#BHN Big Hairy News

In a sit-down interview with The Hui, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson took aim at the coalition government. She said that while the Greens are "readier than we have ever been" for an election, the current Government is "a pack of bastards".Chris Hipkins has come out swinging today making the observation that maybe NZ First should be called "Labour's Seconds" due to the number of former Labour MPs that were, and are, involved with Winston Peters' partyNicola Willis has fronted the media today about the increase in inflation to 4.1% saying that Trump ‘certainly made things harder' and looking for external excuses for the number, which may be true on some level, but they certainly didn't give Labour the same excuse when external excuses, in the form of a global pandemic, caused inflation to spike in the last term. Labour's finance spokesperson Barb Edmonds joins us live at 9pm to talk about today's announcement++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The Green Party is proposing sweeping energy reforms, aimed at slashing household power bills and stripping market dominance from major electricity corporations with the establishment of a new publicly owned electricity entity named Kiwipower which would compete directly with the four major electricity providers, which control over 85% of both retail and generation markets, and build a more resilient network with the funding of solar power schemes.Christopher Luxon was very clear on RNZ this morning that when their budgets changes because "we take our costings as best we can at the time" and that "construction costs bounce around a lot" that is fine, but if Labour's budgets say for ferries or Auckland light rail change then it's a mismanagement from a feckless government.P aul Henry has announced his candidacy for the ACT Party list. He says while the decision came together quickly, he wants to be in parliament to create a better future for his ten grandchildren. He joined Jack Tame to discuss what that future might look like.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Rata Jamieson, the Labour Candidate for Ilam joins us live to discuss politics, why she is running and what matters most to her.The CEO of the lobbying group Retail NZ has made an oral submission against the current draft of the "move-on orders" bill.The Ombudsman investigation into the "missing report", handed directly to the PM's senior advisor and caused speculation of corruption, has concluded, and Z Energy boss has spoken out to clear up misconceptions of what and how the situation was reported.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Julian Wilcox sats down with ACT's deputy leader Nicole McKee to talk about her new role, party politics, and race relations. The Act leader David Deymour has suggested smartphones could be banned for under-16-year-olds. In a speech to a business leaders' dinner on Wednesday night, David Seymour said it's clear anxiety, depression and self-harm has increased in children and young people since the advent of smartphones.All parties in the by-election called by Nigel Farage have pulled out leaving on Count Binface as his opponent. It seems like a brilliant move by all the other political parties to show the UK exactly what this by-election is, a farce and a clown show.Let's have a look at the money behind Opportunity as well, does this give us a better idea where they may sit on the political spectrum++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

After years of preparing for its arrival, New Zealand has confirmed its first case of the H5N1 bird flu strain in a wild seabird, with authorities warning the virus' potential impact on the country's unique native birdlife remains unknown.ACT leader David Seymour and Green co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick clash over benefit levels, the poverty trap and solutions to helping people find employmentNZ First wants more unemployed youth to join the military. Shane Jones announced the policy on Duncan Garner's podcast but now it appears maybe NZ First is walking it back a little bit.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

