Podcasts about act party

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.

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.

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 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.

On the Early Edition with Andrew Dickens Full Show Podcast Wednesday 17th of June 2026, Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett gives his thoughts on the Government given the green light to a 30-year infrastructure plan. Less people are drinking and driving and it's young people leading the charge, Virginia Nicholls NZ Alcohol and Beverage Council Executive Director tells Andrew why. The Act Party is promising to restore freedom of speech to professional regulators if re-elected, Free Speech Union Council Member Ani O'Brien shares her thoughts. Plus, UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's promising to ensure freedom of speech for professional regulators if re-elected. The proposal would ban regulators from disciplining workers for lawful expression outside of professional practice. It would require them to remain neutral on political issues and restrict mandatory training to matters directly related to professional competence and safety. Free Speech Union council member Ani O'Brien told Andrew Dickens these people are currently being judged on more than just their competence. She says workers are being policed on what they post on social media and their political beliefs. 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.

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.

The ACT Party isn't saying how it'll pay for a major rural policing policy, but says it'll be a better use of taxpayer money than current spending. It's boosting rural patrols and expanding 111 texting for farmers in poor mobile coverage. Rural spokesperson Andrew Hoggard told Francesca Rudkin the plan requires an additional 182 officers in rural areas. He says it would cost up to $45 million in the first year and about $30 million after that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party leader and Deputy PM talks about Fieldays and why he’s leaving a lot of the heavy lifting there to his Ag Spokesperson, Andrew Hoggard. We also pay tribute to the departing Mark Cameron and cast a critical eye over the Labour Party list rankings.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 Laura McClure, filling in for Simon Court. They asked about the Budget 2026 and funding for health, defence, and cuts to fees free.  They also spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland and co-director at the geothermal institute Sadio Zarrouk, about nuclear energy and if it has a place in New Zealand's energy ecosystem.  Producer Thomas spoke to University of Auckland Social Sciences Professor Barry Milne about a new study which has linked ‘deaths of despair' with living in deprived areas.  He also talked to Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe about the organisation calling for New Zealand to follow Denmark and lower the drinking water nitrate limit.

In part two, the ACT Party say they've got the solution to big school uniform bills. the panel discuses the new policy with Dr Johanna Reidy, Lecturer of Public Health at Otago University. Then, Nelson Horrell is 80 years old and just recently he deadlifted 80 kilograms, 80 times in one day for charity. The panel speaks to this legend.

An MP facing Chinese sanctions is refusing to apologise for visiting Taiwan. ACT's Laura McClure has been banned from China for a year, along with NZ First's David Wilson, Labour's Duncan Webb, and National's Maureen Pugh. The four visited the self-governing island territory last month. McClure told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's an intimidation tactic – likely to put people off visiting Taiwan, but she hopes that won't happen. She says Taiwan has long-been an important economic and cultural partner, like China itself. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party is defending voting in favour of homeschooling legislation before it was scrapped after pushback from families. The amendments announced last week would've increased checks on children taught at home. Education Minister Erica Stanford now concedes homeschooling is more complex than first thought. ACT's Laura McClure told Ryan Bridge they were rushed into voting for it. She says they didn't have a lot of time to consider the changes and how they would've worked, and whether the homeschooling community was given enough of a say. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour is welcoming the reduction of New Zealand's public service by 8700 staff over the next three years. He joins Jack Tame to discuss a new map of New Zealand's 267 different regulators from the Ministry for Regulation. With less than six months to the general election, and the party polling slightly lower than its 2023 performance, David Seymour speaks to his new policy of tougher English language requirements for visa-holders and introducing an overstayer enforcement unit within Immigration New Zealand. 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.

RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson will resign after 13 years in the job, board chair Jim Mather announced this morning. Mather says while the decision for Thompson to resign at the end of 2026 was made in December of last year, the announcement has been pulled forward by "recent unhelpful external commentary about his future". Deputy prime minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour, who is also a shareholding minister in RNZ, has criticised the public broadcaster's board and chief executive in recent months, and speculated earlier in the month that Thompson "won't be answering the call at RNZ for much longer." David Seymour joins Jack Tame. Watch more of Q+A's interview with David Seymour on Sunday.

