Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: It wasn't a mistake to cancel the EV subsidy

The Government is copping heat today for cancelling the EV subsidy a couple of years ago. Critics now say it looks like a mistake, because oil prices are rising and, as a result, petrol prices are rising too. They argue that, of course, we’d all be better off in electric vehicles - which we suppos…

Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on Starmer refusing to send warships to Strait of Hormuz

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to send warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing concerns. US President Donald Trump has reportedly called for reinforcements to keep an eye on the waterway after the Middle East conflict led to a spike in oil prices.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says…

Full Show Podcast: 16 March 2026

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 March, 2026, we talk to the Retail NZ chief executive about an increase in card spending - will it last? The boss of Freightways says people are getting a bit 'hysterical' about petrol price rises. We talk to an entertainment …

Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the impacts of the Middle East crisis and fuel prices

The Government is considering its options if petrol prices keep rising, but the head of Freightways is warning people not to panic. The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week, but the Finance Minister has ruled out measures like reducing the fuel excise. Freightways CEO Mark Troug…

Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management expert on the market reactions to the third week of the Iran conflict

The conflict in the Middle East has entered its third week and there's concerns about what it could do to the markets. Iran's still restricting movement through the shipping strategic choke-point as part of its retaliation for the relentless bombing by the US and Israel. Harbour Asset Management …

The Huddle: Is the Government doing the right thing?

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Protesters gathered outside Wellington's High Court today, as a lawyers' group challenges Government climate moves. Do we think …

Jessica Palairet: Lawyers for Climate Action NZ executive director on the backlash to the Govt's emissions reduction plan

Protesters gathered outside Wellington's High Court today, as a lawyers' group challenges the Government's climate moves.  Lawyers for Climate Action alleges the Government's emissions reduction plan doesn't add up - and wants the Court to order it back to the drawing board.  Executive director J…

Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on the financial impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East

The Finance Minister says there's no bail-out on the cards for Air Zealand at this stage - as the conflict in the Middle East causes a surge in jet fuel prices. The national carrier has already raised fares, and cancelled about 1100 upcoming flights. Nicola Willis says she thinks there will be so…

Sean Mandell: People Magazine senior reporter recaps the 2026 Oscars

A night of glitz and glam at the 98th Academy Awards in LA . One Battle After Another's taken out Best Picture, pipping horror Sinners for the top prize. It won six awards across the evening.  Director Paul Thomas Anderson says all nominees could have won. People Magazine senior reporter Sean M…

Carolyn Young: Retail NZ CEO on retail spending trending upward before Iran conflict

There's hopes the war in Iran doesn't reverse gains in our retail sector by making shipping more expensive.  Stats NZ data shows back-to-back increases in electronic card spending for January and February.  Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young says it's not happened in a long time.  She says …