David Seymour announced that this election Paul Henry would be standing as an ACT candidate in the general election. When asked why he wanted to be an MP, Henry, says he's “enormously disappointed with National”, and prime minister's performance especially.Labour leader Chris Hipkins says “it's still very early days” to consider speaking with Opportunity, and urged left-leaning voters to consider their vote carefully, after the fledgling party came close to the 5% threshold to enter Parliament in the latest political poll.RNZ and Reid Research released their latest poll which is bad news for National yet okay news for the right and pretty good news for Labour and below average for the left. Opportunity is again featuring in polling discussions with both Luxon and Hipkins now saying a vote for Opportunity is a vote to put the other side in.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Kiwi screen legend Sir Sam Neill has died, aged 78. News of the Jurassic Park star's death was confirmed today on social media. "It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the post read.A growing number of NZers are experiencing homelessness with 33,000 children are living in "severe housing hardship" and NZ has seen a dramatic increase since 2022David Seymour filled in for Christopher Luxon on Newstalk ZB this morning where he spoke about the Indian FTA and why Winston Peters is so very against it, the economy and the failure of the RoNS++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The Homosexual Law Reform Bill, which decriminalized consensual sex between men aged 16 and over, passed by just four votes on July 9, 1986. It transformed the lives of generations of rainbow New Zealanders and paved the way for reforms that followed, including civil unions, marriage equality and greater representation across public life.The much-hyped Roads of National (Party) Significance have had the brakes pumped with Transport Minister Chris Bishop announcing a new “phasing” pipeline acknowledging that National's 2023 election promises were “very ambitious”.Couple of other smaller stories around like the latest Roy Morgan and Wellingtonians responding to PM Luxon saying he doesnt need the job.We will tonight attempt to fore up DISCORD. It's been a long time and there is a lot going on at the moment that we thought we should give you a crack to have a chat. If you want to be a part of the conversation join up to Discord here https://www.bhn.nz/discord/++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Labour has announced their SolarSaver policy looking to make access to solar panels easier and more affordable. National has claimed Labour is copying them, but we wonder if this new policy by Labour is "GST off fruit and veggies Mark 2" leading to a pretty insignificant improvement in the weekly finances of those hit the hardest with the cost-of-living crisis.Christopher Luxon fronted up to a rare public meeting in Whangārei last night, where about 300 locals showed up to hear what he had to say. The National leader acknowledged it has been a tough few years, but pointed out areas where he felt his party had succeeded.Marama Davidson educates David Seymour and Ryan Bridge when the two of them were very flippant about the Greens Drink, Swim, Fish policy in a clam and precises manner which demonstrated exactly why right-wing talking points fall over after the slightest scrutiny++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Qiulae Wong, the leader of the Opportunity Party joins us for round two of conversations about the party she hopes to take into parliament. Are they a left-wing party trying to pretend to be centrists? Is what they are saying "trust me bro" when it comes to having the ability to make either Chris PM? And moreChris Hipkins was on NZ Herald this morning talking Chinese missiles in the South Pacific and if permeant residents should be able to vote.It's time whanau, we release all the information we have on the election debates and while there are still some moving parts, you'll get the lowdown on what we're doing, where we're doing it and with whom we shall do it. ++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Green Party MP Lan Pham joins us Live to discuss the party's "Drink Swim Fish" policy announced today, tackling water quality and strengthening environmental protections for our oceans.Paul Barlow co-hosts tonight, and gives an update on the state of politics and this weekend's top headlines.NZ First campaigning to limit voting to citizens only, and Winston Peters is out of the country during Indian President's visit to NZ, not long after complaining about the Indian Trade Agreement.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Tonight Emz is away so Magenta will be joined by Brie Elliot. Consumer NZ is targeting the aviation sector and the power imbalance held over kiwis.The ministry of educations phonics curriculum has been embarrassed after it labelled made up words as real and real words as made up! Brie will speak on this further.Finally, Magenta has done a deep dive and collated the last month of news headlines involving sexual violence and harm. What they found is devastating so major TW for this segment as there will be discussion and detail on these articles. Plus memes and good news to cleanse the palette++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Ricardo Menéndez March joins us live at 9pm to talk about the "good Samaritan" member's bill which aims to give legal protection to those experiencing an overdose and the people helping them.Disabled people and their families have delivered a petition to Parliament today calling for the Government's Support Services Bill to be scrapped, saying the legislation shifts responsibility from the state to families and strips away legal rights.There are accusations that the Roads of National (Party) Significance are impossible to fund as promised by the government. Experts at the Transport Ministry found that just one of the 17 nationwide projects would be able to be paid for.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Ryan Bridge went full gangsta mode against Brian Tamaki making it clear of the hypocrisy that Tamaki is involved with and how any normal New Zealander would see his actions as concerning for someone who have numerous firearmsChloe Swarbrick and David Seymour clashed this morning over school lunches and lazy beneficiaries who fall asleep during the work afternoon "because of the P"The Ombudsman has upheld a complaint against the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for its handling of an official information request, which resulted in a document showing industry lobbyists met with Christopher Luxon's chief policy adviser not being released.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki says police have revoked his gun licence and carried out a seizure of his firearms following his recent inflammatory comments on immigration.Alarm bells are ringing over the coalition's school lunch programme, with the Auditor-General warning the Government has not been able to clearly show the scheme is delivering its aims.Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins says he will scrap the Ministry of Social Development targets which had come to light over the weekend – labelling them "morally and ethically bankrupt".++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Labour strategists are hoping for a return to government just three years after one of their worst-ever election results. Campaign chair Kieran McAnulty set out why he believes there could be a one-term National government on Q&A with Jack Tame in the weekend.ACT's new deputy leader Nicole McKee spoke with the NZ Herald about her party's plan for smaller government, and criticism of her commitment to her Māori heritageFormer New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan is critical of recent announcements made in the health sector, going so far as to say the health system is dangerous for Māori.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

