Larry Williams Drive

The Reserve Bank is expected to take a breather when it reviews the Official Cash Rate on Wednesday, before pushing on with cuts later in the year. The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee is widely expected to keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3.25 percent. Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold says the central bank runs some risks if they cut at this point. "What they risk is that the CPI, which is due later on this month, comes in uncomfortably high - and some of the data we've seen since May suggests that it is actually going to be a bit stronger than what they forecasted." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A property lawyer says new proposals take a major burden off realtor's shoulders.  The Government is streamlining the process for selling a house held by a family trust - as it makes changes to laws preventing money laundering.  It says real estate agents must currently collective excessive amounts of information about the trust. But McVeagh Fleming Associate Mario Thorne says documents are often missing - or never existed.   "You're dealing with really straightforward situations where it's clear where the funds have come from - and then to cast the net too wide and ask for these invasive documents, it's cracking a nut with a sledgehammer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ is set to launch an independent review of its news content to check for balance and bias. This follows Media Minister Paul Goldsmith expressing interest in seeing trust in media improve - particularly for the state broadcasters. NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie says viewers have taken issue with the 'editorialising' of the news. "The reporter comes in at the end and gives an opinion or analysis that the viewer might take issue with. The feedback that we get a lot of is - just report the news." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small moves have been made that could help achieve a Gaza ceasefire - but no certainty. The US President hosted Israel's Prime Minister at the White House, as the world holds onto hope the war will end. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu expressed interest in working together for peace in the Middle East, but seemed to downplay the prospect of Palestinian statehood.  Former Secretary of State Chief of Staff, Matt Terrill, says their shared dinner today was a good step in the path towards a deal.  "Obviously a ways to go here, but his administration feels good about where they're at - and about the direction forward here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims comments by Chris Hipkins on the Covid inquiry are 'unhelpful' and 'divisive'.  The Labour leader said the terms of reference for the second phase - currently underway - provide a platform for conspiratorial views. He pointed out they exclude decisions made when New Zealand First was in Government . But Internal Affairs Minister, Brooke van Velden, told Ryan Bridge the terms were expanded so people felt listened to.  "They wanted the inquiry to be fulsome and to find the truth so that when we have another pandemic, we have less division and we have a better response." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins won't commit to appearing before the second phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid response. The Labour leader earlier said the terms of reference for the second stage - which is currently underway - provide a platform for conspiracies. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Hipkins has some good points - but the Government at the time did make decisions that intruded on people's rights. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian convicted triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been accused of tampering with prison food, which has reportedly made a fellow inmate sick. Patterson was reportedly given a job in the prison kitchen while awaiting trial, with accusations surfacing after her conviction was announced. Australian correspondent Charles Croucher says investigations are still ongoing - and more will come to light given how much information on this case has been suppressed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France will avoid Hamilton and instead base themselves in Auckland for as long as possible before their test series finale against the All Blacks next week. A spokesperson confirmed that following the second test of the three-match series, Les Bleus will relocate from Wellington to Auckland, citing preferred facilities. ZB sports reporter Nathan Limm explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group planning a concert venue at Auckland's Western Springs want council approval to get on with it.  A different bid recommended by council staff - for an arena backed by Auckland FC rich-listers - has been withdrawn. The council says more assessment's needed to find a path forward.  Eccles Entertainment Founder Brent Eccles says he's thrilled the competition's pulled out.  He says his group remains the obvious choice.  "I believe that we're kind of in the box seat now, there were only two expressions of interest that were accepted - from us to build a proper concert bowl." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

