Podcasts about act party

A lawyer warns politicians have failed to add a property rights clause to the Bill of Rights Act before. The Act Party's promising to do so, as part of its new 'equal rights for all' election policy. The change would give property the same standing as other fundamental rights and require courts to interpret laws consistently. Pidgeon Judd property lawyer Joanna Pidgeon told Mike Hosking that there are fears it would trigger constant legal challenges. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Andrew Ketels was the Act Party's chief of staff from 2020 to 2025 and has worked as an advisor to the National Party. He is currently head of government relations for corporate affairs firm Sherson Willis. [picture id="4JJWSRK_Image_13_jpg" crop="16x10" layout="full"] Andrew, Neale and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including the failed National leadership coup. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Andrew Ketels was the Act Party's chief of staff from 2020 to 2025.

The ACT Party has announced plans to campaign on a policy of making student service fees voluntary. These fees contribute to student events, student media, and various other services across campus. The ACT Party believes it is unfair to charge students for services they may not use, instead offering a tickbox system so that people can opt to pay for the services they prefer. The policy is one ACT says would benefit students, though multiple student organisations across the country have pushed back.  To discuss their concerns, News Director Castor spoke to President of VUWSA, Aidan Donoghue, about how making these fees voluntary could impact student life on campus.

A think tank leader believes the Act Party is asking a fair question of the public service. It's promising a reset in government agencies, ending what it calls “race-based hiring” if re-elected. The policy includes removing “good employer” requirements while also prohibiting agencies from resourcing any cultural or spiritual practices in the workplace. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich told Mike Hosking that Parliament's already written merits into the Public Service Act, yet departments are still pursuing the diversity agenda. He says they can explain how much an individual ethnic group is paid, yet Treasury can't say how many economists it employs - so there's still work to do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week saw the National Party go through a period of suspected internal conflict, after a leadership challenge was mounted against Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Following a multi-hour long caucus meeting, Luxon spoke to media, claiming he has the full support of his caucus. National MP and former minister Chris Penk was subsequently stripped of his portfolios. The incident has raised concerns over Luxon's ability to lead both his party and the country, especially as this is not the first leadership vote this year.  Also last week, the ACT Party proposed two new policies they would campaign on in the leadup to this year's election. First, thanks to calls for a bed levy in Auckland, ACT has instead posed a local tourism dividend that would come directly out of central government funding. They say this dividend would be better suited to address the problem of local government funds for tourism and arts/culture, though some have been sceptical.  The second ACT party proposal is to make student services fees at universities voluntary, so that students can choose the services they'd like to pay for from a checklist.  To discuss each of these issues News Director Castor spoke with the ACT Party's Simon Court, beginning with the National Party leadership. 

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about tensions in the National Party leadership, and ACT Party proposals for a local tourism dividend and voluntary student services fees. Also on voluntary student services fees, Castor spoke to president of the Victoria University of Wellington's Students Association, Aidan Donoghue, about what such a policy could do to student life on campus.  This week, Producer Pranuja spoke to University of Otago public health researcher Dr John Kerr about medical misinformation, distrust in the health system, and how social media and generative AI can shape treatment decisions. She also spoke to University of Auckland marketing lecturer Katherine Jensen about how AI and platform algorithms influence who sees political advertising, and what that could mean for voters heading into the election.

The ACT Party has announced plans to campaign on a policy of making student service fees voluntary. These fees contribute to student events, student media, and various other services across campus. The ACT Party believes it is unfair to charge students for services they may not use, instead offering a tickbox system so that people can opt to pay for the services they prefer. The policy is one ACT says would benefit students, though multiple student organisations across the country have pushed back.  To discuss their concerns, News Director Castor spoke to President of VUWSA, Aidan Donoghue, about how making these fees voluntary could impact student life on campus.

There's pushback on an ACT election pledge to cut student association fees. ACT says the fees should be voluntary, which could save students up to $4,000 over a degree. Victoria University's Student Association President, Aidan Donoghue, says it's unclear how this proposed policy would benefit students. "If they had their way, you'd pay more to get less, right? A lot of this is about subsidizing not only things that I don't use, but to bring down costs for everybody at economies of scale." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has suggested a higher fuel tax, a bed tax and a bank levy could be discussed as part of a second term, but the ACT Party's not so keen. Leader David Seymour says voters don't want new taxes, and there's a possibility that they could grow as discussions continue. He says income tax started out as a small percentage impacting a handful of earners, and now we all pay up to eight times that starting rate. "That's just a perfect example of why you say you're going to put a tax just on banks...but we all know that the customers will pay that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First up, what's the deal with the ACT Party's new policy giving teachers legal power to remove "persistently disruptive" students from the classroom? And NZ First wants New Zealanders to have more babies - so much so, that his party is proposing a financial boost for the first three kids a family has.