Sometimes it feels like an easy thing to say that politicians have no idea what really matters to us. What's important to us - the people who put them in their positions of power. Today, it may be the easiest it's ever been to say that sort of thing. Let's start with Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Who, I think, said one of the most arrogant things I've heard any politician say. This happened yesterday. When he was talking about pretty much the only policy his party has been able to come up with since it was turfed out of government at the last election. The future fund. Which would use some of the profits from our state-owned enterprises to invest in new start-up businesses. Chris Hipkins has been saying that Labour's not going to be announcing any new election policies until after next week's budget. Until it has a better handle on the government's finances before promising things the country can't afford. Yesterday, he went next level. This was after he said earlier in the week that he wouldn't be giving any more detail about Labour's future fund policy until after the election. He almost sounds like he knows he's got no show of forming the next government and doesn't want his people putting too much work into policies and things that won't go anywhere. I genuinely think that's what he and Labour are starting to sound like. Because, after the election, they won't be needed. But that's not the worst bit. Yesterday, when he was asked if he thought voters might want to know more about the future fund before the election, he said New Zealanders don't really care about the detail. This is in relation to which state owned enterprises would have to contribute some of their profits to the future fund if Labour formed the next government and put this policy in place. When he was asked about that, Hipkins said New Zealanders don't really care about those key details. He said: “I don't think the public really care which companies are going to go in or not. I think the public care about the fact that we're going to keep state assets and National's going to sell them.” The arrogance. And, at the same time as we've got the Labour leader trotting out that nonsense, we've got MPs debating a bill that defines the meaning of man and woman. That one's courtesy of NZ First, which says it's fighting “cancerous social engineering” and “woke ideology”. Do you think, in the grand scheme of things, pointless legislation like that really matters? And, on top of that, public service minister Paul Goldsmith has told government departments they've got until the end of next month to make sure they prioritise the English version of their names over the Te Reo version. It beggars belief, doesn't it? The arrogance of telling us to wait until after the election for policy details because, apparently, that's not important to us. And the pointlessness of a law defining what a man is and what a woman is; and the pointlessness of government departments having to change their logos because some people can't handle a bit of Te Reo. All of the examples I've just given tell me that our politicians have absolutely no idea what's important to us. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's proposal to change funding criteria for more type 2 diabetes medicines based on clinical need. Under the proposal, 25,000 more diabetic Kiwis will gain access to the treatments over the next few years. David Seymour says there's a lot of potential in investing in more GLP-1 medications to prevent other health problems impacting people down the line. "We've made a lot of progress on this kind of whole of society approach to funding medicines that will save us money in the long term, but that's some of the challenges we've run into so far." Pharmac has since confirmed the ethnicity criteria reference refers to the diabetes medicine consultation and they have separate recommendations for semaglutide funding applications. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If it's not already obvious to you, the fact that Maiki Sherman has lost her job should now make it very clear: the media—especially the state broadcasters, both of them—are about to find out what it means not just to make and report the news but to be the news. Just look at what's happened this week alone. And this is only a sample—this has been building for some time.In one week, TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman has lost her job over poor behaviour in a minister's office. David Seymour, the ACT Party leader, has taken a significant swipe at RNZ for hiring John Campbell, who is well known for voting left—something he's said himself. Seymour has even gone so far as to suggest the head of RNZ should lose his job over it. Then there's the BSA, effectively the head girl telling everyone off for bad jokes at the party, being abolished. The politicians are coming for the media and Sherman's case is an example of that. The National Party lined her up. They complained about her allegedly door-knocking Stuart Smith for 10 minutes at night. They confirmed that she had sworn at Nicola Willis' event in the office—which was unusual, given that Nicola effectively broke Chatham House rules that MPs normally guard jealously. Now, look—I feel sorry for Maiki losing her job. That's a very high price to pay. But I don't feel sorry for the media in general for what's coming. We've had this coming. For years, we've collectively pushed a certain world view through the framing of our stories. We decide who the victim is, who the bad guy is and what language we use—labelling things as “controversial” to signal to the audience that something is bad, like the “controversial Treaty Principles Bill”. We flip angles too—turning a positive government crime