Larry Williams Drive

Parliament's wading into debate whether a levy the Government announced yesterday is indeed a levy, or in fact a tax. The so-called 'levy on electricity' will fund building an LNG import terminal.  Labour was quick to label this a 'gas tax', but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Energy Minister Simon Watts maintained this project would bring down people's power bills. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's discussions in Parliament. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit sparked chaos and protests in Australia, with 27 people arrested in Sydney following Monday night's rally. Thousands of people gathered at a protest rally held by Palestine Action Group, but some members of the crowd wanted to march on to NSW Parliament. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says protestors tried to break through police blockades, forcing police to take action.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott's dedicated her fourth Olympic snowboarding medal to her support network. The New Zealander claimed silver in the big air at Milan-Cortina, a third consecutive Games podium finish in the discipline. Her feat marks New Zealand's first medal of the 2026 Games. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns have been raised over a new app that was originally designed to help Christchurch ratepayers - but hasn't lived up to its promise. Christchurch City Council staff have so far spent $6.2 million developing a one-stop-shop app that is actually little more than a new website, prompting outrage and worries from the Council. Christchurch City Councillor Sam MacDonald says the appointed IT experts are working through the issue to try and solve it. "We were a bit surprised when they came to us saying - no, no it'll be a web version. Which, as you know, a lot of people don't use. We need to make it as easy for people as possible." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Keir Starmer's leadership has been flung into doubt, with the resignation of his closest aide. The UK Prime Minister's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney's quit - taking responsibility for advising Starmer to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.  Mandelson's being investigated for claims he'd passed sensitive information to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. UK correspondent Mike Pearse explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More companies are reporting their profits from the final portion of 2025, and it's sparking investigation into what investors need to pay attention to. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds - and says he's still committed to supporting investment in the regions. Do we support this?  There's growing debate over whether touch typing needs to be taught in schools. Do we think this is necessary or do we need to teach the basics first? The Government is looking to impose a levy on electricity users to pay for a facility for importing liquefied natural gas. Do we need this?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former boss of Air New Zealand is jetting off to America.  It's been reported Greg Foran will be named as the new chief executive of retail giant, Kroger. It operates supermarkets and multi-department stores throughout the US, and is regarded as one of the country's big four retailers. Greg Foran says he'll have his hands full but he's looking forward to it. "It's a business, does about $150 billion a year and just over 400,000 associates work there, there's about $3,000 stores, multiple brands - it's going to be complex." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the newly announced facility for importing liquefied natural gas will save Kiwi households more money. The Government plans to impose a levy on electricity users to pay for the importation facility, expected to be around a billion dollars. A contract's expected to be signed later this year. Nicola Willis says this will help fund a more secure energy supply, meaning lower costs for households. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 February, 2026, our reporter tells us about changes to the Christchurch mosque attacker's appearance - as he fronts up to the Court of Appeal. Shane Jones explains what's happening with his regional development fund. Former Air New Zealand boss Greg Foran says that job has helped set him up for his new big venture in the U.S. And on the Huddle, Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson discuss whether our children should be learning to touch type. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones is defending the financial track record of his regional funds. Around half of Crown Regional Holdings' loan book is considered at risk of default. Most of the $433 million portfolio covers the Provincial Growth Fund and the current Regional Infrastructure Fund, were both looked over by Shane Jones. Jones says his party supports investment in regions. "Not too different from what the commercial banks are dealing with, as we speak at this moment."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it possible that some sporting events are just so big that they can more or less do whatever they want politically without suffering any real consequences? I’m asking this because of what happened during the Super Bowl halftime performance. Bad Bunny was everything the MAGA crowd expected - and perhaps feared - he would be. Some were already threatening to boycott the halftime show because Bad Bunny has been a vocal critic of Trump’s ICE raids, having spoken out at the Grammys last week, which was just the latest in a series of comments.  A Trump-aligned MAGA group even hosted an alternative halftime show featuring Kid Rock. So expectations were high, and the moment came. At the end of Bad Bunny’s performance, standing among flags from various South American countries, he made his point. He said, “God bless America,” and then name-checked countries from across North and predominantly South America - an obviously deliberate provocation, given ICE’s targeting of migrants from those nations. And right on

The role of touch-typing in schools is in the spotlight, as digital testing becomes the norm. A new NZQA report reveals Education Minister Erica Stanford weighed up adding it to the curriculum last year. The report doesn’t make a call, instead suggesting technical and cognitive skills be taught across subjects. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken says there are pros and cons - and schools are already struggling with an overcrowded curriculum. "Anybody who's sat exams knows the pressure situations and you're trying to get your ideas down really quickly, and having that ability to type would be an advantage."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government isn't giving a firm figure on what'll be paid to build a liquefied natural gas import facility in Taranaki. It's aiming to sign a contract by mid-year. It says it'll save the country about $265 million a year - about $50 dollars per household - and protect about 2000 jobs.  An electricity levy of $2-$4 per megawatt-hour will fund the infrastructure. Energy Minister Simon Watts says limited gas supply contributed to the recent increase in energy crisis and the Government needs to establish a new supply. "That'll take the risk and put certainty back in to ensure we do have gas in a dry year, and with that, that provides benefits through to the broader country."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mosque terrorist claims prison conditions essentially forced him to plead guilty to his crimes. The shooter has addressed three Court of Appeal judges in Wellington in a bid to vacate his guilty pleas for murder, attempted murder, and terrorism - in March 2019. He's serving life in prison. Newstalk ZB's Emily Ansell says Tarrant told the court solitary confinement, being under constant observation and the lack of reading materials helped his health decline. "He also mentioned he thought guards were playing mind games with him and telling him they couldn't understand what he was saying. So all of this, he says, led to something of an identity crisis." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is contracting to build a liquefied natural gas import facility, as a reliable backup fuel source. It's expected to save the country about $265 million a year, equivalent to about $50 per household.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains the project further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Australia to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack, but his arrival has prompted concerns. Herzog's visit is facing nationwide protests by pro-Palestinian groups and authorities are warning people to be prepared for disruptions.  Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says thousands of people are set to gather in Sydney's CBD and workers have been warned to stay out of the way and work from home if possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Seattle Seahawks have shut down the New England Patriots to win the 60th edition of the Super Bowl in California. The Seahawks have claimed a 29-13 win, keeping the scoreboard ticking over with four field goals to have a 12-nil lead before the game's only touchdowns came in the final quarter. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thousands of Air New Zealand customers are being warned to be prepared as the airline braces for an upcoming strike. The airline has been forced to make schedule changes and 44 flights have been cancelled ahead of the industrial action planned for February 12 and 13. Air NZ Chief Customer and Digital Officer Jeremy O'Brien says the airline will be ensuring that the impact on customers will be as minimal as possible. "If you do need to change plans and you do incur reasonable costs for transport, accommodation, meals - the customer should look to have those reimbursed as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 5 February, 2026, our political reporter at Waitangi tells us the prime minister got a harder time this year than ACT leader David Seymour. We ask why the wastewater plant pumping poo into Wellington's water wasn't fixed earlier. Is Invercargill not up with the times? The council's plan to spend $2 million on a clock tower. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Mark Sainsbury discuss how councils need to lift their game. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.