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The Transport Minister says rule change proposals hope to return some common sense lost in New Zealand, long ago. The Government's today announced proposals to let under-13s bike on footpaths and allow e-scooters in cycle lanes. Consultation's open for the next month via the Transport Agency. Chris Bishop says it could mean some details may change and he's happy to take feedback on the policies into account. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government announced today it wants to shake up the road rules a little - allowing kids under the age of 12 to ride their bikes on the footpath, and letting e-scooters use cycleways. Now, it might surprise you to learn that both of those things are against the rules. Kids aren't allowed on footpaths on their bikes unless the wheel diameter is roughly the length of a ruler or smaller, and e-scooters are not allowed in cycle lanes. And it probably does surprise you, because we do these things all the time, don't we? We've got a cycleway near our house and scooters are on that thing constantly - because frankly, it's the safest place for a scooter to be. I took my boy and his six and nine-year-old cousins for a bike ride to the skate park at the beach during summer. They rode on the footpath. Two of those bikes were definitely against the rules - far too big. So you could probably characterise Chris Bishop's proposed changes as simply updating the law to reflect what people are already doing. But I have a question for you - Why have an age limit for kids at all? We're hardly going to stick to this rule, are we? We're hardly going to tell a 12-year-old that the day they turn 13, they suddenly have to get off the footpath and cycle down Ponsonby Road. In fact, we regularly see older adults riding their bikes along Ponsonby Road, past the cafés. We just step out of the way. It's an adult on an adult-sized bike - they're courteous, they're surrounded by pedestrians and they go slowly. So here's my proposal - when we change the rules, why don't we take the age limit out altogether? Don't have an age limit. Simply say - we'd prefer you to cycle on the road but if you can't do that safely, you're welcome to use the footpath. If you do, please go slowly and give pedestrians the right of way. Our goal is that no one dies on the road and no one gets hurt on the footpath. Maybe we could just pass a rule that reflects what we're already doing - and what also reflects a bit of common sense. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We thought we'd start with the housing densification or de-densification that was announced yesterday. We didn't really get a chance to talk about it despite the fact that yesterday when the Prime Minister was in for an hour, he gave us a bit of an announcement of an announcement. “Long story short is what Chris will announce is a significant reduction in the capacity, which means that then actually that pressure of intensifying our suburbs in Auckland goes away. And what we want to see is intensification happening in the right places. Over the CBD, the transport hubs, the town centres, we should be densifying and putting more intensification. So where would the density occur? Should occur in the CBD, in the town centres, in the transport hubs that we've got across the across Auckland City, but not in the suburbs.” Didn't have to wait very long for the actual announcement, because a few hours later, Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced sweeping changes to housing densification in Auckland, with dwelling capacity being slashed from 2 million homes to 1.6 million. The housing intensification will still go ahead near transport hubs, rail corridors, and the CBD. Chris Bishop said yesterday that the 2 million housing figure had become a red herring that transformed into a lightning rod. Basically, people felt that 2 million houses would be put up right next door to them. That was the kind of irrational thinking behind it. There were concerns about who would be there, what sort of housing developments would go there, where people would shop, how people would get to work, where people would go to school. They were legitimate concerns, but there was, I agree with Chris Bishop, that 2 million suddenly became 2 million people will be next door to me. And he said the changes made yesterday were a response to public feedback. Hamish Firth, who you will have heard on this show before, who is most excellent, who is an urban planner, who was stolen by the Mike Hosking Breakfast this morning, said the changes announced by the Minister yesterday made sense. “What we've got to be very careful when you suddenly throw 2 million out there is you create paper capacity, but you're going to create community backlash, you're going to create land value distortion, and you're probably not going to create any extra homes, especially against the backdrop of what was a very well written Auckland Unitary Plan. At the end of the day, targets don't build houses, infrastructure and feasibility do. And what you'll find right now is a lot of high rise buildings are very expensive to build, and they only get built, as you're starting to see, in very high end areas where the developer can achieve a very high end outcome. So just because you can build to 50 doesn't mean many of these sites will or may, and I think that some thought has to go into that.” Does this allay the fears you might have had about intensification of housing? Does the fact that the Government has listened show a government that is concerned and understands and appreciates the fears of well, many around the country, because what happens in Auckland quite often filters through to the rest of the country? That by being willing to listen, that shows, you know, a reasonable kind of a government. Labour was shouting about a u-turn and they've got it all wrong and they've had to