stats story into a negative gang-focused story for the same government. And when Radio New Zealand, which is supposed to be more impartial and balanced than any other outlet in this country, chooses someone to front its flagship programme who has explicitly said he votes for left-wing parties—well, that matters. We deserve what's coming to us in this election. We can't shove the scrum for years and not expect to become part of the on-field play. And I, for one, am not unhappy about what's about to happen. I think it's time for this to be sorted out. If this election brings media bias into sharper focus and forces all of us in the media to stop, reflect and think hard about what we've been doing, I don't think that's a bad thing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask the Act Party leader and Deputy PM whether his immigration policy is cutting Winston’s lunch? Plus, would he pass an immigration test himself? We also talk about TPM v Labour in the Māori seats and preview a big announcement on electrification this afternoon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's welcoming the death of the Broadcasting Standards Authority, but wants the Government to move quickly. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the regulator will be disestablished, as it's unfit for a modern media environment. Laura McClure says the decision's long overdue, and the Government needs to pass legislation. She told Ryan Bridge that it's a huge win for freedom of speech in New Zealand. McClure says the BSA was the regulating body for mainstream media, but it doesn't cover anything else, and young people in particular are consuming media everywhere, whether it's online or on social media. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hope that the ACT Party's latest election promise will alleviate pressure on the wider health sector. David Seymour recently announced ACT would expand pharmacists' powers, including letting them treat more minor ailments, manage long-term medications and monitor some conditions. Seymour says most of the world is looking to better utilise their health professionals to take the load off GPs and Emergency Departments. "What's happened around the world is that pharmacists have got much greater use of robotic prescribing, so there's a lot less - as one pharmacist said to me - counting and pouring. And as a result, all of these countries are starting to make greater use of having a pretty well-trained health professional, usually in your community." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Leader David Seymour seems to be going all Winston Peters on it, with his party's new immigration policy. There's stuff in it I think is ok. But there's one part I don't think is okay. This ridiculous idea of banning immigrants from getting any sort of benefit until they've been here for at least five years. I'll tell you why shortly. But essentially, ACT doesn't want immigrants getting any sort of free ride. It wants people here on temporary work visas to pay for the privilege of being here - charging them $6-a-day to help pay for infrastructure. That's another crazy part of this policy. Federated Farmers is already saying it would just put people off coming here. Which is true. If someone has got a choice of where they go to work, they won't go somewhere where $42 disappears from their pay each week. As well as the tax they'd already be paying. David Seymour also wants us to get tougher on deporting immigrants who commit serious crimes. Which I don't have a problem with. And, he wants people coming here to be better at English - with a higher standard of English required before they're allowed in. I don't see any problems with that. ACT also wants to set-up a specialised enforcement unit targeting overstayers, which has the Green Party all excited. I heard its immigration spokesperson saying it sounds like ACT wants to set up a New Zealand version of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency in the United States, or ICE, as it's known. I think others are saying too that we already have a unit targeting overstayers. So I'm indifferent on that part of David Seymour's plan. But, as I say, the aspect of this policy that I have a real problem with, is banning immigrants from getting any sort of benefit until they've been here for at least five years. You imagine someone moving to New Zealand, things going ok for the first two-or-three years but, then, they lose their job or get crook. They can't afford to travel back to their home country, so what are we going to do? Do we say “Oh sorry mate, get back to us in two or three years - that's when you'll be entitled to the unemployment benefit or the sickness benefit or whatever.” What happens to that person? They end up on the street probably. And is that what we want? Someone's life spiraling out of control, all for the sake of kicking immigrants off this so-called benefit gravy train some people seem to think people who come here from other countries are on. No thanks. And what's more, we'd deny them a benefit, but they'd still be entitled to ACC. It doesn't stack up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT party will campaign on a six-point plan to shake up immigration, including deporting serious offenders no matter how long they've been here, and a five-year stand down for welfare for residence class visa holders. Sociologist and Massey University emeritus professor Paul Spoonley spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Simeon Brown steps in for the PM for the weekly interview; Luxon arrives in Singapore to sign fuel supply deal; ACT Party reveals new immigration policies; New data reveals low business confidence due to Iran war; Locals react to State Highway 3 reopening

