Best Smart Venues Podcasts (2025)

1
Dream Big, Start SMART: Building Your Wedding Venue in Phases 14:45

22d ago14:45

14:45

Feeling like your dream of owning a wedding venue is slipping away? Take a breath — and don’t give up. In this solo episode, Lindsay Lucas, wedding venue consultant, shares a powerful mindset shift that could change everything: You don’t have to build the dream all at once. You just have to start smart. If traditional funding options said "no," it …

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Blues should leave Eden Park 2:14

19h ago2:14

2:14

It's probably sensible, don’t you think, for the Blues to consider leaving Eden Park for Mt Smart? It’s not going to fix the attendance issues, though they seem to be hoping it will. In the consultation they’re doing, the question they’re asking fans is whether moving to Mt Smart will make them “more or less likely to attend Blues Super Rugby [mens…

1
Mike Cron: Legendary All Blacks Coach on 'Coach: Lessons from an All Black Legend’ 11:21

19h ago11:21

11:21

Whenever there’s success at the top level of international rugby in New Zealand, more often than not there is one specific name involved. Known as the ‘Scrum Doctor’, Mike Cron was an assistant coach for the All Blacks for more than 200 games, winning the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. He then came out of retirement in 2022 to join the Black Ferns, help…

1
Full Show Podcast: 15 July 2025 1:29:30

19h ago1:29:30

1:29:30

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 15th of July, the Government has revealed their plan to dissolve Te Pukenga and return 10 polytechs to regional governance. The Blues are exploring whether they should move their home games away from Eden Park. Heather's onboard and details what she thinks the issues are. Legendary All Bla…

1
Andrew Hore: Blues CEO on the team possibly moving from Eden Park to Mount Smart Stadium for home games 4:23

20h ago4:23

4:23

The Blues are weighing up their future at the hallowed turf of Eden Park, with their contract coming to an end. The Super Rugby franchise have asked for public feedback on moving their home games to Mount Smart Stadium for the 2026 season. CEO Andrew Hore told Heather du Plessis-Allan they’ve seen an increase in broadcast numbers, but they’ve seen …

1
Olivia Hall: Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology Executive Director on the dissolution of Te Pukenga 2:50

20h ago2:50

2:50

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology is welcoming the dissolution of Te Pukenga. From next year, ten of the formally 16 polytechnics across the country will be re-established into standalone institutes after being clumped into one governing body. NMIT Executive Director Olivia Hall told Heather du Plessis-Allan the organisation runs quite a t…

1
Robert Patman: International Relations Professor on Donald Trump's ultimatum for Russia regarding a ceasefire with Ukraine 3:20

20h ago3:20

3:20

There's concern the US President's given Russia too much breathing room in his ultimatum. Donald Trump says the Kremlin has 50 days to reach a ceasefire deal for Ukraine or they'll introduce secondary tariffs of 100%. He's also confirmed plans to sell billions of dollars of US weapons to Ukraine, through NATO. International relations professor Robe…

1
Brad Siebert: NZ Avocado CEO on the predicted strong 2024/25 season 3:07

21h ago3:07

3:07

An expected uptick in the country's avocado production as the global market value smashes past $30 billion. A Rabobank report reveals our avocado industry saw a strong recovery last year after crop losses in 2023, due to Cyclone Gabrielle. NZ Avocado's forecasting a production increase of around two-million trays for the 2024/25 season, compared to…

1
Erica Stanford: Minister of Education on the improvement in NCEA pass rates 4:59

21h ago4:59

4:59

The Minster of Education says it's the teachers who have made the difference to improving NCEA literacy and numeracy pass rates. Small improvements were seen last year with 57% of NCEA students achieving the numeracy standard, 61% achieving the reading standard, and 55% achieving the writing standard. Erica Stanford told Heather Du Plessis-Allan sh…

1
Simeon Brown: Minister for Auckland on the State of the City Report 5:11

21h ago5:11

5:11

The Minister for Auckland's keeping positive despite a mixed annual State of the City report. The third annual report shows the city rates strongly in sustainability, resilience, and culture, but is falling when it comes to prosperity, skills, and innovation development. Minister Simeon Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan Auckland's at a good turni…

