Quite Simply Politics

Green Party Co-leader Hon. James Shaw stopped by to talk to us about memories of the campaign trail, electric vehicles, ugly policy and pouring pints. Voting closes Saturday 14th October, so don't forget to go and vote!!

Hon. Michael Wood sits down with us to discuss political hoardings, the mentality of social media, missile launches and what's been on peoples mind this election season. It's currently election season so don't forget to go out and vote!

Hon Mark Mitchell takes time from the campaign trail to talk about the feedback he is hearing most while out door knocking, his new, self appointed "diplomatic protection squad," and together they get into the nitty gritty of how ngā Pirihimana (the Police) are both perceived and performing. There is also a QSP first that leaves Holly utterly gobsmacked. This episode was due to be filmed on 18 September however the Albany Bus Station stabbing took precedence. Our thoughts are with those affected by the tragic event. Remember if it is an emergency - call 111.

Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan talks to Holly about learning New Zealand Sign Language, the 2023 election, India potentially reverting back to its original name of Bhārat and trying to promote social cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Naisi Chen joins Holly to chat about who she sees as her sisters and aunties in Parliament, being the youngest MP in the Labour caucus. They also cover how Naisi deals with accusations of being a spy, and the three things she wants to achieve during her time in politics.

Hon Paul Goldsmith joins Holly to chat about his book We Won, You Lost, Eat That!, his take on the Ngāti Epsom saga and playing cricket in the halls of Parliament.

Green Party Co-Leader, Hon Marama Davidson (Ngāti Porou, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) and Holly unpack their unique experiences as wāhine Māori in politics. Marama also delves into the single, most terrifying interview she has ever done in her political career - the answer might surprise you!

One of Hollys best friends, Jesse Thompson joins us for some pre-election banter. As our first guest on the pod who isn't a politician (and is adamant he'll never be one), he talks about his early days in Australian politics and how it compares to politics back home - as well as just how sick he is of sausage rolls!

Holly is joined by long-time friend, Hon. Barbara Edmonds. They discuss the need for transparency in Parliament, Hon. Barbara Edmonds's time working for the IRD and they reflect on their friendship.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains stories of war. IN THIS WEEK'S EPISODE | Golriz Ghahraman sits down with us to discuss living through a civil war in Iran, her work with the Green Party, becoming the first refugee elected to New Zealand's Parliament and more.

Holly is joined by Shanan Halbert, Labour's MP for Northcote to discuss his long journey into politics, how his pāpā continues to guide him and his response to being called a racist (as well as THAT tomato sauce incident). He also gives us an insight into the theatre of the House, with a lesson in heckling to top it all off!

Holly chats with National Party MP Melissa Lee about growing up in New Zealand as a Korean, representing Asians in the media, and how they became friends inside politics, and stay friends outside politics. Also, well known for "getting scalps" in politics - Holly asks her, who's next?

Holly is joined by Act Party MP Karen Chhour (Ngāpuhi), who discusses what it means to be Māori in politics in Aotearoa New Zealand after her whakapapa was called into question in the House. She also shares some of her most vulnerable moments growing up in state care, and how a few chance encounters coupled with personal determination to do better for her children, led her to pursue an unexpected career in politics.

Holly is joined by Nicola Willis, the deputy leader of the opposition, for a hilarious and insightful conversation. They cover everything from the $5 prescription fees to Nicola's school days, her journey of learning Te Reo, and even memes?!

We sit down with Hon. Carmel Sepuloni to learn more about her time in politics, what it was like to leave Parliament for a term, the dangers of visiting her old high school and how her whānau reacted to the news that she was to become the Deputy Prime Minister.