

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive
Newstalk ZB
With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 25, 2026 • 3min
Rawdon Christie: real estate agent on the rise in townhouses taking too long to sell
A real estate agent says there isn't enough demand to meet the supply of townhouses. Newly constructed townhouses are sitting on the market so long that they no longer qualify as 'new builds'. It means first-home buyers can't get low-deposit loans on the property. Real Estate Agent Rawdon Christie says developers are shifting close to what the market wants. "So rather than putting 15 in there, let's put 8 standalone two-story houses, which are still three-bedrooms." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 3min
Bo Erickson: Reuters reporter recaps Donald Trump's State of the Union address
A record-breaking State of the Union speech from Donald Trump. His 107 minute address today is the longest since records began in 1964. The US president also spoke directly to invited guests - including the US Olympic champion men's hockey team, victims of crime by illegal immigrants, and a 100-year-old World War II veteran. Reuters reporter Bo Erickson says Trump covered a wide-range of topics. "He really, kind of, treaded on older ground, though - focusing on a lot of domestic issues, like the economy and what his administration's trying to address." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 4min
Chris Bishop: Transport Minister on the Government proposing to make it legal to ride e-scooters in cycle lanes
The Transport Minister says rule change proposals hope to return some common sense lost in New Zealand, long ago. The Government's today announced proposals to let under-13s bike on footpaths and allow e-scooters in cycle lanes. Consultation's open for the next month via the Transport Agency. Chris Bishop says it could mean some details may change and he's happy to take feedback on the policies into account. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 6min
Barry Soper: Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent on Donald Trump's State of the Union address
Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington. The US President's spoke for nearly two hours - with topics ranging from the cost of living, defence and immigration. It's the longest State of the Union speech since at least 1964. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the highlights of the address. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 4min
Dan Mitchinson: US correspondent on Donald Trump's State of the Union speech being the longest in recent history
US President Donald Trump has broken records with his recent State of the Union speech. The President's address lasted more than an hour and 40 minutes, making it the longest speech before a joint session of Congress since 1964. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump claimed the US has been 'turned around' and praised his handling of the economy and defence. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 4min
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Scott Robertson landing first coaching gig since getting ousted from All Blacks
Scott Robertson will get an opportunity to coach against the Springboks this year. The former All Blacks mentor will guide the Barbarians for matches against the world champions and Wales. The fixture against South Africa is on June 20 at Port Elizabeth. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2026 • 7min
Ian Woolford: Reserve Bank Money and Cash Director on the RBNZ urging banks to provide cash services to customers
The Reserve Bank's emphasising the importance of cash services being free-of-charge. It's proposed requiring the banking sector to provide accessible full-cash services across the country - at $104 million a year. The plan ensures those in urban areas can walk to get cash, and the drive for those living rurally is reasonable. Money and Cash Director Ian Woolford says people don't expect to pay to deposit or withdraw cash. "Communities need easier access to cash, closer to home...what we've learned, partly, from those cash trials is that this is what communities need." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24, 2026 • 3min
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on Peter Mandelson being released on bail following earlier arrest
Peter Mandelson has been released on bail hours after his earlier arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to Met Police. This follows an investigation that took place earlier in the month over allegations that, while he was serving as a Government minister, Mandelson passed on sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. UK correspondent Enda Brady says Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24, 2026 • 8min
Vasyl Myroshnychenko: Ukrainian Ambassador to New Zealand and Australia on the four-year anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war
New Zealand's Ukrainian ambassador says the end of the war still seems a long time away. Today marks four years since the start of the large scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Our Government's pledged another $8 million dollars in support, taking out total contribution to about $150 million. Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Myroshnychenko says Vladimir Putin has already seen 1.2 million of his soldiers killed, wounded or captured. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 24, 2026 • 5min
Jamie Mackay: The Country host on Landcorp reporting solid half year results
Momentum's sky-high for state-owned farming enterprise Pāmu. Landcorp's half-year net operating profit jumped $28 million - from a $2 million loss in December 2024 to a $26 million profit last December. It's forecasting a record full-year net operating profit of up to $107 million. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