1
Before You Break Ground: The 7 Mistakes First-Time Venue Owners Make 42:04

1d ago42:04

42:04

Every week, another beautiful venue closes its doors within the first few years. The reason? It's the costly mistakes made before ever welcoming the first guest. In this episode, Lindsay pulls back the curtain on the 7 most expensive missteps first-time venue owners make and provide actionable strategies to avoid them. Whether you're in the dreamin…

1
Stop Losing Attendees in the Chaos: Smarter Paths Through the Event Floor 33:44

1d ago33:44

33:44

In the latest episode of Spatial Experience Design, MapsPeople’s Søren Vasø sits down with Johnny Sloan, SVP at Leap, to talk about what happens when events stop being static and start getting smart. Together, they explore what it takes to transform a high-density, high-stakes environment—like a comic con or fandom expo—into a thoughtfully designed…

1
Full Show Podcast: 14 July 2025 1:30:07

2d ago1:30:07

1:30:07

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 14th of July, the Government has revealed their plan to double our international student sector to be worth $7.2b in 10 years. The Prime Minister is back from holiday in time to get a grilling from Heather on road cones, the economy and who he wants to win the Tamaki Makaurau by-electio…

1
Christopher Luxon: Prime Minister says plans are on the table to increasing competition in the grocery sector 10:01

2d ago10:01

10:01

Christopher Luxon says all options are on the table when it comes to increasing competition in the grocery sector. He hopes that more overseas operators - like Walmart – will expand their operations to New Zealand. The Prime Minister told Heather du Plessis-Allan Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis is doing everything to establish new operators …

1
Cynthia Hancox: National Council of Home Educators government liaison concerned over home education outcomes 3:16

2d ago3:16

3:16

Bullying, unmet special needs education, and system pressure appear to be some of the likely causes of a rise in homeschooling rates. The Ministry of Education’s data shows 11,400 children had an exemption from school, favouring home education last year - twice that of 2001. National Council of Home Educators government liaison Cynthia Hancox told …

1
Tim Tuatini: Lieutenant Colonel discusses Australia-hosted 19 country military exercise 3:19

2d ago3:19

3:19

One of the world’s largest military exercises is underway in Australia. Operation Talisman Sabre involves 35,000 military personnel from 19 different countries including NZ, the US and the UK. Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini says a large exercise with Australia is an important operation for the NZ military to take part in. He told Heather duPlessis-…

1
Chris Whelan: Universities New Zealand Chief Executive says boosting international student count won't return to the 2016 numbers 3:10

2d ago3:10

3:10

The Government has its eyes on boosting international student numbers. It's looking at extending "in study" work rights with the hope of doubling the sector’s economic contribution to 7.2 billion dollars by 2034. Universities New Zealand Chief Executive Chris Whelan says it won't get us back to the highest numbers seen back in 2016. He says it will…

1
Karen Boyes: Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director talks calls for energy market reform 3:12

2d ago3:12

3:12

The ball is now in the Government's court following calls for bold action to fix a broken energy market. An open letter, signed by several influential groups including Consumer NZ and Auckland Business Chamber, has been sent to the Prime Minister. Major Electricity Users' Group Executive Director Karen Boyes told Heather du Plessis-Allan an indepen…

1
New Approaches to Demand Response with GridBeyond, Plugged In Ep. 8 32:15

5d ago32:15

32:15

In this episode of Plugged In, Abhinav Krishna talks to Joe Hayden, Executive Vice President for North America at GridBeyond, to explore the evolving opportunities and challenges of energy flexibility in today’s world. As the conversation dives into how commercial and industrial customers can unlock new revenue streams and support grid stability th…

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: My winner of the week 1:46

5d ago1:46

1:46

Winner of the week has got to be NZ First. In the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia poll, they are the third biggest party now, overtaking Act and the Greens. If you’ve been watching the polls lately that’s not a surprise. This has been coming for a while. National has been up and down, Act has been pretty flat, but NZ First has just been heading up mo…

