Podcast appearances and mentions of barry soper

Prominent businessman, author and former politician Sir Robert Edward Jones —better known as Sir Bob Jones— has died. The 85-year-old died peacefully at his Wellington home surrounded by family after a brief illness. As recently as a few weeks ago, Jones was still writing on his ‘No Punches Pulled' blog, calling US President Donald Trump “a world-class ignoramus”, and rallied against the “working from home racket” in his last blog on April 16. Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Matt Heath and Tyler Adams every conversation with Sir Bob was one to treasure and hard to forget. “He was deliberately obnoxious at times, but for those of us who knew him well, we knew the cut of the man's cloth, and he was a thoroughly decent individual.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On his last day before heading away on paternity leave, our long-standing political correspondent celebrates Winston Peters’s 80th birthday and their nearly five-decade-long careers in politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Nathan Guy, Barry Soper, Stu Duncan and Stu Loe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Te Radar, Amy Renelle, Shane Jones, Nathan Guy, and Barry Soper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is defending his absence from Parliament yesterday as the Treaty Settlement Bill was voted down. He said he doesn't regret not being there as he was preoccupied with trade issues. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the Luxon's absence, Phil Goff's unfiltered comments on Trump, and Winston Peters 80th birthday. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another big week in politics. The Government has committed 12 billion over four years to defence, Winston Peters thinks the Prime Minister's free trade talks are premature, and the Greens were the target of billboards by the sensible sentencing trust. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about all this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treaty Principles Bill is dead, voted down by all parties except ACT - 11 to 112 - before a packed gallery. Fiery moments included Labour's Willie Jackson being kicked out for calling ACT leader David Seymour a liar. The Speaker reminded people multiple times not to clap, sing, or interject during speeches - in which the Bill was labelled 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped a memorable day in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Benjamin Doyle has conceded it was naïve to not delete old social media posts with sexually suggestive captions, as suggested by the party. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters spearheaded criticism of the private Instagram posts - escalating a barrage of extreme, violent threats against Doyle. Doyle has returned to Parliament - after taking leave since the onslaught. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's statements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is again dismissing criticism of her views on policing. Billboards depicting Paul and Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick have popped up in Wellington and Auckland -- with the tagline - 'Defund the Police, vote Green'. The Sensible Sentencing Trust is behind the ads, and claims the Greens have expressed copyright concerns about their use of official candidate photos. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the reactions from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says a multi-billion dollar boost for the Defence Force is about our national interest. The Government's unveiled its Defence Capability Plan, including $12 billion dollars of funding over four years - with $9 billion of new spending. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the plan's 'surprising'. "Remember, we said last week when it comes out that it'll be a 15-year plan. Well, this is more short-term - they're going to be spending, over the next four years, $12 billion dollars." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another big week in politics - Greens MP Tamatha Paul went under fire for DJ'ing anti-police anthems at a Wellington festival, while her colleague Benjamin Doyle received backlash for his social media posts. Meanwhile Te Pāti Māori are planning their own version of the Privileges Committee meeting after refusing to attend a hearing over the haka protest. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper wraps the political week with Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and Te Pāti Māori lose ground in recent polls, with ACT up 2.3% and NZ first, 7.5% The Greens rose by one percent to 11%. It comes as Greens member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Emma Poole, Tim Dangen, Jane Smith, Chris Brandolino, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask our political correspondent if Winston's getting better with age and applaud his wars on woke, the Greens, and Te Pāti Māori.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has finally unveiled his sweeping tariff plan - and many countries have been caught up in it. The US President's announced 10 percent tariffs on almost all imports to the US. They're much higher for some countries and products - including 25 percent on vehicles, 34 percent on China, and nearly 50 percent on some other countries. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump's focused on protecting the US from "unrelenting economic warfare" - but it's unclear what that could do to global relations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pati Māori won't attend a Privileges Committee hearing tomorrow - despite being summoned over a haka performed by MPs during reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year. Te Pati Māori says its request for a joint Party hearing was turned down, and its legal counsel isn't available. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why the party isn't playing by the rules. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's asking people to dob in too many road cones at work sites. A telephone hotline is planned - for people to report excesses. It'll be manned and funded by WorkSafe. It's been announced at the same time as Health and Safety at Work Act changes, with a focus on reducing the load on smaller businesses. