Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: Here's the real issue impacting local councils

So I was in Christchurch giving a speech to part of Local Government New Zealand - the South Island arm - so the room was full of mayors and councillors from across the South Island. One of the topics up for discussion was what councils around the country need to do, or could do, to win back publi…

Full Show Podcast: 01 May 2026

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 1 May, 2026, former Defence Minister Ron Mark explains why he wouldn't  be rushing to help the US open the Strait of Hormuz. An Australian reading expert tells us why New Zealand can be world leading in literacy. One New Zealand …

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on an extra $1bn physical cash in Kiwi wallets

One billion dollars in cash has appeared in Kiwi wallets since last year.  The Reserve Bank said that in March of 2025, there was $8.59 billion worth of physical cash in circulation. Now, that number has risen to $9.57billion.  Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Heather du Plessis-Al…

Perspective with Heather du Plessis-Allan: It's a matter of time before we head to the Strait

I’m inclined to think that at some stage and in some way we will be helping the US to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It’s been revealed by American media that Trump has told US embassies around the world to pressure governments to help. Australia is considering assistance and so are we. It’s early d…

Tony Kemp: Former Warriors Coach shares worries over Papua New Guinea's involvement in NRL

NRL teams, including the Warriors, have voiced their concerns on the fine print of Papua New Guinea's first team joining the league.  The Papua New Guinea Chiefs’ are set to join the league in 2028, but they have a significant leg-up over the competition when it comes to recruitment.  An agreemen…

Jason Paris: One New Zealand Chief Executive explains widespread internet outage

One New Zealand says a widespread internet outage this morning was caused by one of its technology partners.  Ninety cell towers were taken down by technical problems - leaving some customers in the South Island and lower North without service or internet. The company says the outage began about …

Antonia Watson: ANZ Chief Executive discusses economic uncertainty as Middle East war continues

ANZ is bracing itself for more variability - on the back of a lift in economic activity.  The bank's posted a $1.2billion half year net profit - a 2% increase on the 6 months prior.  It also saw a 2% rise in loans, and a 4% rise in deposits.  But Chief Executive Antonia Watson says there's a lot…

Ron Mark: Former Defence Minister says there's too much uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz

Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says its not clear how New Zealand could meaningfully support reopening the Strait of Hormuz.  The US has formally provided an initial plan to New Zealand for the Government to consider - but Foreign Minister Winston Peters says more detail's needed.  Mark told He…

Prof. Pamela Snow: Australian Language expert praises NZ's literacy teaching

An Australian Language expert is praising New Zealand's new approach to teaching literacy.  The Government mandated state schools to teach a specific structured literacy curriculum to new entrants from the beginning of last year.  Education data showed increasing improvement in learning outcomes …

Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Israel condemning stabbing attack on two Jewish men

British police are treating the stabbing of two men on Wednesday in north London as a 'terrorist incident', following arson attacks targeting Jewish sites. Police have arrested a 45-year-old man - the 76 and 34-year-old victims are in a stable condition. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Israel ha…