Podcasts about act party

Submit on the Regulatory Standards Bill while you listen to this podcast! It only takes 5min, and then you know you've done something fab ~! As a txter said: "The simplest, easiest submission only needs two sentences. In the Statements box type 'I oppose the regulatory standards bill'. In the Reccommendations box type 'I reccommend the Bill be rejected and that all parties be prevented from trying to resubmit the Bill in the future." So simple. Thank you for your thoughts, astute txter! Personally, I don't believe the country wants our legislation to be based on ACT Party principles -  take 5 and have your say, it's important~! If you want to know more about the Bill this video from Te Ao with Moana is well researched and clear. The closing date for submissions is 1.00pm, Monday, 23 June 2025.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to him about ACT local candidates opposing moves to mitigate the climate crisis at a regional level, the ban of Israeli MPs Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for visiting the country, and changes to proposed anti-stalking laws. Joel also spoke to Claudia Rozas — a lecturer in Critical Studies at the University of Auckland, about the new English curriculum, and the need for Māori and Pacific authors to be engaged with. Producer Samantha spoke to PSA organiser Claire Nickson about staffing and funding cuts at the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre and its implications for the public. Samantha also spoke to Justin Sobion, Professor of Law at University of Auckland about the Princess of Tonga calling for whales to be granted legal personhood. Whakarongo mai!

The ACT Party has recently announced that candidates standing in local elections, if elected, will oppose attempts to mitigate emissions at a local level. ACT Local Government spokesperson, Cameron Luxton, says council's should “focus on what they can control,” and not “costly symbolic declarations”. For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to him about this move. We also discussed the government's sanctions on Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. New Zealand has joined countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and Norway, in banning Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich over allegedly “inciting extremist violence" against Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and “undermin[ing] peace” for a two-state solution. Finally, we discussed changes being made to the proposed anti-stalking laws. But first, we discussed ACT candidates opposing attempts to mitigate emissions at a local level.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to him about ACT local candidates opposing moves to mitigate the climate crisis at a regional level, the ban of Israeli MPs Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich for visiting the country, and changes to proposed anti-stalking laws. Joel also spoke to Claudia Rozas — a lecturer in Critical Studies at the University of Auckland, about the new English curriculum, and the need for Māori and Pacific authors to be engaged with. Producer Samantha spoke to PSA organiser Claire Nickson about staffing and funding cuts at the National Geohazard Monitoring Centre and its implications for the public. Samantha also spoke to Justin Sobion, Professor of Law at University of Auckland about the Princess of Tonga calling for whales to be granted legal personhood. Whakarongo mai!

David Seymour has been sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister as per coalition agreements. He will be taking over from NZ First Leader, Winston Peters. During his first speech as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour said that the ACT Party would be “Labour's worst nightmare”. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Michael Swanson — a PHD Candidate in New Zealand Politics from the University of Otago about what this will mean heading forward, what the role of deputy is, and if this will have an impact on the re-election of the current coalition government.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial and Monday Wire Host Joel speaks to her about the proposed suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke standing, and NZ First Party Leader, Winston Peters' comments about Waititi's moko kanohi during the debate. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, they speak to him about David Seymour being sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, Seymour's claims that bots drove fake submissions against the Regulatory Standards Bill, and the proposed suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs being held. They speak to Margaret Mutu — a Professor of Māori Studies at the University of Auckland about the suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs and her concerns around the ruling. Joel speaks to Michael Swanson — a PhD Candidate in New Zealand Politics at the University of Otago, about ACT Party leader, David Seymour, about being sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister, and if this will impact how the current government operates. And Producer Samantha speaks to Renee Hosking, the lead medical student researcher at the University of Otago about a study showing that a large proportion of vape juice packaging misstates the nicotine content present. Whakarongo mai

A new 'Parent Boost' visa will make it easier for some migrants' parents to visit the country. From September, it will grant parents of citizens multi-entry access for five years, with the opportunity for renewal once - meaning they could hold the visa for 10 years. Applicants will also need to meet specific health, income, and insurance requirements. Act Party Immigration Spokesperson Parmjeet Parmar told Ryan Bridge it's hard to know how many people will apply. She says it could be between two and ten thousand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debate's been sparked about the use of online submission tools in the legislative process after comments from ACT Party leader David Seymour. In-Depth journalist Ella Stewart spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand has a new Deputy Prime Minister. ACT Leader David Seymour has officially been sworn in, taking over from New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters. He is the first ACT Party member to take on the role. David Seymour joins the show for his first official interview with Newstalk ZB as Deputy Prime Minister. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act Party leader David Seymour will become New Zealand’s deputy prime minister tomorrow, taking over from Winston Peters. He will be the 19th person to be the country’s second in command. First elected to Parliament in 2014 – the last decade and a bit has seen Seymour’s meteoric rise from being his party’s sole MP to now sitting alongside 10 colleagues after Act’s best ever result in the 2023 election. That result has allowed him to push through big changes around issues like regulation and government spending – but championing legislation such as the Treaty Principles Bill has also made him a lightning rod for controversy and backlash. Today on The Front Page, Seymour joins us to talk his new role, backlash, regulations – and his thoughts on the opposition. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Thursday Budget 2025, the “Growth” Budget, was announced. As part of the Budget, there were significant changes to Kiwisaver. There are also new eligibility limits for 18 and 19-year-olds to access benefits, based on parental income. And the ACT Party's Regulatory Standards Bill has passed its first reading and is now before the Finance and Expenditure Committee. The bill has been criticised for its potential effect on the place of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in our laws.  For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke with Shanan Halbert about both of these issues.

In Budget 2025, private schools will receive subsidies increasing the annual spend by $4.6 million a year, to $46.2 million. As well as this, the annual spend on charter schools will double to $57 million. ACT Party Leader, David Seymour, says that independent schools are an important part of New Zealand's education landscape that offers diversity of choice for parents. For our weekly catchup, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about the additional support independent schools will receive, and how this will benefit the average taxpayer. They also discussed changes to Jobseeker and emergency benefits for 18-to-19 year olds, as those receiving this benefit will now have their benefit tested against their parents income. The move, which is set to come into effect in 2027, is estimated to impact almost 9000 young people. They also discussed changes to Kiwisaver, where the government will halve subsidies and increase employer contributions to a minimum of 4% from 3%. But first, they discussed the additional support for independent schools.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catchup with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about Budget 2025 and its impacts on Māori initiatives, and the deferral of the debate into the suspension of Te Pāti Māori MPs. For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, Joel speaks to him also about Budget 2025, specifically around spending on education and how the Budget will impact young people. They speak to Brian Roper — an Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Otago, about the 2025 Budget, and how much of an impact this Budget will have for the National Party's chances of a re-election. And they speak to the Co-Founder and General Manager of KickBack, Aaron Hendry, about his concerns with Budget 2025 in addressing the youth homelessness crisis. Whakarongo mai.

A Deputy Prime Minister swap is on the cards this week. NZ First leader Winston Peters and ACT Party leader David Seymour are sharing the role as part of the Government's coalition agreement. Peters serves as the Deputy until Saturday this week. Seymour says he's already filled in the role before. "It doesn't actually change my job day-to-day, it means I'll spend a bit more time covering for Chris if he's out of Wellington or out of the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday's budget confirmed there will be no changes to superannuation. Means testing for KiwiSaver input's in, but nothing for super. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed his party's support for raising the retirement age to 67. But his deputy and coalition partner Winston Peters doesn't agree. Associate Finance Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the idea. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about the Privileges Committee's recommendations to suspend co-leader's Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer for 21-days and MP Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for their haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill, and the Waitangi Tribunals recommendations regarding the Regulatory Standards Bill. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie speaks to Simon Court about the Waitangi Tribunal recommending an ‘immediate halt' to the Regulatory Standards Bill and the government opening a review into the Waitangi Tribunal. Evie also spekas to The University of Auckland's Tom Baker about the government's newly announced Social Investment Fund. Joel speaks to Mark Thomas, an Associate Professor in Infectious Diseases at the University of Auckland, about the World Health Organisation declaring an outbreak of Polio in Papua New Guinea. Whakarongo mai.

