The Government has recently announced that a Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's response to the Covid-19 pandemic will be taking place.

This Royal Commission of Inquiry will be used to prepare the nation for future pandemics, and evidence will be considered from February 1st, 2023.

Political editor Barry Soper has observed that this inquiry will conclude midway through 2024, and wonders if this decision is Labour betting on themselves for the upcoming election.

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government has recently announced that a Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's response to the Covid-19 pandemic will be taking place.
This Royal Commission of Inquiry will be used to prepare the nation for future pandemics, and evidence will be considered from February 1st, 2023.
Political editor Barry Soper has observed that this inquiry will conclude midway through 2024, and wonders if this decision is Labour betting on themselves for the upcoming election.
LISTEN ABOVE

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: political editor on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid-19 response

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 24 May 2024, Dunedin is reeling after a 16 year old was stabbed to death at a bus stop and a 13 year old charged with his murder. Mayor Jules Radich tells Heather security guards don't have enough powers to intervene.  

Where'd the $51 million go? Wellington Water's CEO Tonya Haskell says a "spreadsheet error" led to a massive budget hole. 

The Sports Huddle debates the big question that divides the rugby community. 

Plus step aside boomers and Gen-X...The Catholic church has named a Millennial as the first saint in 100 years. 

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

LISTEN ABOVE.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 24 May 2024, Dunedin is reeling after a 16 year old was stabbed to death at a bus stop and a 13 year old charged with his murder. <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jules-radich-dunedin-mayor-on-fatal-stabbing-at-great-king-street-bus-hub/">Mayor Jules Radich tells Heather security guards don't have enough powers to intervene.  </a><a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/jules-radich-dunedin-mayor-on-fatal-stabbing-at-great-king-street-bus-hub/"> </a>
Where'd the $51 million go? <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/tonia-haskell-wellington-water-ceo-on-51-million-mistake/">Wellington Water's CEO Tonya Haskell says a "spreadsheet error" led to a massive budget hole. </a>
<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sports-huddle-journalists-lavina-good-and-jim-kayes-discuss-nz-rugby-governance-proposals/">The Sports Huddle debates the big question that divides the rugby community. </a>
Plus step aside boomers and Gen-X...The Catholic church has named a Millennial as the first saint in 100 years. 
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: 24 May 2024

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s law to ban smoking for future generations could be dropped, after it was not fast-tracked in the lead up to the general election.

The UK Labour Party has promised to bring in the ban if it wins the election in July.

UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis Allan “Both sides of the house are debating what they’ll managed to get done, before Parliament is put on hold for the general election.”

Grey said “The problem is, every time a country gets near doing, something thwarts it.”

LISTEN ABOVE.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s law to ban smoking for future generations could be dropped, after it was not fast-tracked in the lead up to the general election. 
The UK Labour Party has promised to bring in the ban if it wins the election in July. 
UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Heather du Plessis Allan “Both sides of the house are debating what they’ll managed to get done, before Parliament is put on hold for the general election.” 
Grey said “The problem is, every time a country gets near doing, something thwarts it.” 
LISTEN ABOVE.

Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on dropped smoking ban

China is encircling Taiwan in a series of military drills - just days after Taiwan’s president was elected. 

The Chinese military says the onslaught of planes, war ships and coast guard vessels is punishment for what it's calling "separatist actions".

Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “This is a step up from what we've seen before.”

Lewis said “For the first time ever, China has simulated a full-scale invasion of Taiwan.”

LISTEN ABOVE.

China is encircling Taiwan in a series of military drills - just days after Taiwan’s president was elected.  
The Chinese military says the onslaught of planes, war ships and coast guard vessels is punishment for what it's calling "separatist actions". 
Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis told Heather du Plessis Allan “This is a step up from what we've seen before.” 
Lewis said “For the first time ever, China has simulated a full-scale invasion of Taiwan.” 
LISTEN ABOVE.

Barry Soper: political editor on the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid-19 response

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