The Deputy PM and Act Party leader comments on getting “little s***s” out of our classrooms, Winston’s baby farming policy, and the Opportunity Party's tax plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The battle for the right and centre-right vote is the most interesting thing about the Election. Because it's the battle that will determine who wears the pants in the next Government. I'm still of the view that the Coalition will be re-elected. The make-up of the cabinet is what they're now fighting for. That's why over the past week we've seen the biggest dust ups between the three parties currently sitting on the Treasury benches. When was the last time you heard anything from or about the Māori Party? The left's been fascinated by TOP. In some ways this a function of the media oxygen. Fighting, albeit with gloves on, between coalition partners is newsworthy. Punch too hard and the thing could collapse before making through the next 90-odd days. Punch too soft and you might not make it out the other side of November 7th. The right is battling for the same group of voters. Luxon ruling out TOP was an attempt to pull some formerly blue votes back to the mothership. But their polling is still at a point where they would lose some big names —Goldsmith, Bishop— if things don't turn around. The fundamentals, i.e. the economy and how people feel about it, won't change dramatically in the next few months, so this is now a battle of wills. Who has the stamina and discipline not to blow it and go of course on the campaign? Will the Nats pull a Hail Mary-Jacinda move and roll Luxon, for fear his foot-in-mouth disease strikes again and they lose even more of the soft centre? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about discriminatory comments from NZ First MPs and candidates, and about the possibilities of plug in solar in Aotearoa.  They also spoke to Professor of Public Health Michael Baker about the recommendations from the latest COVID-19 Inquiry and how politics is influencing pandemic management.  And Producer Pranuja spoke to Associate Professor of Social Sciences, Carisa Showden, about proposed changes to New Zealand's sexual consent laws.

Last week, NZ First leader Winston Peters made derogatory comments towards Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. The comments echoed racist stereotypes about immigrants and led to strong backlash from members of the public and politicians across parliament. This is not the first example of discriminatory comments from NZ First politicians this year. Candidate Stuart Nash spouted misogynistic rhetoric about National MP Katie Nimon earlier this year, and Deputy Leader Shane Jones made some derogatory comments about Indian migrants even earlier in the year. While MPs continue to call out these comments, little is being done to actually respond to them, especially as ACT and National continue to support NZ First in power. Also this past week saw the Ministry for Regulation advising that legalising plug-in solar could provide significant benefits. While plug-in solar rarely generates enough electricity to power a home, it can alleviate power costs especially in sunny months, reducing the burden on households and the electrical grid.  For this week's catchup with ACT's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with NZ First leader Winston Peters' comments.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about discriminatory comments from NZ First MPs and candidates, and about the possibilities of plug in solar in Aotearoa.  They also spoke to Professor of Public Health Michael Baker about the recommendations from the latest COVID-19 Inquiry and how politics is influencing pandemic management.  And Producer Pranuja spoke to Associate Professor of Social Sciences, Carisa Showden, about proposed changes to New Zealand's sexual consent laws.

A view ACT's classroom behaviour policy misses the mark. It wants to give teachers more legal power to remove seriously or persistently disruptive students from class and introduce mandatory stand-downs for those who assault teachers or classmates. Parents who repeatedly fail to engage with schools would also face fines. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken told Ryan Bridge teachers can already physically restrain students as a last resort. He says these existing rules are absolutely fine.See 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.

