The Finance Minister thinks New Zealand's existing supply of ferries can keep operating until 2029.

There's been debate about who's to blame for Friday's incident involving the Interislander's Aratere, after it spent 24 hours on the rocks.

Nicola Willis says the Government has plenty of time to replace the existing vessels.

"The Government is committed to ensuring we've got safe, reliable vessels - and we completely accept we want to replace the existing vessels."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Finance Minister thinks New Zealand's existing supply of ferries can keep operating until 2029.
There's been debate about who's to blame for Friday's incident involving the Interislander's Aratere, after it spent 24 hours on the rocks.
Nicola Willis says the Government has plenty of time to replace the existing vessels.
"The Government is committed to ensuring we've got safe, reliable vessels - and we completely accept we want to replace the existing vessels."
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

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister outlines plan to get replacement ferries 5 to 6 years from now

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 2 August 2024, Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins talks about the Government concluding their formal response into the March 15 Royal Commission.

A trauma surgeon is warning the Government ahead of their speed limit increases - saying it could lead to further deaths and injuries.

Former Olympian Barbara Kendall discusses our chances for gold in tonight's sailing races.

Plus, the Sports Huddle debates their hero of the Olympics so far...

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, 2 August 2024, Lead Coordination Minister Judith Collins <a href="/{localLink:umb://document/930df3b4c1c64bf3a24c497b16c05fbc}" title="Judith Collins: Christchurch Mosque Attack Inquiry Lead Coordination Minister says hate speech law recommendation would breach right to free speech">talks about the Government concluding their formal response into the March 15 Royal Commission.</a>
A trauma surgeon <a href="/{localLink:umb://document/e8e07736e4da4b0c949774bf230c17a7}" title="Dr Chris Wakeman: Trauma surgeon on warnings speed limit increases will lead to more deaths, injuries and traffic">is warning the Government ahead of their speed limit increases - saying it could lead to further deaths and injuries.</a>
Former Olympian Barbara Kendall <a href="/{localLink:umb://document/acb40485909f4070ab404a6493d1f396}" title="Barbara Kendall: Former Olympic sailor on medal chances in sailing action in Paris">discusses our chances for gold in tonight's sailing races.</a> 
Plus, the Sports Huddle <a href="/{localLink:umb://document/4595440f8bc746e6a2cafe1a5fb347ec}" title="Sports Huddle: Olympic heroes, Athletics, Rob Penney">debates their hero of the Olympics so far...</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: 2 August 2024

A judge has allowed the identity of Axel Rudakubana to be reported as the 17-year-old was charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack.

A 17-year-old boy has appeared in an English court charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack at a dance class that has shocked the United Kingdom and sparked two nights of violent protests.

Axel Rudakubana first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court over the incident at a “Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop” summer holiday event for children in the seaside town of Southport.

He is charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and one of possession of a bladed article.

His case was later heard at Liverpool Crown Court, where he sat in the dock covering his face with a grey sweatshirt and did not speak to confirm his name.

Judge Andrew Menary did not impose reporting restrictions on Rudakubana’s identity, which had not previously been reported as he is under 18.

Rudakubana was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing in October. He has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder.

Large disturbances broke out in Southport, a town in England’s northwest, after false information was spread on social media that the suspect in the stabbings was a radical Islamist migrant, with anti-immigrant protesters descending on Southport town from elsewhere.

Police have said the attack was not terrorism-related and that the suspect was born in the UK, quashing speculation on his origins.



Tributes to the victims are left by wellwishers in Southport, England. Photo / Getty Images 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with police leaders to offer them the government’s full backing following violent clashes with protesters in Southport and London.

”As far as the far-right is concerned, this is co-ordinated, this is deliberate,” Starmer told a press conference. “This is not a protest that just got out of hand. It is a group of individuals who are who are absolutely bent on violence. Our country is coming to terms with an act so inexplicably vile.

“Our thoughts are with the families at the heart of this unimaginable pain.

“Let me be clear: the tiny, mindless minority in our society who provoked violent disorder on our streets will be made to face the full force of the law.”

Starmer said the government was establishing a national unit across police forces to tackle violent disorder including shared intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and preventative action such as orders to restrict the movement of persistent offenders.

He also warned social media companies: “Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime and it is happening on your premises and the law must be upheld everywhere.”

Thousands gathered near Starmer’s Downing Street office and residence in London on Wednesday evening, shouting: “Save our kids”, “We want our country back” and “Stop the boats”.

Protesters also threw flares and smoke canisters towards Downing Street.