AI related news is dominating today; warnings and actions to prevent the harm caused by generative AI on one hand, and the Prime Minister disappointed with the slow uptake of AI on the other.Education system a shambles. The cancellation of rural school buses is causing absences for students, the Ministry has been scrutinised for choosing an Australian company to re-write the NZ curriculum, and the AI-based SMART assessment tool is being dropped by schools for it's inaccurate scoring.Socialism is sweeping the democratic party primaries in New York this week. Is this a good sign for NZ and will we see the same kind of push back against our current wrecking-ball of a govt and vote in a progressive govt?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has spent recent weeks hitting back at critics of his Conservation Amendment Bill, who have accused him of wanting to sell off precious conservation land but today, while speaking at the Environmental Defence Society conference, Potaka confirmed he would change the bill to remove the provision for the disposal of the conservation estate.Senior Minister Chris Bishop says National does "not want to be on 29% on election day" after a recent 1News poll indicated support for his party was slipping and his mate, the smiling assassin Kieran McAnulty, just told him he wanted theBish to lose his job and had Bishop laughing about it.You are going to witness, the greatest question ever asked in any interview ever tonight on BHN when Stuff reporter, Hamish McNeily, does some on the street interviews with protestors in Waitaki about their 17% rates increase. Not to bury the lead, but we'll show you why we have little to no sympathy for the people of Waitaki+++++++++++++++ Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠#BHN⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZ

The ACT Party has introduced a new campaign policy which it says will stop professional regulatory bodies - like the Medical Council, or Real Estate Agents Authority - from policing workers' privately-held beliefs. ACT says these regulators are increasingly overstepping their statutory roles and enforcing ideological views across their industry.Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has put a dampener on The Opportunity Party's ‘Kingmaker' aspirations, saying a vote for them “looks like a vote for Labour and the Greens”Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson and Act Party leader David Seymour talk politics with Ryan Bridge where Marama cooks about the sell off of our precious forest and Seymour almost defends the Greens misstep in some press releases recently ++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The latest poll has just been released. Let's look at the standings and trends thus far for 2026. Opportunity Party support is steadily growing, ACT has seen a trending decline.Te Pāti Māori are back in the game, laying out their election strategy for the 2026 election. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke speaks to continuing to stand this election under the TPM banner.Winston Peters is prodded by a "refreshed" Ryan Bridge, who presses for an answer as to whether NZ First would consider working with Labour again, prompting Winston to call out Ryan's "Wanker question".++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson joins us live to discuss the Green's election year tax policy released over the weekend. We also get her live reaction to UK Labour Leader and, now Former, UK Prime Minister Keir Starma's resignation.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson joins us live to discuss the Green's election year tax policy released over the weekend.Luxon revealed another election promise at National's annual conference in Wellington on Sunday, with KiwiSaver changes that include auto enrolling babies with a $1500 starting boost. NZ First have called them out for stealing their homework.Helen Clark reacts the election policies released over the weekend, and whether they go far enough to address NZ's long list of current and future problems.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Alika Wells joins us live. They are the Green Party candidate for Henderson 2026, a strong advocate for the Rainbow community and joins us to discuss the impact of the "What is a woman" Bill and how that will also affect Intersex people.Scrutiny week was full of questions, accusations, drama and fiery exchanges. Let's look at some of the best moments and perhaps some revelations.Not a funeral, but a celebration of Dame Jools Topp was held today. Over 1000 people showed their love for a NZ icon, Rainbow advocate and so much more.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

How can we simultaneously have "record investment in health", while feeling like we're falling behind?  Why will anything less than an additional $1.4B in the Health NZ budget move health backward? How can it be that unmet need, population growth, and inflation are not properly accounted for in our official budget numbers?Kaitiaki Hauora is a new organisation made up of many groups with an interest in public health, rallying around the well-proven but oft-ignored idea that healthcare privatisation is an expensive, inefficient, and inequitable alternative to universal public healthcare.The Frontline speaks with former intensive care doctor, Dr David Galler, and economist Dr Bill Rosenberg of Kaitiaki Hauora about the tricky world of healthcare spending and the NZ economy.