backpedal. But a couple of texters yesterday, because I said to the Prime Minister yesterday, this just looks like you're looking after the voters in the leafy suburbs. And a couple of people from the leafy suburbs said it makes no sense to put people in areas where there is no transport hub, where there are no schools. And I think that's a perfectly valid point and I accept that. And when the PM said yesterday that you could pop up housing developments, you know, put 100 homes into an area without having to provide for transport, without having to provide for schools, there was no thought to it, you could just sell off the land and the council'd say, “Yeah, sure, you can turn that into a development," – that doesn't make sense either. There's got to be planning and forethought when you are putting in new homes. That's what will create a thriving community. Putting it around the transport hubs, great. Putting it in the CBD and the and the suburbs closest to the CBD, great. Watch new communities develop. Does that allay the fears that people had now? First home buyers, there have never been more of them right now, and that's pleasing. We never want to see the kind of rorting and speculation that we saw with housing prices, and an increase in supply will help mitigate that. And we don't want to see people stranded in the middle of nowhere in housing developments that have put a roof over their head but precious little else. So love to hear from you on this, especially if you had concerns at the time. Does this kind of tinkering with the plan, this kind of revisiting of the plan, is that a tick for the government to say, Okay, you took the feedback on, you listened," and does this make you perhaps less fearful of what housing intensification is going to look like, what providing homes for future New Zealanders looks like in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the council isn't going to change its approach to housing intensification after the government lowered its housing capacity targets for the city. Housing Minister Chris Bishop spoke to Corin Dann.
This morning we spoke to a Raglan dairy farmer following the decision from Fonterra shareholders to sell the company's consumer brand business Mainland Group, to Lactalis; Housing minister Chris Bishop joined us after the government lowered its housing capacity targets for Auckland; We spoke to the Airport Association. It says the regions are bearing the brunt of airfare hikes because of a lack of competition; And, we crossed to London for reaction to the overnight arrest of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor; And the On The Fly Mataura River Festival is taking place in Gore this weekend. We spoke to its organiser.
It was the fish that summed it up for me. The Infrastructure Commission report was profound in its nature this week. Chris Bishop was dead right on this programme when he talked of its importance and, yet, its dryness. Big picture, infrastructure building and planning and funding isn't sexy. It never has been and that in some respects is why we are where we are. And what a place that place is. We, in parts, are a broken down, tragic, second-hand little nation that has let ourselves go. We were fighting fit once. We paid our way, had cash in pocket, did the job properly and had big dreams. In 2026 we are in hock up to our eyeballs, bitching, moaning and complaining, wanting everyone else to wipe our bums and solve our problems. But the fish is your real clue. The fish is in Rakaia and it's the town's mascot. It was in the news this week for being defaced and yet, in another irony, that wasn't actually the story, or it shouldn't have been. The other problem with small-minded, myopic New Zealand is a defaced town mascot is what passes for news these days, when the real story was the fish that was defaced had just had a $200,000 renovation job. $200,000 thousand dollars to polish up a fish?! Now, if Rakaia has perfect water and footpaths of gold and record low rates and a spare few hundred grand lying about looking to do luxury jobs, no problem. But guess what? It doesn't. It will be like a lot of small-town New Zealand; in the hole with big picture issues that have been ignored for years. Yet a group of people who clearly aren't up for the real work thought it was appropriate to rejuvenate a fish. Did they have the dough? No. Was there a shed load of proper work to be done? Yes. But all that can wait because doing a fish up is easy, it's a headline and you can bang on about civic pride. Until of course it gets defaced, at which point the media can't get hold of it fast enough and you can complain some more about crime and the irony that you now need even more money to fix the fish up again. When fish are the news the country's real issues don't stand a chance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auckland's suburban, heritage, and green areas aren't guaranteed immunity from housing intensification. The Government has revised the city's housing capacity number in a new plan - from just over 2 million, to 1.6 million, with more focus on the city and transport hubs. It follows pushback from Aucklanders - particularly in National strongholds like Ōrākei, Mt Eden and Franklin. But Housing Minister Chris Bishop says it's ultimately up to the council where houses are built. "If they wish to take growth out of the suburbs, then they can do that. The strong feedback coming through is that that's what they want to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 19 February, 2026, Chris Bishop on the Government's backdown on two million houses for Auckland. A relaxing of rules around serving alcohol at community and sports clubs. Why grocery tourism is becoming a popular pursuit for holidaymakers. And on the Huddle, Phil Goff and David Farrar lament the Government ditching a referendum on a four-year term. 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.
