Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Questions remain about the significance of the Bondi's terrorists' recent trip to the Philippines.  Sunday's terror attack at a Jewish celebration claimed 15 lives - and 20 people are still in hospital.  The father and son gunmen spent much of November in a Philippines region known as a 'hotbed of Islamic extremism'. But Australian National University criminologist Dr Clarke Jones says it's an interesting link.  "When there was a connection to the recent terrorist attack in Bondi, I was, well, surprised there was some sort of link to the Philippines - but not surprised that terrorism is probably still active."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's calling the Government road cone complaints hotline a complete waste of public money. It's wrapping up six months early - after site visits showed 86 percent complied with the rules on cone quantities.  Labour Transport Spokesperson Tangi Utikere says the pilot cost $150,000 by September, after beginning in June. He says there were and more effective solutions to the issue. "They should have picked up the phone, had a conversation with councils, worked with them to get the information that they needed - it certainly wouldn't have cost them more than $150,000." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Abel Tasman walk has been returned to its original owners - but the Conservation Minister's unsure how it'll affect the iconic tramp's price-tag. The Government's today signed an agreement to restore thousands of hectares of land in the upper South Island to descendants of original owners, Te Tauihu. It includes a 25-year agreement to continue the Great Walk. Minister Tama Potaka says walk management remains with the Department of Conservation, public access guaranteed.   "There are arrangements in place around a number of issues - those arrangements remain confidential." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jevon McSkimming received several discounts at sentencing in Wellington District Court today.  The disgraced former Deputy Police Commissioner has been given nine months home detention for possessing questionable material.   Judge Tim Black began with a starting point of three years prison - with reductions for a guilty plea, remorse, and significant rehabilitation efforts. NZ Herald reporter Melissa Nightingale says that brought the potential sentence down to 18 months in prison. "Once a sentence drops to about two years prison or below, it's then available to potentially be switched over to home detention - which he's chosen to do in this case."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's delivered his final parliamentary speech for the year, handing out plenty of praise for his Government and jibes for the Opposition. Parliament's wrapping up for the year, with party leaders getting in their last say. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the final speeches. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele has been charged with murdering his parents - found dead in LA on Sunday. Reiner is famed for directing the iconic When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men, among others. 32-year-old Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of first degree murder, with a special circumstance of multiple murders.  US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says these charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, or the death penalty. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIFA has introduced a new ticketing tier for next year's World Cup, following an uproar over the prices to attend games. The sport's governing body has announced a new 'supporter entry tier' in response to criticism of the highest prices in World Cup history that were labelled extortionate. Prices have increased several-fold from Qatar, with the cheapest ticket for most pool games costing several hundred New Zealand dollars with the most expensive in the thousands. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's encouraging numbers on retail crime in New Zealand, according to new reports. Data from retail crime intelligence company Auror shows year on year for the 10 months to October, weapon use fell 12 percent and violent events dropped 6 percent. In Australia, the same kinds of incidents are trending upwards. Auror spokesperson Nick McDonnell says there's a reason such crime is dropping here. "Retailers have really led the way in leaning into it, and then the police on the other side of the system have also leaned into this earlier than other markets - and are really collaborating together through the platform." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over in the UK, Chief of defence staff Sir Richard Knighton says war with Russia is at risk. Knighton says Russia is a growing threat to the UK, and the 'sons and daughters of Britain' will need to be prepared. UK correspondent Enda Brady says people across Europe are starting to get worried. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 16 December 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis defends the state of the Government books, despite surplus being pushed out and debt growing more than previously predicted. The Bondi hero who tried to stop the two terrorists is fighting for his own health in hospital. Ryan Bridge speaks to a woman who has been by his bedside. A lawyer convicted of groping law students at a Russell McVeagh Christmas Party has been cleared to return to practicing law. Ryan asks the victims' lawyer Steph Dyhrberg how she feels about James Gardner-Hopkins getting a second chance. Auckland Council has listened and voted down a trial to move to fortnightly rubbish collections. Plus, the Huddle reacts to news that Ruth Richardson has officially pulled out of the big debate against Nicola Willis. 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.