Podcast appearances and mentions of barry soper

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 Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says the bill overhauls outdated and unsustainable electoral laws.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.

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.

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.

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.

David Seymour's withdrawn a letter he sent to the United Nations after being called out by the Prime Minister. A United Nations' official's letter was critical of the Regulatory Standards Bill, saying it excluded Māori traditions. Seymour, the Minister responsible for the bill, replied that as an indigenous New Zealander himself, he's deeply aggrieved by the UN's audacity in presuming to speak on his behalf. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper discussed the saga further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moves have been made to restore regional governance to 10 polytechnics. The Government is undoing Labour's merger of institutes under the Te Pūkenga umbrella. The 10 selected are deemed to be on a path to financial viability - and will stand alone from next year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes will hopefully help the regions boost employment in the sectors calling out for workers. LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jamie Mackay talks to Todd McClay, Emma Poole, Tim Dangen, Jane Smith, Chris Brandolino, and Barry Soper.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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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