Over in the UK, British finance minister John Healey is due to announce his first Budget on Wednesday - but people aren't feeling optimistic.

Households and businesses are struggling to cover all their costs, and another winter full of rising energy bills is looming.

UK correspondent Enda Brady claims minimum wage is set to go up for younger workers, but this won't be good news for businesses.

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Over in the UK, British finance minister John Healey is due to announce his first Budget on Wednesday - but people aren't feeling optimistic.
Households and businesses are struggling to cover all their costs, and another winter full of rising energy bills is looming.
UK correspondent Enda Brady claims minimum wage is set to go up for younger workers, but this won't be good news for businesses.
LISTEN ABOVE

Enda Brady: UK correspondent ahead of Chancellor John Healey presenting UK 2026 Budget

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d7489058-783f-4e3e-8e7b-b4f00079042b/transcript

The Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 is set to close again tonight for nine consecutive nights, but there's hope for a way forward.

The route has been closed several times over the past year due to storms and adverse weather conditions, causing delays and detours for drivers. 

National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers is feeling hopeful - as this closure was planned so contractors could install a retaining wall at the site of a major slip.

"Short-term pain for hopefully some longer-term gain and fewer closures."

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The Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 is set to close again tonight for nine consecutive nights, but there's hope for a way forward.
The route has been closed several times over the past year due to storms and adverse weather conditions, causing delays and detours for drivers.&nbsp;
National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers is feeling hopeful - as this closure was planned so contractors could install a retaining wall at the site of a major slip.
"Short-term pain for hopefully some longer-term gain and fewer closures."
LISTEN ABOVE

Justin Tighe-Umbers: National Road Carriers Association CEO on the latest closure of the Awakino Gorge

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/949d25c1-db17-4c26-8a03-b4f000762177/transcript

The gap between the two major parties has narrowed again, leaving people speculating about how the election could go.

According to the latest 1News-Verian poll, National has dropped to 29 points and Labour is holding steady on 27.

Meanwhile, the Greens have dropped to 15, ACT is on 12, NZ First has gone up to 10 and Opportunity has fallen to 6. 

The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacked the results further.

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The gap between the two major parties has narrowed again, leaving people speculating about how the election could go.
According to the latest 1News-Verian poll, National has dropped to 29 points and Labour is holding steady on 27.
Meanwhile, the Greens have dropped to 15, ACT is on 12, NZ First has gone up to 10 and Opportunity has fallen to 6.&nbsp;
The Country's Jamie Mackay unpacked the results further.
LISTEN ABOVE

Jamie Mackay: The Country host unpacks latest 1News-Verian poll results

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/fa8eb235-e7f5-4f39-8f6b-b4f00072f850/transcript

Okay, you want to know what a party sounds like when it's preparing to lose an election? Check out Labour.

They've started to ramp up their complaints about so-called voter suppression. Now, to be fair, this is not a new complaint. It's been going on all campaign. It goes back more than a year. But it really went up a level with Ayesha Verrall complaining that the first day of voting would fall on a public holiday and that "it's all adding up".

Then, a former Labour Party staffer who worked in the Beehive and now writes a column for the Sunday Star-Times published one with the headline: "The disturbing sense this year's election might be illegitimate", citing a range of concerns, including the overhang strategy.

And then Trevor Mallard, who we know is tailing Chippy this election to make sure he sits up straight and, you know, gives Mike Hosking a bit of aggro, tried to vote at the same place in Wainuiomata where he voted for the past 19 years. When it wasn't open, he told the media:

"It is looking like the voter suppression you expect from Trump, or in India or Hungary, not here in Aotearoa."

Now, I think it's fair enough for the Labour Party to complain about National's decision to cut off early enrolment because that was always going to reduce the vote on the left. Young people, who tend to vote left, also tend to leave things to the last minute and were probably going to get caught out by it.

And the decision hasn't actually stood up to scrutiny.

But it is one thing to complain about that, and it is quite another to cobble together all these other complaints about a public holiday and an overhang strategy that National itself is trying to stop. That looks a lot like making excuses in advance for why they're going to lose the 2026 election.

Which is a little dangerous if it risks undermining public confidence in the system at a time when confidence in institutions is already waning.

