#BHN Big Hairy News

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/

Winston Peters announced in the weekend that NZ First would buy back the BNZ and merge it with Kiwibank, the PM called it "fanciful" and economists are saying it's "headline-grabbing" rather than a serious policyErica Stanford was on Q&A in the weekend answering questions about education, ti Tiriti, immigration and the Indian FTA. We'll review some of the conversation.Christopher Luxon joined best bug Mike Hosking this morning where they both talked about social cohesion which not asking the obvious question "Mr PM, what do you mean by social cohesion and what would a new migrant need to do to become part of the social cohesion?"We also have a number of smaller stories that we may get to including Chippy on Q&A, Ruby Love Smith exposing National's social media advertising and comments by Tania Waikato on Marae around the cancellation of the BSA++++++++++++++++++++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 speak with Tory Whanau about the Mana Wāhine inquiry in which the Waitangi Tribunal is hearing more than 200 claims the Crown has failed in it's obligation to protect wāhine Māori in public and leadership roles from abuse, misogyny, and racism.The govt will amend references to the Treaty of Waitangi in 19 pieces of legislation to ensure the principles are 'clear and consistent', which a coalition agreement made by NZ-First. Is this just NZF's Treaty Principles Bill?In a Fox and Friends segment, the hosts conflate the rise of socialist policies with the 'Red Wave' communism scare of the cold war era. The parallel of how the Left condemn the rise of fascism, and the Right fearmonger about socialism is jarring.++++++++++++++++++++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/

Gary's Economics with Chloe Swarbrick talking about how house prices going up is the same as wages going down and figuring out the economists were wrong suggesting that people will start spending when interest rates went to zeroNciola Willis was challenged by Ryan Bridge to cut all the unimportant departments like 'pacific peoples' and 'women' and in response Willis wanted to make it very clear that Bridge's ideas, and people who think like him, will like the upcoming budget "very, very much" The Bish and Kieran McAnulty battles on Breakfast this morning talking about the alleged Kiwibank sale and the competition by the three government parties to be the ones who are the worst to immigrants. Talbot Mills also has released more polling that shows Winston's Preferred PM numbers closing in on Luxon and that the majority of NZers are concerned about the tobacco industry influence on the government.++++++++++++++++++++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/

Christopher Luxon says National will consider changes to KiwiSaver policy ahead of the election while making his lines clear on immigration fearful that ACT will take more votes away from them, he has told businesses he would be choosing "social stability" over their bottom lines...which is code for 'tough on immigration'.Winston Peters was fiery on Breakfast this morning with his usual amount of venom for the media, but a pretty large dose for National as well telling Tova O'Brien that National would raid the Cullen fund to pay for their budget because of their "failed economic policies" and had a quite extraordinary perspective on a NZer being held in ICE detention.David Seymour and Marama Davidson went toe to toe on Ryan Bridge's show this morning with Davidson being clear that the message from ACT's position around suing in court over climate change was a statement to "vote them out" and, once again, an incredible focus on an Instagram account run by a former employee of the Labour party.++++++++++++++++++++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 announced on Tuesday it would amend climate laws to prevent companies from being sued over damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The change will prevent findings of liability in torts - a type of civil case where one person or entity claims another has caused them harm.Chris Hipkins was on Breakfast and NZ Herald this morning talking the cancellation of fees free, how NZ should fund infrastructure and the government's latest fuel announcementDespite previously denying any links to a Luxury Marmite Sandwich that ruthlessly takes the mickey out of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins now says it's a former staffer. It comes after Stuff asked questions about how the account could access raw footage shot in the Opposition area of parliament. Why does stuff find the content creator the story here, when last week, with a content creator linked to National, Stuff found the content the focal point, not the creator. We might also have a look at the latest Curia poll as well++++++++++++++++++++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/

Winston Peters again has gazumped the government by releasing early the cancellation of the fees free. Labour spokesperson for Tertiary Education Shannan Halbert joins us tonight to discuss what this change means for young New Zealanders.Christopher Luxon was live in Newstalk ZB this morning talking about National's proposed changes to the retirement age. While with Hosking, Luxon also talked about the cancellation of the fees free scheme as well.Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has officially quit Te Pati Maori and started her own party to take on this year's election. What does this mean for the left, the left bloc, TPM and 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/

