Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Fertility Associates is reassuring patients their processes are robust, after frozen embryos went missing last year while in its care. It says this only involved one couple, that was treated at its Auckland clinic in 2025. An audit done by an independent international lab expert has found its storage processes are secure - but it's now moving storage to a new, designated area in the clinic. Chief Medical Officer Andrew Murray says they perform around seven thousand egg retrievals or embryo transfers every year. "There are a lot of moving parts in this, and so we want to reassure our patients that this is an isolated incident." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions remain on processes for asylum seekers convicted of serious crimes in New Zealand.  Proposed Government reforms will let immigration officials take crimes committed by a refugee-applicant into account.  New Zealand is obligated under international conventions to keep them here.   Immigration lawyer Pooja Sundar says one option is giving asylum seekers a series of work visas - but that could limit their access to rehabilitation.  "The criminal justice system we have in New Zealand will take care of that, that doesn't mean that we have to send them home to potentially be facing death." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The CEO of New Zealand’s largest fuel import terminal is quelling concern imports to New Zealand could cease if the Middle East conflict continues.  Iran's blocking shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of its response to continuing US Israeli attacks.  As of midnight Sunday, New Zealand had 49 days fuel cover.  Channel Infrastructure CEO Rob Buchanan says there are other oil producers.  He explained the US, West Africa and South America all have reserves - and can ramp up production in response.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Northland parent claimed teachers at her son's first school routinely rewarded children with chocolate and lollies, sparking debate about whether this is a good idea. Health Ministry guidelines say schools should not serve sweets or chocolate at all, and concerns have been raised about the health impacts.  Auckland University professor Boyd Swinburn says there could probably be better ways to reward kids for good behaviour. "Plenty of schools have done it, plenty of schools do say they're providing the best environment for kids, they're being institutional role models - and they'll find ways to do it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is dismissing the resignation of a senior US intelligence official - whom he appointed. Israel is continuing waves of strikes across Lebanon and Iran, saying it has now killed Iran's security chief. Meanwhile Joe Kent is stepping down as director of the US National Counter-terrorism Centre.  US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Kent claimed he couldn't support the ongoing war with Iran. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First leader Winston Peters has clarified Hipkins' ex-wife Jade Paul does not work for his party or have any affiliation or role with it. It was understood Paul worked as a ministerial advisor for Cabinet minister Casey Costello, prompting rumours about the intent of the infamous social media post.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Peters said he's not interested in weighing in on the personal relationship of the Labour leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Cricket board is still deciding the future of the country's domestic T20 game, but a couple of Black Caps have other ideas. The options have effectively been whittled down to launching a privatised NZ20 tournament, given the Super Smash is without a broadcast deal for next summer, or setting up a local team in Australia's Big Bash League, provided they get an invitation. Sportstalk host Elliott Smith explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Energy Minister says Marsden Point made its own commercial decision to close, but even open, it couldn't alleviate fuel issues. Iran's put a stranglehold on global supplies, blocking the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for US and Israel strikes. Resources Minister Shane Jones is blaming Labour for the refinery closing. Megan Woods says even if it was open, that wouldn't get us crude oil. "Shane was given an option a year or so ago, said - if you're really worried about this, you can spend billions of dollars and you can set up a new refinery in Taranaki. Now he hasn't proceeded with that."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has renewed his criticisms of the UK Government's response to the Middle East conflict. The US President said the UK needs to be 'involved enthusiastically' in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid oil supply concerns. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Trump has urged Starmer to help get the Strait open again.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, the Reserve Bank bumped the OCR up to 4.1 percent, up by 0.25 percentage points. This is the second significant hike it two months, and it's got experts speculating about what this means for the economy on the whole. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham wondered what this could mean for other global markets.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.