Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Judith Collins says the one thing she'd change about her political career is leading the National Party. The Senior MP has announced she's leaving politics after 24 years, in a career that included 18 different ministerial portfolios. In 2020 she had a brief stint leading the party, and lost the election to Jacinda Ardern.  She says stepping up was a bad move. "And I knew it was a hospital pass now, and I still did it, even though my husband was saying - don't do that. And I thought, well, who's going to do it if I don't?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reflections on a tumultuous career, as senior National MP Judith Collins quits politics. She's moving to become the Law Commission President - after 24 years in Parliament.  She lost the National leadership in 2021 after a caucus revolt, but just two years later became the Minister with the most portfolios. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper looked back on Collins' long-running political career. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest civilian death at the hands of Federal Immigration Officers in the US could hurt the Republican party in midterm elections.  Donald Trump is kicking off the campaign in Iowa - a state neighbouring Minnesota, where ICE agents have now shot two protesters dead. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says many Republicans and Trump allies are questioning the immigration agents' tactics.  He says Democrats aren't the only ones concerned. "And a lot of this, I'm sure, has to do with the mid-terms that are coming up this year. Democrats are going to take any opportunity they can to turn something like this into a political soundbite."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fifth seed Elena Rybakina has taken the first set of her Australian tennis Open quarter-final against world number two Iga Swiatek 7-5. The weather is considerably cooler than yesterday's 45 degree high - it's currently 21 in Melbourne. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave recapped today's action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of New Zealand’s most violent murderers is set to appear before the Parole Board for the first time this week. Clayton Weatherston was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 18 years for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Sophie Elliott in 2008. Weatherston is now eligible for parole, but Sophie's father, Gil Elliott, says he hasn't availed himself of any rehabilitation measures. "I maintain that his mental state, when he went in, will be the same as his mental state now after 18 years. Why would it be any different?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 27 January, 2026, should there be two inquiries into the Mount Maunganui landslide - one by the council, the other the Government? And is the uprooting trees at the crux of the problem there? We look at why boys are finding it harder to make friends as they get older. The fitness trends that could do you more harm than good. And on the Huddle, David Farrar and Rob Campbell dissect the latest political poll that's  got Winston Peters on the up. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, another high-profile member of the Conservative Party has defected to Nigel Farage's Reform Party.  Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, well known for championing the controversial Rwanda plan, has joined the party.  It follows defections from others like former Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawai and Conservative Party leader candidate Robert Jenrick.  UK correspondent Enda Brady says it's damaging for the Conservatives to lose such a high-profile member. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's extreme weather in the Upper North Island left a lot of damage behind, and concerns have been raised about the future. The Government last year established a loose framework for climate adaptation, on an expert panel's recommendation to transition from buying-out destroyed homes - but Minister Simon Watts says a better assessment is needed. Climate adaptation expert Dr Judy Lawrence says clearer adaptation plans are needed in order to better equip risky places.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite Labour raising some concerns with the Government's trade deal with India, the move has been welcomed by rural economists. Trade analyst Stephen Jacobi says the Government timed the deal perfectly - and might have had to wait years if they prolonged the negotiations. The Country's Jamie Mackay explained further.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and AUT Chancellor Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  There's growing calls to phase out branded uniforms as parents grapple with rising costs. Do we need to ban uniforms altogether - or figure out an affordable solution?  The Government has indicated that they want to launch their own inquiry into the Mount Maunganui landslide tragedy. Should this replace the one being run by Tauranga Council - or should they work together?  More polls out today, and the date shows NZ First's Winston Peters is on the up. Why do we think this is? What will this mean for the election?  New data shows a quarter of young men don't have any close friends - and more young people feel pessimistic about the future. What do we make of this? Should we be concerned? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.