Green MP Kahurangi Carter has a two bills including a 'Meme' (Parody and Satire) Bill, passing through the house at the moment. We look at the impact it would have on freedom of speech and the media landscape.Maiki Sherman has announced she is resigning as Senior Political Editor at TVNZ after weeks of 'unprecedented' scrutiny, most recently when an incident from a year ago involving Lloyd Burr surfaced in the media. A new OECD report is calling for NZ to do more to reform and prepare for the multitude of large impact future events that NZ is facing. Nicola Willis was quick to reject many of the suggestions the report has offered.++++++++++++++++++++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 announcement on the cancellation of the BSA has been picked over for the last 24 hours so we thoughts we'd bring a friend of the show, who also happens to be a media academic, on tonight to chat over the cancellation of the BSA, why and where to from hereMike Hosking glazed PM Christopher Luxon this morning where they both agreed that the only reason the PM had poor polling on managing the economy was because people just "wanted free money". There is also a gross little policy coming out of ACT at the moment where migrants will need to take a "citizen test". The idea is not gross because people will learn a bit more about NZ, it's gross because when Brooke van Velden says the test will be on " what it means to be a New Zealander" which of course may be very different to an ACT party, compared to say a human...or the Green Party.Kieran McAnulty and theBISH were on Breakfast this morning talking about Shane Jones speaking the quiet part out loud about what the government thinks of homeless people and that "clearing our roads and streets of vagrants is somehow worsening those people". ++++++++++++++++++++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 Broadcasting Standards Authority is set to be scrapped, less than a year after Sean Plunket lost a case with the BSA for breaching the standards. What does this mean for the integrity of media standards going forward?Wayne Brown joined Jack Tame on Q+A over the weekend, addressing his latest controversy, jabs at the current govt, and an insight to the challenges Auckland council are facing.The unemployment has dropped a measly 0.1% and remains at a 10-year high of 5.3%, while job hunters and recruiters struggle with AI in mixing into the recruitment process.++++++++++++++++++++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 fascinating interview by Moana Maniapoto who spoke to Winston Peters on a range of issues including tensions in the coalition, pay equity, "butter chicken tsunamis" and more and Moana highlighted several times the tactic that Mr Peters is using by constantly telling the media that "you guys" are all wrong but never identifies who are these "you guys" groups.ACT leader David Seymour says the Government should go further in its policy of allowing pharmacists to treat and manage medical issues. Seymour, speaking at a health innovation conference in Auckland, said ACT would campaign to allow trained pharmacists to treat more conditions - cutting out the need for a doctor. The NZNO joins us tonight to talk over this policy.Christopher Hipkins did the rounds of breakfast media this morning talking early elections, immigration and infrastructure,++++++++++++++++++++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 says ACT's immigration policy is a long-held approach aimed at tackling real challenges, and those claiming he's competing with New Zealand First should be more constructive.Despite the Prime Minister accusing his coalition partner of "playing politics" last week, a senior National MP says the coalition is "working very well". National Party campaign chairperson Simeon Brown told Morning Report, National was focused on making sure it "maximised" its party vote going into the election on November 7.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has launched a broadside at coalition partner Act's immigration policy. Stanford said comments by Deputy Prime Minister and Act leader David Seymour on launching the policy showed “he hasn't thought through this very well”. Stanford says David Seymour hasn't thought through policy she says will hurt businesses, farmers++++++++++++++++++++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/

Hana Pilkinton-Ching from Action Station and the Dental for All campaign joins us live to give an update on the latest policy paper they have released.The Treaty is under threat once again with a new bill to be introduced before the election that is to the same extend is not more harmful than the govt's Treaty Principles Bill.Luxon says he was "mischaracterised" in the emails leaked by NZ First but refuses to offer any evidence that backs him up. Chris Finlayson has said National need to distance themselves from the coalition immediately.++++++++++++++++++++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

In an NZ Herald exclusive, we learn that Christopher Luxon was very keen to whole heartedly support the US in their war in Iran and it took Winston Peters to step in and not allow the coalition to do so in his position as Foreign Minister. Helen Clark spoke with Ryan Bridge about that this morningThe other part of the story about the warhawkish nature of the PM is the source of this information being NZ First who released an email chain to journalists demonstrating that Winston Peters has made the call not to support the US' war in Iran in, what Nicola Willis is now calling and act of bad faith and a breach of their "no surprises" agreement as the PM had no heads up the email chain was being releasedTVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman has been suspended for five days from covering Parliament after breaching parliamentary press gallery rules. Speaker Gerry Brownlee made the decision on Thursday afternoon after involving himself in a dispute between the National Party and TVNZ over the alleged behaviour of two gallery reporters last week.++++++++++++++++++++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/