Well, finally Chris Bishop has done the right thing and made the u-turn on the two million new houses he had planned for Auckland. It's not altogether a surprise that he did this and announced it this afternoon, because it's been rumoured for months - for the obvious reason that it's election year. Auckland is a key battleground. Aucklanders are obsessed with houses. Auckland voters who own their homes were already stressed about this plan, and if it turned into a full election issue with proper media coverage, even more of them would've become stressed. That would mean blue Auckland voters heading straight to New Zealand First, ACT or Labour. So it was a political problem for National and Bishop had to back down. But in reality, it's not just politics, is it? It's basic common sense. I think it's reasonable for an Aucklander who has sunk one to two million dollars - maybe more, maybe a bit less, but still a lot of money - into their home to feel stressed at the idea of a multi‑storey apartment block popping up next door, blocking their view, blocking their light, ruining their privacy. Whatever it is. We mock these people as NIMBYs, but actually, I think it's fair for them to want to protect the place they live in. Don't you want to protect the place you live in? This battle, though, is far from won. Anyone looking at this and thinking, “That was a close call, thank God that's over,” - it's not over. All Bishop has done is reduce the number of new houses to the point that it shouldn't impact on suburbs. But whether it does affect suburbs is a decision for Auckland Council, and that decision hasn't been made yet. So while it should, on balance, be okay, nothing is certain until the Auckland maps are released. What this is, then, is one u-turn down, and one more to go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and former Labour MP Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Wellington City Council wants local authorities to have more power to curb heritage listings. Do we think this is a good idea? Chris Bishop today confirmed the Government is revising the city's housing capacity number in its new plan and focusing more on building in the city and by transport hubs. Why do we think the Government had to back down? Winston Peters copped some backlash over some comments that Labour and the Greens have dubbed 'racist'. Do we think this backlash is fair? Why do we think the Government hit pause on introducing four-year terms? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Auckland City Counsellor says the Government's plans for the CBD won't be clear for a while. It's reducing the proposed homes allowed in the Supercity from 2 million to 1.6 million. The revision to new density rules will focus more on builds in the central city and around key transit hubs, than in suburban areas. Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker told Ryan Bridge he doesn't think it'll please everybody and isn't the silver bullet some people have been asking for. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Infrastructure Minister believes a toll is a fair way of paying for a new Auckland harbour crossing. The Infrastructure Commission's 30-year plan makes 10 recommendations for what should be prioritised over the next decade, with hospital investment topping the list. The plan suggests the extra crossing in Auckland, tunnel or bridge, gets a $9 toll, but the Government is still weighing up whether the existing bridge should also be tolled. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking ultimately, roads have to be paid for. He says the second harbour crossing will be the biggest infrastructure project ever built in New Zealand, and they think it will wind up being tolled as it's a fair way of paying for the project. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of February, the first National Infrastructure Plan has been unveiled, and it's a sobering read. Minister Chris Bishop joined to unpack the report. Netball NZ's chair Matt Whineray is resigning from the board, along with three other members, in an end to a tumultuous time at the organisation. Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell debate the India FTA, tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the latest polls on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kieran McAnulty joins us LIVE for the first time in 2026 to talk infrastructure, Labour's plan for 2026 and 2am feedings.Chris Bishop released an infrastructure report on NZ's state of repair which he says will 'shock' people. We'll take a look at the 1News Verian poll that is currently painting a rosy picture for the right bloc in the early stages of election year. One thing probably is clear, that the minor parties on both sides are going to hold a lot of sway come November 8th this year++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 13th of February, is there a water tax in the RMA bill? Chris Bishop responds to some angry farmers. Karen Chhour answers questions about why there is Maori leave entitlements at Oranga Tamariki and whether it is more widespread than one Government department. Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson on concert reviews, adult kids back at the house and Kiwis bed times. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has categorically ruled out implementing a 'water tax' that's mentioned in the proposed Resource Management legislation. Federated Farmers today asked the Government to remove clauses they say give Ministers sweeping powers to tax water as a tool for managing demand. Bishop says it's not that simple, and it's not a policy the current Government is proposing. "There's a provision in there to allow it to be turned on into the future, if the Government did policy work around that, and I can tell you that we're not doing a policy work on our water tax." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This morning we spoke to the prime minister, Christopher Luxon, plus the Transport minister Chris Bishop joined us as repairs to roads hit by severe weather continue; It's a big week for Auckland, with the convention centre opening, and the Sail GP foiling its way into town. We spoke to mayor Wayne Brown; We were joined by our reporter Timothy Brown who covered the Christchurch mosque attacks in detail, as the gunman attempts to appeal his convictions; Wellington Water Chief Executive Pat Dougherty says locals may have to stay out of the water for months, he joined us live.
The Government says it's modernising the drivers licensing system, with the key change being the end to full license practical tests. After passing the restricted license test, drivers under the age of 25 will have to wait out a mandatory 12-month period as a restricted driver before they can apply for a full licence. Those aged over 25 will have to wait six months. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says it'll save time and money. He told Mike Hosking most countries don't make drivers do a second practical test, so they're bringing New Zealand in line with that. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of February, Transport Minister Chris Bishop delves into the overhaul of the drivers licensing system. Mike runs through what words he can, can't, and shouldn't say after the BSA's latest swearing report. And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Peeni Henare's resignation, the messy press conference with Labour and the Greens, and Waitangi on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Remember the terror of the driving test? Your heart in your mouth as you drove around the mean streets of Timaru or Ashburton, or in my case Tauranga, with a gimlet-eyed traffic cop watching your every move. The parallel parking, the hill starts. I only got my license because the cop took pity on me, I'd have lost my job if I didn't pass the test. But it's been 40 years now and I haven't had any major incidents in that time, fingers crossed. His faith was justified. Getting your driver's license is a rite of passage. But now Chris Bishop has announced a swathe of changes, the first to the testing regime since 2011 for drivers and for wannabe drivers, as he explained to Mike Hosking this morning. “Firstly, we know that younger drivers are more dangerous on the roads. We know that inexperienced drivers are more dangerous on the road. You add alcohol and drugs to that, it's a really toxic mix. So we've gone for a zero-alcohol rule for anyone on their learners and restricted. We've made sure that people under 25 spend longer on their learners as a default. They can lower that down by doing an approved driving training course, which again we know the evidence shows makes a difference. “And it's all about road experience, so that's why we've gone for a longer period of time at the front end in terms of spending time on your learners. But then at the other end, we don't think it makes a lot of sense to make people go and do a second practical test after they've been driving for a long period of time on their restricted and have got used to the road code and they've got that practical experience. We just didn't think it made sense to have people spend all the time and money to go and get a second test. Most countries don't do that, so we're bringing ourselves in line with that.” So, once you sit your practical on your restricted and get your restricted, no more second test. Longer time spent on the learner licenses for under 25s, so 12-month learner period, an increase of six months. You can reduce that learner period by six months if you record practice hours or complete an approved practical