Podcast appearances and mentions of barry soper

The Government's setting up a Ministerial Oversight Group on economic security to focus on fuel and supply chains. The Middle East conflict's forced crude oil over $100 USD a barrel, and made New Zealand's sharemarket plunge, 3.27 percent down so far. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the group will be briefed by MBIE weekly and have input from Treasury, the Reserve Bank, MFAT and others. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's acknowledged the Middle East crisis will be tough on everyone, but New Zealand can stay in good shape. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to wrap the political week. The war in Iran and it's implications are top of mind, including the potential effects on New Zealand's fuel prices. They also chat about today's National Party and Luxon news following the release of a damning poll this morning. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting minister Paul Goldsmith says he may have' grunted' at TVNZ's board chair after Andrew Barclay raised a crime story with him. Goldsmith was quizzed about the exchange by Labour's Reuben Davidson in Question Time on Thursday afternoon. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over his stance on the US and Israel attacking Iran. Chris Luxon strongly condemned the Iranian regime's retaliatory strikes. He also acknowledged the US claim Iran was developing weapons that could threaten overseas nations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's faced a lot of scrutiny from MFAT over this matter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional conflict is erupting in the Middle East - as the US and Israel ramp up aggression against Iran. Tehran has fired across surrounding states in retaliation for the killing of its Supreme Leader, with the US continuing bombardment, as Israel targets Lebanon. The White House says three US soldiers have died and it expects more casualties in coming weeks. MFAT says least 1750 New Zealanders are in the region, more than a thousand in the UAE. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon confirmed New Zealand stands with the people of Iran during this conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent wraps the week as Winston Peters and David Seymour disagree once again.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Andrew Hoggard, Grant McCallum, Jen Corkran, Stu Wyeth, and Barry Soper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is disagreement between the ACT and NZ First leader over the Government's stake in Air New Zealand. ACT Leader David Seymour proposed selling the Government's stake, which Winston Peters called 'economic lunacy'. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, 'David Seymour and Winston Peters have never seen eye to eye at all and it's remarkable really that both have been part of the same cabinet for two years.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's celebrating a substantial drop in the number of victims of violent crime. Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is good news, especially considering how frequent violent incidents and ram raids were in earlier years. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump delivered his annual State of the Union speech to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington. The US President's spoke for nearly two hours - with topics ranging from the cost of living, defence and immigration. It's the longest State of the Union speech since at least 1964. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the highlights of the address. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's calling for caution, while agreeing with National that Auckland needs a new harbour crossing. The Infrastructure Commission last week suggested a toll as high as $9 to fund the new crossing - and also tolling the existing bridge. But Chris Hipkins ruled out tolling Auckland Harbour Bridge at his State of the Nation speech yesterday. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why this position doesn't quite match Labour's earlier stance on extra costs for road users. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's promising to be realistic as it shapes up election year ideas. Leader Chris Hipkins has delivered his State of the Nation address in Auckland at a Business Chamber event. The speech lacked new policy - but addressed concern around people leaving the country and the state of our tax system. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper voiced disapproval with the speech, and questioned whether Labour would be able to deliver on anything for Kiwi voters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent talks about the release of his long-awaited book on where all the bodies are buried - One Last Question, Prime Minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Miles Hurrell, Stu Loe, Stu Duncan, Kate Scott, Hamish McKay, and Barry Soper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has been accused of racism in Parliament by Labour and the Greens following his comments in Parliament yesterday. Peters singled out a Green MP for his Rarotongan heritage - and Labour's Willie Jackson was quick to voice his concerns in the House today. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in Parliament today - with barbs traded between the Prime Minister and Opposition leader. Chris Luxon took a swipe at Labour's Chris Hipkins at Question Time over inflation. Speaker Gerry Brownlee told numerous MPs to cool down, after heckling from both sides. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the action from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop warned the Government may need to put a toll on the Auckland Harbour Bridge to fund the new Waitematā crossing. The new crossing will be tolled, but the Government is getting advice on whether the existing bridge needs to be tolled as well - in order to stop people from using the old bridge to bypass the toll. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why this idea isn't realistic for commuters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Eden Park stadium's been picked as the host for New Zealand's first ever State of Origin game. The Government's also announced new rules kicking in from April, allowing night-time sport on any day, as long as games wrap up by 10.30pm. The new rules will also boost the number of concerts allowed without the need for resource consent - up from 12 to 32. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the changes further - and discussed what this could do for Auckland's economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister Karen Chhour has confirmed she's asked officials for a formal explanation over cultural leave being offered to Māori public servants. Senior political correspondentBarry Soper joins Heather todiscuss. Plus, it's been revealed Winston Peters did not ask for advice surrounding the new Reserve Bank Governor involving herself in US politics, despite suggesting she ask for advice. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our newsroom can reveal Parliament's Speaker's been filing incorrect property declarations for the past two decades. Gerry Brownlee last year amended 15 of his 19 pecuniary interests declarations, dating to 2005. But some changes still appear to be incorrect. The inconsistencies stemmed from failing to declare a property entirely - and even declaring one he didn't own. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further, and revealed whether Kiwis should be concerned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's wading into debate whether a levy the Government announced yesterday is indeed a levy, or in fact a tax. The so-called 'levy on electricity' will fund building an LNG import terminal. Labour was quick to label this a 'gas tax', but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Energy Minister Simon Watts maintained this project would bring down people's power bills. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's discussions in Parliament. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is contracting to build a liquefied natural gas import facility, as a reliable backup fuel source. It's expected to save the country about $265 million a year, equivalent to about $50 per household. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains the project further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Labour MP Peeni Henare announced he was leaving politics yesterday, but some speculate there's more to the story than that. New Zealand First's Shane Jones has claimed that that's not the full story and it's 'important the whole story comes out'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks these claims. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Labour MP Peeni Henare's announced he's leaving politics, after what he calls a 'tough' 2025. Henare says he's not seeking re-election for Labour this year, and will leave Parliament in the coming weeks. It comes after he lost the Tamaki Makaurau seat to Te Pati Māori for a second time in last year's by-election, a seat he'd held for six-years from 2014 to 2020. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A change in student progress reports, with schools now required to give parents more clearer information about how their child is progressing. Nationally consistent assessment and reporting will be implemented in primary and intermediate schools for the first time this year. The new system replaces a 20-year-old framework and provides parents of Years 0-to-10 students with progress markers and twice-yearly learning updates. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what these changes mean for Kiwi students. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister for Trade's attempting to put to bed concerns about our fair trade agreement with India - repeatedly voiced by the NZ First leader. Winston Peters claims it will let tens of thousands more Indian migrants enter the country. The Prime Minister has denied the assertion. The full agreement is still not publicly available, but Trade Minister Todd McClay has detailed visa numbers to Parliament today. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's discussions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reflections on a tumultuous career, as senior National MP Judith Collins quits politics. She's moving to become the Law Commission President - after 24 years in Parliament. She lost the National leadership in 2021 after a caucus revolt, but just two years later became the Minister with the most portfolios. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper looked back on Collins' long-running political career. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former National leader Judith Collins is retiring from politics to take a new job as President of the Law Commission, starting from mid-year. The MP for Papakura entered Parliament in 2002. She was a Minister in the Key Government, and ran for the party leadership three times - assuming the role in 2020, before stepping down in 2021. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined the Afternoons team to look back on Collins' political legacy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 24 years, former National Party leader Judith Collins has called time on her career in politics for a new role as head of the law commission. Collins is the longest-continuously serving female MP in New Zealand, winning her electorate seats in Clevedon and then Papakura at every general election she has contested since 2002. The prime minister’s office has confirmed Collins will remain the MP for Papakura, retaining her portfolios until she moves to the law commission mid-year. So, what does her departure mean for New Zealand politics, who is National lining up for her seat, and when the history books are written – what will Judith Collins’ be remembered for? Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is with us to unpack a career defined by survival, scandal, comebacks, and crushing presence in New Zealand politics. 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.