King Charles led commemorations on the 20th anniversary of the 2005 London transit bombings - the deadliest attack on the capital since World War II. 52 were killed and over 700 were injured when four men inspired by al-Qaida blew themselves up on three subway trains and a bus during rush hour on July 7th, 2005. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says King Charles spoke of the importance of unity. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Time's ticking for US trade partners to sign tariff deals with Donald Trump. In April, the President announced most countries, including New Zealand, would face a 10 percent minimum levy - but has delayed their implementation.  This week, he's promised to send out what he's calling 'take it or leave it' letters.  Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly revealed how the markets reacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has a limited range of ventures producing medicinal cannabis - but the most successful distributor doesn't even sell directly to Kiwis. Medical marijuana company Puro has just signed a $16 million distribution deal in the UK, but co-founder Tim Aldridge says red tape is stopping the business from selling domestically. Aldridge says there's no manufacturing or packaging companies that can take their product - and they need to ship that out to Australia. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's concerns broadening citizen's arrest powers could endanger young people - both thieves and retail workers. Do we need to find a better solution? The second part of the Covid-19 inquiry is under way - do we think Jacinda Ardern will return to answer questions? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 7 July 2025, the jury has found mushroom cook Erin Patterson guilty on all charges - three cases of murder, and one case of attempted murder. 1 News correspondent Aziz Al Sa'afin tells Ryan Bridge there were several pieces of slam dunk evidence. Should former PM Dame Jacinda Ardern give evidence before the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Covid response? Its chair says she can't be compelled while overseas. Auckland Council is throwing Takapuna Golf Course a lifeline - but it might not result in the golf course keen golfers want. Plus, the Huddle debates whether shopkeepers should be allowed to citizens arrest thieving kids. 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.

Should Jacinda Ardern return to the country and face the Covid inquiry music? The answer, I think, must be yes. I confirmed this morning on my Herald NOW show that the Royal Commission has reached out to Jacinda and asked her to attend in August. The KC running the show would not answer whether she'd replied or whether she'd lawyered up, but he did say that the only way to get out of attending is if you're not the in the country because they don't have jurisdiction. So the question is: as a former Prime Minister who wielded more power than Muldoon - war-time executive powers - as somebody who's always claimed their intentions were good, and as somebody who's claimed they were in politics for the children, will the former PM front this inquiry and be honest? Honest about what really went on behind closed doors and behind those PPE masks? Boris Johnson appeared at his country's inquiry, and twiddled his fingers and answered all that was put before him. Isn't there a moral obligation to the people of N

Health Minister Simeon Brown has revealed the make-up of the new Health Zealand Board - who will take over in a fortnight. They, along with a Crown Observer, will replace the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners appointed last year. Experienced clinical director Doctor Andrew Connolly, and current Deputy Commissioner Roger Jarrold are among those appointed. Brown says Commissioner Lester Levy will stay on as Chair for a year. "This is about making sure we have continuity of leadership at Health New Zealand. The organisation's going through a reset - making sure it's refocused on patients." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's fears broadening citizen's arrest powers could endanger young people. The Government has proposed allowing the arrests at all times of day - and wants to clarify when reasonable force can be applied.  Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said it could allow children to be restrained until police arrive. Chief Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad says citizen's arrests won't prevent stealing and could lead to violence. "A number of agencies that have given advice to the Government on this - police, justice, Oranga Tamariki, Crown Law, among others - they've highlighted this risk." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's slim options for Takapuna Golf Course, which looks likely to halve in size under an Auckland Council plan to turn it into a flooding wetland. The Council's final proposal converts the course into a flood-protection area. Public consultation is planned for later this year, including how to use the dry half.  Auckland Council Head of Sustainable Partnership, Tom Mansell, says they don't want golf in the wetland section. "In the remaining area, if they can fit an 18-hole in and that's what the Kaipātiki board wants, then we'll work on that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The second phase of the Covid-19 inquiry has begun, with many voices from business, tourism, and events venting frustration over the response. The Royal Commission of Inquiry will run until Thursday - and many are wondering if former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will be called up to weigh in. Sir Ian Taylor says it would be 'wonderful' if Ardern found a way to give some answers. "It would perhaps reinforce the concept that everything she did was to be kind, to be part of the team of five million - and this is the time for the team of five million to come together to figure out how we deal to this better next time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's Erin Patterson is facing life in prison after being found guilty this afternoon of triple-murder.  The 50-year-old appeared emotionless as a jury delivered its verdict to the Supreme Court, ending seven days' deliberations. It agreed Patterson deliberately fed members of her estranged husband's family a beef wellington laced with death cap mushrooms, killing three and attempting to kill a fourth.  1News Australia correspondent Aziz Al Sa'afin says media from around the world have been covering this case ahead of the verdict. "There's been 125 pieces of evidence that have been put forward to the jury, they've had to analyse an 86-page chronology of the testimony that's happened over the last 10 weeks - so as you can imagine, there's a really big responsibility for this jury to get it right."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.