course. It'll be cheaper to get a full license, it will reduce by 80 bucks under the new system. If you get demerits, you'll face a further six months on your restricted. There'll be fewer eyesight screenings, so that will only be required at the first license application and at each renewal. Chris Bishop explained about the zero-alcohol rule, no learner or restricted driver will be able to have a drop of alcohol in their blood. And there'll be stronger oversight of the training providers. NZTA can suspend driver training course providers if they think there's something iffy going on. So some good changes, but as the Driver Training Association told Ryan Bridge this morning, it's a bit of a mixed bag. I'd have liked to have seen a few more changes, like resitting your license at 60 and then 80. Like those who hold overseas driver's licenses having to sit a full test on New Zealand roads. Our roads are markedly different to those of other countries, our driving conditions are markedly different, so I would like to see anyone who holds an overseas driver's license having to sit a driver's license here. Like having to resit your license or go to traffic school if you're pulled over for three driving offences in a certain timeframe. I think we should have been tougher. It's a privilege, not a right, to be on our roads. I do like some of the changes, but I really would have liked to have seen the government go further. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government's removing the full license test as part of major changes - saying it will save time and money. Drivers under 25 will spend a year on their restricted before moving to their full, while over 25s will get six months. A zero alcohol limit will apply to people on their learners' or restricted, regardless of their age. Most changes will come into effect next year. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the test hasn't been updated for over 15 years and a review was well overdue. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Concerns over the stability of our hospital's IT systems after another outage. Chris Bishop joined us with an update on plans to repair roads damaged by last week's storm. New prescription rules mean GPs will be allowed to issue 12 months prescriptions, rather than the current 3 months. And, just what the doctor ordered for the tourism industry, Luxury hotels are reporting the best summer in years. And we spoke to the owner of a cafe in Christchurch that's selling coffee at 2011 prices when a flat white would cost you just $3.20.
The Transport Minister says discussions must be had on roads that keep flooding during extreme weather events. Chris Bishop and the Prime Minister have been surveying damage in Te Tairāwhiti, and visiting still isolated communities. Bishop says the focus now is reopening routes. But he says NZTA and contractors need to discuss how to future-proof these crucial routes. "They'll be having a really good look at the Waioeka Gorge and thinking about what we need to do to rebuild - and it'll be the same with State Highway 35." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 28th of January, the Government is set to adjust the Auckland housing plan – Chris Bishop gives a few details. The Broadcasting Standards Authority is calling for a change in the laws around media broadcasting in this country. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk MPs leaving, the Mount Maunganui tragedy, and whether they pay attention to the polls on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is confirming it is making changes to Auckland's housing intensification plan. It has been considering watering down controversial planning rules allowing two million homes to be built over the coming decades. Chris Bishop says that target is nothing more than a modelling number on a spread sheet, but he will be changing it over the coming month. He told Mike Hosking most Aucklanders seem to agree there needs to be more housing in the CBD and along transit routes. Bishop says the plan will allow that while restricting up-zoning in suburban areas. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CareerCast by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
On CareerCast's "Improvising Career Success," host Anita Brick talks with Chris Bishop, who moved from touring with major rock bands to shaping strategy and innovation at IBM. He connects life on the road with navigating complex, fast-changing workplaces in surprising, practical ways. Hear how he experiments, pivots, and builds unexpected opportunities at every stage—without a script. If you're curious about mixing creativity with ambition, or wondering how to make your next move when the path isn't clear, this conversation is for you. Listen to previous episodes at www.chicagobooth.edu/careercast.