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about the ACT Party's stance on conflict between National and NZ First within the coalition government. I also asked about the government's proposed changes to treaty principles and how they influence policy.  They also spoke to Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Otago, Christchurch, Jai Whelan, about Nitrous Oxide use and its harms amidst plans for a government crackdown.  Producer Thomas talked to E tū union director Mat Danaher about Tiwai Point workers taking industrial action this week. He also spoke to Brake New Zealand Director Caroline Perry about road safety week and how the campaign is encouraging safe driving.

ACT has launched its immigration policy ahead of this year's election - with surcharges and tougher limits for serious offenders. It includes a $6 a day infrastructure surcharge on temporary work visas, which is expected to pocket $80 million a year. The party also wants stronger English language requirements, and would also establish a dedicated unit around enforcement for people over-staying their visas. Leader David Seymour says New Zealand was built on immigration, but it's important to keep the right balance. "What those waves of settlement have done is two things. One is that they built a Kiwi character that's the envy of the world...whether it's our troops out there doing peacekeeping, our sportspeople, our businesspeople - Kiwis have a reputation that we can fix anything, we do what we say we're going to do, we're compassionate and thoughtful people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy PM and Act Party leader comments on Luxon and Trump and denies dictatorships are the best form of democracy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday New Zealand First announced a campaign policy to break up New Zealand's supermarket duopoly. Woolworths and Foodstuffs currently control over 80 percent of the grocery market. NZ First leader Winston Peters told Mike Hosking he isn't pursuing this now because, "the National Party is not for it, the ACT Party is not for it. I mean, they've got their policies which are to stagger on with the Commerce Commission that's not working." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former National Party candidate will stand with the ACT Party at this year's election. James Christmas is now a barrister and had worked under senior National figures including Sir John Key, Sir Bill English, and Chris Finlayson. Christmas was considered a possible option to take on the Attorney-General role and act as a Treaty Negotiations Minister. Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell explains further - ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy PM and Act Party leader talks about the fuel crisis, the future of the proposed LNG terminal, and whether Winston’s a mining-mad populist?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Mary Lambie and Simon Wilson. First up, we get The Panel's reckons around ACT Party deputy and minister Brooke van Velden's just announced departure from politics. Then, 50 dollars a week for 144 thousand families; that's the top line on the government's fuel support package. Is it enough? The Panel talks to a home support worker about how far she thinks it'll go. And we return to the Fisheries Amendment Bill, which will see minimum size limits scrapped for commercial fishers. After talking to Darren Shields, who opposes the bill, the Panel hears from Lisa Futschek, the CEO of Seafood NZ.

ACT deputy leader Brooke van Velden has announced she won't stand at the 2026 general election. She made the announcement in Parliament earlier today, surrounded by her Caucus and leader David Seymour. Van Velden will continue to serve for the rest of this term as the MP for Tamaki and in her work as Internal Affairs and Workplace Relations minister. She says she's excited for the next chapter, but it was a hard decision to step away from politics. "I also, right in my heart, feel like I want to live a bit more of life and see what other opportunities there are out there for me." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about increasing fuel prices, public transport, and the scrapped clean car discount.  They also spoke to Professor Alistair Woodward from the University of Auckland about air pollution, how to address it, and also touched on the clean car discount.  Producer Thomas spoke to Forest and Bird National Conservation Advocate Bianca Ranson about the proposed Fisheries Act amendment bill and the risk it poses to our oceans. And he talked to University of Auckland Senior Research Fellow Dr Kelly Garton about New Zealand's increasing junk food imports and the detrimental health effects this could have on the country .

The US and Israel's War on Iran and subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz has fuel prices increasing across the country. As fuel prices increase, people are continually looking towards alternatives, primarily public transport and electric vehicles. With public transport use at a 7 year high last week and demand for electric vehicles increasing, demand seems to contradict government policy.  Since the start of its term, the government has been cutting discounts to public transport and cutting incentives to buy electric vehicles. At the same time, the government has touted investments in LNG and offshore oil and gas exploration as the solutions to New Zealand's energy woes.  As fuel prices continue to rise, so too does the cost of living, with prices in supermarkets already spiking and hitting consumers where many are already struggling. Despite the government's campaigning and signalling around cost of living, prices are continuing to rise without a similar increase to wages.  For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked him about the fuel crisis and the lessons the government is taking.

The Acting Prime Minister (and Act Party leader) says the United States has not asked New Zealand for military support in the Strait of Hormuz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's leader is denying changes to Auckland's housing intensification rules might have 'backfired'. The Government has ordered Auckland Council to reduce total capacity plans from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. Councillors have now opted to zone less density in areas with poor public transport access and in outer suburbs. David Seymour says this doesn't necessarily mean his central Epsom electorate will get the densification he was trying to avert. "It's not as simple as - it's all going to be in your electorate, mate. It's going to be a long process, these plans won't be finalised until well into next year." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend saw the United States and Israel airstriking Iran, with Iran retaliating with strikes on Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The New Zealand government put out a press release soon after, condemning Iran for the strikes and for protest crackdown earlier this year.  While the press release and later communications from the government have called for all parties to follow international law, the government has offered little in criticism of the United States and Israel's bombings. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, when asked if the strikes were legal, said it would be up to each country to provide a justification.  This past week also saw a new policy from the government that would look to reclaim ACC payments from those already receiving welfare payments. ACC claimants usually receive funding to support their inability to work, however those on the benefit will already be receiving such funds regardless. While there is cross-party support for a change that would remove this “double dipping”, the policy would also charge back some of those who have already benefited from this loophole.  The move has been criticised by opposition MPs, who say creating debt for already marginalised or vulnerable groups is unfair and morally questionable. For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about the New Zealand government's stance on conflict in the Middle East and issues with this new ACC policy change, beginning on the Middle East.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader comments on Trump’s bombing, Trump’s tariffs, “degenerate dog owners” in Northland, and selling Air New Zealand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...  For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about making English an official language of Aotearoa and reducing the minimum proposed homes for Auckland down to 1.6 million.  They also spoke to Dr. Mohsen Mohammadzadeh from the University of Auckland's school of architecture and planning about PC 120 and how to best develop Auckland as a city for the future.  And producer Alex spoke with Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Planning, Timothy Welch, about the Infrastructure Commission's suggestion of a $9 toll on the harbour bridge, whether it's the right move, and what it means for Auckland's Infrastructure planning.