LISTEN ABOVE

Okay, you want to know what a party sounds like when it's preparing to lose an election? Check out Labour.
They've started to ramp up their complaints about so-called voter suppression. Now, to be fair, this is not a new complaint. It's been going on all campaign. It goes back more than a year. But it really went up a level with Ayesha Verrall complaining that the first day of voting would fall on a public holiday and that "it's all adding up".
Then, a former Labour Party staffer who worked in the Beehive and now writes a column for the Sunday Star-Times published one with the headline: "The disturbing sense this year's election might be illegitimate", citing a range of concerns, including the overhang strategy.
And then Trevor Mallard, who we know is tailing Chippy this election to make sure he sits up straight and, you know, gives Mike Hosking a bit of aggro, tried to vote at the same place in Wainuiomata where he voted for the past 19 years. When it wasn't open, he told the media:
"It is looking like the voter suppression you expect from Trump, or in India or Hungary, not here in Aotearoa."
Now, I think it's fair enough for the Labour Party to complain about National's decision to cut off early enrolment because that was always going to reduce the vote on the left. Young people, who tend to vote left, also tend to leave things to the last minute and were probably going to get caught out by it.
And the decision hasn't actually stood up to scrutiny.
But it is one thing to complain about that, and it is quite another to cobble together all these other complaints about a public holiday and an overhang strategy that National itself is trying to stop. That looks a lot like making excuses in advance for why they're going to lose the 2026 election.
Which is a little dangerous if it risks undermining public confidence in the system at a time when confidence in institutions is already waning.
LISTEN ABOVE

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Do Labour's complaints about early voting stand up to scrutiny?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b0ab49f1-acbc-4f43-824c-b4f0006fdb91/transcript

National, ACT and New Zealand First have moved closer to securing a coalition for a second term in power without needing Opportunity's help.

In the latest 1News-Verian poll, National has dropped three points to 29, while Labour remains steady on 27.

ACT's up one point to 12, while New Zealand First climbed two to 10.

With voting starting up this week, National's Nicola Willis says these results are still too close to call. 

"I'd like to see our party vote higher - as you can see, it is very, very close. The polls have been bouncing around a bit." 

LISTEN ABOVE

National, ACT and New Zealand First have moved closer to securing a coalition for a second term in power without needing Opportunity's help.
In the latest 1News-Verian poll, National has dropped three points to 29, while Labour remains steady on 27.
ACT's up one point to 12, while New Zealand First climbed two to 10.
With voting starting up this week, National's Nicola Willis says these results are still too close to call.&nbsp;
"I'd like to see our party vote higher - as you can see, it is very, very close. The polls have been bouncing around a bit."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Nicola Willis: National Finance Spokesperson on National pulling ahead in 1News-Verian poll

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/e528ea6b-2aa7-4b9d-b87a-b4f0006e403c/transcript

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 27 October, 2026, Kieran McAnulty tries to justify Labour's plan to help state tenants buy their own homes - with $100 a week from their rent.

Is the "backing the gangs" ad featuring Chris Hipkins, Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick disinformation?

One of the Front Bench of Trish Sherson, Barry Soper and Josie Pagani are accused of "being in love with Winston Peters".

And how you can use your EV to help power your home.

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

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 27 October, 2026<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/kieran-mcanulty-labour-housing-spokesperson-on-the-partys-rent-to-buy-scheme-for-state-housing-tenants/">, Kieran McAnulty tries to justify Labour's plan to help state tenants buy their own homes - with $100 a week from their rent.</a>
Is the "backing the gangs" ad <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/louise-parsons-sensible-sentencing-trust-spokesperson-on-the-greens-condemning-election-billboard-ads/">featuring Chris Hipkins, Marama Davidson and Chloe Swarbrick disinformation?</a>
One of the Front Bench of Trish Sherson,<a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/opinion/perspective-with-heather-du-plessis-allan-do-labours-complaints-about-early-voting-stand-up-to-scrutiny/"> Barry Soper and Josie Pagani are accused of "being in love with Winston Peters".</a>
And how <a href="https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/james-ryan-genesis-general-retail-manager-reveals-how-much-powering-your-home-with-an-ev-could-save/">you can use your EV to help power your home.</a>
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 27 October 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2176a5d7-e153-4530-8e3e-b4f00066bd1c/transcript

Dame Jacinda Ardern has scored a new job across the ditch, teaching Australians about leadership and social cohesion.

