Politics Central

New Zealand First's annual conference has just drawn to a close, and leader Winston Peters made a speech to his audience of near 1000. He announced New Zealand First will campaign on making KiwiSaver compulsory, and introduced 10% contributions, which would be compensated by tax cuts. All this on top of a potentila new candidate for next year's election - Stuart Nash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Labour minister Stuart Nash has put his hat in the ring to be a candidate to become a New Zealand First MP at the party's AGM this weekend. Nash was sacked from Cabinet in 2023 after disclosing confidentiall information from a Cabinet meeting to two businessmen. Now, Winston Peters says he would be a 'seamless' addition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows 156,000 victims of serious violent crimes in the year to May. It's down 29,000 from when National took office in 2023, and the drop is largely made up of family violence incidents. However, the number of sexual assault victims has increased by 3,000 in only three months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Government announced an express lane to fast-track consent for supermarkets that would improve competition. The question now being raised, is whether the cost of groceries is a supermarket problem, or a wage problem. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ Post has suspended most shipping services to the United States and some surrounding countries as they brace for tariffs to come into effect. Services will stop on the 29th of August, but NZ Post says it can't give customers an exact date for when things will get going again. They expect the suspension to be short term, but it begs the question of what planning was being done when tariff discussions have been ongoing for months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a $2.7 billion defence spending boost to upgrade the aircraft fleet. The money will be spent on five Seahawk helicopters and two Airbus aircrafts, to replace the Defence Force's "embarrassing" planes, in Judith Collins' words. It's part of National's pledge to boost defence spending by $9 billion over the next four years, but why now? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Submissions close tonight for the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The community sports sector have banded together under the Community Sports Collective, and made a joint submission covering at least 1.67 million people. They're urging the Government to share the proceeds of online casino gambling with the community, in the same way they do with current grants. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin yesterday to come to an agreement over the war in Ukraine. The two left the meeting seemingly happy with how it went, and Trump noted it "went very well", but no deal was announced. Vlodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Trump at the White House later this week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chris Luxon this weekend, in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting. Luxon said in a world that's ever-changing, our relationship with Australia is a "bedrock", and Albanese shared a similar sentiment. But no announcements have been made so far between us. So what can we expect to come from this? what issues do both leaders agree, or disagree on? and what concerns still remain? New Zealand Herald Senior Writer Derek Cheng was down there to cover the meeting, and he's with us now... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens say they're the only ones offering solutions to tax issues, in a time where communities are crying out for change. With next year's elections coming soon, they held their Annual meeting this weekend, and expressed their desire to lead the next government. The Party's co-leaders called for transformational change, and a future driven by fresh thinking. So what will that actually look like, and how promising does it sound? Party Co-leader Marama Davidson joins Tim Beveridge for more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impacts of the newly announced 15% tariff on exports to the United States. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced they will revise the Conservation Act to allow for a fresh wave of concessions on DoC land, as well as increasing the charge for foreign visiters to access the more popular sites. Forest and Bird have claimed these changes are not conservation reform, but rather "conservation retreat". Forest and Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki joins Tim Beveridge to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suite of Electoral Act changes were announced this week, and same-day enrolments are set to be scrapped. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour caused some upset when he dropped the word 'drop-kick' into the conversation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Until now, one company's plasterboard has had a near-duopoly in New Zealand, leading to some of the highest prices in the world - 67% more expensive than the U.S. according to the Minister of Building and Construction. From tomorrow, thousands of overseas building products including plasterboard and cladding systems will be given the green light for use in construction in New Zealand. The Government's introduction of a Building Product Specifications document will allow for greater competition in the market, and hopefully less costly building. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've had a flurry of education news this past week - giving the impression things are actually starting to look up. Numeracy and literacy results are up significantly year on year, attendance is improving, and now - the Government wants to put an end to open plan classrooms. But today, a damning Government briefing points out significant concerns around the credibility of the NCEA system itself. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced the funidng of $6 billion worth of construction projects to begin by Christmas. New and improved roads, school renovations, and hospital revamps - it's all been added to the National Infrastructure Pipeline which is now over $207 billion. These projects are also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the coming months. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere. 35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it. The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations. The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we? Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With rising global tensions, market volatility, and an unpredictable international landscape, having a strong and credible foreign voice is becoming more important than ever for New Zealand. Foreign Minister Winston Peters travelled to Malaysia for a summit with his South East Asian counterparts, where he worked towards a comprehensive strategic partnership by October. But what does that actually mean for us? What would that relationship deliver in real terms? How are we positioning ourselves in an increasingly contested region? He's just come back from his trip — Winston Peters chats to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is also stopping in Houston, Texas to look at how they've implemented affordable housing. He's speaking to local experts about their planning, funding and tools that have allowed them to deliver effective housing. Can the same elements be brought to New Zealand? ZB Political Editor Jason Walls speaks to Andrew Dickens... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is visiting New York to see the success of their congestion charging. He's proposing a similar pricing strategy back here, but is it plausible for our roads? What can be done to solve our traffic issues? Andrew Dickens is joined by Martin Glynn, AA Policy Director... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IRD reports that New Zealand will need to restructure the tax system to fund the superannuation. Capital gains tax could be on the table, and even a GST hike from 15%. What sort of adjustments should we expect? Is there any other way to fund the super? Tim Beveridge talks to PwC Tax Policy Leader, Sandy Lau... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is implementing new sentencing reforms to prevent soft punishments and place victims at the centre of the justice-system. Will these changes bring back faith in our judicial system? What other work needs to be done Tim Beveridge is joined by Ruth Money, Chief Victims Advisor to the Government... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is pausing $18 million in funding for the Cook Islands following their deals with China earlier this year. What can be done to fix our relationship? Who's at fault? Tim Beveridge is joined by Tere Carr, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council President... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US has bombed Iran just two days after giving a two-week notice for tensions to deescalate. With the NATO Summit coming soon, tensions are high. What can we expect to happen next? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is legislating health targets to 'lock in accountability'. It's part of a slue of changes to the health system, with the aim of refocusing on outcomes rather than bureaucracy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is on his way to China next week to meet with Xi Jinping. New Zealand's relationship with the country has been a hot topic recently, with many saying we need to stop cosying up to the United States. This past week, prominent New Zealand leaders signed an open letter to express concern about our closeness with the States, and how it could be impacting our relationship with China. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a new Parent Boost Visa that will allow the parents of New Zealand citizens multi entry access for up to five years. The sponsor has to earn 1.5 times the median wage, or the parent must bring $16,000 - along with other insurance and health requirements. The Government says they are trying to make the country more attractive for skilled workers, without straining public services. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest 1News/Verian poll has both National and Labour down, while an RNZ-Reid poll done in the same week has National down and Labour up, and a Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll had both up. You see the same with overlapping polls by different agencies showing significantly different results in preferred Prime Minister. So why are polls done this far out from an election? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a Parliamentary first, Act MP Laura McClure displayed a naked image of herself to highlight the need for her proposed bill. The image wasn't truly her, it was an AI-generated deepfake - made in just minutes with technology that can be found on the first page of a Google search. Laura's Deepfake Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill would restrict the creation of non consensual deepfakes, as well as expanding revenge porn laws. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boy racers took over Levin and Palmerston North on Friday night, leaving seven injured and ten arrested. The meet-up brought together around 1,000 boy racers, becoming so chaotic that police were deployed in full riot gear. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a big week in politics - we're still managing the aftershocks from the Budget on Thursday. It's also Winston Peters' final week as Deputy Prime Minister, before he'll be forced to pass the torch to David Seymour on Saturday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Budget didn't bring any changes to the pension - but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has doubled down on his support for raising the age. Luxon and his soon-to-be Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, are on the same page when it comes to raising the pension age to 67, but Seymour says Winston Peters is standing in the way of changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is introducing tougher penalties for boy racers and other, what Chris Bishop called, "idiot drivers". The changes include a crushed or forfeited car for fleeing drivers, boy racers, and those taking part in intimidating convoys. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is cracking down on illegal drugs entering the country, starting with Customs. Customs will get an additional $35 million to help combat the rising rate of organised crime groups bringing illicit drugs into the country. It will provide Customs with the funding needed for 60 more roles. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Albanese's Labor government had a landslide victory overnight, marking the first re-election in Australia since 2004. It's seen a mix of reactions, with some analysts even saying Albanese has Donald Trump to thank for his win. Australia correspondent Sam Emery joins with the latest. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announce $2 billion from the upcoming Budget has been set aside for new Defence Force helicopters, alongside an additional $957 million in funding. The current Seasprite helicopters were built in the 1960s and 1970s, and were overdue replacement. The announcement is part of a bigger plan to improve Defence capabilities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Physician associates will soon be a regulated profession working in primary care and hospitals. These are health professionals who have been trained overseas, who have the function of a GP but have to work under the supervision of a doctor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has set aside $68.5 million for an interest free EV charger loan scheme. The private sector will be able to apply for a loan to increase the number of chargers in New Zealand. It's committed to 10,000 public chargers by 2030, up from around 1,400 currently available. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Almost all of our local government representatives have had a public persona before they went forward for the role. Is that really all it takes? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon had a spree of phone calls with world leaders this week regarding the ongoing U.S. trade war, but Winston Peters says he should have been consulted beforehand. Political commentator Peter Dunne says the Prime Minister was completely in his right to make calls without speaking to the Foreign Minister first. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The previously announced 60 square metre granny flats that property owners will be able to build without building or resource consent - will now be 70sqm. Recent changes to the RMA will also help make it easier for these flats to be built as well as more affordable. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Republican Party's 'Liberation Day', President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs internationally. New Zealand was caught in the crossfire with a 10% tariff, but we got off easy compared to other countries. But how is it impacting our global relationships? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.