Full Show Podcast: 13 March 2026

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 13 March, 2026, we look at whether people are over-reacting by panic-buying petrol. The Crusaders chief executive says media ban ... what media ban? An Auckland University researcher tells us why you shouldn't mow your lawn. And…

Barry Soper: Senior political correspondent talks Paul Eagle, election predictions, and the covid inquiry

Senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to wrap the political week.  The big topics this past week were former Chatham Islands Council CEO Paul Eagle's serious fraud office inquiry, reflecting on last Friday's Luxon chaos, and the Covid inquiry.  LISTEN ABOVE

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: People panic buying fuel aren't being irrational

Okay, here’s a prediction for you, because there have been headlines today about petrol stations running out of fuel because of panic buying: people will panic buy petrol this weekend. Yesterday was discount day at Gull so things went a bit crazy. Gull Ōtāhuhu ran out of 95; Gull Greville Road, G…

John Glover: Queenstown Mayor on tourism recovery reaching pre-Covid levels

Queenstown's tourism growth has remained steady over the last few months with tourism levels now reaching 97% of pre-Covid numbers.  Queenstown Mayor John Glover joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about growth management, the potential for increased flight prices as fuel costs become a concer…

Olivia Rooke-Devoy: PhD candidate says over-mowing is destroying the lawn environment

University of Auckland PhD candidate Olivia Rooke-Devoy has offered a 'low-mow' alternative to protect the lawn environment.  She claims that over-mowing is letting off too much CO-2, and destroying the habitats of insects and bees.  Rooke-Devoy told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's an 'environmenta…

Mark Douglas: Maritime Domain analyst says fuel crisis won't hit yet, long term concern

The war in Iran has sparked worldwide concerns of fuel shortages after the Strait of Hormuz was shut. The passage carries roughly 20 percent of the world's oil supply.  The final oil tankers that made it through the strait before it's closure have now reached Singapore.  Although, Starboard Marit…

Dan Mitchinson: US Correspondent on Trump's 'falling' public support amidst Iran conflict

According to a new PBS poll public support for Donald Trump is in decline as more than half of US citizens oppose the war in Iran.  Dan Mitchinson spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the questions arising surrounding the progression of the war, including the possibility of robot soldiers and s…

Cameron Luxton: ACT MP on proposed changes to Greyhound Racing ban

The Select Committee report on the Government's proposed Greyhound Racing ban has come back, with the committee saying they want the bill passed.  But, ACT has some concerns surrounding the impact to the livelihood of a 'lawfully acting industry'. ACT MP Cameron Luxton sat on the Select Committee…

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the UK Government releasing files related to Lord Mandelson's appointment

The UK Prime Minister was warned of the risk of appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, given his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released by the UK Government include advice warning Sir Keir Starmer the relationship continued after Epstein's conviction. UK correspondent End…

Sam Dickie: Fisher Funds expert on the economic impacts from the Middle East crisis

There's growing concerns about the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Flurries of missiles are still crossing borders and the BBC reports Israel's launched more strikes on Lebanon. UAE officials are responding to Iranian missile threats and Qatar has intercepted several drones.  …