Sydney University has just announced the former Prime Minister will join as a Professor of Practice, based in its School of Public Health.

The new role comes eight months after Ardern and her family relocated to Sydney.

Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Ardern will step into the role next month - and her work will be based around exploring ways to address global health challenges through equity and inclusion.

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Dame Jacinda Ardern has scored a new job across the ditch, teaching Australians about leadership and social cohesion.
Sydney University has just announced the former Prime Minister will join as a Professor of Practice, based in its School of Public Health.
The new role comes eight months after Ardern and her family relocated to Sydney.
Australian correspondent Murray Olds says Ardern will step into the role next month - and her work will be based around exploring ways to address global health challenges through equity and inclusion.
LISTEN ABOVE

Murray Olds: Australian correspondent on Jacinda Ardern's new job in Australia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/98a92ce0-9e61-4d2b-9f3c-b4f0006a72d4/transcript

Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry have gone from starting against the Springboks in Baltimore last month to missing the All Blacks end-of-year tour.

The Blues locking combination have been left out of the 36-strong squad, and he Crusaders' Jamie Hannah has been preferred.

Tuipulotu had a calf injury that kept him out of the Bledisloe Cup series but is now back running and technically available.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked the selections further.

LISTEN ABOVE

Patrick Tuipulotu and Sam Darry have gone from starting against the Springboks in Baltimore last month to missing the All Blacks end-of-year tour.
The Blues locking combination have been left out of the 36-strong squad, and he Crusaders' Jamie Hannah has been preferred.
Tuipulotu had a calf injury that kept him out of the Bledisloe Cup series but is now back running and technically available.
Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked the selections further.
LISTEN ABOVE

D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the All Blacks squad named for end-of-year tour

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b3c7bde1-77fd-4a6d-9f52-b4f00068efab/transcript

Every week until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on. 

This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks her panel whether the claims of Donald Trump style voter suppression hold any weight. 

They talk the Kerrin Leoni resignation and whether the scandal has sunk the left's chance of an election victory. 

And with less than two weeks to go - the panel talk the electorate seats to watch. 

Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day.  

Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio. 

LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW

Every week until the election The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, Sherson Willis' Trish Sherson and Childfund CEO Josie Pagani have the insight and analysis as the campaign rolls on.&nbsp;
This week on The Front Bench, Heather asks her panel whether the claims of Donald Trump style voter suppression hold any weight.&nbsp;
They talk the Kerrin Leoni resignation and whether the scandal has sunk the left's chance of an election victory.&nbsp;
And with less than two weeks to go - the panel talk the electorate seats to watch.&nbsp;
Whether it’s cost of living, education, curbing the rise of crime or how to get the teens off vaping, The Front Bench will examine the issues that Kiwis are talking about ahead of voting day. &nbsp;
Listen live every Monday at 4pm on Newstalk ZB and follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW

The Front Bench: Are the claims of voter suppression legitimate?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/b3a23e64-acb4-4796-a283-b4f00046fc58/transcript

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has temporarily taken down digital billboards displaying the leaders of the Green and Labour parties with the line - 'Backing the Gangs'.

Greens, Labour and Te Pāti Māori candidates have met with gang members during the campaign, with the Labour candidate resigning in the fallout.

The Greens have lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority over the billboards.

The trust's spokesperson Louise Parsons says they'll be put back up tomorrow without images of the party leaders.

"They're the ones that started this, they're the ones that plastered their faces over the place with gang members - and so now they're upset by something that we've done."

LISTEN ABOVE

The Sensible Sentencing Trust has temporarily taken down digital billboards displaying the leaders of the Green and Labour parties with the line - 'Backing the Gangs'.
Greens, Labour and Te Pāti Māori candidates have met with gang members during the campaign, with the Labour candidate resigning in the fallout.
The Greens have lodged a complaint with the Advertising Standards Authority over the billboards.
The trust's spokesperson Louise Parsons says they'll be put back up tomorrow without images of the party leaders.
"They're the ones that started this, they're the ones that plastered their faces over the place with gang members - and so now they're upset by something that we've done."
LISTEN ABOVE

Louise Parsons: Sensible Sentencing Trust spokesperson on the Greens condemning election billboard ads

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7d753d89-6bb8-4322-8be5-b4f0005c0535/transcript

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

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

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