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has voiced support with this idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask our political correspondent how "out of touch" the Greens are. And whether a book on his life in politics is in the wind?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Kate Scott, Sir David Fagan, Sam Owen, Chris Brandolino, Rachel Shearer, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is set to announce plans to encourage a third supermarket competitor on Sunday. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper says this means the Government will outline the process they'll use to make it easier for a third party to start up in New Zealand. Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the announcement and the Eden Park upgrade. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Tamatha Paul has copped more criticism from her political peers. The Wellington Central MP's been under fire over comments she made last week criticising police beat patrols - and suggesting all they do is throw away homeless people's possessions. Tamatha Paul reiterated those claims in further interviews. She also claimed a woman was imprisoned for stealing $12 worth of items - and when questioned, could not verify whether what she was told was true or not. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outrageous and 'a load of rubbish' are the Prime Minister's words to describe a Green MP's comments about police. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul spoke at an event last week, saying all beat police do is walk around - and throw away homeless people's items. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this makes the Greens look like a laughing stock. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feedback is being sought on a major shake-up of electorates. The Representation Commission is proposing replacing Wellington's Ōhāriu, Mana and Ōtaki, with new electorates, Kapiti and Kenepuru. A number of Auckland boundary lines would be redrawn, including New Lynn, Kelston, Te Atatū - becoming Waitākere, Glendene and Rānui. Panmure-Otahuhu would become Ōtāhuhu. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the potential winners and losers from this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for some bi-partisanship as the Government reveals key features of a replacement Resource Management Act system. Two replacement acts will include clearer environmental boundaries and prioritise property rights. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says it also has common sense ideas - like standardised zoning countrywide. He says he'll reach out to Labour and the Greens to look for areas where they can work together. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Blair McLean, Kevin Smiley Barrett, Stu Duncan, Stu Loe, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will the trade and diplomatic trips to India and the US be the saviour of the Coalition Government? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christoper Luxon's time in India has come to an end, relaunching free trade one decade after they fell apart. A timeline is yet to be secured. Meanwhile Winston Peters was in Washington as the US decides it needs a stronger presence in the Pacific. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins the show to discuss the international trips, the Green party's rally for criminal Dean Wickliffe, and the latest GDP figures. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they will slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis. The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they were slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis. The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of recession, but that doesn't mean the focus is off recovering the economy. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says the May budget will be tough. "There was a lot of criticism at the last budget that it wasn't tough enough, they had to do more ... they'll be hoping they can do something that will turn the economy on a better basis than what it has been," he said. Barry Soper joins the show to discuss this, Ginny Anderson's charter contradicting charter school comments, and the Green MP who visited Dean Whitcliffe in prison. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is calling for Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old prisoner on a hunger strike, to be released. Wickliffe was allegedly beaten by prison guards at Spring Hill Corrections Facility - and the Greens want him released on compassionate grounds. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why a notorious criminal needs to be let out of prison under these circumstances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's David Seymour says it's time for a clean-out in local politics, as the party looks to stand candidates in local body elections this year. He's calling for expressions of interest from practical, community-minded people who are focused on keeping rates down and services up. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says ACT is likely looking to boost its political reach. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says confirmation we're relaunching Indian trade talks came soon after he'd touched down in New Delhi. On the campaign trail, Chris Luxon pledged a deal with India within his first term. He's noted there'll be many rounds of negotiations, but this news is a huge win and a breakthrough in New Zealand's economic agenda. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is unsure how far these discussions will go at this stage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 17 March 2025, free trade negotiations are underway with India, but will they actually result in a deal? Senior political correspondent Barry Soper and Meat Association Chair Nathan Guy tell Ryan about the hurdles trade negotiators could be facing. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hints who might be the winners and losers of this years' Budget. Wellington Airbnb owners are furious at the council for suggesting anyone with an Airbnb should pay commercial rather than residential rates. Plus, threatening violence or a bit of fun? The Huddle weighs in on Rawiri Waititi's latest spat with David Seymour. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent about Dame Jacinda Ardern's new book, the Investment Summit and whether the PM is in any danger of being rolled. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Dean Rabbidge, Shane Jones, Glen Burrell, Barry Soper, and Chris Brandolino.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is sounding off on the Prime Minister after failing to reach a deadline made for all councils. Councils were encouraged to deliver a plan that the Government could help with, and Wellington didn't deliver one in time. Whanau then said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is 'not a very nice person.' Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper said the Mayor thought the comment would work in her favour. "She said it works for her because a lot of people in Wellington don't like Luxon," he said. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Jacinda Ardern is releasing her first children's book, called 'Mum's Busy Work'. The former Prime Minister says it's told through the eyes of a child, based off things her daughter Neve said to her when she was in the top job. It will be released in September, with $3 from every copy sold going to The Kindness Collective. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper offered his thoughts ahead of the book's release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are hanging tough despite tough economic conditions. A KPMG report has found the sector's net profit for 2024 increased just 0.25 percent from the previous year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this still adds up to $7.22 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's yet again been forced to defend David Seymour over the school lunches saga in the House. The Opposition was relentless at Question Time today - with Chris Hipkins taking aim at the Government over the school lunch programme. Yet again, it was up to Chris Luxon to fend off the the attacks. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has overtaken National - and Chris Hipkins has leap-frogged Chris Luxon as preferred Prime Minister in a new poll. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent and National on 33.6 percent - leaving the coalition unable to form a Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon doesn't appear to be bothered by this data - and he's focused on getting the economy sorted ahead of the 2026 election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown is making major changes by bringing back the board of Health New Zealand. It comes as an audit of the public health agency found financial difficulties and "significant concerns." Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper tells Ryan Bridge one of those concerns was senior management not having a meeting for two years. "If it was laughable, you'd say it was an orchestrated litany of laughs, but it's not because it's not funny," he said. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation. Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr. "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.' LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sacked Phil Goff as British High Commissioner. The Foreign Minister acted after Goff - a former Labour leader and Cabinet Minister in Clark's Government - questioned Donald Trump's understanding of history. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump needs to be handled with care, as the US President could retaliate and impact New Zealand's 'bread and butter'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's surprise resignation by Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has left experts with plenty of questions. Neither the Prime Minister nor Finance Minister are giving any details of why the most powerful, non-elected person in Government has abruptly quit. Not only have Nicola Willis and Chris Luxon gone to ground - the Reserve Bank will not answer media questions about the departure. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper suspects Adrian Orr may have found other opportunities elsewhere - and aimed to leave while the economy was recovering. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's tension-filled meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines all over the world after Trump and VP Vance showed noticeable hostility to the Ukrainian President. Zelenskyy left the US early to join leaders from Europe and Canada in a meeting in London - to agree a four-step plan to end the war with Russia. NewstalkZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked Trump's 'bullying' behaviour during the meeting directed towards the Ukrainian leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joins Ryan Bridge to wrap the political week, from citizens arrests, to Andrew Bayly falling on his sword. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing, telling his counterpart that New Zealand was not given enough warning about China's recent navy exercises. Peters says the Cook Islands-China deal was also a topic of discussion in their meeting. In other meetings, Sir Kier Starmer has met with Donald Trump. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about everything that happened in that meeting, Peters discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Trump's invitation from King Charles, and the Treasury's Cook Straight Ferry deadline. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says it's not possible to have a police office on every corner, as he announces plans to beef up citizen's arrests. The Government is aiming to legislate proposals from a retail crime advisory group - letting businesses detain, restrain and use reasonable force against people stealing. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has some concerns about these new changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.