1
Wrapping the Week with Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson: Lizards, moa, is it better to be smart or dumb 10:29

5d ago10:29

10:29

With Mike Hosking off on holiday, Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson to Wrap the Week that was. They discussed the situation with the gold mine, lizards, and Department of Conservation, the company working to resurrect the moa, and ask the question of if it’s better to be smart or dumb. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.c…

1
Damian McKenzie: All Blacks back ahead of the second clash against France 5:51

5d ago5:51

5:51

All Blacks utility back Damian McKenzie has responded to scrutiny around the side's ability to secure possession off contestable kicks ahead of tomorrow's second test against France in Wellington. Les Bleus peppered New Zealand's back three in the air at Dunedin last week to good effect. McKenzie —who played almost all of the game at fullback after…

1
Rachel Simpson: Business NZ Education Specialist on the need to update vocational skills and training 2:35

5d ago2:35

2:35

Many Kiwis are studying or training in skills that aren't needed in the job market. That's the warning from Business NZ as the Government reviews New Zealand's vocational education system. The lobby groups say graduates are being held back from gaining employment because they've trained in the wrong area. They're calling for an industry-led vocatio…

1
Full Show Podcast: 11 July 2025 1:29:54

5d ago1:29:54

1:29:54

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 11th of July, the Government is creating an anti-scam alliance to try keep New Zealanders from falling victim. Damian McKenzie comes off the bench to tell us how the All Blacks will perform much better against the French this weekend. Tim Wilson and Trish Sherson join Heather to Wrap the We…

1
Paul Goodeve: Clarus CEO on the potential to import liquefied natural gas to bolster supplies 2:16

5d ago2:16

2:16

Importing liquefied natural gas could potentially require one billion dollars in capital investment. Major energy companies Clarus, Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy, and Mercury have commissioned two studies looking into the option. Data out last month shows New Zealand’s domestic gas supply is reducing faster and sooner than previou…

1
Scott Simpson: Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister on the anti-scam alliance, cracking down on digital scams 3:06

5d ago3:06

3:06

Privacy laws may need to be tweaked to allow for a new alliance to combat scams. The Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister has announced the Anti-Scam Alliance, which joins government, industry, and consumer groups. The alliance establishes a formal structure for industries to share data about scams and shut them down in real-time. Minister Scott …

1
Tama Potaka: Conservation Minister on the expansion of Macraes gold mine in Otago 3:58

5d ago3:58

3:58

A potential change of heart from the Department of Conservation, which rejected a bid to expand the country's largest gold mine in Otago. It initially declined Macraes' permit because details were missing on rehoming endemic lizards, a decision heavily criticized by Resources Minister Shane Jones. DOC now says there was a miscommunication, and it w…

1
Alice O'Connell: Former Women's Weekly Editor on the sale of well-known Kiwi magazines 3:24

5d ago3:24

3:24

More volatility for some of our best-known magazines. The Listener, Woman's Day, and New Zealand Woman's Weekly are among a range of New Zealand and Aussie titles going up for sale. Publisher Are Media —which purchased them five years ago, in the chaos of Covid-19— is now on the market. Former New Zealand Women's Weekly Editor Alice O'Connell told …

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Stop letting tech disrupt sport 1:37

6d ago1:37

1:37

Hasn’t the AI and Wimbledon drama taught us exactly the same lesson we keep learning with technology and sport: it’s great - if it doesn’t disrupt the game. And if that is the lesson, why don’t we learn it already? Wimbledon has not used AI properly. First problem was it missed a ball out. By a foot. The match got stopped and everyone waited four m…

1
Antonia Prebble: Kiwi Actress and Podcast host talks Outrageous Fortune and What Matters Most 11:30

6d ago11:30

11:30

Antonia Prebble is a mainstay of New Zealand’s evening TV viewing. She had just hit her 20’s when she was cast in 'Outrageous Fortune', becoming a household name. They’re now celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic comedy-drama show, plus the 10th anniversary of the prequel series 'Westside'. Prebble has expanded since then, and while she st…