The Waitangi Tribunal is urging the Government to “immediately halt” the Act Party-promoted Regulatory Standards Bill set to be introduced to Parliament on Monday. In a report, released today, the tribunal condemned the Government not consulting with Māori when developing the legislation, thus violating its Treaty obligation. Author of the bill David Seymour talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claimants in an urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing say the ACT Party's Regulatory Standards Bill is a more aggressive and stealthier version of the Treaty Principles Bill. Their lawyers presented evidence to the Tribunal on Wednesday in a tight, online-only, hearing that had to be pushed forward by 3 weeks. Maori news journalist Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira filed this report.

Critics have told the Waitangi Tribunal that the ACT Party's Regulatory Standards Bill is, in fact, an anti-Treaty Bill. Māori News Journalist Pokere Paewai reports.

There's concerns and fears among some that the Regulatory Standards Bill sidelines te Tiriti o Waitangi. The ACT Party bill aims to reduce regulation, claiming it'll create standards for 'good legislation'. The Waitangi Tribunal is meeting to discuss the legislation's failure to include the Treaty in those standards. Ngati Toa CEO Helmut Modlik says ACT pushed it quickly through consultation before introducing it. "They've been a bit naughty beggars where they've truncated the time-frame - rushing it through so that it can quickly get to the phase where the Tribunal has no jurisdiction." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catchup with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about changes to prisoners' voting eligibility, the party calling for more funding for Whakaata Māori in Budget 2025, and ECE recommendations. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about David Seymour's proposal to reduce the size of cabinet, an ACT Members Bill aimed at removing mandatory climate-related disclosures for banks, as well as last week's unprecedented senior doctor strikes. Joel spoke to Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, about animal product imports to New Zealand, as a petition to Parliament to ensure imports are coming from country's with animal welfare standards on par with ours. Joel also spoke to Robert Patman, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, about his article on the Conversation, discussing his concerns over the Trump Administration's proposed peace deal regarding Russia's war on Ukraine, and how New Zealand should proceed with supporting Ukraine. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss young people developing their political views through social media. Whakarongo mai

David Seymour's denying the Coalition's back in choppy waters over National's proposed social media ban. Education Minister Erica Stanford is looking into ways to restrict access for under-16s. Prime Minister Chris Luxon claimed Seymour's on the same page, despite the ACT leader calling it unworkable. Seymour says he still has questions about how it's possible. He says within days of the Bill coming out, Luxon admitted more work was needed - which proves his point. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catchup with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about changes to prisoners' voting eligibility, the party calling for more funding for Whakaata Māori in Budget 2025, and ECE recommendations. For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about David Seymour's proposal to reduce the size of cabinet, an ACT Members Bill aimed at removing mandatory climate-related disclosures for banks, as well as last week's unprecedented senior doctor strikes. Joel spoke to Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, about animal product imports to New Zealand, as a petition to Parliament to ensure imports are coming from country's with animal welfare standards on par with ours. Joel also spoke to Robert Patman, a Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, about his article on the Conversation, discussing his concerns over the Trump Administration's proposed peace deal regarding Russia's war on Ukraine, and how New Zealand should proceed with supporting Ukraine. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss young people developing their political views through social media. Whakarongo mai

The Act Party has joined NZ First’s war on “woke” banks with a member’s bill to repeal legislation that requires banks and other financial institutions to submit climate disclosures. Plus, how worried is he about falling livestock numbers - especially sheep - down 6.2 million (21%) to just 23.6 million from a decade ago?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Party leader David Seymour wants to slash the number of ministers taking care of portfolios, calling the current set up "bloated" and "full of meaningless titles". He spoke to RNZ's Deputy Political editor Craig McCulloch.

