Q+A

With Nikhil Ravishankar, William Dalrymple, and Stephen Rowe

Stephen Rowe from the conservative Cato Institute in the US joins Q+A to discuss his expertise in how AI should and shouldn't be used in political campaigning. He is also a former colleague of Charlie Kirk, and discusses the legacy of Kirk and Turning Points USA.

New Air NZ CEO Nikhil Ravishankar joins Q+A to talk about the challenges in navigating an increasingly volatile world, how technology is changing the airline business, and how Air NZ can meaningfully contribute to the country's GDP. He also discusses his background, parents, and how he came to be in New Zealand.

William Dalrymple: Empire, India, and Mamdani's remarkable win by Q+A with Jack Tame

With minister for children Karen Chhour and Labour leader Chris Hipkins

Minister for Children Karen Chhour joins Q+A to talk about the reduction in youth crime rates, along with the complex picture of harm emerging for children in Oranga Tamariki care. She admits to misspeaking in a previous interview about the nature of harm being suffered by children outside OT residences, after previously appearing to downplay the severity of some of those incidents. And with an estimated half of all children in state care affected by Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Minister Chhour talks about the new FASD action plan. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Q+A to go through the finer points of the capital gains tax policy, and whether Labour is projected to bring in enough revenue to pay for its promises. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Maroš Šefčovič: Trump's tariffs and Europe's trade position by Q+A with Jack Tame

With Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, CTU's new president Sandra Grey, and researcher Kali Mercier.

Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has slashed New Zealand's methane targets, saying they're more realistic for farmers. Q+A asks him what impact it may have on the country's international commitments and trade deals. . As Energy Minister, Watts is facing calls to do something about the energy industry. It follows the closure of multiple businesses which cited high energy prices as a factor. . Watts is also questioned about the sustainability of the local government sector as it tackles rates rises, infrastructure deficits, and low voter turnout. . Q+A with Jack Tame is made with the support of New Zealand on Air.

New Zealand is rapidly ageing: Today there are about 870,000 Kiwis who are 65 or older, making up about 17% of the population. In 25 years, that number is forecast to almost double and make up about a third of the population. As well as the pressure on universal superannuation and healthcare, the ageing population will also put infrastructure under strain. Researcher Kali Mercier has considered the implications in her new report, Age-proofing Aotearoa, published by the Helen Clark Foundation and WSP.

About 100,000 workers are planning to walk off the job this week as the Council of Trade Unions welcomes new president Sandra Grey. Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Judith Collins has accused unions of choosing to strike for political reasons. Q+A asks Grey about the Minister's comments, her plans for the CTU, and the state of the union movement.

With 1News reporters Yvonne Tahana, Abbey Wakefield, and Ali Pugh; artist and activist Tāme Iti; former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse; NZ Initiative local government specialist Nick Clark; and ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar.

Q+A speaks to 1News reporters across the country as another local government election wraps up. . 1News' Yvonne Tahana also reflects on the results of the referenda on Māori wards. On preliminary results, 17 councils have voted to keep them and 25 have voted to remove the wards. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

On preliminary figures, national turnout for the local elections stands at 33%, according to Local Government New Zealand. While numbers are expected to increase as more results roll in, it's likely to fall well short of the 41% recorded just three years ago. . New Zealand Initiative's local government specialist Nick Clark and former Auckland Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse joins Q+A to discuss the state of the sector, and why more people aren't interested. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Tāme Iti has lived a life. . From his childhood in Ruatoki, he was on the frontlines of the Springbok Tour protests, the 1975 land march, and even tried to join North Vietnamese fighters during the Vietnam War. . At times, Iti has been a controversial figure. In others, he has been revered. . Q+A visited him at his studio in Whakatāne. Iti reflects on his life as he releases his autobiography: Mana.

With Minister for Building and Construction Chris Penk, Race Relations Commissioner Melissa Derby, and global tax expert Michael Keen.

A year into her role as Race Relations Commissioner, Melissa Derby reflects on the threats to social cohesion and race relations in New Zealand. She says social media tends to amplify extremist content, and she worries about people becoming radicalised online. . As an academic, and before her appointment as Commissioner, Derby had publicly questioned the impact of notions of systemic racism, particularly with regards to Māori. Q+A asks her about these views and her opinions of affirmative action. . She also says the Government's approach to the Treaty Principles Bill debate "probably wasn't helpful" given "the unilateral nature of that". . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