The Government's confident a planned mega-ministry, MCERT, will support RMA and Local Government reforms. It expects the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport to be up and running by next July. It replaces the Ministries of Environment, Transport, Housing and Urban Development. Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says New Zealand's great challenges involve all those agencies. "At the moment, it's all disconnected between three of four different agencies that we're merging together into one." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on the podcast... KING Homeboy give a little https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/king-home-boy-whip-round Stuff article from dec5: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360910267/hip-hop-champ-hits-mute-beatboxing-after-brain-surgery Shubz on Willie Jackson and John Tamihere, Nicola Willis vs Ruth Richardson, and Chris Bishop's RMA reforms — a massive week in New Zealand politics and media, and Duncan's got the whole thing laid out. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSypyI8wbnZgJDYY0VCdwJQ/join Get in touch with Duncan - duncan@rova.nz and join us on the socials. Website: https://www.rova.nz/podcasts/duncan-garner-editor-in-chief-live Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
His summer break may only be 20 minutes long, but Christopher Luxon goes into it grinning, on the back of a poll that saw a swing to the right, boosted economic confidence data, maybe staring down a maybe-coup, and most crucially, snipping the ribbon on the big green, yellow and blue shoot: Ikea. Just how confident must he feel going into Christmas? Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas chew it over, plus: poor poll numbers for the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, as TPM limp through an AGM with their future in the balance. Another big reforming swing from Chris Bishop with two new bumper bills to replace the Resource Management Act; how will this look and what does it mean for iwi Māori? And how did former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster fare in his feature-length interview for Q+A? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It has been revealed a major RMA overhaul with two new laws replacing the Resource Management Act; a Natural Environment law and a Planning law. The planning bill would lay out what infrastructure is needed and when, with land secured for key things like roads, schools, and utilities. The changes could boost GDP by more than $3 billion a year. The Minister responsible for RMA, Chris Bishop spoke to Lisa Owen.
The Government has released its long-awaited overhaul of planning controls, saying it will save New Zealanders $13 billion over the next three decades. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop spoke to Corin Dann.
Cast your mind back a couple of weeks to what the boss of Auckland Port Roger Gray said. He told us New Zealand is a country that says 'no' so often, Miami cruise bosses he spoke to had taken to calling us 'No Zealand'. Yesterday the Government unveiled its plan for how we stop that, which is a rewrite of the RMA because the RMA is part of the problem. It has turned 'no' into an art form in this country. No to your new deck, no to that road, no to you putting a door on the side of the house rather than the front of the house. We are a country the size of Japan geographically, yet we have 1200 planning zones each with its own unique, bespoke set of rules, while Japan has 13 zones. Chris Bishop's proposal is to take that 1200 and drop it down to 17. It's still more than Japan, but about a 98.5% reduction, which can't be sniffed at. So prolific and ridiculous are the stories that we can all tell about our encounters with the RMA that I think you'd struggle to find anyone who opposes change. The trouble has always been agreeing on what change looks like and that is no different this time around. This RMA reform is welcome, overdue, brave, and almost certainly going to help the country grow. But mark my words: it will create all kinds of political problems. Just look at the case of Auckland and Wellington. Both cities need to build more houses but the minute the rules change to make that a reality, the nimbys start complaining. And that will happen with the RMA. Because sure, your property rights are being strengthened so you can do what you want on your property. But it's the same for your neighbour, which means if he wants to build that big whatever you have to look at, you might not be able to say no. None of us want to lose our views, have a road running right next to us or want the infrastructure development to kill the precious, indigenous snail. And those things might happen because we are all losing some of our ability to say no. Now, I think that's a good thing. There's been too much 'no', clearly, otherwise we wouldn't be 'No Zealand'. But saying yes will take some getting used to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast with Heather du Plessis-Allan Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 10th of December, the Contact Energy CEO responds to Chris Bishop's RMA reform and Chris Bishop responds to the industry. Is there a New Zealander who hasn't skipped a stone? If you think you're pretty good at it, we've got the first ever NZ Stone Skimming Champs coming next year. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the RMA reforms and whether Sunny Kaushal and the Ministerial Advisory Group for retail crime are taking the mickey with how much they're charging for their services on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's an assurance RMA changes won't clog the courts. The Government's confirmed it's replacing current Resource Management Act laws with two new pieces of legislation, one for the environment and one for planning. It's expected to save about $13 billion in consenting costs. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop told Heather du Plessis-Allan there's too much Environmental Court litigation at the moment. He says it's inevitable there will be cases, but the aim is to reduce the amount of litigation and debate about things like the definition of “sustainable management”, which has been a topic of debate for around 30 years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Many aesthetic changes to buildings will no longer need consents - under the Government's Resource Management Act shake-up. The replacement Planning and Natural Environment Bills are being introduced to Parliament today - and will pass next year. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says planners won't be able to block projects because of visual changes - as long as other people aren't affected. He told Ryan Bridge that planners have got involved in some cases, to a ridiculous degree. Bishop says that includes the direction doors face and where televisions were placed in living rooms. 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.
