Podcast appearances and mentions of barry soper

Former finance minister Roger Douglas has called for current finance minister Nicola Willis to resign. He says that the decrease in the country's GDP is not in line with the global economic downturn and that Willis should be held accountable. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather duPlessis-Allan that a resignation is unlikely. 'You'd have to go back then to the 1930s to find a finance minister who has stood aside from the portfolio.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's on the defensive, after the latest sharp drop in GDP. The economy's contracted 0.9 percent in the June quarter - far more than anyone was expecting. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper weighed in on the latest data - and speculated about when things could improve. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New GDP figures are set to be unveiled tomorrow, and there's concerns from experts that the economy is struggling. The upcoming GDP data is projected to show an economy under pressure, as earlier forecasts of an incoming rebound look less and less likely. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Finance Minister is trying to soften the blow and put things in perspective. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New GDP figures are set to be unveiled tomorrow, and there's concerns from experts that the economy is struggling. The upcoming GDP data is projected to show an economy under pressure, as earlier forecasts of an incoming rebound look less and less likely. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Finance Minister is trying to soften the blow and put things in perspective. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders will no longer be able to look to adopt children from overseas and bring them home from this week. The Government's Adoption Amendment Bill's been introduced under urgency, and will suspend recognition of unsafe international adoptions to prevent harm. It also restricts the Family Court from granting adoptions where the adoptive parent or child are overseas. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the bill - and reveals why the changes are the way to go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's running its eyes over rules for big events at Eden Park - hoping to attract more money to Auckland. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the Government will investigate changing the rules if they hinder economic growth. Currently, only 12 music events and 25 night-time sports fixtures can be held each year, while conferences can't have more than 2000 people. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will move ahead with these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pacific Islands Forum wraps up in Honiara - and the standoff with the Cook Islands remains unresolved. Barry Soper told Heather duPlessis-Allan that the block between Mark Brown and Christopher Luxon is still present, despite the two leaders acting 'cordially' to one another. 'interestingly, we saw Chris Luxon with Mark Brown, and they seem to be getting on quite well, but the standoff remains.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Brandolino, Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Nigel Woodhead, Tim Dangen, Chris Russell, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk politics with Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent about 9/11, Tom Phillips, Tākuta Ferris, and Stuart Nash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pati Māori's co-leaders are silent during widespread criticism of one of their MPs social media posts, labelled 'racist' by some. Tākuta Ferris posted a video, saying it's unacceptable for other ethnicities to campaign to take a Maori seat from Maori. The party apologised in the past for a previous social media post with a similar sentiment. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has labelled these comments 'painful' and 'infuriating'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The four-year long manhunt for Phillips and his three children ended early yesterday morning - when police shot and killed him in rural Waikato. One of his children was found with him, and the other two were located at a campsite in dense bush. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper said Police Commissioner Richard Chambers weighed in on the case during a 'sombre' press conference. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has voiced concerns about the missing children of Marokopa man Tom Phillips. Phillips was shot dead by police this morning, concluding a four-year manhunt, but two of his children are belived to be unaccompanied in the bush. Luxon hasn't been briefed on any specific locations the police think the children might be. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's reflected on the concerns the country must be feeling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Benjamin Doyle has resigned from parliament – citing threats against them and their family as the reason behind this decision. They served as New Zealand's first non-binary member of parliament and will give their final valedictory on September 18th. The fallout from a controversial social media post followed Doyle through their time as an MP, and senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the controversy was more impactful than Doyle's time in parliament. ‘The only thing they've done is be the first non-binary person that's entered the corridors of power in parliament, and that's about it.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence Minister Judith Collins has just returned from visiting Ukraine - and says she's seen first-hand the heartbreaking human cost of war to its people. She says Russia's illegal invasion's brought misery and destruction to the Ukrainian people for three and a half long years. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the trip further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's showed off its newest weapons in a major military parade in Beijing marking the end of World War Two. President Xi Jinping oversaw the event in Tiananmen Square, with Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin by his side. Former Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark were in attendance. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper discussed the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been plenty of debate about New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement, following some comments made by David Seymour. The ACT leader wants New Zealand to pull out of the global climate agreement, unless the targets are realistic. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon won't withdraw from the agreement - at least not until the 2026 election is over. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition's confident allowing certain wealthy foreign buyers to buy a home won't drive up house prices. It's agreed to pass changes, allowing people on an Active Investor Plus visa to buy or build one home in New Zealand - worth a minimum of $5 million. The visa requires an additional investment of at least $5 million, on top of the price of the home. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes make sense for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent talks politics and the loss of a great mate and a great Kiwi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

