There's relief the Waikato Expressway extensions can finally proceed, with $1.7 billion allocated in Budget 2026.

The 16-kilometre stretch will reach the intersection of State Highways One, and 29 at Piarere.

Waipā mayor Mike Pettit says it's exciting news. 

"It helps with New Zealand GDP, but it definitely helps with Waipā - but more importantly, Waikato GDP. If you can move freight in a more efficient way, it sort of saves costs right through to the consumer."

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There's relief the Waikato Expressway extensions can finally proceed, with $1.7 billion allocated in Budget 2026.
The 16-kilometre stretch will reach the intersection of State Highways One, and 29 at Piarere.
Waipā mayor Mike Pettit says it's exciting news.&nbsp;
"It helps with New Zealand GDP, but it definitely helps with Waipā - but more importantly, Waikato GDP. If you can move freight in a more efficient way, it sort of saves costs right through to the consumer."
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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

Mike Pettit: Waipā mayor on the Government extending the Waikato Expressway as part of Budget 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b9f35de9-d5cd-4acd-b5cf-b4580068be74/transcript

Over in the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has outlined the nation's UK's long-delayed plan to invest in defence.

In one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Starmer announced an additional £15bn will be spent on funding the armed forces, but analysts say he's left his successor with the unpopular task of finding almost £5bn to fund this.

UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is a 'significant' financial black hole - and it's likely more details will be unveiled at the next Budget.

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Over in the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has outlined the nation's UK's long-delayed plan to invest in defence.
In one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Starmer announced an additional £15bn will be spent on funding the armed forces, but analysts say he's left his successor with the unpopular task of finding almost £5bn to fund this.
UK correspondent Gavin Grey says this is a 'significant' financial black hole - and it's likely more details will be unveiled at the next Budget.
LISTEN ABOVE

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK Government boosting defence spending

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4bcd67d1-ea00-4af3-83ba-b47a0085ab04/transcript

The International Monetary Fund is broadly happy with how the Government and Reserve Bank are steering the economy - but it's warned some changes need to take place.

The agency says the Government will need to hike taxes, as well as continue cutting spending, to get the country’s finances on a more sustainable path forward.

NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained how this could be implemented.

LISTEN ABOVE

The International Monetary Fund is broadly happy with how the Government and Reserve Bank are steering the economy - but it's warned some changes need to take place.
The agency says the Government will need to hike taxes, as well as continue cutting spending, to get the country’s finances on a more sustainable path forward.
NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained how this could be implemented.
LISTEN ABOVE

Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the IMF warning the Government will need to hike taxes and cut spending

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5e5b8b5d-4205-4dc5-b5c8-b47a008325d3/transcript

2026 is halfway over, and experts have noticed which trends are leading investor conversations.

The chips and computer hardware sector has seen some growth thanks to the AI boom, but the Middle East conflict has continued to generate concerns.

Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.

LISTEN ABOVE

2026 is halfway over, and experts have noticed which trends are leading investor conversations.
The chips and computer hardware sector has seen some growth thanks to the AI boom, but the Middle East conflict has continued to generate concerns.
Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Jeremy Hutton: Milford Asset Management expert on the state of the markets at the mid-point of 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/69e8b175-10fa-45a9-8a9b-b47a0081dd5c/transcript

Mike Pettit: Waipā mayor on the Government extending the Waikato Expressway as part of Budget 2026

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