National's sending a strong message about its goals for 2025 - to grow the economy. 

The party's holding its annual caucus retreat today, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon earlier addressed media with his goal for growth. 

Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Government is looking to get back to basics with their latest plans.

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The US isn't appearing that united over new President Donald Trump's drastic reconfiguration of American policy. 

He's issued dozens of executive orders since taking office yesterday, and says more changes are to come. 

There's already pushback - with 22 states challenging his bid to end birthright citizenship - and many fearing for the justice system after his sweeping pardons of Capitol riot convictions.

US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says American Civil Liberties Union, immigrant organizations and an expectant mother have also taken action against Trump.

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Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz admits he was outplayed in a four-set quarter-final defeat to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.

Alcaraz won the first set but concedes he was overpowered by Djokovic, on the hunt for a 25th grand slam and 11th in Melbourne.

Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further.

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Experts are urging the Government to step up and help boost achievement rates among Māori students.

The latest NCEA data shows Māori students lagged 20 percent behind their Pakeha counterparts in reading, writing and maths.

Education consultant Alwyn Poole says this is a huge disparity - and it's been a long-term concern. 

"There are loads of examples of children from a range of situations arriving at school at 5 years old and being significantly behind - and it's been well reported on."

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Business executives, academics, Government officials and civic leaders are expected to gather in Switzerland for the World Economic forum - and there's one key name on everyone's lips. 

Donald Trump's return to the White House is set to be a topic of discussion, with experts set to participate in an upcoming '47th US Presidency, Early Thoughts' panel.

UK correspondent Enda Brady says wars, misinformation and climate change are also expected to be discussed at length.

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Over in Australia, the unemployment rate increased to 4 percent in December - raising questions ahead of a potential interest rate cut next month.

Unemployment is one of the key metrics the RBA uses to inform interest rate settings, and a weakening market could encourage the central bank to reduce rates.

HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains further.

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It's been a big week for the US, with Donald Trump returning to the Oval Office for his second term as US President.

His plan for tariffs has sparked concern among many key industries, with Kiwi farmers wondering what this means for one of New Zealand's biggest red meat markets.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further.

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Economists have revealed retail spending numbers were better than expected for the month of December.

The total value of electronic card spending, including in non-retail services and other non-retail categories, rose a seasonally adjusted 1.5 percent to $9.23 billion in December from November, according to Stats NZ. 

That brought total spending in line with levels last seen in November 2023.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says this is a sign green shoots are returning to the economy.

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Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Auckland City Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

The Herald's written a list of the pickiest and most peculiar advertising complaints of 2024 - what do we make of these? Have we turned into a nation of humourless whiners? 

It's a big day for the US as Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office for his second term - and he's not wasting any time, having signed off on a number of executive orders on day one. What do we make of all this?

 It's a tough market for job hunters - what do we recommend Kiwi job-seekers do? 

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On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 21 January 2025, Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian speaks to Andrew Dickens as Donald Trump gets to work at the White House.  

Nelson mayor Nick Smith wants to call in the US ambassador over the question of who split the atom first.

Should you put a photo on your CV? Recruitment expert Megan Alexander on how to stand out when looking for a new job.

Plus, the Huddle weighs in on Donald Trump, and whether Kiwis have become humourless.

Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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