The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings. 

The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown. 

Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough on New Zealand, and it's important the impacts aren't forgotten. 

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The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings.&nbsp;
The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown.&nbsp;
Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift.
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough on New Zealand, and it's important the impacts aren't forgotten.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

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.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the findings from the Covid-19 response inquiry

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3de27c3e-32c5-444e-a8a4-b409004848b5/transcript

Kiwi company Allbirds has announced a new direction and it's drawn questions from experts.

After years of losses, the former sustainable shoe company is transitioning to AI after selling all its assets this month.

It's revised its moniker to NewBirds AI - seeing share values surging up to 700 percent.

NZ Herald senior business writer Chris Keall says the tech and business-based press has raised concerns about what this could do for the company. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Kiwi company Allbirds has announced a new direction and it's drawn questions from experts.
After years of losses, the former sustainable shoe company is transitioning to AI after selling all its assets this month.
It's revised its moniker to NewBirds AI - seeing share values surging up to 700 percent.
NZ Herald senior business writer Chris Keall says the tech and business-based press has raised concerns about what this could do for the company.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Keall: NZ Herald senior business writer on Allbirds pivoting to AI

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c490f612-760a-42ab-82dc-b42e007fb55a/transcript

There's concerns the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to food shortages in the UK.

Reports claim that people are concerned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will lead to a shortage of carbon dioxide - which is essential in food production. 

UK correspondent Enda Brady says Prime Minister Kier Starmer has warned people to start preparing.

LISTEN ABOVE

There's concerns the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to food shortages in the UK.
Reports claim that people are concerned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will lead to a shortage of carbon dioxide - which is essential in food production.&nbsp;
UK correspondent Enda Brady says Prime Minister Kier Starmer has warned people to start preparing.
LISTEN ABOVE

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the UK gearing up for food shortages if Middle East war continues

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/33a880a7-b411-470d-ae41-b42e007bad25/transcript

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 16 April, 2026, our $86 billion Super Fund is found guilty of failing to properly address human rights. We talk to the lawyer for the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

We have a tough conversation with US philosopher Peter Boghossian, who's here on a free speech tour.

Former cricketer Ben Harris tells us how he came up with the idea of a bowls version of T20.

And on The Huddle, Oscar Kightley and Jordan Williams debate the use of unelected representatives on council committees.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 16 April, 2026,<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/frances-joychild-kc-counsel-for-palestine-solidarity-network-aotearoa-on-their-high-court-win/"> our $86 billion Super Fund is found guilty of failing to properly address human rights. We talk to the lawyer for the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.</a>
We have a tough conversation with US philosopher <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/peter-boghossian-philosopher-and-college-professor-reveals-how-to-have-tough-conversations/">Peter Boghossian, who's here on a free speech tour.</a>
Former cricketer Ben Harris<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/ben-harris-former-cricketer-and-five-in-25-inventor-on-the-new-change-designed-to-enhance-lawn-bowls/"> tells us how he came up with the idea of a bowls version of T20.</a>
And on The Huddle, <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-what-do-we-make-of-the-governments-handling-of-the-fuel-crisis/">Oscar Kightley and Jordan Williams debate the use of unelected representatives on council committees.</a>
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE

Full Show Podcast: 16 April 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1dbbed82-fc3d-4312-8657-b42e00767432/transcript

Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on the findings from the Covid-19 response inquiry

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