Podcast appearances and mentions of barry soper

Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper joined Francesca Rudkin to discuss the big political news of the week. Paul Henry debuts his political career, the new ferries receive names, NZ First's convention makes headlines, and the Green Party calls for union membership as default setting for new employees. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party says unions are to thank for workplace rights Kiwis now see as a given. Co-leader Marama Davidson's announced a members bill to make union membership the default, which is also a Party election policy. Membership would still be optional, but workers would need to opt-out, not in. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this proposal feels like a step backwards, given which other countries have compulsory unions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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

New Zealand could soon have its second formal ally, as the Government considers joining Australia and Fiji's defence pact. Anthony Albanese and Sitiveni Rabuka inked the deal on Monday, promising to come to each other's defence in an attack. Prime Minister Chris Luxon's confirmed Cabinet's pondering signing up, and he's spoken to both leaders about it. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank moved to increase the OCR, prompting concern from some over what it could mean for the economy. The central bank raised the cash rate to 2.5 percent - the first hike in more than three years. Some economists thought inflation could surge as high as 4.8 percent this quarter. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says inflation needs to be brought under control - so this was the right move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank moved to increase the OCR, prompting concern from some over what it could mean for the economy. The central bank raised the cash rate to 2.5 percent - the first hike in more than three years. Some economists thought inflation could surge as high as 4.8 percent this quarter. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says inflation needs to be brought under control - so this was the right move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's celebrating the new diesel storage tanks opening at Marsden Point. The Northland site will store 93 million litres emergency reserve, ordered at the peak of the fuel crisis, in April. It paid Channel Infrastructure to upgrade its tanks. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's looking to boost up emergency supplies following the uncertainty of the Middle East conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's understood to have warned our Government it's planning a nuclear-capable missile test within the next 24 hours in the South Pacific. Newstalk ZB understands China's told the Beehive today of the imminent test - the same day Australia and Fiji inked a new defence pact. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unknown when exactly this test will take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make his first official visit to New Zealand. His arrival comes amid controversial comments from foreign minister Winston Peters, who says that Indians will be facing unfairly tough immigration laws upon arrival to New Zealand Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that you would normally expect the foreign minister to greet an arriving Prime Minister, but Peters is abroad for the visit. 'He arrives back in the country the day after Modi leaves. he's in Japan quite conveniently.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has made decisions on tightening immigration settings for Indian nationals, but concerns have been raised ahead of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month. Speculation indicates Modi will visit on July 12, and Winston Peters has accused National of restricting immigration settings for India. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World-class honours have been dished out to select New Zealand restaurants, with hopes they'll lead to a much-needed boost for the industry. Queenstown's Essence has been crowned our only two star Michelin restaurant - alongside 14 others awarded a single star, like Auckland's Tala and Christchurch's Inati. Ninety-five other venues received the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected accolades. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained how this development will boost tourism. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World-class honours have been dished out to select New Zealand restaurants, with hopes they'll lead to a much-needed boost for the industry. Queenstown's Essence has been crowned our only two star Michelin restaurant - alongside 14 others awarded a single star, like Auckland's Tala and Christchurch's Inati. Ninety-five other venues received the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected accolades. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained how this development will boost tourism. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour claims the Auditor General has credibility issues, after releasing a scathing report into the Healthy School Lunches Programme. Only half of last year's lunches complied with the Ministry of Education's nutrition standards. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the data further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's remaining reticent about accusations against the country's top cop. The Police National Integrity Unit and IPCA are looking into historic sexual allegations from Police Commissioner Richard Chamber's former partner. Chris Luxon says he can't comment on the allegations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss today's news in politics. Allegations have been made against police commissioner Richard Chambers, but police minister Mark Mitchell says Chambers has his support. Chris Bishop delivered bad news to truck drivers. And the inequity gap is growing, most noticeable in the classroom. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Colin Hurst, Rachel Shearer, Chris Brandolino, Chris Russell, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent comments on some fun and games from Winston, and whether Chippy should do a deal with The Opportunity Party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is accusing National of discriminating against Indian citizens in the Indian free trade deal - a shocking about-turn from earlier criticism. The NZ First leader previously claimed the deal would lead to open-slather immigration. But he now says National's abruptly changed course by tightening immigration settings against Indian citizens. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the debate further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opportunity Party is seeing steady growth and would be a hair's breadth from Parliament on the latest 1News Verian poll numbers. It scored 4.6 percent support, up 1.3 percent from the last poll. The centrist party says it would be willing to work with either the right or left block. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what these results could mean for the party's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the way is becoming increasingly clear for Andy Burnham to become the next British Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer has already stepped down as leader of the British Labour Party, outlining his plan to relinquish his position as PM. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Burnham's made a name for himself in UK political circles and he's got the right form. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is in damage-control mode today, after Campaign Chair Simeon Brown made some strong comments at the Party's annual conference over the weekend. Brown's likened the two minor coalition parties to children, and has warned that voting for them doesn't help National. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says National's at risk of losing votes to ACT and NZ First, according to current polling. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Latest polls show that the Opportunity Party has a 14% chance of securing a seat in parliament. The rising amount of support means that if the Opportunity Party secures six seats, it could oust the current coalition when combined with the other left wing parties (according to current polls). Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, "If You add 6 seats into that, which is a possibility fairly remote of TOP making it past the threshold, then this coalition government would be out of office on these figures." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, James Bratton, Jack Taggart, George Dodson, Nigel Woodhead, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent comments on the Prince of the Provinces and the "Poll of Polls".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economic recovery had been gaining momentum before the Iran war and fuel crisis hit. Today's figures show GDP rose 0.8 percent in the March quarter. That was driven by manufacturing, business services and wholesale trade, particularly production of equipment and food. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's still indicators the economy could rebound - assuming the US-Iran peace deal holds up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First's leader claims people implicated in an MBIE scandal should be jailed. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says she was misled about ballooning costs for a border biometrics tech upgrade, which was axed with about $33 million dollars lost. The Public Service Commission and MBIE are undertaking reviews. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further, and speculated on the possible consequences for the officials. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister assures the Government won't get ahead of itself at news of a Middle East peace deal. The US says it's reached agreement with Iran, under which military action will end, naval blockades will lift and the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. It's scheduled for signing this week, but there are conflicting messages on what's next. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court is quashing earlier court directions to return gang patches to some members. Open Justice reports two men caught wearing patches in separate incidents were prosecuted, and in each the presiding judge ruled they could get back their insignia. The Solicitor-General appealed those directions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined the terms of the ruling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's started unveiling some new policies ahead of the election, and they made a new announcement regarding public transport. It's promising to campaign on a weekly fare cap - $20 for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch - and $10 elsewhere. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper questions whether this is an affordable move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended using a generous publicly funded private superannuation scheme to pay off the mortgage of his family holiday home. Hipkins confirmed he pays the maximum contribution, but he also contributes to KiwiSaver, meaning the full amount of contribution will not be paid towards the super scheme that owns his home. MPs are allowed to direct these savings into private superannuation funds, which Hipkins has done. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view it's been an overall successful trip for the Prime Minister across the Tasman. Christopher Luxon returned from Queensland after meeting with his counterpart Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. Luxon has been making the pitch for New Zealand to be involved in building infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says both nations are allies, and it's important for Luxon to keep the working relationship going. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the political week that was. They discussed the MPs banned from China following a Taiwan visit last year, the Government moving to ban unelected members from voting in local councils, and the rise of the fringe parties. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We reflect on the NZ Radio Awards and ask, why did we send four no-name politicians to Taiwan? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