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 28th of January 2026, news came through that Judith Collins is to retire - senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined us. Then - we discuss taking an OE later in life on the back of Kiwi comedian and writer Eli Matthewson moving to London to experience big city life at 37. The sports star explosions as Coco Gauff smashes another racket - was it dirty for TV to broadcast it when she did it in the privacy of the locker room? Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament returned today for the first session of 2026, and the focus has turned to campaigning for the upcoming election. Hipkins and Luxon made their statements, with Luxon applauding the coalition's track record and Hipkins accusing the Government of being all about slogans, not delivery. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament's youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke of Te Pāti Māori, has teased a coming Waitangi Day announcement with an Instagram post to her 271K Instagram followers. The post alluded to a collaboration between herself and Green MP Tamatha Paul. And, as election year approaches questions of Winston Peter's political alliance come to the forefront. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most parts of the economy are growing again. Stats NZ data out today shows GDP fell further in the June quarter than reported - at 1 percent, not 0.9. But GDP rose 1.1 percent in the September quarter - with growth in 14 of 16 industries. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what this means for the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's delivered his final parliamentary speech for the year, handing out plenty of praise for his Government and jibes for the Opposition. Parliament's wrapping up for the year, with party leaders getting in their last say. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the final speeches. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Condolences and support from New Zealand MPs for Australia's Jewish community, after Sunday's terror attack. Parliament's held a moment's silence - marking the 15 people killed when two gunmen opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says speakers from all the major political parties paid tribute to the victims. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's tempering expectations ahead of the Government's books opening this week. The Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update will be unveiled tomorrow - with some economists expecting a projected surplus to be pushed out by another year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this will be the third time a return to surplus has been pushed out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis is defending her economic track record in the face of a lobby-group's satirical campaign. The Taxpayers' Union has sent MPs Nicola Willis-branded fudge, claiming she favours treats today and taxes tomorrow. It suggests Willis should cut spending more. Willis says the Government has reduced taxes and delivered significant cost savings - while keeping frontline services. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why Nicola Willis is keen on making the debate with Ruth Richardson happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Taxpayers' Union has raised concerns about Nicola Willis' skills as a Finance Minister - and one of her predecessors has expressed interest in a debate. Willis challenged Ruth Richardson to a debate yesterday, after Richardson criticised the Government's fiscal track. Richardson's agreed - but a date's yet to be set. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resource Management Act is officially bound for the scrapheap. The Government's replacing the hefty legislation with two new laws - one based around planning, and the other on the environment. The new laws will cut consent and permit numbers by 46-percent, and speed up those still required. Barry Soper told Ryan Bridge that he's 'overwhelmed' with the scrapping of the Resource Management Act, and says he agrees with Chris Bishop's claim that this is the largest economic reform in a generation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talked to Ryan Bridge about today's political hot topics. Luxon sold the RMA reform we'll see tomorrow from Chris Bishop and Simon Court. Minister of Police Mark Mitchell is at odds with former police commissioner Andrew Coster over who knew what and when in the McSkimming scandal. A New Zealand war ship is being shadowed by a Chinese fleet near Taiwan. And, Helen Clark's father passed away. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talked to Heather du Plessis-Allan about today's political hot topics. Mariameno Kapa-Kingi has been reinstated to Te Pāti Māori, for now, after she took her expulsion from the party to court. A leaked phone call between European leaders shows confidence in Trump's loyalty to Ukraine is not strong. And, ten years ago we voted against changing the flag. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talked to Heather du Plessis-Allan about today's political hot topics. Expelled MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi was heard by Justice Radich in the Wellington High Court in regard to her interim injunction against Te Pāti Māori president John Tamihere. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attended the IKEA opening in Auckland today. And, head of the Justice Ministry, Andrew Kibblewhite, defended Sunny Kaushal's work as chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for victims of retail crime, including more than $227K in pay and a $3200 morning tea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talked to Heather du Plessis-Allan about today's political hot topics. Ex-Police Commissioner Andrew Coster resigned from his role as the CEO of the Social Investment Agency amid an inquiry into his involvement in the McSkimming case. The Treasury is over halfway through a review of state asset ownership, but they say the review is not driven by hope of asset sales. And, Donald Trump says he can abolish income tax because of how successful the tariffs are. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper chats to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the Andrew Coster inquiry, and Tamatha Paul calling for the defunding of NZ Police. Soper denies Paul's concerns over race bias in arrests made by NZ Police. "I don't think there's racism in the Police at all," he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent has a book coming out next year. But will he tell us where the bodies are buried?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Stu Loe, Stu Duncan, Rachel Shearer, Todd Clark, Hamish McKay, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask our political correspondent if Winston could ever go with Labour again and whether Chloe is indeed a "demonic eggbeater"? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie talks to Shane Jones, Emma Poole and Tim Dangen, Chris Brandolino, Hamish McKay, and Barry Soper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rumours have been swirling of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon getting rolled by his party. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith denied the rumours saying no one in National's caucus had raised with him the idea of replacing Luxon. In recent polls National has lagged behind Labour with 33% versus 38% in the Talbot Mills/Anacta poll conducted between November 1 and 10. This has fanned the flames of conversation regarding the likelihood of National's re-election next year. Although, Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "essentially you've got Labour on the ropes, whereas you've got, the coalition government headed by National in a much stronger position." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing speculation Chris Luxon is at risk of being rolled ahead of the election, with Chris Bishop being touted as a potential replacement. An opinion piece by Audrey Young was released today, and it claimed that Labour was going extra hard on Bishop over the cycleway project because he was likely to take over the party by 2026. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says National's taking a hit in the polls and there's discussions about Luxon's leadership abilities taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.