Podcasts about act party

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.

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. 

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 ECPAT 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.

As artificial intelligence systems including the likes of chatbots and art generators become more advanced, their use has begun to pervade the political arena.  Across the world, political leaders and parties including Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and now New Zealand's own ACT Party, have used AI images to promote a certain political agenda or message.  In the case of the ACT Party, an artificial stock image from Adobe AI titled “happy Māori couple sitting in a living room” was featured in a social media post underneath the tagline “Kiwis are saving over $150 per week on their mortgages since ACT entered government”. Producer Sara spoke with University of Otago Media, Film and Communications Professor, Dr Olivier Jutel about this new era of AI political content.  To begin, she asked him to discuss why ACTs recent social media post was so problematic.

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.

David Seymour's confident the Government's school lunch programme will continue without issue - despite a provider going into liquidation. Libelle Group was contracted to make about 125,000 meals each day. Minister-in-charge David Seymour says its collapse won't cost anything extra. He says the contract remains between the Ministry of Education and Compass. "Any issues that may be reported in the media are between Compass and other businesses - and I don't want to sound like I'm avoiding the issue, but it is actually something that needs to be left to them." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A combination of factors led to former ACT Party leader Richard Prebble stepping away from the Waitangi Tribunal. He's resigned after being appointed in October. The tribunal was established in 1975 in a bid to deal with unresolved Treaty grievances. Prebble claims the Tribunal doesn't take any notice of Parliament - and says it believes there's two Treaties. He says it's creating more grievances. "It's a rewriting of history - and I know historians do re-interpret history, but one thing you can't do is you can't bend facts." LISTEN ABOVESee 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!

ACT's leader believes four-year Parliamentary terms would lead to more accountability. The Government plans to introduce legislation to go to a referendum - potentially as early as the next general election. The opposition would need to get more proportional representation in Parliament Select Committees, providing greater checks and balances. David Seymour says that would mean more debate. "I think it would be genuinely better if laws had to go in front of a Select Committee for six months, as run by the other guys, to beat it around." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

So where do we start with the Act Party leader this week? In the past week, he has been embroiled in controversy over all sorts including a Land Rover stunt, school lunches, teacher-only days, a letter to police advocating for Philip Polkinghorne, and accusations of undermining the Prime Minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is pushing for New Zealand to adopt a four-year parliamentary term. The ACT Party leader says in a longer term, select committees would be organised differently to ensure the opposition always has a majority there. Political Commentator Peter Dunne says the government will soon put the issue to a referendum. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's new Chief Victims Advisor has hit out at ACT leader David Seymour over his handling of two criminal cases, saying he was wrong and out of line. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

ACT Party leader David Seymour has hit back at the Prime Minister's criticism of his support for Philip Polkinghorne who was later charged and then acquitted of murdering his wife. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On today's episode, ACT Party leader David Seymour has hit back at the Prime Minister's criticism of his support for Philip Polkinghorne who was later charged and then acquitted of murdering his wife, there are concerns that one in five expectant mothers living in and around Whakatane will have to travel Tauranga to give birth, Whangarei's fight against fluoridation has drawn a stiffly written seventeen-page warning from the country's top health official, Hamas says it's delaying the release of Israeli hostages until further notice , and a British study has found that banning phones in schools didn't boost student achievement or improve mental health.

When National's Maori Development Minister stood to speak at Waitangi on Wednesday - he was met with protest. Normally, speaking on the paepae on behalf of the party would be the role of the Prime Minister - but Christopher Luxon chose to attend a different Waitangi event in the South Island. As Tama Potaka began to speak, women cloaked in red stood from their seats, turned their backs towards him with tears running down their faces. A similar respose was also given to ACT Party leader David Seymour and NZ First Shane Jones. Tama Potaka spoke with Ingrid Hipkiss.

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.

Despite the destined backlash, ACT Party leader David Seymour still fronted up to Waitangi. Greeted by turn backs, waiata, and protest - he spoke on behalf of the ACT Party, tapping into parts of his Treaty Principles Bill. Apart from a microphone getting taken away on two occasions, it seemed to go relatively well by Waitangi standards. LISTE ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Submissions on the government's highly contested Regulatory Standards Bill close tonight.  The legislation, which has largely flown under the radar, is now being slammed for being dangerous, with worries it will entrench the ACT Party's ideology into New Zealand's constitutional framework.  The bill, which is not yet before parliament, focuses heavily on property regulation - catering towards developers and corporations.  Producer Evie spoke to Climate Justice Taranaki's Catherine Cheung about the increasing concerns that activist and environmental groups have surrounding the legislation.