Paul Barlow of The Collective, political journalist and commentator, joins to co-host for the evening.Scrutiny week has been full of surprises, with just about every Ministry having some skeletons in their closet: Immigration blunder, Shane Jones' limo bills, social housing vibe-ing rent price increases and more.Labour's next health related election promise - free prescriptions to be reinstated. What's the feedback from the public on this policy?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Youth advocate Ruby Love-Smith co-hosts tonight!Education Minister Erica Stanford has confimed some kind of crack-down on social media for young people is on its way, with some kind of policy addressing the issue on its way.In a rare moment, parliament have almost unanimously agreed on a 30-year infrastructure plan to address NZ's incredible infrastructure defect.New polling shows a big surge in support for the political Left. Is this an outlier and how does this compare to other polls of late?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Advocate Katy Thomas joins live to discuss the impact of the Disability Support Services Bill which will overturn a long fought legal battle to recognise legal guardians and family members as full-time careers that should be compensated like any other employee.Labour have announced their latest election policy, free maternity scans for pregnant individuals. It would address another cost pressure associated with pregnancy and reduce the likelihood of complications.Simeon Brown has interfered with the Medical Council of NZ's leadership process and declined to re-appoint the chairperson and deputy chairperson of the council despite seeking to continue in their positions for the next term. Simeon citing the council has become "increasingly distracted by politics" referring to a recent consultation regarding cultural competency.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

National comes out swinging with a full report which suggests there is a big fiscal hole in Labour's election promises.Tangi Utikere was interviewed on Q+A this weekend, questioned extensively on Labour's latest election campaign promise to cap public transport fares across the country to help ease the cost of living.James Meager has been labeled a future National Party leader, a possible future Prime Minister. In a Stuff interview discussing his upbringing and his experience as a first term minister, he certainly mimics the old-school moderate National minister.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The New York Times' latest expose reveals the extent to which Trump's top white house officials including VP JD Vance, Pam Bondi and Kash Patel colluded on how best to shelter Trump from the fallout of the Epstein Files.Labour have welcomed further investigations into how the PM's office handle OIA requests and documents that led to legislation change direct interference with a court case that could have led to corporate environmental impact redress.Everlee Wihongi who was detained by ICE at the US border weeks ago has won her case in the courts to drop her charges which means ICE can no longer legally detain her but still awaiting her release.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

What is the return on a dollar spent saving a youth from suicide or reversing their diabetes? We speak with Rachel McGillan, a Youth Health Nurse Specialist about her role helping teens navigate some pretty tough stuff.

Kieran McAnulty and Chris Bishop on Breakfast this morning debating the feasibility of Labour's capped public transport election policy.RNZ have found expert advice contracted by the govt was redacted which showed an LNG terminal to meet extra demand on the energy grid was not needed.All parties have made an appearance this week at Fieldays, gunning for the rural and farmer vote, not without its controversies.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Labour has announced it's first election promise of 2026, capping public transport costs nationwide in a bid to ease the cost of living for everyday people.Qiulae Wong, leader of the Opportunity Party sits down with Guy Espiner to break down some of the party's policies, including full tax system overhaul, citizens income and wanting to be the new 'Kingmaker' and overthrow Winston Peters from his throne.David Seymour's truancy fines for parents whose children are not attending school has affected the parents of children who are disables, unwell and in some cases dying, as reported by the blog 'Emily Writes'.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