Last week, NZ First leader Winston Peters made derogatory comments towards Green Party MP Lawrence Xu-Nan. The comments echoed racist stereotypes about immigrants and led to strong backlash from members of the public and politicians across parliament. This is not the first example of discriminatory comments from NZ First politicians this year. Candidate Stuart Nash spouted misogynistic rhetoric about National MP Katie Nimon earlier this year, and Deputy Leader Shane Jones made some derogatory comments about Indian migrants even earlier in the year. While MPs continue to call out these comments, little is being done to actually respond to them, especially as ACT and National continue to support NZ First in power. Also this past week saw the Ministry for Regulation advising that legalising plug-in solar could provide significant benefits. While plug-in solar rarely generates enough electricity to power a home, it can alleviate power costs especially in sunny months, reducing the burden on households and the electrical grid.  For this week's catchup with ACT's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with NZ First leader Winston Peters' comments.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 3rd of August 2026, NZ First's wants to give parents money to have more children, parenting expert Nathan Wallis tells Ryan if it's enough of an incentive. Paul Henry's unveiled his first Act Party policy, giving teachers the legal power to remove naughty students from the classroom, Secondary Principals Council Chair Steve McCracken tells Ryan if this is the power teachers need. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a search and rescue operation is underway after two Firefighting helicopters collided while tackling wildfires in a region West of Athens and the European Union to hold emergency talks tomorrow to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta after tense exchanges between Spain and other member states. Plus, Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the economic impact of the wild forest fires across Europe, inflation up in Europe and bond markets expecting higher inflation and pushing bond yields up globally. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go onto any parents group in the country and you’ll find comments about arbitrary school uniform rules. Socks falling down, no scarves in class, skirts instead of shorts, and no t-shirts underneath despite not seeing them – and that’s just what our team has seen. And that’s all before we talk about the costs that come with a compulsory uniform. The Act Party is campaigning to make school uniforms more affordable, saying some families are spending well over $1000 a year. The University of Otago’s Dr Johanna Reidy has been involved in research to find out if uniforms had an impact on education and health. She joins us today on The Front Page. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An ongoing inquiry into Fire and Emergency NZ has identified that the organisation is making multiple questionable spending decisions. Not only are equipment and vehicles for firefighters underfunded, but higher-ups are consistently seeing pay bumps.  Also on firefighting, Labour's Kieran McAnulty recently had his member's bill drawn, which would see volunteer firefighters covered by ACC for injuries.  Last week saw an announcement that inflation has reached a two year high, mostly due to the ongoing fuel crisis thanks to the US/Iran conflict. As the conflict wears on, pressure is on the government to improve fuel resilience and expand our use of renewable energy. For our weekly catchup with ACT's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with Fire and Emergency NZ funding.

Lara dials in for a chat with Rosetta and Milly about the latest NZ First conference, proposed changes to sick leave, and Paul Henry joining the ACT Party. Whakarongo mai nei!

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader denies the election will be fought by celebrities more interested in glitz than graft. Plus, he comments on NZ First’s oil and gas policy and why we should make life easier for agricultural drone users.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about newly announced ACT candidate Paul Henry, default union membership, and scrutiny over the ban on puberty blockers. They also spoke to Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad about problems with the proposed move-on orders bill and particularly how it can impact young people in Aotearoa.  Wednesday Wire producer Theo spoke to University of Canterbury Associate Professor Tim Chambers about the impacts of nitrate levels on pre-term births.  And Monday Wire producer spoke with Dr Terryann Clark, the Cure Kids Professorial Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland, about banning social media for under 16-year-olds in Aotearoa.

Last week, the ACT Party announced that former broadcaster Paul Henry will be running as a candidate in this year's election. Henry has been subject to some controversy in the past, with derogatory comments made towards multiple public figures during his time as a breakfast show host.  Also last week, the Green Party announced a policy of default union membership, meaning that a person will be automatically signed up for the appropriate union when they start a new job. The ACT Party says this policy impedes on personal freedoms, though the Greens have reiterated that people can still leave unions.  Lastly, the government's ban on puberty blockers has been under scrutiny following a court case from the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa. The association has put forward multiple critiques, primarily that the ban appears to be based in ideology rather than medical evidence.  For this week's catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with Paul Henry's appointment as a candidate.

Paul Henry has worked in broadcasting for more than forty years, becoming one of the most recognisable names in New Zealand television from his time as a presenter, and more recently serving as a board member for TVNZ. On Tuesday he announced his candidacy for the ACT Party list. He says while the decision came together quickly, he wants to be in parliament to create a better future for his ten grandchildren. He joins Jack Tame to discuss what that future might 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.

ACT leader David Seymour wants New Zealand to become a testing ground for emerging technologies - by allowing companies to temporarily bypass regulations through a regulatory exemption scheme. Seymour says the existing rules are 'prohibitive' and that the 'innovation trials' will help get new technology like self-driving vehicles, agricultural drones and crypto going into New Zealand faster. He says it's important we start experimenting more if we want to see technology appear in New Zealand, instead of overseas nations overlooking the country. "We've talked to people - we don't want to say exactly who - but there's certainly people who would be interested in bringing autonomous taxi services to New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's newest - and best known - political prospect says the party has a perception issue he's hoping to fix. Former broadcaster Paul Henry's announced he's standing as a list candidate this election, and is gunning for portfolios if their campaign is successful. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the reactions to the announcement from both sides of the political aisle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's newest candidate seems certain to shake up the coming election. Broadcaster Paul Henry resigned overnight from TVNZ's board to take a spot on the party's list. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

