Larry Williams Drive

New Zealand Rugby has appointed Steve Lancaster as the organisation’s new chief executive, after he spent six months as the interim CEO. In a statement, NZR chairman David Kirk congratulated Lancaster on the appointment - and said he brings 'strong experience at all levels of the game'. Lancaster says he's intent on turning up and doing the best job he can and he's focused on making the business sustainable.  "I guess the board decided they're happy with the job I'm doing - so here I am."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's treading water, with a warning our increasingly overloaded pension system isn't sustainable. The latest OECD snapshot of our economy suggests unless we adjust systems, including the costs of health, long-term care and pension will increase by about five percent of GDP by 2060. It says it could be countered by changes including upping Superannuation contributions.  Economist Cameron Bagrie says we can't keep kicking the can down the road - and that we need to address entitlements, through lifting the retirement age or means testing.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims new legislation brings the most significant reform of conservation law in nearly 40 years. A Government bill's been lodged, to allow reinvestment of international visitor fees into conservation, with estimates it'll raise $60 million a year. The reform will also speed up DOC decision making, with claims it will add consistency to processes for applying Treaty obligations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says tourism on conservation land brings in billions every year, and it helps create jobs for Kiwis.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia's unveiled a new multi-billion -dollar fuel security package to keep things going amid the ongoing global uncertainty. The plan, to be included in the upcoming federal budget, will fund the creation of a Government-owned fuel reserve and expand onshore storage to boost fuel supply. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says the opposition has raised concerns about this - and said it's not enough for the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chairman David Kirk's accepting responsibility for a worldwide search for a New Zealand Rugby CEO that has ended with them promoting one of their own. Community rugby boss and interim chief executive Steve Lancaster is the new boss, ending a months-long search for a replacement for Mark Robinson. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health organisations are struggling to get the attention of young people in need. The latest Youthline ASB State of the Generation report finds mental health is the largest issue, followed by lack of job opportunities and bullying.  The survey of 12-24-year-olds also suggests 41 percent don't know they can get help from support organisations.  Youthline chief executive Shae Ronald says there's an uptick in recent university grads that can't find any work, and it's concerning.  "I think we've got to support young people, to understand managing their mental health through applying for jobs is as important as polishing your CV... that we make sure there's opportunities."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weeks of uncertainty, over an outbreak of deadly hantavirus on a Dutch cruise ship travelling the Atlantic. Three people have died, with other cases confirmed and suspected. The 150 passengers are isolating in cabins, including one New Zealander.  UK correspondent Gavin Grey says investigations are taking place into the outbreak, as it's unknown where it came from. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new test case for the standards of political neutrality expected in the public service. Craig Stobo has resigned as chair of the Financial Markets Authority, after an investigation found he'd voiced too many political views for someone in an apolitical public sector role. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CDC Data Centres – half owned by infrastructure investor Infratil – says it has secured the largest data centre contract in Australia’s history, a 555 megawatt deal that takes its total contracted capacity to over one gigawatt. The 30-year contract is with an as-yet-unidentified United States high-end investment-grade customer and is inclusive of renewal options of up to 20 years. Milford Asset Management's Jeremy Hutton explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!  The Minister for Internal Affairs has unveiled a new multi-choice test for migrants looking to get New Zealand citizenship. Applicants would have to answer 20 questions and get 15 correct to pass. Do we think this is fair?  The BSA is on its way out, with Minister Paul Goldsmith saying it's no longer fit for purpose. Do we agree that this change is long overdue? Do we think the media can regulate itself?  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 6 May, 2026, we talk to Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith about the axing of the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden explains the citizenship tests for would-be migrants. A parent coach tells us about an online guide to help parents navigate social media with their children. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Phil O'Reilly discuss whether the BSA was past its use-by date. 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.

Well, blow me down - I did not think that Paul Goldsmith had the courage or the inclination to do something as bold as actually scrapping the Broadcasting Standards Authority. I thought it was all talk when he kept dropping it as a possibility but it turns out I was wrong. He’s announced the BSA is gone; the laws will be drawn up in the next few months and they’ll be passed before the next election. Why this surprises me is because this is culture war-adjacent stuff. This is exactly the kind of thing the Nats have tried to avoid of late - anything that makes you feel just a bit icky. People aren’t going to like it. They’ve tried to get away from it because there is quite a high risk of blowback. If the Nats are accused of trying to protect their mates in the more fringe parts of the media, like Platform for example, that’s not necessarily a good look. And on the other hand, there’s little upside - other than making a few broadcasters like me, irritated by the BSA, happy. The BSA is funded by the media so ther

ASB is set to launch their own answer to Sharesies with their new app. ASB Share Central will include a mobile app and desktop platform, and it will allow Kiwis to make their own investments into shares.  CMC Markets managing director Chris Smith says it's 'exciting' ASB wants to take this step, and they're looking forward to working with the bank on this project. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Internal Affairs says an incoming multi-choice test for those seeking citizenship shouldn't be a barrier for people seeking to become a New Zealander.  The test will be imposed for people seeking citizenship from late next year.  Applicants would have to answer 20 questions and get 15 correct to pass.  Minister Brooke van Velden says says examples could be - what are our laws around domestic violence, or whether women and men have equal rights.  She says it's about understanding shared responsibility.  "If you're getting them wrong - really? We have to question citizenship there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pet cats are good at catching and hunting wild animals, but there's been concerns raised over what this means for the safety of our native fauna.  It's good for pet cats to roam, but growing awareness of the devastating impact they can have on our wildlife means owners need to take more responsibility, according to experts. Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa managing director Dr Helen Beattie says it's difficult to keep a pet cat confined to the home and it's important to keep them safe. She explained it's worth looking into a cat-proof fence to ensure they can't get too far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes the Iran war won't bring a big bump in unemployment. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.3 percent in the March quarter, down from 5.4 percent in the three months to December. Infometrics expect it'll rise again throughout 2026. Principal Economist, Brad Olsen, says they're not expecting any mass firings. "It's more that those hiring intentions are likely to be more subdued - i.e., businesses probably won't be as keen to hire into the future just because of how uncertain things are."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority's not long for this world, with Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announcing today it'll be scrapped. He says the body to monitor TV and radio is past its use-by date - and media can self-regulate using the Media Council.  No time-frame's set, but legislation will be drafted in coming months. Goldsmith says times have changed.  "The world's moved on and it's obvious to everybody how we get our information has changed dramatically, and it was sort of looking after a thin slice of broadcasting, so it no longer made sense."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority is being binned, and the Government's moving to let media companies regulate themselves.  The Authority was established in 1989 - but the Government says the media landscape's changed beyond its control. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says print media already regulates itself through the Media Council, which broadcasters can join.  Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this move reflects the changing media market, and it'll save the taxpayers' money in the long run too.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's refusing to say what will constitute a breach of the Iran ceasefire - telling reporters they'll find out.  The US President said he's making 'tremendous' deals on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says two US commercial ships, along with military destroyers, have already safely moved through. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the US is looking to bide some more time as the conflict continues. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consortium Kanaloa Rugby, a group pitching to save the disbandment of the Moana Pasifika Super franchise, claims to have the necessary backing to take over the licence. However, chief executive Tracy Atiga says their bid to put up $15 million dollars - including debt settlements - is being ignored by the current owners. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacked what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.