The Government has announced an overhaul to the classification of earthquake-prone buildings, introducing a new system that will see thousands of buildings moved out of the regime. . Under the changes, existing New Building Standard percentage ratings for strengthening or demolishing buildings would be removed, in favour of a "more proportionate" system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. . Q+A asked him what impact it could have on safety. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Full interview: As the Labour Party debates the shape of its tax policy in next year's election, and economists keep an eye on the effect of the Government's Investment Boost tax deduction tweaks, Q+A spoke to global expert Michael Keen. . As the former Deputy Director of the Fiscal Affairs Department at the International Monetary Fund, Keen shaped the institution's policies on tax. He praised New Zealand's broad-based GST system and questioned why that same logic didn't apply when discussing the possibility of a Capital Gains Tax. Keen also said the country needed to consider its relatively high corporate tax rate in any discussions about upping productivity. . He also considered people's ideas of a "fair" tax system, and what taxing wealth and multi-national corporations could look like. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations Colin Keating, and Auckland mayoral candidates Wayne Brown and Kerrin Leoni.

Kerrin Leoni: Why I'd be a better Auckland mayor than Wayne Brown by Q+A with Jack Tame

Incumbent Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says his priority, if re-elected, is to "fix" Auckland Transport. . Q+A asks him about his record, how effective he's been influencing central government, and why he has been avoiding some mayoral candidate debates. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

The decision not to recognise a Palestinian state puts New Zealand out of step with the likes of Canada, the UK and Australia. . Colin Keating is New Zealand's former permanent representative to the UN and was outspoken on its Security Council as the Rwanda genocide unfolded. He gives his assessment about what New Zealand's position could mean for its standing internationally. Keating says New Zealand could have made a difference in the longer term had it decided to recognise a Palestinian state. . Meanwhile, the Government argues the time is not right as fighting continues in the Middle East. “With a war raging, Hamas still in place, and no clarity on next steps, we do not think that time is now,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in his address to the UN General Assembly. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With HSBC economist Paul Bloxham, Christchurch mayoral candidates Sara Templeton and Phil Mauger, and 1News US Correspondent Logan Church.

Fifteen years on from the Christchurch earthquakes, the city's population is growing. The city's new stadium, Te Kaha, is set to open, and residents describe a vitality and energy that has been missing for way too long. . But a growing population means new pressure over housing, transport and infrastructure. Q+A speaks to incumbent Mayor Phil Mauger, and challenger Councillor Sara Templeton about their vision for Ōtautahi. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

According to Statistics New Zealand, economic activity as measured by GDP dropped 0.9% in the June quarter for an annual drop of 1.1%. . The Government is pinning the blame on international trade tensions and overseas conflicts. The Opposition says the Government must do more to kick the economy into gear. . A decade ago, HSBC economist Paul Bloxham coined the term “rock star economy” to describe New Zealand's activity. Q+A asks him: What does he make of Aotearoa now? . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

A pivotal diplomatic week looms at the United Nations, with world leaders gathering for the General Assembly. For Foreign Minister Winston Peters, all eyes will be on the announcement of New Zealand's position on recognising a Palestinian state. Cabinet is understood to have made an in principle decision on the matter, though it hasn't yet be revealed. . 1News US Correspondent Logan Church gives his analysis on the days ahead.

With the three candidates leading Wellington's mayoral race, Commissioner of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Professor Rawinia Higgins, Labour MP for Manurewa Arena Williams, and former Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt.

2025 marks 50 years since the first Māori Language Week. Professor Rawinia Higgins is the Chair of Te Taura Whiri i te reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission. . She reflects on the difference between the public and the Government's attitudes toward te reo, and gives a vision for the future of the language. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Former Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt introduced stringent legislation in his country to reduce access to vapes. But since 2024, a black market for vapes has been growing in Australia. Hunt told Q+A he still believed he made the right call, based on medical evidence: "We will see over the coming decades, just as we did with cigarettes, some catastrophic health outcomes, people dying difficult deaths." . Hunt also reflected on Australia's Covid-19 response, the tensions between public and private healthcare, and New Zealand's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

As an economically depressed Wellington faces a myriad of challenges — from ageing infrastructure, rising rates, debates about heritage, and a seemingly omnipresent earthquake risk — who is best placed to lead the city? . Q+A, with Verian Public, polled Wellington voters in early September about who they want their next mayor to be. In the face of questions about Wellington City Council's governance capabilities, one candidate is outpolling the rest by a significant margin. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With 1News political editor Maiki Sherman, former Reserve Bank chair Arthur Grimes, former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer, and Housing Minister Chris Bishop.

Further revelations, first reported by the Spinoff, show the Reserve Bank of New Zealand failed to publicly disclose a meeting held at the time it was disputing its funding with the government. It follows the resignation of Governor Adrian Orr and former board chair Neil Quigley. Q+A asked former Reserve Bank chair Arthur Grimes about how the saga has impacted the Reserve Bank's standing, and whether Kiwis should be concerned about political interference in monetary policy.

