Larry Williams Drive

Actor and comedian Russell Brand is facing emotional abuse, rape and sexual assault accusations. Four women have come forward to overseas media, alleging it happened between 2006 and 2013. Brand is denying the allegations, saying his relationships have always been consensual. Entertainment correspondent Sean Mandell says it seriously impacted the women who are accusing him. "One woman who claims he raped her went to a sexual assault rehabilitation centre for several months after the incident." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One disgruntled Kiwi motorist managed to receive pothole damage compensation from Waka Kotahi- putting him in the minority of drivers. Waka Kotahi paid out 22 compensation claims for vehicle damage from potholes and defects in state highways in the past three years. That’s despite the transport agency receiving more than 2200 claims over that timeframe. Scott Hearn gave Waka Kotahi an ultimatum, before filing a claim with the Disputes Tribunal. "I guess I was a little bit threatening towards the end, I gave them an ultimatum and said- look, I'd like an answer and I'd like this resolved by a certain time. Otherwise, you don't leave me much choice." Waka Kotahi says compensation claims relating to road condition and vehicle damage to a vehicle are assessed individually, on a case-by-case basis. The transport agency assesses claims relating to state highways, and local authorities assess claims relating to the 94,000km of local council-controlled roads in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for

It's now cheaper to rent a home in New Zealand than to buy - at least in the short-term. BNZ has revealed servicing a mortgage takes about 50 percent of the average household income. Chief economist Mike Jones says that's more than double the cost of renting, at about 24 percent. But he says that doesn't mean renting is the most cost-effective over the long-haul - because no one knows what house prices will do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions around why violent offenders are getting electronic bail. Police have issued an arrest warrant for Naya Ropiu Fabian Wharekura, who has breached bail conditions. The 28-year-old has been charged with killing a man in Invercargill last year. National Party police spokesperson Mark Mitchell says Wharekura should be in prison and not out on bail. "Because now he's a clear and present danger to the public, and of course he's tying up police resources now in terms of them trying to locate him and arrest him and get him into custody." Wharekura has distinct face tattoos - including the words Ngaruawahia and Waikato - and should not be approached. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Monday until the election, The Front Bench will take on the biggest talking points of the election campaign. Heather du Plessis-Allan, Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper, former Business NZ CEO Phil O’Reilly and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills have the insight word and analysis.  This week, NZME Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie steps in for Barry Soper. The panel discuss ACT’s campaign launch over the weekend and whether its focus on co-governance is a vote winner or loser. They also chat about the hecklers and whether conspiracy theorists will continue to be a theme for the rest of the campaign. Heather poses the question whether this is the most boring campaign since 2014 and whether the first Leaders debate will be worth a watch. Plus, they take a closer look at Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown’s election manifesto and the Wellington Central race. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about whether the election is already over, whether National should front up with the details of their tax plan, and David Seymour's recent actions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia business correspondent Peter Lewis spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan on whether China's economy may slowly be turning around and if North Korea has finally agreed to supply Russia with weapons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Central Bank has raised interest rates for the 10th meeting in a row to counter stubborn inflation but signalled it is likely done tightening policy. The central bank for the 20 countries that use the euro lifted its deposit rate to 4.0 per cent from 3.75 per cent, taking it to an all-time-high. UK correspondent Gavin Grey joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to talk about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, sports journalist Lavina Good and One News sports editor Abby Wilson discuss the only two topics on every Kiwi sports fans mind: Will Shaun Johnson start for the Warriors tomorrow night, and how will the All Blacks respond against Namibia in their second world cup game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The banking industry has promised to crack down on scams. The retail banks have announced plans for an anti-scam centre, an account name-checking service and some other initiatives, but can't provide any details of how long it'll take to implement them. Earlier this week there were calls for the Ombudsman to investigate whether banks are failing to do everything they should to prevent scams. Banking Association chief executive, Roger Beaumont spoke to Heather du Plessis-Allan about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weekend Sport Producer Andy McDonnell talks with Heather du Plessis-Allan about what the All Blacks need to do to get out of their Rugby World Cup pool, and whether Shaun Johnson will make the Warriors side for the Knights game.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan on new poll results about co-governance.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former work and income boss is calling part of Act's welfare policy incredibly brave. Deputy leader Brooke van Velden spoke over the weekend, about electronic management of people on income support. It means issuing money cards to people who've been on benefits for a long time which can only be used to buy essentials. Former WINZ CEO, Christine Rankin says that's reasonable and sensible. She says no politician ever seems to have the courage to take such steps. She says trapping people on the benefit is disgusting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says it will review its policy to lure international tech talent to New Zealand after a year to see if it's working. If elected, it would introduce a three-year visa targeting the world's top graduates and a separate visa to give residency to those at the top of the field. Immigration spokesperson Erica Stanford says they wanted to think outside the square. She says New Zealand really struggles to attract top talent. She says looking at how many have come here on the Green list, only 51 were on tech-visas. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation is holding its breath hoping that Shaun Johnson will be fit enough to play against the Newcastle Knights in tomorrow night’s semi-final in Auckland. He missed out on last week’s game against the Panthers which resulted in the Warriors losing 32-6. Heather du Plessis-Allan asked Warriors Assistant Coach Stacey Jones for an update. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior doctors and dentists are escalating their strike action. They have announced they will stop work for two full days in October as negotiations with Health NZ have stalled. There will be a 12 hour strike on October 2 and a 24 hour strike on October 24. Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists Sarah Dalton spoke with Heather about it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the latest new from stateside.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland businessman who tried to perform a citizen’s arrest was told by police to let the crook go. Todd Scott tackled a guy who was abusing supermarket staff and then tried to leave without paying. Todd held him down, told staff to call police, but police told him to let the guy go and that he was in fact committing an offence himself. Heather du Plessis-Allan spoke to Scott about what happened.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don’t think that banks should have to refund people who've lost money in scams. But come on... they really need to step it up on the security stuff. The banks announced today that they are going to take a look at doing something pretty basic. Which is to make sure that when you think you are sending money to someone and you type … a... I don’t know…let’s say the Labour Party into the payee field. That the account it’s going into is actually an account held by the labour party, not by... I don’t know... a Nigerian prince. Come on. They don’t need waste time investigating whether they need to do this; they just need to do it. It's basic. Banks in other countries do it. Consumer NZ reckons when the UK did it they noticed a 10% drop off in fraudulent bank transfers. In the Netherlands, it was 81%. That's massive. Even the fact that the banks are saying they are going look at it, it’s an admission that they know on some level it will make a difference. Frankly some of our banks are so sloppy with their security

Over in the UK, Labour leader Keir Starmer is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. The meeting is expected to take place next week, and it's being regarded as a 'change in protocol' for the leaders. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this meeting could be proof Macron has given up on maintaining relations with the current UK Government, as Starmer is a favourite to take over as Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.