Paul Henry's promising his desire to instigate change is genuine, and he won't be wasting any time if he makes it into Parliament. The former broadcaster's running as a list MP for the ACT party this election and has expressed his desire to become a minister. Henry told Mike Hosking he knows the work is hard, and not always fun. The 65-year-old says maybe he should have thought more about it, but he has considered the commitment overall. Paul Henry says he'd like to give at least six years to his political career. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Henry and I go back a long way. Decades in fact. He used to read news on a show of mine. I can't say I saw politics in his future, but then I can't say I could have ruled it out either. And why not him? He's retired, he could be bored, or he could be driven to make a contribution, if hanging out in Wellington is a contribution you want to make. He is good fun, he is bright, and he is worldly. But I don't think he will fit well into the “system”. He is a free spirit, and those sorts of people don't tend to operate well in teams with instruction. He spoke passionately about his country. It could be age, but I feel exactly the same way. I don't have to live here, I chose to because I love this place. He is in the same sort of position, so why not try to lend a hand? He spoke singularly about our debt and he is indisputably right. He could have stolen the lines and concern from me. Maybe all blokes of 60-ish age worry about our debt and our country. Maybe it's because we are old enough to remember better days and see no reason why we can't re-engineer the place to be like it once was. But politics is about more than debt. The other issue is if you're going to Wellington to save the country you really need to be in a position of power and National has more power than ACT. So this is clearly also a philosophical or ideological decision – he likes the cut of their libertarian gib. In terms of performance the place will be better for him. He's fun and quick. He might want to watch the line between serious and clown, entertaining and nutty, professional and self-indulgent. The big gamechanger for him will be accountability. Once they vote for you, once they pay for you, they own you and, boy, they let you know it. But I like people who don't have to do stuff, doing stuff. They are generally there for the right reasons. David Seymour told me it's just the shot in the arm they need right now. I think he's right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nalini Baruch and Andie McCombs. First up, we discuss the latest political news with Paul Henry announcing his candidacy for the ACT Party. Plus the RNZ-Reid Research poll has one small centrist party on the rise, so can The Opportunity Party really make it to parliament. Then, a hunting competition over the weekend saw 400 feral cats killed, SPCA gives Wallace their response. And Wellingtonians ready for their Wuthering Heights moment.

Former broadcaster Paul Henry recently confirmed he plans to run for the ACT Party this election, and leader David Seymour has expressed confidence in him. Henry has announced he's running as a list-only candidate, and has resigned from TVNZ's board. The famed former broadcaster failed in a National bid for Wairarapa in 1999. He says he wants to be a minister - but won't name a portfolio. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New ACT candidate Paul Henry says he's not entering politics aspiring to leadership. The former TVNZ Breakfast host is standing on the party list for this year's election. Leader David Seymour says he'll be placed in an electable position. Henry says he doesn't want to lead ACT. As for his hopes on becoming a minister, he says he hasn't thought yet which portfolio he'd want. "If we are successful, ACT - if we get our way, there'll be far less ministers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paul Henry has confirmed he's standing for the ACT Party ahead of the election - what do we make of this? Will this help ACT's chances? Do we see him making a difference in Parliament? National underperformed in another poll - should we be worried? Does it surprise us that Kiwis spent more than a billion dollars in takeaway deliveries in the first three months of the year? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party is promising to make it illegal to use family pets to control and coerce victims of family violence, if elected. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira reports.

The ACT Party says it has killed three birds with one stone as new workplace legislation is passed. The bill reverses a number of changes in the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act, and will shift focus to critical risks. It passed its third reading in Parliament yesterday, despite criticisms from New Zealand First. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden told Mike Hosking it grows the economy, supports small businesses, and stops wasting money. However, the legislation will no longer be implemented in November – instead pushed back until April. Labour is also promising to repeal the legislation, if elected. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jennie Moreton and Simon Wilson. First up, the weekend saw both the ACT and Labour parties hold rallies announcing new policy. Michael Swanson, a honorary research fellow in the politics programme at Otago University, joins the panel to discuss the two parties and their possible election outcomes. Then, Health and safety regulation can sometimes be the butt of the joke, where critics say the paperwork required is just common sense. The ACT Party's Health and Safety Amendment Bill intends to overthrow much of those requirements. Dr Danaë Anderson, Researcher & Lecturer in Workplace Health and Safety at Victoria University of Wellington joins the panel to assess the bill and if it will do what it says it will.