National have walked back the levy on gentailers to pay for their backup LNG terminal but will continue to move along the development. Opposition have criticised it is too close to the election for a big costly project to move forward.The 2026 budget has some hidden unknown costs that future govts will have to pay for, essentially borrowing from future budgets, which is frowned upon.Rakesh Naidoo is under investigation by the police commissioner after it was revealed yesterday he was running for Labour this election and ranking 13th on the Labour MP ranking list.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Labour revealed their MP list rankings for the 2026 election, with huge shifts up and down the rankings with many high profile sitting MPs moving position.Nicola Willis on Breakfast this morning was asked about the rise in number of children in housing deprivation, and what he govt plans to do about it. Her office also responds to Chloe Swarbrick accusing the govt of missing millions in their budget to account for the rise in govt contributions to KiwisaverNational have announced a number of election promises, including three days of hospital stay for mothers post-partum, and a boost to the QEII investment fund to please the farmer vote.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donations

Four MPs that visited Taiwan recently in an unofficial capacity have been banned from entering China for one year citing a betrayal of the One-China Policy.Qiulae Wong, leader of Opporunity Party, addresses criticisms of her party but also lays out some non-negotiables for the party should they enter coalition talks.Trevor Noah and Hasan Piker discuss politics and the state of America, echoing much of what is playing out in NZ's democracy.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Act MP Laura McClure joined Green MP Ricardo Menendes March on the NZ Herald this morning and accidently said the quiet part out loud confirming the only "minority" that ACT is ever focused on is Māori, which we've always known, but fascinating to hear the list MP publicly state it.Chris Penk joined Keiran McAnulty on Breakfast this morning where Penk spent a lot of time explain what he meant when he spoke of a conversation around NZ's nuclear free status and both members of parliament traded thoughts on the ongoing controversary between Fonterra and the PM's office.The country's political reporters are in a stand-off with the Speaker Gerry Brownlee over his contemplation of a temporary ban of Stuff Digital from Parliament. Brownlee is set to make a ruling on Stuff's access to the Parliamentary precinct after raising concerns about some of its reporting last month.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Mike Smith joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk about two big stories tonight, the first is the Waitangi Tribunal being told of plans to weaken and remove treaty clauses in a range of laws are racist and an attempt to erode Māori rights.Secondly on what we're calling #milkygate, Labour questions whether disappearing climate briefing note deliberate cover-up. Senior Cabinet minister Louise Upston insists the disappearing document debacle in the PM's office is an "isolated incident" and says it is "disingenuous" to suggest otherwise.New figures show a surge in company liquidations, with hospitality one of the hardest hit. We're seeing some of the hardest times to run a small businesses even though we're being told this government are the best ones to run the economy to help businessWell also have a look at the Roy Morgan poll from late yesterday afternoon that some on the right are celebrating as 'finally an accurate poll has been released'. Is it? Or are we looking at an outlier and we'll see a return to order in the next poll.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

A document relating to the Smith v Fonterra legal case was sent from a Fonterra staff member to the private email address of a former staffer in the Prime Minister's Office. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said at the time there was no record of the document on file.Nicola Willis was on Q&A in the weekend defending her third budget talking the cost of child poverty and how she believes cuts cause human miseryChristopher Hipkins spoke with the NZH this morning about the bank levies the Government is to bring in and his response to Budget 2026 overallChristopher Luxon joins HDPA on Newstalk ZB this morning and defended our anti nuclear stance and also defended the entitlements that MPs get tax free for living in their own homesWe might also take a quick look at some video of the "dumbest man on the internet"++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Dame Lynda Topp blasted the govt on stage at the AMAs, calling out Paul Goldsmith directly for the lack of arts funding in the budget released on Thursday.Under 30s have been forgotten with little in the budget to meet their needs, tertiary students flood the steps of parliament to protest removing their 3rd year free, and the number of secondary school students being found with drugs and alcohol on campus has doubled. Are the kids alright?An amendment to automate decisions for people on the benefit is being passed urgently through the house. In Australia not that long ago, a similar software was used and caused major harm and deaths because of an incorrect processing of data.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The main part of tonight will be focusing on the budget as we start the show speaking with Labour leader Chris Hipkins on Labour's response to Nicola Willis' third budget, At about 9.30 Ricardo Menendez March joins us to share the Greens response.We'll also have a look at the latest in #Milkygate and how a judge has rejected billionaire Jim Grenon's bid to stop media reporting on his involvement in Julian Batchelor's unsuccessful litigation against TVNZ++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