This one kicked off with a simple question: if Christopher Luxon really was facing a leadership challenge, who would you want running the National Party? So we put it to our YouTube audience, and nearly a thousand of you delivered a fascinating result. Chris Bishop edged out Erica Stanford by just a single point, with Luxon miles back and Nicola Willis taking a real hammering. Duncan digs into why Bishop and Stanford are resonating right now, what each brings to the table, and why Luxon's position suddenly looks a whole lot more fragile than the Beehive might like to admit. We talk momentum, credibility, and the difference between being a fixer and being a leader who can move the country. There's also your feedback on New Zealand's strange lack of mandatory third-party insurance, plus a few thoughts on why consequences on our roads feel far too soft. Another sharp, punchy episode of Editor in Chief. Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So the Ports of Auckland boss Roger Gray is onto something, isn't he? Because we are a country that loves to say no. He said in a speech to a crowd at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland that he went to Miami to speak to four major cruise liners to find out why the cruise ships aren't coming here as much as they used to. And he apparently says that they call us 'No Zealand' because we just say no to everything. Is he wrong? I mean, look at the news that's been around just for the last couple of days, right? Santana wants to dig $7 billion worth of gold out of the ground near Cromwell. The locals say no. Eric Stanford wants to change the curriculum so our kids can actually get a decent international education and have a future ahead of them. The unions say no. Chris Bishop wants to scrap regional councils because they just waste everyone's time and money and say no to things, and the perpetually concerned looked at that and said no. We say no so much that the Government has created the fast-track approvals process to basically bulldoze through all the 'no's' they know are gonna come. Some of it is the rules that we've created for ourselves, right? Because the RMA is just one giant no factory. But some of it, I think, is actually cultural. We have a great life here in New Zealand, even if you're rich or poor, whatever your circumstances, you can enjoy your life in New Zealand. Temperatures aren't too extreme, there aren't creatures trying to kill you all the time like in Australia, foreign enemies aren't trying to kill us all the time like places in Europe, and we don't actually really have to struggle too much to get by. So we can cruise, and so we do cruise. So we just don't try. We just say no, we just don't want to change that much. On the bright side, I think this attitude is changing at the minute. I mean, I hate to make things about politics all the time and look to politicians for help, but I think it is because we have some brave political leaders at the moment who are prepared to ruffle some feathers. The mayor of Auckland who was just getting on with changing the port and making money for the city, and the RMA minister Chris Bishop who's scrapping the regional councils, which is a massive thing to do. And everyone's crush, Erica Stanford, who's completely overhauling education despite the educators saying no to her. So when we have to say yes, when the going gets tough like it is right now, I think that we can say yes. My hope is, though, that we get stuck in the yes setting and we stay here and break the habit of the constant no setting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday the 26th of November, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop explains why they want to scrap regional councils. Estonia has the highest education results in Europe, and now their Education Minister is in New Zealand to check out how our reforms are panning out. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen cover off Michael Wood, regional councils, Greg O'Connor and Craig Rennie on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says regional councils add layers of confusion, as he looks to scrap them. Consultation's open on the proposal which would see the councils abolished and replaced with boards made up of local Mayors. Boards would be required to put plans in place around re-organising services and infrastructure, which will be checked over and ticked off for financial sustainability. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there's enormous levels of complexity which people don't understand. He says in Wellington for example, the regional council runs the buses, but the city councils decide the road closures and where the bus stops are. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Government is proposing one of the biggest reform packages around local Government in decades. Ministers are launching consultation on major proposals - including replacing regional councils with boards made up of mayors from the region's city and district councils. It would aim to streamline decision-making, planning and infrastructure across regions - and boards would prepare a regional reorganisation plan within two years of being set up. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says it's time to re-examine local Government and make changes. "It would be the biggest shake-up since 1989, but we think, given we're going to make these changes to the way in which we do things locally anyway, now's the time to basically do it all." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newly elected regional councillors are in for a big change, with sweeping Government reforms. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop recently unveiled plans to replace the country's 11 regional councils with boards consisting of local mayors. He suggests this will streamline decision-making, planning and infrastructure across regions. LGNZ Regional Sector Chair Deon Swiggs says the mandate for mayors is different, so they wouldn't have expected to be on a regional board. "There might be some mayors that go - great, yep, we want to get our hands on that regional council. There will be others who go - this is not my jam, I don't want to do that, what are you thinking?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's growing speculation that National is looking to oust Chris Luxon as leader ahead of the election, but Finance Minister Nicola Willis is disputing these rumours. Reports have claimed National is looking to replace Luxon with Chris Bishop, but this is mostly speculation. Nicola Willis says the party has a Prime Minister who's delivering significant reforms - and making good on the promises National campaigned on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Ruwani Perera, Dan Brunskill and Tracey Martin. On the show: the continuing fallout from the IPCA report on how police handled accusations of sexual offending by former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming; The Opportunities Party is now Opportunity; Labour is now the most trusted party to respond to the most important issues to voters, according to a new survey and Bhissy's Bridge: was it kosher for Chris Bishop to agree to reallocate funds from Kainga Ora to a bridge in his electorate ... a bridge he campaigned on.
The Government is slashing the Clean Vehicle Standard by more than 80 percent, saying it could make buying a car more affordable. Transport Minister, Chris Bishop spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
Changes to the Clean Car Standard has been partly caused by supply problems out of Japan. The Government is slashing charges on importers who don't meet carbon targets by almost 80% and launching a full review. It is expected to save about $264 million in costs to consumers and will keep imported cars cheaper. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking it's been tough getting EVs into the country. He says importers are racking up penalties and don't have the supply to get credits. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Tuesday 18th of November, the Government is slashing emissions charges for bringing in new cars and launching a full review of the Clean Car Standard. Uber drivers have had a major win in the Supreme Court with four drivers now ruled to be employees, not contractors. Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was in the country, so we took the time to catch up about his calamitous former party and the state of our country's relationship. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RMA Minister Chris Bishop wants to more than double the number of concerts at Eden Park each year. Brent Eccles, founder of Eccles Entertainment spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
This week, Anne interviews Chris Bishop about his multifaceted career in healthcare and his transition to leading in the animal health sector as CEO of Veterinary Innovative Partners (VIP). Bishop shares his journey from growing up in Tennessee, working the seafood counter, playing college basketball, working in myriad roles within healthcare and navigating the complexities of corporate leadership. He reframes "sales" as influencing behavior, discusses the importance of mentorship and highlights pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style. He also reflects on the impact of faith and the value of creating a culture of ownership within an organization. As always, stick around for the lightning round. 2:44 - Growing Up in Tennessee 7:59 - College and Career Aspirations 9:12 - Entering the Healthcare Industry 16:05 - Leading Regent Surgical Partners 22:24 - Transition to Veterinary Healthcare 24:53 - The Pet Boom and Its Implications 27:58 - Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth 30:53 - Balancing Family and Career 33:39 - The Role of Faith in Leadership 34:57 - Qualities of Effective Leaders 37:49 - Lightning Round: Quick Insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices