Air New Zealand isn't going into the 2025 financial year with rosy expectations. 

The airline expects its first-half pre-tax profit to be in a range of $120 million to $160m, down from $185m in the previous comparable half year.

Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly unpacked the mood of investors.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington City Council’s 'highest-ever' investment in water infrastructure will see less than 1km of pipes replaced this year, Wellington Water claims.

After a summer of leaks and taps running dry, the Council promised to increase spending on water infrastructure to address the damage.

Wellington City Councillor Ben McNulty says it's up to Wellington Water to determine where that money goes.

"The decision to do less than a kilometre sits very much operationally in their hands."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, David Farrar of Kiwiblog and Curia and Child Fund's Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more!

TJ Perenara raised a few eyebrows following his controversial haka at last week's All Blacks match. Was this appropriate to do before the game? 

It's been a full year since the new Government was sworn in. What do we think so far? What have been their biggest wins - and losses?

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 25 November 2024, former Black Fern and Silver Fern Louisa Wall comes out in support of TJ Perenara and his political haka against Italy.

GPs say they can't get patients on hospital waiting lists, but hospital doctors say they're not gaming the system, they're simply being realistic about the number of patients they can treat.

Heather asks Finance Minister Nicola Willis whether she's given up on getting back to surplus in 2027/28.

Plus, the Huddle reviews the Government's first year in office.
 
Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hoped a new police station in Auckland's CBD will make people feel safe and make it easier for police to attend crime.

The Federal Street facility will have 51 beat officers and staff, including prosecutors and firearms safety authority personnel.  

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this development will help make the city centre safer.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's foreshadowing an update on whether the Government's books are still on track for surplus in 2027-2028. 

Nicola Willis will deliver the half yearly economic and fiscal update in about three weeks. 

She says that will illustrate the latest forecasts for a surplus - and seemed to caution against unrealistic expectations.

"I've always been clear - I'm not going to chase a surplus at all costs. Forecasts move up and down. What I've committed to New Zealanders is that we will make sensible, prudent fiscal decisions to get the books back in balance over time."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says it's chosen a strategically good location for its new Auckland CBD police station.

The Federal Street facility should be completed mid-2025, and will have 51 beat officers. 

The College Hill station will continue its operations - and the old Vincent Street premises are still up for sale.  

Police Minister Mark Mitchell says centralised police stations in the past were great.

"I think the Federal Street option is just such a good option - it's centralised, our beat officers are covering the entire CBD, the feedback and anecdotal feedback has been just fantastic."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased restrictions for HRT menopause treatment, as Pharmac finds ways shore up supply of oestradiol patches.

It's changing its main funded brand to Estradiol TDP Mylan from supplier Viatris from next July.

In order to ensure supply, it'll be the only funded brand available by December 2025.

Menodoctor Clinical Director, Linda Dear, says those who can't use the Mylan brand will have other options.

"Most women who get on with other, non-Mylan brands will get on with gel fine - but it means they'll have to start probably thinking about that transition."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patients referred for hospital treatment aren't even making it onto waiting lists.

RNZ's obtained part of a letter to a GP from an orthopaedic clinic that confirms some referrals are being knocked back.

It says the decision's forced on them by a lack of resources to let them see all referred patients within the limits of Ministry of Health waiting time targets.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton says she thinks they're trying to inject some realism into the situation.

"I think the point they're making is that if they put someone on a waiting list like that at this time, that person is never going to make their way up." 

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's belief from some that the All Blacks' support for Hīkoi mō te Tiriti is a call for unity.

As halfback TJ Perenara led the pre-test haka yesterday - he referenced the movement opposing the Treaty Principles Bill.

Former Black Fern and Labour MP Louisa Wall says the tradition has evolved over time.

She says it's a team decision who leads - and Perenara wouldn't have been acting alone.

"He obviously talked to his teammates and coach about what the purpose and intent was behind the haka, so that's their choice, surely."

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.