati Māori MP presented her maiden speech to Parliament today, followed by a number of waiata in the House. Parliament was temporarily suspended when people in the public gallery broke out in a haka - met with dismay by Speaker Gerry Brownlee. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the day's events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have signed off the first phase of a peace framework for Gaza.  Mediators in Egypt have been overseeing negotiations over several days. The first phase includes releasing all hostages - and initial withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of the Strip. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the Australian Government has voiced support for these new measures. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Breakers are on the board in their ANBL basketball campaign with a 117-88 win over the Hawks in Auckland. Guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright scored 20 points and registered a franchise record 17 assists. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing support for a call to decriminalise drugs in order to reduce harm. The Drug Foundation's released a report calling drug laws of the past 50 years a 'colossal failure'.  It is pushing for decriminalising use - and more investment in health and addiction services.  Victoria University criminology professor Fiona Hutton says the status quo isn't working.  "Things like drug overdoses are rising, addiction hasn't really been properly addressed, things like methamphetamine use are causing real harm in our communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharesies is launching its own debit card today and promising the new product will be a change from traditional card reward programmes. The micro-trading platform says the Sharesies Debit Mastercard will earn customers 1% “Investback”. That meant earnings accrued from using the card would automatically be invested on a weekly basis into a nominated investment on the Sharesies app. Sharesies Personal General Manager Scott Nixon joined the Afternoons team to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it has no intention of decriminalising drug use, despite a confronting new report.  The Drug Foundation paper suggest the Misuse of Drugs Act has compounded harm - and needs overhauling.  But Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says change isn't on the agenda this term.  NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm joined the Afternoons team to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top British security officials will face questions over an aborted China spying case brought by its chief prosecutor, which collapsed as it is seeking to rebuild economic ties with the country. The case against Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash, who were charged last year under the Official Secrets Act over allegations they spied for China between 2021 and 2023, was dropped last month. UK correspondent Gail Downey explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank today slashed the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, prompting markets to make readjustments. This recent cut wasn't full priced in, and it's got some experts re-thinking their OCR outlooks ahead of the end of the year. Milford Asset Management's Remy Morgan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.