Finance Minister Nicola Willis appeared on the Bradbury Group talking the free market, net core crown debt and when will the government denounce the US and Israel for this illegal war in IranChris Hipkins appeared on Wellington's Newstalk ZB in one of the strangest interviews we've seen in a while. Nick Mills wanted the leader of the opposition to agree that the Luxon led government was strong and stable and then went on to chastise Hipkins because they both "know the while context" of the alleged homophobic slur used by Maiki Sherman when the opposite is true, other than those involved, currently, nobody knows the context. It was very strange.Michel Mulipola, aka "Bloody Samoan" is the target of much right-wing pearl clutching at the moment as his language about politics is colorful and his presentation is cutting. Seems that when the right use language to speak to their base it's okay as it contains no sweary words, but when the left do it to a community of vulnerable people who don't think highly of the police and the government then all of a sudden, it's the worst thing that's happened this election cycle.++++++++++++++++++++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/

Christopher Luxon announced on Friday he would ditch TVNZ Breakfast and the newly hired Tova O'Brien. We'll take a look tonight at what everyone said when Jacinda Ardern ditched Mike Hosking and what National, NZ First and ACT had to say about her decisionDonald Trump was in another assassin plot when a wood be gunman just ran past all Trumps security but was stopped short of getting close to Trump himself Labour still concerned about some details in the Indian FTA especially as leaders in India and NZ seems to be saying different things with concerns are not waylaid as Nicola Willis describes it as "a different turn of phrase"...and we look at the interesting headline that Stuff used for this story which focused on Labour reversing tax cuts for landlords, not the FTA issues.A bunch of other things to cover off including Chewie and Pat seeing the movie "Sgt, Haane", Jordan Rivers explaining what Labour did and the idiot off that is happening in Trumps cabinet++++++++++++++++++++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/

Tearepa Kahi is a film director and former actor of Ngāti Paoa and Waikato Tainui descent. Kahi is best known for the 2013 drama Mt. Zion starring Stan Walker, and the Pātea Māori Club documentary Poi E: The Story of a Song and we are privileged to have spoken to him on ANZAC day morning about his latest Sgt. Haane.Sgt. Haane tells the story of L. Sgt. Haane Manahi DCM whose extraordinary courage during a 1943 World War II battle at Takrouna, Tunisia, secured a critical victory for the Allies. Blending dramatic re‑enactment with the voices of descendants, the film explores legacy, whakapapa and remembrance.++++++++++++++++++++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/

Comedian Evie Orpe, host of the YouTube channel Dangerously Informed, joins us LIVE to discuss the state of the world and what it means to be a dangerously informed citizen.Luxon pulls out of his weekly interview with TVNZ's breakfast and launched a complaint against TVNZ for attempting to interview Stuart Smith and questioning his disappearance from parliament during Luxon's leadership confidence vote.The Helen Clarke foundation has released a report showing social cohesion is on the decline and Helen Clarke herself discusses what this means for NZ society and how we fix 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

NZ has had our ratings downgraded for the first time since 2011 which was post the GFC and Christchurch earthquakes, NZ actually improved our ratings through COVID which can only lead to one conclusion, that Nicola Willis is worse for our economy that the whole world's economy crashing and 10,000 earthquakes in CanterburyLabour to support the Indian FTA with the expected cries from Winston and Shane JonesMore Willis fallout from 'medical' event with Hosking calling Chris Hipkins a pillock, a prick and a prat and Chris Hipkins apologizing again for causing offense. No one yet seems to have asked Nicola Willis or anyone from that side of the house what the noise was...which is important if this is an actual issueKieran McAnulty and Chris Bishop debated Luxon's leadership, the cost-of-living crisis, tattoos and more on TVNZ's Breakfast this morning

Marama Davidson joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk about the release of the Green party list and maybe get her reaction to the soap opera that is happening within the government at the moment. Christopher Luxon and Winston Peters have officially started the separation of National and NZ First both taking pot shots at each other today with Winston making clear he thinks the calling of a vote of confidence by Luxon is weak, and Luxon reminding NZ that Winston supported Labour at the 2017 electionNicola Willis was feisty on RNZ this morning sparring with both Labour's Tangi Utikere and host Ingrid Hipkiss. Willis was cranky at the mere speculation that National wasn't 100% behind Christopher Luxon and had to be reminded that National is in bed with Winston Peters after accused Labour of wanting to partner with him over the opposition to the Indian FTA++++++++++++++++++++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/