Te Pāti Māori's Oriini Kaipara has won decisively over Labour's Peeni Henare to become Tāmaki Makaurau's next MP. 1News Political Editor Maiki Sherman analyses the results, how Te Pāti Māori's social media game has encouraged people to go out and vote, what it could mean for Labour ahead of next year's election, and why voter turnout remained so low.

Full interview: Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer has dedicated much of his life to democracy. But now, with democracy seemingly in decline around the world, he says New Zealand needs to act in order to strengthen our government and society. His new book How to Save Democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand reflects on the reasons behind people's unhappiness with democracy, and how to fix it.

With Oriini Kaipara, Peeni Henare, and Teanau Tuiono

Te Pāti Māori candidate for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election Oriini Kaipara explains why she thinks she's the best choice for voters in the electorate. But her comments also include an unconventional endorsement for her opponent, Labour's Peeni Henare, for an even bigger job. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Labour MP and candidate for the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election Peeni Henare explains why he thinks the electorate's voters should put him back in to the seat he previously held for three terms, before losing in 2023. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Polls are about to open in the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, triggered by the death of Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp. . There are five candidates contesting the seat, including former broadcaster Oriini Kaipara for Te Pāti Māori and former Labour Cabinet Minister Peeni Henare. Te Aniwa Hurihanganui, 1News' Māori Affairs Correspondent, gives her analysis of the race. . Advance voting starts on August 25. Voters have until 7pm September 6 to cast their ballots. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

The head of Open AI, the creator of ChatGPT, says the world may be in the midst of an AI bubble. Sam Altman's warning coincides with a new report from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology which found that for the tens of billions of dollars spent by companies investing in AI pilots, 95% have seen no boost to profits at all. . Victoria University's Dr Andrew Lensen says it's important not to blindly give into the hype around generative AI. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With Australia National University senior lecturer Dr Anas Iqtait, Whena Owen following up on access to Cape Palliser, Victoria University's Dr Andrew Lensen, Bagrie Economics chief economist Cameron Bagrie, and 1News' Te Aniwa Hurihanganui.

Dr Anas Iqtait is a senior lecturer at the Australian National University and author of Funding and the Quest for Sovereignty in Palestine. He tells Q+A it won't make much difference to everyday Palestinians if a state is recognised by Western nations. Iqtait says it's more important for countries like New Zealand to take a "rights-based approach".

Bagrie Economics chief economist Cameron Bagrie speaks to Q+A about the economic situation New Zealand is in, and what levers could be pulled to get the country out of the malaise. However, Bagrie says some of the levers that have been pulled in previous downturns might not be available now. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

With former finance minister Grant Robertson, 1News US correspondent Logan Church, Young Farmer of the Year Hugh Jackson, and Whena Owen on the Cape Palliser coast.

In a turbulent world of trade tensions, ever-changing tech, and climate change, what are the keys to keeping New Zealand's next generation on the farm? Q+A visited Hugh Jackson, the newly crowned Young Farmer of the Year, on his family's sheep and beef farm in Te Akau, north of Raglan. He says while the rural sector has performed strongly in recent times, he's well aware that won't always be the case.

Grant Robertson retired from politics in early 2024 to take up a new job as Otago University's Vice-Chancellor. He was back in the headlines this week after declining to show up to in-person hearings for the Covid-19 inquiry's second phase. The former Finance Minister spoke to Q+A about that decision and why he doesn't regret the Labour Government's spending decisions during the pandemic. Robertson, who is about to release his memoir Anything Could Happen, also reflects on the impact his sexuality had on his political career.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is due in Washington DC next week, as US President Donald Trump wraps up his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. 1News' US Correspondent Logan Church speaks to Q+A from Anchorage, Alaska. He says it's not clear if anything tangible was achieved from the Trump-Putin summit. As Trump himself said: “There were many, many points that we agreed on, most of them, I would say a couple of big ones that we haven't quite got there, but we've made some headway."

With Education Minister Erica Stanford, PM's Chief Science Advisor John Roche, and Vatican astronomer Brother Guy Consolmagno.

Full interview: Education Minister Erica Stanford says the re-introduction of charter schools under Associate Education Minister David Seymour has motivated her to strengthen the state school system "so we don't have people leaving and wanting to convert to charter schools". . Stanford also says she didn't come into the job with a plan to scrap NCEA for secondary school students. But increasingly, it became clear major changes were needed, she says. Q+A asks the Minister about the impact her proposed replacement may have for students with diverse needs.

Full interview: Brother Guy Consolmagno is an astronomer, meteorite expert, and heads up the Vatican Observatory. While visiting New Zealand, the Jesuit spoke to Q+A about why science and religion aren't always in conflict. Jack Tame also asks him where he stands on the Fermi Paradox — is there intelligent life beyond Earth and, if so, why haven't we found it yet?