The Government's new reforms are being welcomed by the alcohol industry body. The Government's proposing making businesses have further zero and low alcohol products on sale, to meet growing demand. It's also allowing businesses to respond to objections on licensing, and permitting wineries and breweries to have both an on and off license. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why many are welcoming these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government hopes more progress on competing with the supermarket duopoly will bring down prices. It's announced what it calls an express lane, allowing for new supermarkets to open in New Zealand. If a supermarket will boost either regional or national competition, it will be considered to be fast-tracked. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes are set to be pushed through quite quickly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand film and television producer John Barnett died on Sunday night, according to new reports. Barnett's known for working on some of the country's highest grossing films - including Footrot Flats, Whale Rider and Sione's Wedding. He ran South Pacific Pictures, the country's largest production company, from 1992 to 2015, and was made companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film and television in 2019. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recalled his experience working with John Barnett. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's stressing he doesn't tell the Reserve Bank what to do, but does offer his view. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking this morning he gives interim Governor Christian Hawkesby his reckons before the OCR's set. Speaking this afternoon, Luxon denied he has any influence over the bank's decisions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders if this is still too much for Luxon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Netanyahu has called a number of western nations – including New Zealand – ‘shameful' for their support of Palestine. These comments come as the NZ Government moves closer towards recognising a Palestinian state. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper says a statement about recognising Palestine will likely happen soon. “We probably will do; I would imagine at the General Assembly in New York next month.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's speaking about the importance of deterring threats, as it confirms a multi-billion dollar defence spend. It's investing $2.7 billion dollars for two new Airbus A321 planes to replace ageing planes that have broken down numerous times. The new planes will be delivered in 2028. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper talks about the potential implications of this spend. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank is signalling further OCR cuts, but making no promises. It's slashed the cash rate 25 basis points today, to 3 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is a sign that the screws are off the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaker Trevor Mallard is returning early from Ireland - ending his job as Ambassador. Winston Peters has appointed senior foreign affairs staffer Angela Hassan-Sharp to replace Mallard. Peters claims Mallard's behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should've disqualified him from the role. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Mallard's behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should have raised concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's justifying his noted absence from a global meeting on Ukraine, due to the time difference. Coalition of the Willing members gathered for virtual talks overnight, to embolden President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a meeting at the White House, for a number of them. Many leaders attended, including Australia, France and the UK. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon was invited to attend the discussion - and officials joined the call in his place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has begun looking in to allowing more foreign investors to by homes in New Zealand. Currently in discussion is the proposal to loosen the active investor visa and allow investors to purchase a property. Although discussion is in early days, a decision is expected to be made soon. Barry Soper told Heather duPlessis-Allan, ‘you would expect that a decision would be made clear by our cabinet in the coming weeks.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Country’s political correspondent wraps up another busy week in the Beehive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Cam Eyre, George Dodson, Hugh Jackson, Philippa Wright, Barry Soper, and Chris Brandolino.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was drama in Parliament today after Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick doubled down and refused to apologise for comments made yesterday. She was kicked out of the House for again not apologising for saying Government MPs with a spine should support sanctioning Israel more over Gaza. She was 'named', which means her pay will be docked. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says everyone's talking about Chlöe Swarbrick's conduct, which is what she wanted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick will be kicked out of Parliament tomorrow, unless she says sorry for remarks made today. The Auckland Central MP was sent out of the House, after refusing to apologise for suggesting MPs who don't support sanctioning Israel more - don't have a spine. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper questions what Swarbrick aims to accomplish - and wonders what taking a stance on Palestine will do for the wider conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Tom Young, Stacey Waaka, and Barry Soper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National could have a waiting game, as a new political poll predicts a hung Parliament. The latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll gives the left and right blocs 61 seats each. It also has Labour overtaking National. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon has refused to weigh in on this matter - and aims to focus on the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our political correspondent comments on the latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll, tonight's TV poll, Winston in high viz, Luxon cuddling Albo, Chlöe wanting to be Minister of Finance, and Willow-Jean Prime dropping the ball big time over education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled a new plan designed to level the playing field for all motorists. Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop's announced the Government plans to implement universal road user charges, to be paid like a bill. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this sounds like a good concept in theory, but there's some key flaws. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's unsure if foreshore and seabed changes will spark major backlash. It's going ahead with plans to make it more difficult for iwi to get customary marine titles, giving them rights over certain coastline activity. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper weighed in on the changes - and speculated about the possible reactions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's pushed forward in overhauling NCEA, and it's sparked debate among experts. The Government wants to phase out the school qualification system in five years, replacing level one with a literacy and numeracy test, and level two and three with Education Certificates. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks these changes - and reveals why a change to the system is overdue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's agreeing with an Act MP that recognising Palestine while Hamas holds hostages would be 'rewarding terrorism'. Simon Court raised the question in Parliament, after Winston Peters expressed support for a two-state solution - after a ceasefire and hostage releases. International condemnation's growing over Israel blocking aid and starving civilians in Gaza, including children. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says New Zealand will adopt the UK's stance on Palestine eventually, but concerns have been raised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suite of new voting rules has passed its first reading in the House - 68 to 54. Changes include moves to ban same-day enrolment. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill overhauls outdated and unsustainable electoral laws. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there'll be plenty of advertising ahead of the next election - and people shouldn't be enrolling to vote on the day. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A frosty reception for the Prime Minister at the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland yesterday - with booing from the crowd. Chris Luxon is brushing it off, and says he was well-looked after at the event. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's taken the backlash in his stride, and acknowledged the backlash that comes with politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

We welcome our long-standing political correspondent back from paternal leave. A week dominated by butter-gate as Nicola and Maiki make a meal of it. Plus, we go back in time to 2004 and a long lunch with Winston, followed by the Southland Party at the Beehive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister is moving to overhaul electoral laws, calling them outdated and unsustainable. He'll end same-day enrolment and prohibit offering free food, drink and entertainment near a voting place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper agrees with these proposed changes - and suggests it could speed up the vote-counting process. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says all roads lead back to supermarket competition, as questions loom over spiralling dairy prices. Nicola Willis yesterday spoke with with Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell - in a meeting she's called constructive and candid. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will make an announcement on supermarkets in the coming days. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government believes only a negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope in Gaza. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has signed New Zealand on to a long and growing list of nations calling for a permanent end to the conflict. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculates about the impact of this statement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has confirmed a Waikato medical school's coming, with construction beginning this year. The Government's putting $83 million towards the $230-million-dollar project, with the rest coming from Waikato University and philanthropic investors. It'll offer a graduate-entry programme, focused on primary care and rural health. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the ACT Party quickly released a statement taking credit for driving down the price of the project. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's urging councils to axe what he calls 'puppy dogs and ice cream'. The Deputy Prime Minister's adding to the coalition's call for councils to focus on basic, core services - and ditch 'nice-to-have' projects. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why David Seymour's speech was so controversial. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More accusations are being slung across the House, with the Greens indicating it's the Government that's forcing people across the ditch. At today's Question Time, Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick asked the Prime Minister about the conditions making young Kiwis head to Australia. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's a number of factors behind the brain drain - and that many skilled workers are making their way into New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.