Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Tonight on The Huddle, Neale Jones from Capital and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day- and more! 

The National Māori Action Day Protest happened today- did it achieve anything of note? Will Luxon and National feel the pressure? What comes next?

The MBIE has begun an investigation into how a confidential Cabinet paper made it into the public domain- is this a bad look for the Government?

A number of councils are staring down the barrel of potential double-digit rate rises as part of their long-term plan discussions. Does the system need an overhaul?

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Kiwi lamb prices are expected to remain under pressure, as Australia's output floods through overseas markets.

Over the past few years, Australian farmers have been able to build up their flocks and take advantage of favourable conditions.

Sheep numbers across the Tasman are at the highest they've been since 2007.

The Country's Jamie Mackay explains the additional factors impacting the current market. 

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A recent real estate survey has revealed fewer agents have observed a notable increase in house prices.

Of the 324 respondents, a net 28 percent of agents said prices were rising in their locations in November- down from 34 percent in October.

Independent economist Tony Alexander says this indicates a lack of 'frenzy' in the current housing market.

"I get the feeling for over summer, a lot of people have had enough- they're just going to turn the brain off for maybe one or two months and come back in February."

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Eyebrow were raised as the Te Pati Māori MPs stuck to the political swearing-in requirements on the same day organised protests and marches kicked off.

MPs are legally required to swear an oath or affirmation of allegiance to King Charles, to sit and vote in the House.

Te Pati's MPs first pledged allegiance to their mokopuna and Te Tiriti, then the King.

ZB political editor Jason Walls says the MPs avoided putting their pride and egos ahead of the people who elected them into Parliament.

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Passenger train services in Wellington are at risk of being scaled back if more funding isn't found for maintenance.  

The Greater Wellington Regional Council revealed there was a multi-million dollar shortfall in funding for the capital's rail network.

Council chair Daran Ponter says services could be cut in under a year's time if this shortfall isn't addressed.

"We're talking about the wholesale closure of particular lines until the work is done. That means some services could be decreased by as much as 50 or 75 percent."

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There's growing evidence Kiwi supermarkets may not be drawing in as much profit as expected.

Woolworths New Zealand’s profits have dropped 52 percent in the last full year- down to $76 million from over $158 million.

First Retail managing director Chris Wilkinson says this is proof customers aren't being fleeced at the checkout.

"There is a limit to what consumers will pay. Retailers have to try and get that balance right, and this is a really good example of what's happening across the sector."

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Kiwi company Goodair has developed a drug-free solution to fighting nasal congestion.

Nosebuds promise to enhance diaphragmatic nasal breathing in order to reduce the impact of pressure and drainage while providing pain relief.

Inventor and designer Dr David White says the buds emit a humming sound that applies mechanical stress to the affected area.

"A third of the population suffers from nasal congestion, either through allergy or infection. That's commonly treated through pharmaceuticals- which all have negative side effects."

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The Workplace Relations Minister says she's disappointed unions are mis-characterising plans on Fair Pay Agreements.

Elements of the Government's moves to repeal the policy were leaked to media last night.

CTU President Richard Wagstaff subsequently told press he was upset unions had not been consulted about the plans.

But Brooke Van Velden says his comments are not true.

"Look, I was sworn into Government on Monday, and on Wednesday I sat down with both Business NZ and the Council of Trade Unions."

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Protesters in Whanganui are celebrating shutting down the courthouse during a national day of Māori action.

Te Pati Māori led a march on Parliament this morning and car convoys disrupted traffic across the North Island.

It's calling the Government's approach to Te Tiriti - and other initiatives affecting Māori - an assault.

Whanganui iwi leader Ken Mair says they'll act again on December 20, and ask all Crown agencies in the region close for the day.

He says closing the court today was a challenge to a corrupt system.

"And we'll continue to do this, as uncomfortable as it may be, towards those that want to continue to uphold that system."

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The new Māori Development Minister says today's protests were lawful - but he believes his Government will deliver for Māori.

As many as 800 people marched on Parliament this morning to protest policies they consider racist, and other marches and action were held around the country.

Tama Potaka says the Government isn't planning to change its policy agenda.

He says they're following commitments made in their 100-day plan.

"What we're really focused on is delivering outcomes and working with communities- Iwi communities, Māori communities and others- to make the changes to the inequalities we see on a daily basis."

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