David Seymour's calling for fat to be cut from multiple areas of government. The Act Party leader wants a limit on the number of ministers – with no ministers outside of Cabinet, and no associate ministers other than in Finance. He wants 30 total government agencies, down from 41. Executive Director of business think tank New Zealand Initiative, Oliver Hartwich told Mike Hosking the current model doesn't make sense. He says there's a Minister of Housing but also a Minister of Building and Construction, as if they have nothing to do with each other. Hartwich also says the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is a prime example of a bloated cabinet. He says there are 16 ministers in charge of MBIE, and Ireland has 15 in its entire cabinet. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader says now is a good time for the Government to think about its organisation. David Seymour wants a limit on Cabinet Minister numbers - with none outside Cabinet, and only one associate minister for finance. Seymour says there are currently ministers with seven different departments, and departments answering to 19 ministers. He says he doesn't expect change pre-election - but believes Chris Luxon gets his viewpoint. "Chris cut his teeth as a manager - and I'm sure that it's something that, without speaking for him, he will intuitively get." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A controversial new initiative to reduce injuries in the manufacturing sector has been put on pause by ACC. The tender process specifically focused on Māori and Pasifika workers. ACC Minister Scott Simpson initially stood by ACC, saying its tender “aligns with the Government's desire to support New Zealanders based on evidence of need”. However, he then U-turned by asking ACC to review the policy after the ACT Party complained. Scott Simpson joins the show to discuss the initiative. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie speaks to MP Simon Court about the government's proposed changes to Early Childhood Education (or ECE) regulations, NZ First's proposed gender bill and ACC's ethnic outcomes target. Evie speaks to early childhood representative on the NZ Educational Institute National (NZEI) Executive Zane McCarthy about the proposed changes to ECE, and why they spark cause for concern. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel speaks to Queer Endurance / Defiance member, Leliel Trethowen, about Winston Peter's proposed gender bill. Joel speaks to a board member of EPCAT Child Alert; an organisation aimed at ending child sexual exploitation Rebecca Kingi, about National MP, Greg Flemming, calling for cross-party support for anti-trafficking legislation. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss changes in the way AI is being used. Whakarongo mai.

In his role as regulation Minister, David Seymour is moving to simplify regulations for Early Childhood Education Centres by the end of this year.  This involves a review containing 15 recommendations, which cabinet has accepted. These recommendations concern a vast number of things, from simplifying licensing criteria for pre-schools to lowering qualification requirements for early childhood educators.  Both of these areas have sparked concern within the sector, with some educators concerned the review is simply a cost cutting exercise that will result in tamariki being put at risk.  For our weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to ACT's Simon Court about the review.  They also spoke about New Zealand First's Members Bill aiming to have the biological definition of a woman and man defined in law.  And finally they discussed a clash between the party and National's Scott Simpson over an ACC plan to reduce injury for Māori and Pasifika workers. 

The Treaty Principles Bill is now dead but its architect Act Party leader David Seymour is looking to resurrect something similar at the next election. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

Act Leader David Seymour doesn't regret spearheading the Treaty Principles Bill. The widely unpopular bill was voted down by all but its own MPs at its second reading yesterday. MPs called it racist, divisive, ugly, grubby, and an assault on history and rights. Seymour told Mike Hosking he's standing up for equal human rights. He says the Crown has an obligation to uphold all people's rights, including Māori, and we are all equal before the law. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going, going - almost gone. MPs from all parties other than ACT are shutting down the Treaty Principles Bill today, with passionate displays of rhetoric. It's been called, 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country' during the debate. Architect of the failed Bill, David Seymour, says he'd be happy to push for a Treaty referendum in future coalition negotiations. "That is absolutely a possibility, we wouldn't rule that out. But sooner or later, the logic of this bill is going to prevail." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about Te Pāti Māori MPs not attending the Select Committee over their contempt of the House due to their haka in Parliament over the Treaty Principles Bill and their plans to hold their own hearing, and the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act passing its final reading. For our weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about the justice select committee releasing its report recommending the bill be scrapped, the tariffs imposed on New Zealand trade by the US last week, as well as ACT MP Andrew Hoggard facing criticism over potential conflicts of interest. Evie spoke to Senior Economics Lecturer at the University of Otago, Murat Ungor about the impact of Donald Trump's trade tariffs on Aotearoa and its economy. Joel spoke to the spokesperson for Toitū te Tiriti and Professional Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, Eru Kapa-Kingi, and Māori Studies Professor at the University of Auckland and Chair of Te Rūnanga-ā-Iwi o Ngāti Kahu, Margaret Mutu, about the Justice Select Committee calling for the Treaty Principles Bill to be thrown away, with an analysis by Newsroom showing 90% of submissions were against the bill. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss non-linear careers. Whakarongo mai!