Advocates warn the removal of requirements for assisted suicide would open Pandora's box. The ACT Party is pushing for changes to its End of Life Choice Act. Proposed amendments include removing the six-month prognosis requirement and adopting all 25 recommendations for a Health Ministry review. Ethos Alliance chief executive Alex Penk says it would open up euthanasia as an option to more long-term conditions and disabilities. "If you're a doctor at the moment, for example, who says I can make my peace with euthanasia for end-stage cancer, say - they might start to feel quite differently about this when you start talking about diabetes, frailty, renal failure..." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Ali Jones from Red PR and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day, and more! The ACT Party is looking to make changes to the End of Life Choice Act, and it's prompted concerns from critics about what it could mean for the healthcare system? Do we think these are warranted? The Government is looking into tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, as well as the second harbour crossing. Do we think this is realistic? What do we think of the new birth statistics data. More women are delaying kids until they get older. What do we think of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This past week has seen the government announcing plans to construct a facility for the storage of liquid natural gas. The plans have been criticised by activists, academics, and opposition members, who say it compromises our government's commitment to reducing emissions.  Yesterday also saw ACT Party Leader David Seymour deliver his State of the Nation speech, noting different parts of society and the economy his party takes issue with. He particularly raised "five warning lights", of issues that the country must "overcome".  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to Simon Court about each of these issues, starting with liquid natural gas. 

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about Liquid Natural Gas imports and David Seymour's State of the Nation speech.  They also spoke to Professor Emeritus at Massey University, Ralph Sims, about the sustainability of an LNG terminal. And they spoke to University of Auckland Professor of Electrical Engineering Nirmal Nair about how the LNG plans would benefit power companies.  Producer Alex spoke to Professor Emeritus in Law at the University of Auckland, Jane Kelsey, about the ongoing rumblings around reforms within the World Trade Organisation, New Zealand's role, and what changes to the organisation would mean for us. He also spoke with Professor in Chemicals and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, and Deputy Director of the Green Energy Engineering Centre, Brent Young, about the governments LNG terminal proposal, and what it means in the context of our wider approach to fixing our energy woes.

The Act Party leader on why it’s worth listening to Question Time, and what he makes of the Indian FTA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party leader and Deputy PM comments on Act's ag policy, Winston’s election campaign in full swing, and whether Waitangi Day will be divisive this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a Parliament first, National and Labour are teaming up to tackle modern slavery. Backbench MPs from the rival parties have put forward new legislation, and they are using a new rule to fast-track it up Parliament's agenda, skipping the usual "biscuit tin" lottery. But this big show of bonhomie appears to have been by necessity. Despite the prime minister's personal passion for the topic, it seems the ACT Party was blocking it from going through Cabinet. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about the government choosing not to go ahead with the Climate Change Commission's recommendations on how to reduce methane emissions. Producer Alex spoke to Lisa Ellis, a Professor in Philosophy at the University of Otago, about the government's decision to reject the climate change commission's recommendation to include shipping and aviation emissions from our national emissions targets, and what that means for our Paris Agreement commitments. Joel spoke to Boyd Swinburn, a Professor of Population Nutrition and Global Health at the University of Auckland and Co-Chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa about San Francisco's lawsuit against companies producing highly-processed food, and what we could see as a result here in New Zealand. And Alex spoke to Chief Advisor at Forest & Bird, Richard Capie, about the Fast Track Amendment bill, the lack of engagement with feedback in the Environment Select Committee's report recommending any changes, and what it means for our environment. Whakarongo mai!

The government has recently rejected all of the Climate Change Commission's recommendations regarding strengthening the country's methane targets recommendations. The commission's recommendations include strengthening the county's 2050 methane emission targets, continuing lowering emissions after 2050, and that international shipping and aviation, which represents 9% of the county's total emissions, should be included within targets. Despite the commission saying that there would be upfront costs, many of the changes would result in cost savings over time, however, the government rejected this claim. For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about the government rejecting these recommendations.