It has been a profitable first half performance for TVNZ, as the state-owned broadcaster has returned to profit. The company has announced a total Net Profit After Tax of $53.1 million, as well as operational earnings of more than $11 million, for the six-month period ending December 31st. Despite this, TVNZ can’t predict whether the full year resu…

The NRL season is kicking off this Sunday in Las Vegas. The Warriors are one of four teams playing in the American city this weekend as the NRL is looking to expand the game into America. Rugby League journalist Brad Walter is in Las Vegas and joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Police in the US have said the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, musician Betsy Arakawa, is suspicious enough to warrant an investigation. The sheriff's office said the couple had been dead for some time when Police found them in their New Mexico home. New York Post Entertainment Reporter Sean Mandel talks to Ryan Bridge about…

The Government has announced a series of changes that intend on making it easier for local councils to finance infrastructure around new housing developments. Currently ratepayers are picking up the tab for sewage lines, local streets, and water. New changes are set to ensure that developers are paying their fair share. Infrastructure Minister Chri…

Winston Peters has met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing, telling his counterpart that New Zealand was not given enough warning about China's recent navy exercises. Peters says the Cook Islands-China deal was also a topic of discussion in their meeting. In other meetings, Sir Kier Starmer has met with Donald Trump. Senior Political Corre…

The Trump administration has released hundreds of documents related to the death of Jeffrey Epstein. What was revealed? And legendary actor Gene Hackman, his musician wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. A gas leak has been ruled out as suspicions grow around the deaths. US Correspondent Dan Mitchi…

This year’s NRL season gets underway on Sunday – Could this be the warriors year? And what upsets are on their way in Super Rugby round three? Weekend Sport Jason Pine talks to Ryan Bridge about what to keep an eye out for in sport. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.Por Newstalk ZB

Sarah Fitt has resigned as the Pharmac chief executive after seven years. Last year a “short and sharp” review was undertaken into Pharmac’s internal staff culture and relationships with patient groups, Chair Paula Bennet announced at the time. Fitt recently faced criticism for these issues. Pharmac chair Paula Bennett talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN …

Wellington City Council removed car parks near the botanical Gardens to create more space for cycleways, now they might be bringing them back. The council says residents were complaining after being unable to find parks to visit the gardens. Wellington City Councillor Diane Calvert talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for…

Donald Trump has threatened to slap import tariffs on the EU. The US President has already slammed neighbours Canada and Mexico with levy hikes - and both quickly returned the favour. Holding his first Cabinet meeting, Trump says it will be 25 percent generally speaking, and mentioned cars as one target. He also claimed the EU formed to 'screw with…

There's relief among farmers as the Government recognises drought conditions in Taranaki. Federated Farmers says the region's had a year-and-a-half of unusually low rainfall, particularly in Manaia, Hāwera and Kakaramea. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says it's forced some farmers to feed-out livestock or sell earlier. The Country's Jamie Mackay …

The latest ANZ Business Outlook survey indicates confidence is up - but not all companies are feeling optimistic about their recovery. Business confidence rose four points to +58 in February, while expected own activity eased one point to +45. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says these figures paint a 'mixed' picture of the future. LIS…

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it c…

Tonight on The Huddle, journalist Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government plans to introduce a referendum to extend Parliamentary terms to four years. Do we think Kiwis will go for this? Do we need longer political terms? Labour's Carmel Sepuloni has …

Despite growing fears about Deepseek's growing presence, tech giant Nvidia is reporting an impressive sales result. Nvidia reported a surge in fourth-quarter profit and sales as demand for its specialized Blackwell chips, which power artificial intelligence systems, continued to grow. This has also boosted the company's stock. Greg Smith from Devon…

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested. LISTEN ABOVE…

New Zealand Rugby's unsurprised by Clayton McMillan's impending move offshore. NZR and the Chiefs have released McMillan from the final year of his coaching contract - he'll join Irish club Munster in July. General manager professional rugby Chris Lendrum says McMillan's been open about his plans to coach overseas - and it's just come early. Sports…

​On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 27 February 2025, David Seymour talks about the Government looking to expand parliamentary terms from 3 years to 4. Energy Minister Simon Watts discusses the energy competition task force looking to level the playing field between gentailers and independent generators - will we …

Thai tourism authorities, hoteliers and travel agents are gearing up for a surge in visitors off the back of the latest season of The White Lotus. The HBO series helped put the spotlight on Hawaii and Sicily, cementing those destinations as bastions of luxury travel. Dave Bernad, executive producer of the series, says he feels fortunate that so man…

New Zealand's KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut stores have helped drive millions in profits for global owner Restaurant Brands. The multi-national company has reported a 5.4 percent sales growth in the year ending December - reaching $1.39 billion. The Kiwi division's recorded the highest net profit - at $41.7 million - and the Australia and California…

Steps are being taken to level the energy playing field. The Electricity Authority is proposing new measures to stop the big four electricity companies from giving preferential treatment to their own retail arms. It's working to increase competition - aiming to ultimately give consumers more choices and lower prices. Energy Minister Simon Watts say…

Australia's Defence Minister has reminded the population to stay calm as the Chinese warships move further in. The Navy vessels have been moving west into Australia's exclusive economic zone. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says plans are in place to keep an eye on the ships until they leave. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privac…

ACT's leader believes four-year Parliamentary terms would lead to more accountability. The Government plans to introduce legislation to go to a referendum - potentially as early as the next general election. The opposition would need to get more proportional representation in Parliament Select Committees, providing greater checks and balances. Davi…

Home ownership rates among women have gone up, but there's concern financial barriers are holding them back from investment properties. The latest edition of CoreLogic’s Women & Property Report shows that 23 percent of women had sole ownership of a property compared to 20.9 percent for men, with mixed-gender ownership accounting for 56 percent. Cor…

So we're all going to have our say on giving our politicians a four year term - or are we? The announcement from Goldsmith today was all over the place - David Seymour is largely to blame for that. He'll be on the show soon, so we'll ask him to explain then. But in principle, do I support a four-year term? Yes. Why? Because politics is too short-si…