ACT Party leader David Seymour says Te Pāti Māori should be penalised for shunning their Privileges Committee hearing. Co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi instead called a press conference and confirmed they intended to hold their own hearing at Parliament on May 7. Seymour says he's not trying to influence the Committee - but he's suggested they recommend cutting the MPs' pay. "What you just heard is a group of people who will continue to undermine the institution of Parliament, and therefore those New Zealanders - the overwhelming majority of New Zealanders from every background who are grateful to live in one of the most successful Parliamentary democracies in human history - they're thumbing their noses at all of us." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We asked the Act Party leader and soon-to-be Deputy Prime Minister if the current Deputy Prime Minister has cut his lunch when it comes to the “War on Woke” and pulling out of the Paris Accord. And has Seymour gone soft on the supermarkets?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to her about Finance Minister, Nicola Willis' plans to combat Aotearoa's supermarket duopoly, Green MP, Tamatha Paul's comments about police, and Te Pāti Māori's recent calls for mandatory police body cameras. For our weekly catch up with The ACT Party's Simon Court, Joel speaks to him about the Resource Management Act, or RMA reforms and concerns about the country's health and police system, following an 11-year old being misidentified as a 20-year old by police, and administered antipsychotic drugs. On Friday, they spoke to the spokesperson for People Against Prisons Aotearoa and Criminology Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Dr Emmy Rākete, about Tamatha Paul's comments about police practices in the country, the reaction they have received, and whether the reaction has been justified. They speak to the Chief Executive Officer of Consumer NZ, Jon Duffy, about Nicola Willis' plans to combat the supermarket duopoly and how the organisation are feeling about these developments. On Friday, they also spoke to a Senior Politics and International Relations Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Tim Fadgen, about US President Donald Trump's ‘overreach' in American universities, and if we should expect similar occurrences at New Zealand universities. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins Joel in studio to continue our discussion around the Netflix series ‘Adolescence,'  fandoms, and exploring the role of soft power. Whakarongo mai

Last week, the government announced its plans for reforming the Resource Management Act, or the RMA, introducing two acts to replace the current RMA. The plan is to bring the two acts before the select committee next year, passing them just before the next election.  For our weekly catch up News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about this reform, working with the opposition, and the lack of a Treaty clause. We also talked about concerns that the health and police system in Aotearoa are failing, following an 11-year old being misidentified as a 20-year old by police and being administered antipsychotic drugs. But first, we touched on the RMA reform.

After a drum beat of conjecture about his job security, the prime minister enjoyed something of an elixir in the investment summit and a trip to India that began with a breakthrough announcement: the launch of talks on a comprehensive free trade agreement. A big moment in itself felt bigger given the emergence of a US-led trade war, but also a confidence boost for Luxon. Ben Thomas, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Toby Manhire discuss the import of those developments, and whether Luxon's good time abroad can travel back to New Zealand with him. Plus: Winston Peters meets Marco Rubio, an extended chew over the latest in the school lunch saga, and David Seymour's suggestion that it highlighted "two New Zealands", and the Act Party announcement it will stand candidates in local elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ACT party officials will be scouring their inboxes for expressions of interest from people wanting to stand under their banner at this year's local elections. Constitutional law expert Graeme Edgeler spoke to Corin Dann.

The Act Party is hopeful its foray into local body elections will provide greater candidate transparency. Leader David Seymour is calling for expressions of interest of anyone keen to stand, saying it's time for a clean out of local councillors. Act isn't considering challenging the mayoralty in any parts of the country. Seymour told Mike Hosking it's about ensuring voters know what they're getting and how candidates are aligned. He says voters often don't know their candidates —or their beliefs— and end up disappointed with their councils. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's responding to a post evoking him as needing trimming like a lawn. Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi re-shared his partner's post showing him cutting the grass. The caption read: 'I told him to behave as though every piece of grass is a David Seymour. The lawns are getting a good effing hiding.' Seymour says that's objectionable - with its suggestion of attacking a person you disagree with. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Libelle, one of the three providers of the school lunch programme went into liquidation. The company provided around 125,000 lunches daily.  Compass Group, one of the other key providers of the programme stepped in on Friday to acquire and take over Libelle's operations.  Despite this save, Compass group has been no stranger to issues since the programme was launched. With repeated incidents of late or no delivery, melted plastic in food, frozen food, food so hot it burnt children and ham being given to halal students - to name a few.  For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about how the liquidation may affect the already controversial programme.  They also discussed NZ First's Members Bill looking to scrap Diversity, Equity and Inclusion targets… as well as the ACT Party's continued critiques of the University of Auckland's compulsory Te Tiriti o Waitangi course. 

