Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

The Government's setting up a Ministerial Oversight Group on economic security to focus on fuel and supply chains. The Middle East conflict's forced crude oil over $100 USD a barrel, and made New Zealand's sharemarket plunge, 3.27 percent down so far. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the group will be briefed by MBIE weekly and have input from Treasury, the Reserve Bank, MFAT and others.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's acknowledged the Middle East crisis will be tough on everyone, but New Zealand can stay in good shape. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's sharemarket has taken a hammering as investors voice concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East. After it resumed trading today, the ASX 200 slumped 260.30 points or 2.9 per cent to 8590.708 - and dropped by 4 percent overall. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says this is the worst day for the Australian markets since last year's 'Liberation Day'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post-mortem has begun into New Zealand's 96-run T20 World Cup cricket final loss to India at Ahmedabad. The hosts defended their title and won the tournament for a third time after amassing 255 for five. Sportstalk host Jason Pine recapped the action further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has always led in track and field at the Commonwealth Games, but concerns have been raised ahead of the 2034 event. New Zealand is in the running to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games, but there's currently no suitable athletics venue to host the sport. Athletics NZ chief executive Cam Mitchell says if we're looking to host the 2034 Games, our infrastructure needs improvement.  "If we are looking to host international athletics and we're also looking to grow our sport and create special moments like we had on Saturday night with track stars, then the infrastructure needs - they grow."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 6 March, 2026, prime minister Christopher Luxon is adamant he's not standing down after another poor poll for the National Party. We talk petrol prices with one of our fuel companies. TVNZ's chief executive insists its news coverage isn't biased. And on the Sports Huddle, Elliott Smith and Clay Wilson discuss the Warriors chances in the NRL this season. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to wrap the political week.  The war in Iran and it's implications are top of mind, including the potential effects on New Zealand's fuel prices. They also chat about today's National Party and Luxon news following the release of a damning poll this morning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Council has revealed it's latest plan for Western Springs including allowing space for concerts of up to 30,000 people, while still retaining the Ponsonby Rugby Club.  Councillors are set to make a final vote on the plan by the end of March.  Concert promoter Brent Eccles joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the plan.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the latest news out of the United States.  Department of Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem has been sacked, and is set to be replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin at the end of the month.  Trump also wants to see changes in the Iranian government as he seeks to be involved in the appointment of the country's next leader. And, pop icon Britney Spears has been arrested in California for suspicion of driving under the influence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taxpayers'-Union Curia poll revealed this morning that Christopher Luxon’s National Party has sunk to its lowest result in the poll since 2021. National is sitting on 28.4%, down 2.9 points from February’s poll. The result sparked conversation around whether Luxon should step down.  Luxon joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to defend his position and says he is 'absolutely not' stepping down.  LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queues are forming at petrol stations as concerns over increasing fuel prices brought on by the war in Iran. International oil prices have increased since the start of the war as traffic halts in the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s crude oil is transported. Waitomo Group CEO Simon Parham joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about the near-future of our gas prices.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.