Despite the mounting concerns about the economy and the ongoing Middle East conflict, New Zealand's rural sector is booming.

Reports reveal farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.

The Country's Hamish McKay explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

Despite the mounting concerns about the economy and the ongoing Middle East conflict, New Zealand's rural sector is booming.
Reports reveal farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
The Country's Hamish McKay explained further.
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

Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on whether farmers need to keep staffing levels up

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/1d6f1044-a489-4447-a1fd-b44100788a92/transcript

There's growing speculation over Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader - especially with the local elections looming.

Labour faces losing more than 1,800 council seats across England, including in key areas that have supported the party for decades.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unknown who could replace Starmer, but there's some choices being floated. 

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There's growing speculation over Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader - especially with the local elections looming.
Labour faces losing more than 1,800 council seats across England, including in key areas that have supported the party for decades.
UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's unknown who could replace Starmer, but there's some choices being floated.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the growing speculation over Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/337bbb0b-98da-44e7-b5b6-b4410083fe31/transcript

Australia's Reserve Bank has lifted the country's Official Cash Rate 25 basis points, to 4.35 percent. 

The move was expected by economists and financial markets, fearing the Middle East oil crisis could worsen inflation before it gets better.

HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained the move further.

LISTEN ABOVE

Australia's Reserve Bank has lifted the country's Official Cash Rate 25 basis points, to 4.35 percent.&nbsp;
The move was expected by economists and financial markets, fearing the Middle East oil crisis could worsen inflation before it gets better.
HSBC Chief Economist Paul Bloxham explained the move further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Paul Bloxham: HSBC Chief Economist on Australia's Reserve Bank lifting the OCR to 4.35 percent

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d9291217-ddc0-47bf-82d5-b44100804829/transcript

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 5 May, 2026, we hear from Local Government Minister Simon Watts on an ultimatum to councils to amalgamate or the Government will do it for them.

ACT leader David Seymour explains why he wants pharmacists to treat more illnesses and prescribe antibiotics.

We hear why services to treat kidney disease are stretched throughout the country.

And on The Huddle, Carmen Parahi and Jordan Williams debate whether it's good for schools to let children do a "fun run" instead of cross-country.

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 Tuesday, 5 May, 2026, <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/simon-watts-local-government-minister-on-the-governments-plan-to-fast-track-regional-council-reform/">we hear from Local Government Minister Simon Watts on an ultimatum to councils to amalgamate or the Government will do it for them.</a>
ACT leader David Seymour<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/david-seymour-act-leader-on-the-partys-plan-to-get-pharmacists-to-take-on-more-medical-services/"> explains why he wants pharmacists to treat more illnesses and prescribe antibiotics.</a>
We hear why<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/madi-keay-kidney-health-nz-general-manager-on-the-state-of-dialysis-services-around-new-zealand/"> services to treat kidney disease are stretched throughout the country.</a>
And on The Huddle,<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/the-huddle-do-we-agree-with-acts-plan-for-pharmacists/"> Carmen Parahi and Jordan Williams debate whether it's good for schools to let children do a "fun run" instead of cross-country.</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: 05 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0eaac8e6-ecb7-4375-971e-b44100767ad8/transcript

Hamish McKay: The Country spokesperson on whether farmers need to keep staffing levels up

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