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about the NZ First Leader, Winston Peter's anti-DEI members bill, the Infrastructure Investment Summit, and the recent changes regarding Whānau Ora. For our weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about one of the key school lunch programme providers going into liquidation, NZ First's anti-DEI members bill and the ACT Party's critique of University of Auckland TeTiriti Course. Joel spoke to the National Secretary for the Public Services Association, Fleur Fitzsimons, about Winston Peter's anti-DEI members bill, and how this will affect the public sector. Joel also spoke to the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation New Zealand, Shaun Robinson, about the government's removal of RSE guidelines in schools without implementing a clear alternative. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio today to discuss ‘Mobility' and the power that brings to the individual - and the requirement of an economy to support it. Whakarongo mai!

The Act Party's putting the pressure on Auckland University to say goodbye to its compulsory ‘Waipapa Taumata Rau' course. The near $6 thousand paper covers the Treaty of Waitangi and traditional Māori tikanga for first year students. Leader David Seymour told Mike Hosking students within his Epsom electorate are upset. He says constituents have told him they aren't interested in the course and view it as a perversion of academic freedom. The university says the course offers core knowledge and skills to help transition students into tertiary reduction, and set them up for success. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that it will introduce legislation for a four year parliamentary term - subject to referendum.  Most parties are largely in favour of a four year term - feeling that it gives more opportunity to develop policy and make changes.  As part of their coalition deal, the ACT party designed a caveat to be included in the legislation that would put more ‘checks and balances' on the government.  This essentially means the opposition would have more powers in select committees. If this legislation is passed and voted on, a four year government term would not be mandatory - but would instead be decided after the government was elected.  For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about the legislation and why the party supports a four year term.  They also talked about the government giving retailers and members of the public more power to detain shoplifters under legislative reforms. Otherwise known as citizens' arrests.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about government legislation for a four year parliamentary term, and the government giving further powers for citizen arrests. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, speaks to the Director of Advocacy at IHC New Zealand; an intellectual disability advocacy group, Tania Thomas, on the recently released Stats NZ figures showing a large number of individuals with a disability are needing better care in at least one aspect of their life. Joel speaks to an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland, Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, on his doctoral research, calling for Aotearoa to adopt an animal welfare police unit. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss students starting university for the year Whakarongo mai!

The leader of the Act Party has been in plenty of headlines in the last two weeks, ranging from a controversial (and historic) letter written on behalf of constituent Philip Polkinghorne to an attempt to drive a Land Rover up the steps of parliament. Remarkably, he had a pop at an "ill-advised" Christopher Luxon. And that's just scraping the surface; there are the questions around the response to Tim Jago, the teacher-only days, the school lunches. Across the board, he is steadfast in insisting he's erred not even a skerrick. Is it an obduracy born of being a one-man band for so long, or is he going through a Prince Hal phase, getting some stuff out of his system before he becomes the king (or deputy prime minister, at least)? Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire thrash all that out. Plus: how much alarm are the latest cluster of opinion polls causing for National and Luxon? Does a cavalcade of health issues represent a serious political headache for the government? What should we make of the findings in the much-delayed Manurewa Marae data inquiry? And a word on the Cook Islands, Mark Brown and China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ACT Party leader David Seymour faced the wrath of Ngapuhi and Toitu Te Tiriti at Waitangi today, briefly losing his microphone and getting drowned out by song when he spoke. He was among government MPs welcomed in a tense powhiri, where some of their speeches were rejected. Maori News Journalist Tuwenuaroa Natanahira was there and filed this report.

After years of secrecy, former ACT Party president Tim Jago can now be named as the political figure who abused teenage boys in the 1990s. Jago was found guilty of eight charges of indecent assault after a week-long jury trial in Auckland last year. He was denied ongoing name suppression at sentencing but indicated he would appeal this decision this year - an appeal he's just abandoned. Political reporter Anneke Smith spoke to Lisa Owen.