David Seymour: ACT Party leader on Auckland Council's changes for proposed housing densification

ACT's leader is denying changes to Auckland's housing intensification rules might have 'backfired'.  The Government has ordered Auckland Council to reduce total capacity plans from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. Councillors have now opted to zone less density in areas with poor public transport …

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on France sending a naval deployment to the Middle East

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has ordered an 'unprecedented' naval deployment in the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France will deploy eight frigates, along with two amphibious helicopter carriers and the country’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. UK correspondent En…

Jamie Mackay: The Country host on New Zealand's performance at the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships 2026

It was a big weekend for New Zealand's rural community, with the country's shearers dominating the 2026 Golden Shears event. New Zealand claimed an unprecedented five wins in six events at the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, which ended in Masterton on Saturday night. …

Maree Tassell: iFindProperty founder on the growing calls to regulate property flippers

There's been a significant increase in property flippers and it's prompted concerns from experts. One of the country's most prominent buyers' agencies has complained to the Real Estate Authority about the increase - following a sharp drop in 2023.  iFindProperty founder Maree Tassell says there's…

The Huddle: What can we learn from the Covid inquiry?

Tonight on The Huddle, Sarah Trotman from Business Mentors and former Health NZ Chair Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19 were released today, concerning lockdowns and vaccine manda…

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: This Covid inquiry still matters for accountability

The big Covid inquiry - the Royal Commission of Inquiry - is out and to be honest, I don’t think it’s a game-changer. It doesn’t tell you anything you didn’t already know or at least strongly suspect. Aucklanders, who were the most affected, lived through it. We already knew that Grant, Jacinda a…

Full Show Podcast: 10 March 2026

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 10 March, 2026, Aucklanders were in lockdown for longer than even Ashley Bloomfield recommended during Covid - we hear from the Covid Minister at the time, Chris Hipkins. How New Zealand's playing a big part in research on a male…

Matt Goodson: Salt Funds Management managing director on the markets fluctuating amid Middle East conflict

Stock markets have rebounded and oil prices have dropped below yesterday's forecast, following recent comments from US President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the war in the Middle East could be over 'very soon', and it's led to ripple effects across sharemarkets all over the world. Matt Goodson …

Chris Hipkins: former Covid Response Minister defends Covid inquiry report findings

The former Covid Response Minister, Chris Hipkins, is being questioned over the latest findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry. The report was released today - finding New Zealand's approach was good overall, but the Government was too slow in some areas, and some restrictions went too far. …

Cynthia Robins: Formerly the Blackball Hilton owner on the pub being forced to remove outdoor seating

A legendary West Coast pub has removed its popular outdoor seating under threat of a $20,000 fine. It was decided the Formerly the Blackball Hilton's tables and chairs fell outside the licensed boundary. Owner Cynthia Robins says they've been there for decades - and never caused a problem.   "Th…