There has been a complaint laid with Ombudsman about 'apparent withholding' of information by PM's office after it was revealed earlier this week that the biggest company in NZ, and Z Energy, lobbied the Prime Minister to get laws changed to favour them needing to defend themselves again Climate Change litigation, a law that was then put in place, but there is no record of the meeting with the PM's office available in any OIO documents.Marama Davidson and David Seymour spoke...almost in agreement...on politician's living allowances when needing to be away from home. We'll give you the clear an simple solution tonight.The Greens say there is a $1.4 billion Climate hole in tomorrow's budget, we'll visit with Chloe Swarbick on Breakfast where she can explain to us what they have found.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

A comprehensive breakdown of political donations and fast track requests and consents has been released show a concerning amount of crossover which brings into question a donation's role in politics.Charter school results are in, showing Kura Kaupapa charter schools having higher attendance rates for Māori over their state school counterparts. Meanwhile, $750m for disability funding for schools has seemingly gone poof.Latest polling shows Labour are the most favoured as to lead the country in areas ranked most important to New Zealanders. So why are their polling numbers still mid?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour has appeared on Q&A over the weekend talking immigration, social cohesion, ACT's polling numbers and more. We'll take a look tonight and see how Mr Seymour did facing off against Jack TameChristopher Luxon was on Newstalk ZB this morning comparing NZ again to Finland, Singapore and Ireland which talking about the loss of jobs by public servants and raising of rents on those in social housingThe Labour Party has held a media training session from which the audio has been leaked with embarrassing consequences. The government is now labelling it "nasty" and are suing the audio to try to establish the narrative that "Labour should be spending time on making policy"++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

We had a chat with George "Mr Whippy" Hampton, Labour's Candidate for Christchurch Central, earlier in the week to learn more about the man that will be campaigning for Duncan Webb's seat this election.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Barbara Edmonds joined us to talk about the latest government's announced a major shake-up of social housing beginning in this year's Budget - which will boost weekly support for 110,000 families by almost $15 but leave another 80,000 families worse off by $30 a week.

Kaitiaki Hauora has released a new analysis by Dr Jackie Cumming and Dr Bill Rosenberg looking at the funding level likely required to maintain New Zealand's public health system under current pressures. Tonight we are joined LIVE with co-author Dr Bill Rosenberg and spokesperson Dr David Galler

NZPSA National Secretary Duane Leo on the government announcing the cutting of 10,000 public sector jobs

We had a chat with George "Mr Whippy" Hampton, Labour's Candidate for Christchurch Central, earlier in the week to learn more about the man that will be campaigning for Duncan Webb's seat this election.Another social democrat has won a democratic primary in the States. This shows a growing appetite for progressive candidates and representatives in the democratic party.St John have been promised a $8m injection in the upcoming budge, a win for Winston Peters and NZ First that campaigned on fully funding the ambulance service. But is it enough to keep them afloat?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Barbara Edmonds joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk about the latest government's announced a major shake-up of social housing beginning in this year's Budget - which will boost weekly support for 110,000 families by almost $15 but leave another 80,000 families worse off by $30 a week.Tangi Utikere and Chris Bishop were on TVNZ Breakfast this morning talking about the public sector cuts. There was an interesting interaction with the TVNZ hosts where they took government talking points and asked Utikere questions based in National Party opinions as opposed to actual facts.New Zealand has condemned Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, after he taunted detained flotilla activists - including three Kiwis - who tried to breach Israel's blockade of Gaza. Foreign Minister Winston Peters demanded that Israel's ambassador, Alon Roth-Snir, front up to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a “please explain”.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Kaitiaki Hauora has released a new analysis by Dr Jackie Cumming and Dr Bill Rosenberg looking at the funding level likely required to maintain New Zealand's public health system under current pressures. Tonight we are joined LIVE with co-author Dr Bill Rosenberg and spokesperson Dr David GallerGreen Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick and Act leader David Seymour discuss the cuts to public serviceThe government has updated its official branding to give greater prominence to English over te reo Māori, following a directive from new Public Service Minister Paul Goldsmith.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The Government's new goal of cutting public service staff costs, by telling departments to replace staff with AI, is expected to save $2.4 billion over the next four years, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.PSA National Secretary Duane Leo joins us to talk about what this means.We'll also highlight several stories around the new Government policy including saying they'll use AI but not being able to articulate what AI is, or how they would use it.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/