Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Labour has raised some concerns over the FTA with India, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pushing back. The opposition says they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers.  Nicola Willis says there's strong aspirations in the agreement to promote investment. "What it's saying is - let's both agree to promote significant levels of investment in our respective countries, let's put some aspirational targets out there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's excitement among Auckland sports fans as New Zealand is set to host a State of Origin game. After more than a decade of speculation, it's been confirmed the country's first Origin fixture will be held here next year at Eden Park. Former Warrior Kevin Campion says this is great news - and it's an announcement that's long overdue. "The Origin is an Australian part of our game and if they get over to New Zealand, I think it's just the next step in the process." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More evidence of an improving economy, based on the amount of freight hitting our roads. Freight company Freightways is reporting a 17 percent rise in half-year profit. Chief executive Mark Troughear says they're starting to see optimism return, slowly and steadily. "It's a good result, and that's a bit of market share gains - Australia is going really well for us. But in New Zealand, you're just starting to see customers trade a little bit up on what they did last year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A student representative says Otago University is being proactive around student safety during orientation week. A jam-packed calendar events kicks off in Dunedin today - including the famous toga party, DJs, movie nights, and an international food festival.  Students' Association President, Daniel Leamy, says students should have fun in a safe way - and with so many people out and about, look after their friends. "There's 20,000-odd students down here in Dunedin now, for the vast majority, students are well-behaved." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's issued a list of demands for the Government before it will sign up to the Free Trade Agreement with India. Chris Hipkins says the FTA needs stronger safeguards against exploiting migrants. He wants the full official advice on the deal released to Labour. He says the Party's particularly concerned around the expectation Kiwi businesses will invest $33 billion in India over 15 years. "I think it's almost entirely impossible, and that's why I'm surprised that they're trying to sign us up to that. To put that into context, I think that over the last 25 years, less than $1 billion NZD has been invested in India." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Eden Park stadium's been picked as the host for New Zealand's first ever State of Origin game. The Government's also announced new rules kicking in from April, allowing night-time sport on any day, as long as games wrap up by 10.30pm. The new rules will also boost the number of concerts allowed without the need for resource consent - up from 12 to 32. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the changes further - and discussed what this could do for Auckland's economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in Australia, protest laws could be in for a significant overhaul. Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Sydney last week inspired protests, which led to people getting into public altercations with police. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says police could get more powers over whether certain events go ahead - but this has inspired concerns from some. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand SailGP team have broken their silence on the crash that broke grinder Louis Sinclair's legs. Sinclair is in hospital, recovering from the horror smash with the French syndicate. Sportstalk host Jason Pine weighed in on the safety debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb rates in Christchurch have fallen for the first time in five years, as hosts flood the market before the new stadium opens. The Press reports average short-term rental income dropped to $105 a night last year - down $2 annually. Construction market analyst Mike Blackburn says multi-unit builds are dominating the city, with some apartments just 39 square metres with no carpark. "These are units that are part of 20 or 30 units in a block, and they're specifically being built and being marketed and sold as Airbnb units." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 13 February. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.