1
Full Show Podcast: 10 July 2025 1:29:59

6d ago1:29:59

1:29:59

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10th of July, Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks the Reserve Bank decision to hold the OCR steady and what that says about our economy. Shane Jones has had enough of lizards, DOC, and progress being stalled on a mine that would provide 700 jobs for the Otago region. Kiwi actress Antonia…

1
Chris Medland: Formula 1 Journalist on the sacking of Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner 3:02

6d ago3:02

3:02

Red Bull have waved the chequered flag to team principal Christian Horner. The 51-year-old had been in the role since 2005, overseeing eight drivers' world championships and six constructors' titles. The syndicate sits fourth on the teams' ladder this season, and four-time defending world champion Max Verstappen has won two of 12 races with reports…

1
Stephen Knightly: RocketWerks Games CEO on the impact of the $160 million rebate for the industry 2:59

6d ago2:59

2:59

The video game industry's going gangbusters, with the number of people employed up by more than 20%. This is due to a four-year, $160 million sector rebate, offering 20 cents back for every dollar eligible studios spend. Forty studios will receive a share of $22.4 million this year, including RocketWerks Games. Its CEO, Stephen Knightly, told Heath…

1
Louise Upston: Social Development Minister on the beneficiary task force to deal with flood clean up 4:43

6d ago4:43

4:43

The Government's reluctant to give work opportunities to beneficiaries outside of emergencies. It's activated a beneficiary task force in Tasman and Marlborough, with beneficiaries able to get paid for helping clean up debris and slush. Social Development Minister Louise Upston says the initiative is just for Civil Defence emergencies at this stage…

1
Matt Whineray: Ministry for the Environment Independent Reference Group Chair on the need for the Govt to move away from natural hazard buyouts 2:27

6d ago2:27

2:27

There are expectations the Government continuing to step in to cover natural hazard costs for homeowners could create a moral hazard. An independent climate adaptation report reveals annual losses from weather-related events over the next 25 years could increase by a quarter. It warns the later we respond, the more disruptive the adjustment will be…

1
Shane Jones: Resources Minister on the lizards blocking the expansion of Central Otago's Macraes gold mine 4:24

6d ago4:24

4:24

The Resources Minister says a setback for expansion of the country's largest gold mine could result in the loss of up to a thousand jobs. Central Otago's Macraes gold mine applied for a permit under the Wildlife Act to clear vegetation on its site in a bid to expand its operation. Last month the Department of Conservation declined it, stating the c…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on businesses and economic recovery 5:49

6d ago5:49

5:49

The Finance Minister says businesses should be more confident about the economic recovery. The Reserve Bank's been weighing up lower-than-expected growth and higher inflation in its decision to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 3.25%. Nicola Willis says businesses have been battening down the hatches. But she told Heather du Plessis-Allan th…

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: What Chris Hipkins is doing to the Covid Inquiry 2:05

7d ago2:05

2:05

Let me tell you what Chris Hopkins is busy doing to the Covid Inquiry. Let me tell you, when he says that the Covid Inquiry is providing a platform for those who have conspiracy theorist views, he is trying to undermine it, and he's doing that. So it doesn't matter what the outcome of the inquiry is, people have already written it off as a nut job …

1
Pollies: Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell talk Kiri Allan, FamilyBoost, Covid-19 inquiry 11:09

7d ago11:09

11:09

Details have emerged about the career-ending night former Minister Kiri Allan was arrested in Wellington for drink driving. Allan resigned immediately after crashing into a parked car and testing over the legal limit in mid-2023. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan her behaviour was unacceptable, but he believes in redemptio…

1
Full Show Podcast: 09 July 2025 1:29:52

7d ago1:29:52

1:29:52

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 9th of July, will the Reserve Bank act in line with consensus and hit pause on OCR cuts? Why have Auckland Arena’s billionaire backers pulled out of the Western Springs stadium deal? Why is a free stadium now off the table for ratepayers? Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell debate mandatory…