“Based in the Parliamentary Press Gallery since 1980, Barry Soper has covered every New Zealand Prime Minister since, earning a reputation for his sharp questioning, wit, and deep institutional knowledge of Wellington politics.” Barry's contribution to New Zealand journalism saw him recognised in this year's King's Birthday Honours, where he was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He's had a long and fascinating career and continues it still as Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent. His book, ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister', now in its fourth print, was our excuse to have a most enjoyable conversation in episode #331. And as always, we finish in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roy Morgan's newest poll shows the National-led Government is still leading among prospective voters. Support for National increased 5 percent to 30.5 percent, support for NZ First dropped 0.5 percent to 11 percent and support for ACT dropped 0.5 percent to 10 percent. Meanwhile, support for Labour dropped to 26.5 percent, and support for the Greens increased 1.5 percent to 12.5 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this was a big drop for some parties, but it's still too early to tell how things will play out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the PM to a former PM's son, we ask Fonterra's MD for Co-op Affairs about the first GDT Auction of the new dairy season and whether he's read Barry Soper's book about his late father, Jim. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is standing by New Zealand's planned defence spending, after Pete Hegseth's accused New Zealand of freeloading off the American military. The US Secretary of War has used a global security summit in Singapore, to call on US allies to lift defence spending to 3.5 percent of GDP. He says New Zealand's goal to bring defence spending to 2 percent of GDP within the next eight years doesn't go far enough. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says New Zealand's economy isn't big enough to invest that kind of money into defence spending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat all things budget week. They also discuss the other political news you may have missed in all the budget noise. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bazza on the Budget and books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Jeremy Rookes, Steve Wyn-Harris, Rachel Shearer, Rocky Hawkins, Allan Paterson, and Barry Soper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis today, and it aimed to be more 'careful' amid the ongoing economic turmoil and international conflicts. Healthcare, education, and infrastructure were the key priorities - and the Government's claimed the books will return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Winston Peters has lucked out, as he's secured an extra financial boost in terms of foreign aid. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor acknowledges many Kiwis are doing it very tough right now. Anna Breman used her casting vote today, to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25 percent. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee was evenly split on hiking or holding the rate. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPs are set to receive a pay rise from July of about 2 percent. The base salary for the MPs will increase to $181,200, while Cabinet ministers will get $327,100, and the Prime Minister's salary will jump to $520,500. Newstalk ZB senior correspondent Barry Soper says this increase is on the lighter side, compared to other political pay bumps. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new initiative will make up to $1.2 billion of bank loans available for businesses, to enable them to reduce or eliminate their dependence on gas. $48 million dollars is set aside in this week's Budget to cover potential losses from the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this stands to benefit many Kiwi businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says she's disappointed by revelations MFAT is exempt from cutting spending this year. It's been confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade won't be given a reduced baseline budget. Most agencies face two percent cuts - but MFAT will be subject to the same five percent reduction for most agencies next year, and the year after. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has admitted key details about its Future Fund, including the cost to the Crown and which state assets will be rolled into it, will not be released until after voters have gone to the polls. Labour's finance spokeswoman Barbara Edmonds admitted the party doesn't itself know which public assets will go in the fund, and won't know until it gets advice from officials after the election. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has dismissed this as 'rubbish' - and questions what this means for Labour's capabilities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The veteran political journalist and commentator has finally put pen to paper in his new book One Last Question, Prime Minister. 

A $131 million education boost aiming to lift maths results and teachers' confidence teaching it has been revealed. Funding's going to new workbooks and digital tools, as well as a Year Two literacy check and Year Five maths check. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Erica Stanford's responding to the needs of teachers, and ideally they'll support these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.