Politics Central

Former Defence Minister Ron Mark is returning to New Zealand First as a candidate this election, standing for the party in the Wairarapa electorate, it's been confirmed. The former MP was the Minister of Defence, in the first Ardern-Labour Government, and was the Mayor of Carterton between 2010 and 2014, before returning in 2022. The party says Ron Mark brings much needed experience and skills, and has earned a reputation for strong leadership. Mark joined the Weekend Collective to reveal why he made his return to the party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's campaigning on a classroom disruption crackdown. If elected it says it will back teachers who reasonably remove disruptive students from the classroom, and force parents to take accountability. That could include fines if parents refuse to meet with schools about their child's behaviour. Candidate Paul Henry joined the Weekend Collective to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says its paid parental leave policy was already in the works, despite recent comments from Stuart Nash accusing one of its MPs of being lazy. Nash resigned from NZ First after it was revealed he called Napier MP Katie Nimon the “laziest MP” for taking time off to have a baby. National has today announced, if elected, it'll extend leave entitlements to 30 weeks by 2029, with a longer-term goal of reaching 40 weeks. Finance Minister Nicola Willis joined Tim Beveridge to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party today announced they want a one-year moratorium on new artificial intelligence data centres being consented to give regulation time to catch up. The aim to create legislation to protect resources and communities during the pause. The Party also released their 43-page manifesto today at their AGM in Auckland. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick joined Tim Beveridge to explain further. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's all go at NZ First, after the party wrapped up it's annual convention with a string of policy announcements. Party Leader Winston Peters said he's focused on making sure New Zealand gets the most out of it's natural resources, likening NZ to Norway. And Former All Black Taine Randell is the latest kiwi celebrity to join the world of politics. Has Paul Henry signing up with ACT kickstarted a trend? Former United Future Leader Paul Henry joins Tim Beveridge to analyse the key takeaways of the convention. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National have announced a post-election policy looking at consent laws. It aims to better define consent as the presence of a 'yes', rather than the lack of a 'no'. Labour responded accusing National of walking away from a bipartisan agreement to use this as a campaign piece. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith did not clarify whether the bipartisanship claims were true, but said, "(Labour) had 6 years in government, didn't get around to it, didn't prioritise this." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited Auckland to meet with Prime Minister Chris Luxon yesterday. The two exchanged warm words, attended a business conference together, and agreed to elevate the countries' relationship to that of a strategic partnership. With Auckland being the economic-hub for international businesses here, and the Government's Auckland Deal to consult with the Mayor on significant plans, what conversations has the Mayor Wayne Brown? Wayne Brown unpacks what's he looking to get from this for the City, and if Auckland has to capacity to help the Strategic Partnership reach its targets. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday's Strategic Partnership with India means we've elevated our relationship to more than just a bilateral affair. We've set out a goal to double two-way trade by 2030, expressed interest in other sectors like tourism, farming, and sport, and agreed to increase our maritime cooperation with India's Defence Force. With tensions already lurking in the Indo-Pacific with China, and global volatility feeling like it could come from just one wrong-move, how does the partnership with India actually change our geopolitical profile? Canterbury University Professor Anne Marie-Bradydiscusses the caveats and potential concerns of this agreement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party has just announced it's trade policy, should the party be re-elected in November. They've said that the aim is to secure markets with seven new economies across Europe, Africa and South America, with more to be chased further down the line. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Tim Beveridge that it's important to expand trade, as the target countries in Europe especially are 'particularly wealthy nations'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy week between New Zealand and India. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make his first official visit to New Zealand as the FTA gets over the line, however Winston Peters has raised concerns around Indian immigrants receiving unfair scrutiny at the border. The Chair of India New Zealand Business Council Edwin Paul told Tim Beveridge that, 'This is a start of a journey' of trade between India and New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole McKee will be the new ACT Party Deputy Leader, replacing Brooke Van Velden who's leaving politics this year. Nicole only stood for Parliament six years ago, coming with a background as a small-business owner, volunteer and firearms advocate. But she's risen through the ranks, becoming a cabinet minister, minister for courts, and rewriting the Firearms Act. Party Leader David Seymour's confident in her, noting that she's is straight-forward, principled, practical, and never forgets the voters she represents. So what will Nicole bring to the table, to advance the party's ambitions? The new ACT Party Deputy Leader Nicole McKee joins Tim Beveridge to explain. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT has announced its plans to radically downsize Government departments, and bring fairness back into our benefit-system. Firstly: They're making medical certification for health-related benefits mandatory, and only issued by MSD-approved doctors with objective criteria rather than a leaving it to a GP's discretion. Secondly: Those on the Jobseeker benefit for more than four months will be given an electronic payment card that's only designated for essentials like groceries and rent. Lastly: They want to cut the 43 Government departments into 19, and drop the number of portfolio ministers from 28 to 18. ACT Party Leader David Seymour joins the Weekend Collective to unpack the party's ambitions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system. Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased. Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health. Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Collective to unpack the overhaul. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics. NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room. They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package. Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes. Lastly, they're putting aside a billion for rail improvements, and another billion for school upgrades. But Mayor Wayne Brown says the devil is in the detail - and we'll need more clarity into a timeline of these initiatives, along with an explanation of how the Government's funding their share of the CRL. So what do these investments actually mean for Aucklanders - and how confident can we be in keeping a globally competitive city? Minister for Auckland Simon Watts talks to Tim Beveridge to discuss... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is "freeloading" from the American military because of our low military spend. The remarks were made at an Asia-Pacific security conference in Singapore, attended by Defence Minister Chris Penk. The New Zealand Government has already announced plans to lift defence spending to around 2% of GDP over coming years — nearly double what we currently spend — but Hegseth says allies should really be aiming closer to 3.5%. That raises some big questions. At a time when New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, hospitals and public services, why should defence move up the priority list? What are the risks if countries like New Zealand don't step up militarily? Defence Minister Chris Penk joins Tim Beveridge to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will be presenting the 2026 budget on this coming Thursday. A number of pre-budget announcements have already been made including money directed to maths and literary in schools and maritime security, while social housing and the public sector have faced budget cuts. Founder of Bagrie Economics, Cameron Bagrie, spoke to Tim Beveridge about what he expects and what he thinks should be done. One change Bagrie believes is unpopular but crucial is reforming NZ Super saying 'the current system is unsustainable'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard, along with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, announced a $79 million boost over three years for tourism and farming by stopping the spread of wilding pines. The work will be concentrated around Queenstown, the Mackenzie Basin, the North Island's Central Plateau, and New Zealand's largest farm in South Marlborough. The extra funding will take the total for stopping the spread of wilding pines to $109m over the next three years. Hoggard joined Tim Beveridge to chat about the pines and their negative impact on our environment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian president Vladimir Putin says the war in Ukraine is coming to an end. The conflict has been ongoing since Russia's initial invasion in 2022, and Putin had been speaking in the Kremlin following a very scaled-back Victory Day parade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has leaked, and the Government has confirmed, that this will be the final year of fees-free support for tertiary students. The support was first introduced as a first year free incentive to help get more young people into further education, and was changed to be final year free last year. The policy has cost almost $350 million a year since it was introduced, but it seems the Government has decided that money is better spent elsewhere. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has received a preliminary proposal from the United States requesting help in opening the Strait of Hormuz - possibly as part of a coalition that would restore access to the strait. So yes we're apparently just one of a number of countries that received a proposal. Foreign Affairs minister Winston Peters says we're seeking more information and as such won't be making a decision anytime soon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SailGP won't be going ahead in the city of sails next year as the Government has pulled funding. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston wrote in a letter to mayor Wayne Brown that the event did not meet funding criteria, which requires a specific net economic benefit. It's been met with disappointment, as funding continues for larger events such as Robbie Williams and Linkin Park, of which some argue could have sold out on their own, without Government funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After much deliberation, the Labour Party has announced they'll back the India free trade agreement. We do see cross party agreements, but just how important will bipartisanship be for this year's election? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party have just had their annual State of the Planet Address, and this year they're calling for a National Electrification Plan. They say it's in response to the current fossil fuels crisis, and would add to their previous calls for free public transport and solutions to ease the cost of living. The plan would lay out a clear plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and use renewable energy like solar panels to reduce the cost of living. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First has announced they will be campaigning on a new policy to end the supermarket duopoly. The policy would give the Commerce Commission powers to enforce increased penalties for breaches and reform the role of the Groceries Commissioner, which the party says is currently toothless. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party have called in former broadcaster Rachel Smalley to help Auckland based MPs, including the prime minister, with their communications and media work ahead of the election this year. It's come after the public have started to notice Luxon becoming less confident and stumbling over his words recently - in contrast to the precise and decided communication style he's had in the past. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Vaianu has hit our shores and some regions are being hit particularly hard. The East Coast has seen gusts of up to 130 kilometres an hour, thousands of homes in Northland and the Bay of Plenty are without power, and weather watches and warnings remain in place for the whole North Island and parts of the South Island. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's election year again in New Zealand, and it's a process that we're all familiar with. But few are more familiar than Former PM Helen Clark and Former National MP Maurice Williamson, who joined Tim Beverige to look at what we can expect from election year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest numbers, as at one week ago, there were 24 days of petrol and 18 days of diesel in the country. Things are looking to worsen for the foreseeable future, although an uptick in public transport use and EV purchases point to people taking things into their own hands. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First will be campaigning on a policy that would see half of all mining royalties go to the region from which it came, rather than Wellington. The party says it would build up wealth and infrastructure in the regions, allowing for future development rather than having the money spent across wider national projects. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has delivered NZ First's State of the Nation address - the final one ahead of the looming election. Peters also announced a National Energy Strategy that would break up power companies, no longer allowing them to control both power and the price. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand has just over 50 days worth of petrol, and a week less of diesel, while the war in Iran wages on. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to impact the global oil supply, and the countries we generally import oil from are considering closing up shop on exports to ensure their own security. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prices are up at the pump, auto shops are selling out of jerry cans, and we've seen the reports of thousand litre IBC tanks being filled up at BP. It's raised the question around whether the closure of Marsden Point has been more harmful to New Zealand's fuel security that we had initially realised. New Zealand would still be reliant on imports to meet fuel needs, but having the ability to import crude oil rather than just refined oil would likely lift the pressure. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's leadership within his own party is being questioned after he didn't fare well in a Taxpayers' Union poll this week. It has National down 2.9 points to 28.4% - but most notably, it suggests that the centre-left bloc could form a government in November. It'll be very tight though, with 61 seats for the left and 59 for the right. Luxon sits at 21% for preferred prime minister, while Hipkins is at 22.7%. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One week on, the war in Iran is progressing by the day. In the latest, the United States are gearing up to potentially send ground troops into Iran, Australia is considering whether they should send in troops, and New Zealand supports the US but won't involve itself any further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has highlighted issues within the KiwiSaver Act that have prevented a number of Kiwis from using their accounts to buy a home. Many workers in rural areas, like farm workers, rural police and teachers, are often required to live in housing provided by their employer - which stops them from being able to withdraw their KiwiSaver for a first home as they're unable to live in it. These issues have also stopped farmers from being able to purchase their own farm as it's not covered by current legislation. Changes announced this morning would remove those barriers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A joint US–Israeli strike on Iran overnight has triggered retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran, raising fears of a wider regional escalation. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes - a claim Iran denied until half an hour ago, with officials saying he was “safe and sound” and “actively commanding the field”. International reaction has been mixed, with some governments condemning the strikes, others urging restraint, and many calling for urgent diplomatic talks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday Donald Trump announced a 10% levy on all goods coming into the US in response to the Supreme Court ruling his other tariffs unconstitutional. The new global tariffs were updated to 15% on Sunday. Economist Cameron Bagrie joined Tim Beveridge to talk about the implications for kiwi businesses. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday the Government announced a plan to grant police the power to issue move-on orders to help deal with disorderly and dangerous behaviour in public places. The move-on orders apply to anyone displaying disorderly or intimidating behaviour, impeding someone entering a business, breaching the peace, begging, rough sleeping, and behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith joined Tim Beveridge to chat about what this announcement means in reality. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is hesitant to put their support behind an India FTA without the government meeting certain conditions. It says free trade is a net positive, but agreements shouldn't cause harm to New Zealand - which is what we risk with this FTA. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Party leader David Seymour delivered his State of the Nation address this morning. He says this government is on track to produce positive change, but it's not happening as quickly as it could be. ACT says there are three ways to break our country's slump: equal rights, positive thinking, and a smaller government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moa Point has been testing as non-compliant for all but two months of the last two years. The signs were there, but no one seemed to raise concern before the wastewater plant started pumping raw sewage into the south coast of Wellington. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.