1
Paul Scofield: Canterbury Museum's Senior Curator of Natural History on the project planning to resurrect the Moa 3:43

7d ago3:43

3:43

There's a belief a plan to resurrect the extinct Moa will have ample roll-on effects. US company Colossal Bioscience has partnered with Ngāi Tahu in a $50 million project to revive the flightless bird through gene editing. Canterbury Museum's Senior Curator of Natural History Paul Scofield says it's a great eco-tourism opportunity. He told Heather …

1
Richard Arnold: US Correspondent on the flash floods in Texas 4:16

7d ago4:16

4:16

The death toll from flash floods that struck central Texas has now climbed to at least 108 people. Search and rescue efforts have reached their fifth day, with the dead including 28 children due to flooding west of San Antonio. Dozens of people are still missing. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan hundreds of volunteers h…

1
Steve Symon: Advisory Group for Organised Crime Chair on community involvement being needed to tackle crime 3:41

7d ago3:41

3:41

The Ministerial Advisory Group believes the community is a vital part of the solution in stomping out organised crime and drug use. The group has released its third report which highlights being tough on organised crime means also focusing on drug users. Advisory Group for Organised Crime Chair Steve Symon says it requires early intervention and co…

1
Shane Henderson: Stadium Venues Working Group Chair on Auckland Arena pulling out of the Western Springs stadium project 3:22

7d ago3:22

3:22

Confusion over the billionaire-backed Auckland Arena proposal being withdrawn from options for Western Springs. Businesswoman Anna Mowbray, her husband and former All Black Ali Williams, and Auckland FC owner Bill Foley withdrew their 12,500 seat proposal, which wouldn't have cost ratepayers a cent. It follows news Aucklanders don't have a clear pr…

1
Shane Reti: Science Minister on the Government's first AI strategy 2:10

7d ago2:10

2:10

The Government's making moves to ensure we'll no longer lag behind when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. Science Minister Shane Reti's announced the Government's first strategy for using AI - claiming it'll reduce barriers to adoption and promote responsible use. He says it could lift our GDP by $76 billion by 2038. Reti told Heather du Plessis…

1
Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist ahead of today's OCR announcement 2:44

7d ago2:44

2:44

Economists say pausing the OCR could be prudent as we wait to find out more about the state of global trade. The Reserve Bank will make a call today on whether to cut the Official Cash Rate for a seventh consecutive time or hold it steady at 3.25%. There's much to consider, including uncertainty about the US tariffs. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffle…

1
Janet Xuccoa: Family Trust Services Managing Director on the Govt making it easier to sell property held in a family trust 3:08

7d ago3:08

3:08

A view that current family trust laws have too much red tape. The Government's making it easier to sell property held in a family trust in its latest revamp of anti-money laundering policies. It means realtors won't need to collect extensive information about a trust's history to make a sale. Family Trust Services' managing director, Janet Xuccoa t…

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: Kids shouldn't be exempt from citizen's arrests 1:48

8d ago1:48

1:48

If you listen to parenting experts, you'll hear the same thing time and time again about raising kids properly. They need love, but just as importantly, they need boundaries. They need to be told no, they need to be disciplined, and they need to learn what they can and can't do. And if you don't do that, you basically ruin their chances at success.…

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: We need more minimum sentences 2:12

8d ago2:12

2:12

On the Government considering minimum sentences, I would have no problem with this. I realise the judiciary aren't going to love it because it's tying their hands. But frankly, that is the point. Because some of the sentencing discounts that have been handed down by judges are frankly outrageous. The worst case that I've come across is the case of …

1
Bill Bailey: UK Comedian talks comedy, Vaudevillean tour 11:06

8d ago11:06

11:06

New Zealand can’t get enough of Bill Bailey. The UK comedian last came to our shores in 2023, tickets to his ‘Thoughtifier’ tour selling out. He’ll be back towards the end of the year, bringing a celebration of comedy, songs, and skills by the name of ‘Vaudevillean’ to Kiwi audiences. Bailey joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to delve into comedy, tec…

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