Work and Income's former boss says ACT's new welfare policy is 'sensible'. Party leader David Seymour's pledging to restrict what beneficiaries can buy, via work-ready Jobseekers' payment cards after four months. It'd block spending on alcohol, gambling, tobacco and cash withdrawals - allowing only essentials like groceries and rent. Christine Rankin says they shouldn't spend taxpayer money on that anyway. "It's not their money, it's given to them to help them not be stuck in poverty, because benefits equal poverty." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Dunne was the leader of United Future and is a former MP and Minister who has worked within both National and Labour governments. Andrew Ketels is a government relations consultant and was previously the chief of staff for the ACT Party.

The ACT Party has begun its election campaign on the attack, hitting out at every political party in Parliament - including its own coalition partners. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira reports.

The Act Party is accusing some doctors of wrongfully signing off people as 'unable to work'. Under its newly announced welfare policy, the party would require all health and disability benefits to be issued by government-employed doctors. It says the number of people who are deemed not 'work ready' has increased in the last three years, despite the Government's best efforts. Act Leader David Seymour told Mike Hosking that abusive behaviour and packed waiting rooms can pressure GPs to deem a patient 'unfit for work'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about selling conservation land, youth unemployment, and arts and culture funding for Auckland's CBD.  Producer Thomas spoke to University of Auckland Professor of conservation biology James Russell, about the Conservation Amendment Bill. He also talked to University of Auckland Professor Dr Sally Mackay about making food health star ratings mandatory. And Producer Jude spoke to Auckland University senior research fellow, Dr Sarah-Jane Guild about the development of wireless brain sensors.

The government's Conservation Amendment Bill includes plans to sell up to 60% of New Zealand's conservation land. The government argues that much of this land is not your typical conservation land - rather that it includes farmland and other unused areas without ecological benefits.  The bill's opponents, however, say this isn't the full story, and that the government's criteria for sale opens room to sell large portions of land currently inhabited by our native flora and fauna. The policy also paves the way for further sales of conservation land, especially concerning because of the minimal public influence on the decision, despite the fact that it affects public assets.  The concerns are further compounded by the release of a Curia Market Research poll this morning on public support for the sale of conservation land. Not only are the majority of the population opposed, but this opposition extends to the majority of National and ACT voters and half of NZ First voters.  Youth unemployment is also an issue in the news cycle this week, with rates at a thirty year high. Despite this government being in power for almost three years, improvements are difficult to find.  Lastly, last week saw announcements that Flying Out Record Store and Neck of the Woods will both be closing. These announcements follow the closure of Verona Cafe and Bar and the cancellation of The Others Way festival for 2026. With Auckland's arts and culture funding seeing cuts each year, there are calls for the government to take action to support these businesses and communities. For this week's catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with the Conservation Amendment Bill.

The ACT Party has introduced a new campaign policy which it says will stop professional regulatory bodies - like the Medical Council, or Real Estate Agents Authority - from policing workers' privately-held beliefs. ACT says these regulators are increasingly overstepping their statutory roles and enforcing ideological views across their industry. ACT MP Simon Court joins Q+A. 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.

ACT is promising to curtail political activism at regulators like the teaching and medical councils. The party would require them to remain neutral on political issues. ACT public service spokesperson Todd Stephenson says the Teaching Council spent its money making political submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill, then pursued a teacher who publicly disagreed. He told Mike Hosking that professional regulating bodies have a role, but what they don't want them doing is policing free speech and private beliefs. Stephenson says their role is to ensure that professionals are competent, safe, and are conducting themselves ethically – so it's all around consumer protection. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, host Thomas spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about the party's proposed Nationally Determined contribution towards the Paris Agreement, funding for the Liquified Natural gas import terminal and public transport policy. He also talked to Victoria University Professor of Climate Science & Physical Geography James Renwick about a study which found concerns with costal flooding events in Wellington. And he spoke to Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton about Pharmac changing eligibility criteria for diabetes medication and Health NZ stopping cardiology groups from objecting. Caeden also spoke to Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand Chief Executive Letitia Harding about calls from the World Health Organisation to ban flavoured tobacco products.

A proposed boost to rural policing is being seen as a positive move, but farmers say more action's still needed. The ACT Party's promising funding for an extra 100 thousand patrol hours in rural communities. It also wants tougher penalties for armed poachers and livestock thieves, and the expansion of 111 texting for farmers with patchy mobile coverage. Federated Farmers spokesperson Karl Dean told Heather du Plessis-Allan rural connectivity is worse than five years ago, following the 3G shutdown. A big concern, he says, is that some crime never gets reported – like fuel theft. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.