London’s Metropolitan Police said 111 people had been arrested for offences including violent disorder and assaults on police officers.

Five officers were injured.

On Tuesday, more than 50 police officers were hurt in protests in Southport, when demonstrators set police vans on fire and dismantled garden walls to hurl bricks at officers.

As well as the killing of three girls aged six to nine, the attack in the normally quiet town left eight other children and two adults with stab wounds.

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement that two of the children had been discharged from hospital.

”We continue to treat five children involved in the devastating incident in Southport on Monday, including one recently transferred to us from Aintree University Hospital,” the trust said.

”All the children in our care are currently in a stable condition.”

Hundreds of people in the community have taken part in vigils to mourn the slain children and laid bouquets of flowers at the site of the incident.

A judge has allowed the identity of Axel Rudakubana to be reported as the 17-year-old was charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack. 
A 17-year-old boy has appeared in an English court charged with the murder of three young girls in a knife attack at a dance class that has shocked the United Kingdom and sparked two nights of violent protests. 
Axel Rudakubana first appeared at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court over the incident at a “Taylor Swift yoga and dance workshop” summer holiday event for children in the seaside town of Southport. 
He is charged with three counts of murder, 10 counts of attempted murder and one of possession of a bladed article. 
His case was later heard at Liverpool Crown Court, where he sat in the dock covering his face with a grey sweatshirt and did not speak to confirm his name. 
Judge Andrew Menary did not impose reporting restrictions on Rudakubana’s identity, which had not previously been reported as he is under 18. 
Rudakubana was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing in October. He has been charged with three counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. 
Large disturbances broke out in Southport, a town in England’s northwest, after false information was spread on social media that the suspect in the stabbings was a radical Islamist migrant, with anti-immigrant protesters descending on Southport town from elsewhere. 
Police have said the attack was not terrorism-related and that the suspect was born in the UK, quashing speculation on his origins. 

Tributes to the victims are left by wellwishers in Southport, England. Photo / Getty Images 
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with police leaders to offer them the government’s full backing following violent clashes with protesters in Southport and London. 
”As far as the far-right is concerned, this is co-ordinated, this is deliberate,” Starmer told a press conference. “This is not a protest that just got out of hand. It is a group of individuals who are who are absolutely bent on violence. Our country is coming to terms with an act so inexplicably vile. 
“Our thoughts are with the families at the heart of this unimaginable pain. 

“Let me be clear: the tiny, mindless minority in our society who provoked violent disorder on our streets will be made to face the full force of the law.” 
Starmer said the government was establishing a national unit across police forces to tackle violent disorder including shared intelligence, wider deployment of facial recognition technology and preventative action such as orders to restrict the movement of persistent offenders. 
He also warned social media companies: “Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online, that is also a crime and it is happening on your premises and the law must be upheld everywhere.” 
Thousands gathered near Starmer’s Downing Street office and residence in London on Wednesday evening, shouting: “Save our kids”, “We want our country back” and “Stop the boats”. 
Protesters also threw flares and smoke canisters towards Downing Street. 
London’s Metropolitan Police said 111 people had been arrested for offences including violent disorder and assaults on police officers. 
Five officers were injured. 
On Tuesday, more than 50 police officers were hurt in protests in Southport, when demonstrators set police vans on fire and dismantled garden walls to hurl bricks at officers. 
As well as the killing of three girls aged six to nine, the attack in the normally quiet town left eight other children and two adults with stab wounds. 
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement that two of the children had been discharged from hospital. 
”We continue to treat five children involved in the devastating incident in Southport on Monday, including one recently transferred to us from Aintree University Hospital,” the trust said. 
”All the children in our care are currently in a stable condition.” 
Hundreds of people in the community have taken part in vigils to mourn the slain children and laid bouquets of flowers at the site of the incident.

Kay Oliver: Southport stabbing - suspect in England knife attack named, charged

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has offered herself up to be a mediator between the EU and China, after her visit to Beijing.

The relationship between the EU and China have decayed recently, over electric vehicles being dumped into the EU, and investigations on both sides and other trade disputes.

Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis says Meloni is confident of mending ties, but her recent track record with China may say otherwise.

LISTEN ABOVE

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has offered herself up to be a mediator between the EU and China, after her visit to Beijing. 
The relationship between the EU and China have decayed recently, over electric vehicles being dumped into the EU, and investigations on both sides and other trade disputes. 
Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis says Meloni is confident of mending ties, but her recent track record with China may say otherwise. 
LISTEN ABOVE

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister outlines plan to get replacement ferries 5 to 6 years from now

In 1 playlist(s)

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips