Podcast appearances and mentions of chris hipkins

In this explosive episode, Duncan Garner breaks down the late-night social media outbursts from Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris, calling out his openly racist rhetoric, defiance of party leadership, and the growing silence from key political figures, including Labour's Chris Hipkins. From Ferris' offensive comments targeting Indian, Asian, and Black Labour supporters, to his refusal to apologise and continued race-based tirades — Duncan doesn't hold back. Is Ferris destroying the credibility of Te Pāti Māori? Should he be expelled from Parliament? And why is the mainstream political response so muted? Also in this episode: ⚠️ Commentary from Willie Jackson

I have been wondering when the penny would drop and yesterday might have been it. There were two stories on Chris Hipkins' problems with the Māori Party. For all the energy the media wants to put into Chris Luxon and his future, the very obvious other side of the coin, if they ever wanted to explore it, lies in the very real issue for Labour in even coming close to putting together the numbers for a government. The genesis of the coverage came out of the Takuta Ferris post on all the "Asians and blacks" and other racist bile he managed to pedal in the lead up to last Saturday's debacle of a by-election. The Māori Party had to apologise, and obviously Hipkins had to face the growing reality that these folks are crazy and not remotely interested in being helpful, useful, or part of a coalition. Why this hasn't occurred to more in the media before now, I have no idea, other than to offer the suggestion it may just be a bit inconvenient for them and their agendas and its far easier to help build on the so-called demise of the Prime Minister. But yesterday we got there at last, through simple questions: how does Labour even begin to form a deal with the Māori Party? This is one for their coverage of the polls too. You will note polls are presented as simple centre-left/centre-right numbers. A collection of parties added up and the headline is formed from the result of the maths. In this week's Curia poll, there was to be a change of Government, apparently. But each time it involves the assumption, and what an assumption it is, that Labour and the Greens and the Māori Party are one group and no such thing has ever happened. Let me make this prediction right now: it never will. So add the numbers of likely groupings and you are left with Labour and, maybe, the Greens. Do they get to Government? No, they don't. So Hipkins, given it's his issue, not the Māori Party's, has to answer the very simple question: will you work with the Māori Party, and if so, how? What jobs do they get? What policies of theirs are you implementing? Given he can't answer that and, dare I suggest, won't, he needs to grow his party support to about 40%, which he can't, and won't, either. Which is why he is not winning the election next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dunedin councillor and mayoral candidate joins us tonight to talk about the flood of emails from the Taxpayers Union trying to bully mayoral candidates across the country to sign a pledge that, among other things, states Councils won't raise rates higher than inflation.An alleged whistle blower has written to Duncan Garner saying that, among other things, "Luxon is f**ked" and that "he only wants yes men" and "he hates anyone who challenges him". Is it a real email, we have our doubts but we'll share it with you tonight to see what you think.Stuff seemed to once again beat up a headline implying Chris Hipkins is going to rule out working with te Pati Maori where the truth today is in at least two interviews we saw, Hipkins said basically "we'll see". On NZ Herald Now Hipkins was strong with his messaging and quick to rebuff culture way bs and on RNZ he set the tone for what will be the messaging for the next 12 months...Jobs, health, homes and cost of living.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

A new political poll shows Labour support hitting 33.8 percent, just ahead of National. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Prime Minister's surprised Labour lost in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. Te Pati Maori's Oriini Kaipara won the seat over Peeni Henare by three thousand votes. The by-election was triggered by the death of MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp. Total turnout was around 27.1 percent. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he thought Labour would trounce Te Pati Maori, as they've had no policies and have only been criticising. Luxon says he also felt bad for Peeni Henare with Chris Hipkins not showing up to the party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does kicking overstayers out of the country actually achieve? With just under 21,000 overstayers in New Zealand, the Government is planning a crackdown. But the Green Party wants an amnesty. Reason being that most people living here without visas are what the Greens describe as being “active in their communities”. Plus, they've got families here. Or, to put it another way, if someone overstays their welcome, they're committing what people sometimes refer to as a “victimless crime”. And I think we need to ask ourselves what kicking overstayers out of the country actually achieves. If all it does is give us an excuse to bang our chest and say to the world “don't mess with us”, then is it really worth it? I'm starting to think that it isn't and maybe this amnesty idea isn't so bad after all. It's not new and it's not just the Greens that have been pushing it. Just before the last election, Labour leader Chris Hipkins talked about bringing-in an amnesty for overstayers who had been living in New Zealand for more than 10 years. But not everyone in Labour was keen on that. Andrew Little was Immigration Minister at the time, and he said: “We have to think about the signal that we're giving to people if they think ‘oh gee, this is a government that just routinely gives amnesties. If we stick around long enough, we'll be ok'.” At the time I said that if we went ahead with this amnesty, we'd be telling the world that we are the people's republic of pushovers. I said that, nowhere else in the world would you find a country willing to turn such a blind eye to illegal immigrants. But that was then and, two years on, my thinking is changing. Because I think it's very easy to be all anti-overstayer and anti-amnesty without asking the question: what's in it for me if an overstayer is kicked out of the country? When you think about it, the answer to that is “absolutely nothing”. We might feel good because we're putting these illegal aliens in their place. In their place and out of our place. But how does it make New Zealand a better country? Answer: it doesn't. As the Greens' immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menendez March is saying today: "People without a visa need support. Most are active participants in our communities, have family here, and are also more vulnerable to exploitation." He says overstayers should be treated with dignity and respect and be allowed to become residents instead of being put on the next plane out of here. Different story, of course, if someone is here without a visa and commits a serious crime. As for every other overstayer, why wouldn't we let them live here legitimately? Because what's in it for us if we kick them out?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the podcast...   Chris Hopkins is failing to tell the truth over the lifting of the foreign house buying ban. Hip suggests foreigners will flood our shores buying all these houses.They won't. Just 0.2% of all sales last year were houses over 5 million. Just, just over a hundred. Stu Nash says his old labor colleagues are deluded and out of touch if they want to block rich foreigners coming into the country with their capital. David Seymour, uh, will join me on the podcast Get in touch with Duncan - duncan@rova.nz and join us on the socials. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins says his party would 'take a closer look' at whether the exemption to the foreign home buyers' ban could be overturned by his party. Hipkins told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings he's unsure whether legislation would allow it to be overturned. In his monthly catch up with Wellington Mornings, Hipkins also discussed the Tāmaki Makaurau by-election, whether he's taking speculation of a Peeni Henare leadership challenge seriously and what Andrew Little would mean for Wellington if he became Mayor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and National appear to be aligned on the Paris Climate Agreement. Yesterday ACT called for New Zealand to leave unless the terms of the deal change, but the Prime Minister said no. Labour's Chris Hipkins echoed Christopher Luxon, telling John MacDonald leaving the deal would cause more harm than good. He says it would be a disaster for us – walking away from those commitments would mean people overseas would stop buying our products. Hipkins says our largest export industries rely on New Zealand's clean, green reputation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a seven year ban on foreign buyers put in by the Labour/New Zealand First coalition of 2017, the government is opening up the property market to a small group of wealthy investors prepared to pay $5 million or more for a home. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Corin Dann.

The Bradbury Group is back, with Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury firing up over everything from Gaza to climate chaos, before diving into a rollicking debate on what Labour must do to win. Chris Hipkins joins for a one-on-one on crime, the economy, and cruise ships in Auckland, while panelists Arena Williams, Craig Renney, and John Tamihere trade blows over tax, jobs, and Māori politics. Powered by Waatea News.

The Education Minister says there was no option to do nothing when it came to changing NCEA. The proposed changes include replacing the qualification with a system emphasising literacy and numeracy more. Erica Stanford told Kerre Woodham changes were already underway with Labour updating the Level 1 curriculum, so there was no option to do nothing. She says they either had to continue rolling out Labour's plan, or look at what a better plan could be, and that's what they've done. Labour's education spokesperson has only just been briefed on changes to NCEA. Willow-Jean Prime initially ignored, then later declined repeated offers from Stanford to give feedback on the changes. Labour leader Chris Hipkins later said Prime was wrong to decline the offers. Those offers were made as far back as March, but Stanford told Woodham Prime first met with officials last week. She says she's asked lots of questions, but has yet to come back with any feedback, so they'll see where that goes. WATCH ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Select Committee has recommended a referendum is held to decide if New Zealand should switch to four-year parliamentary terms. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Labour's Tāmaki Makaurau candidate Peeni Heare is standing by a comment that he'd repeal the gang patch ban. He agreed with the notion at an event on Wednesday night. Now, this is despite Chris Hipkins saying no, no, that's not true, we're not going to repeal the gang patch law. Peeni Henare told RNZ he was asked his personal view on the issue, which is informed by whanau experience. He understands that differs from the Party's view, but when an audience member at the Waatea-hosted debate at Favona asked the Tāmaki Makaurau candidates, will you repeal the gang patch law if you come into government, yes or no? The Te Pati Maori candidate said yes. Henare could also be heard saying aye. No wonder Labour is staying schtum and not releasing any policy yet. They don't have any. Individual Labour MPs have reckons, but they all seem to have different divergent reckons. For the record, Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins told me they would not be repealing the gang patch ban when he was in studio a couple of months ago. KW: Are you going to bring back gang patches? CH: No. And y'know, I think it's one of those things where it hasn't ultimately y'know, changed the nature of gang activity. Gang business is still booming. They're still selling more methamphetamine than ever. But what it has done is people feel a bit safer with not seeing patched gang members walking down the street. So no, absolutely not. But Peeni Heare says he personally wants to see the law repealed. Presumably he wants to see the gang patches back out on the streets and the roads and in our neighbourhoods. And that would surely, surely be a backward step. Remember what the Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers, had to say about the banning of gang patches when he was in having a chat last week: "I'm very, very proud of my staff across the country who have embraced the new legislation, the wearing of gang insignia, and I'm not sure how many it is now, but I think it may be over 700 prosecutions for the wearing of insignia that has helped us to address the gang issues. And in fact, whilst the gang insignia is one aspect, the reality is that gangs are responsible for a very high and disproportionate number of other serious criminal offending. So we're addressing that too, and we have thousands of additional charges that have been presented to the court because as we go about our police work, and we may well be policing things like patches, then we inevitably are dealing with other things as well. And I look at that. “So I know that there's been a lot of commentary about gang numbers and stuff like that, but the reality is my teams across the country are focused on holding gang members to account. And I'm very, very proud of their hard work. And I think we would all agree that that legislation has definitely gone extremely well, and the compliance level is something that I'm very, very pleased with.” Chambers says the gang patch ban has actually helped police to do their job, and I simply do not see how wearing patches enhances the lives of the gang members. Anecdotally, we've heard from people who say that without the patches, they feel safer. You don't have to staunch up, live up to the branding on your back. You don't, quite literally, have a target on your back. Rival gang members kill each other. Not all of them, but you are at risk. If you're wearing a colour or a gang patch that a rival gang member does not like, then you're at risk. Without that target on your back, you can just be you. A father, a son, a footy player, a worker. What possible good can come of repealing the gang patch ban? How is it going to help anybody? If this is an example of where Labour's at policy wise, then you'd have to say that the coalition government, with all its faults and missteps and imperfections, definitely deserves another three years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins denies that the Labour Party will lose support over his refusal to give evidence in a public session for the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Covid-19. Dame Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Dr Ayesha Verrall had refused to front up publicly. But, Hipkins told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings that he doubts it will affect his party's reputation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 20 thousand secondary teachers are walking off the job today to strike over the lowest pay increase offer in a generation. Post-Primary Teachers Association members will picket outside dozens of schools and MP offices after rejecting a 3% pay increase over three years. Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald teachers deserve more than the Government's offering. He says that if they accept this offer, they'll effectively be taking a pay cut as it's below the rate of inflation. Hipkins says they at least deserve a pay increase that keeps them at the level they're at now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, the Covid Inquiry is still at the top of mind for many. Chris Hipkins, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall have declined to publicly answer questions for the Royal Commission's second Covid Inquiry. Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell delved into the situation, as well as touching on Trevor Mallard's ousting from the role of Ambassador to Ireland. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Stacey Waaka, Winston Peters, Kate Acland, Wayne Langford, and Chris Hipkins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a mauling this morning from Mike Hosking Breakfast, Labour’s leader fronts up for the second time today on Newstalk ZB. On the agenda are the Covid Royal Commission public hearings and the prospect of a CGT or wealth tax. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A constitutional lawyer says the Royal Commission of Inquiry has the power to summons ex-ministers to front for its Covid enquiry. It's called off its second week of hearings after Chris Hipkins, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall declined to appear. It says it shouldn't diminish the inquiry - as all have privately given evidence. Lawyer Graeme Edgeler says the Commission just needs to consider if it'll miss out on key information without a summons. "If the answer to that was yes, then they should exercise it. They seem to think at the moment that they don't need need to have the summons, but it's something they have in their back pocket." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 14 August 2025, should the Royal Commission into Covid reconsider summonsing ex-Ministers Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins and co? Constitutional lawyer Graeme Edgeler reveals what he thinks could happen next. Israel's deputy foreign Minister Sharren Haskel speaks to Heather about Chris Luxon's call that Netanyahu has 'lost the plot'. Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Heather speak about the future of armed police officers after police shot two people overnight, one of them died. The overseas-born Kiwi dad on the bureaucratic nightmare getting his kids citizenship - and why he thinks those with Maori ancestry should be fast-tracked. Plus, the Huddle reacts to the Israeli foreign Minister - and are teachers losing the room with their strike next week? 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.

Jamie Mackay talks to Wayne Langford, Chris Hipkins, Jen Corkran, John Duffy, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public hearings in the Covid-19 Royal Commission have been abandoned after key witnesses, including Former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, former Finance Minister Grant Robertson, refused to appear. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

I'm assuming the instigators of the second Covid Inquiry are deeply disappointed in what is unfolding, in terms of accountability. Inquiry Part 1 was a Labour Government stitch up. It was an exercise in smoke and mirrors. Inquiry Part 2 is a coalition deal driven by ACT and NZ First, and was designed to look into areas not touched on in Part 1: access to vaccines, lock downs, economic damage, and so on. I have argued since the start that we needed an advisorial approach. In other words, we do it like the Brits, who called people to a witness stand and held them accountable. We didn't do that and now we're paying the price. Ardern and Hipkins, along with Robertson, have declined to appear. No kidding. What a surprise. I wonder why? Grant Illingworth KC, who is in charge of the current work, has the power apparently to pull them in. He is choosing not to do so, hence my assumption of disappointment at political party level. The Illingworth justification is the aforementioned operators are cooperating with proceedings. That's not good enough in my book, or indeed anywhere close. Simple question: is there a broad expectation among ordinary, everyday New Zealanders that those who made life-changing calls in a life-changing period of New Zealand owe it to us all to front and be questioned under oath about why they did what they did? Another question: what does it say about the morals and characters of said people, who seek public mandate and public support and approval, that when things get a bit awkward they are nowhere to be seen? Where is the courage of their conviction? Where are their spines and gonads? Can a person like Hipkins, and indeed Verrall, who I also understand is refusing to front, possibly present themselves to the voting public next year with a straight face and ask once again for the power to run the land, having been the same people who in august of the year before ran for the hills when accountability came calling? The rules of engagement were lacking. We were let down. As the head of this with power to do better, Illingworth is letting us down. But nowhere near the level of Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson, and Verrall, who should be ashamed of themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 14th of August, then-Covid Minister Chris Hipkins defends his decision not to appear publicly for the Covid-19 Inquiry. Public Service Minister Judith Collins responds to the latest strike action from both nurses and secondary school teachers. All Blacks mental skills expert Gilbert Enoka imparts his wisdom and philosophy from his 23-year career with our top side in his new book 'Become Unstoppable'. 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.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he's already answered the Covid Inquiry Commissioner's questions, negating any need for him to appear publicly. Hipkins and former Ministers Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall declined open hearings, leading the second part of the inquiry to be called off. Hipkins says lawyers raised several issues around them appearing, including setting a precedent and possible abuse. He told Mike Hosking he doesn't see the point in repeating the process. Hipkins says the Commissioners themselves have said former ministers have answered every single question put to them and they are seeking no further information. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 13 August 2025, Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins and other former Labour Ministers have declined to give evidence at a public Covid inquiry. National's Chris Bishop says it's "disgraceful". Drama in Parliament, with Greens co-leader Chloe Swarbrick kicked out of the House for the second day in a row. Former Speaker Sir David Carter says Gerry Brownlee is right to crack down on MPs misbehaving. Bad news if you have kids at secondary school. Teachers are going on strike next Wednesday and PPTA president Chris Abercrombie tells Heather just how big a payrise they're after. Kiwi woman Sarah Shaw is still in a US detention centre with her 6-year old. Her lawyer speaks to Heather. Plus, the Huddle debates whether Chloe Swarbrick deserved her suspensions - and whether the ex-ministers should front up to the Covid inquiry. 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.

Current and former Labour leaders and ministers deciding not to appear at the Royal Commission's Covid inquiry is being described as 'disgraceful'. Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall, who were all involved in Covid decisions - have declined invitations to appear. They say it would have been performative - not informative - and there's a risk livestream recordings could be manipulated and misused. National MP Chris Bishop says they should front up because New Zealanders deserve answers over the scale of Covid spending, which is still having impacts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson have all declined to be interviewed publicly by the Covid inquiry. Should they have fronted? Did Chlöe Swarbrick deserve to get booted out of Parliament today? Should she have apologised? What did we make of Debbie Ngarewa-Packer dropping the C-word in Parliament? The Education Minister is cutting Māori words from five-year-olds' school phonics books. Is this a bad look? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins came undone yesterday, twice. You would hope, given there is literally no pressure on him right now and he basically gets to spend his days bagging the Government, he might want to sharpen up, given next year is a whole different kettle of fish. Mistake number 1: He attempted to gain points on Palestine by suggesting David Seymour was holding the Government to some sort of ransom and if it wasn't for the veto they would have declared support for statehood by now. What Seymour said was Hamas would need to be demilitarised. Now, apart from the fact that's not radical, new, or an already widely held view by many who want to recognise Palestine – what is it Hipkins is saying? He doesn't mind Hamas or Hamas being a terror group? Would he be happy with the two state solution, with Hamas at the control panel? If he does, no problem, just say so. Mistake number 2: For reasons best known to himself he got trapped in a discussion about his tax policy. What tax policy, you ask? Exactly. But he somehow managed to suggest that even though there isn't a tax policy, what there is, is broad agreement around a wealth tax and a capital gains tax. And then the bullet in the foot – he couldn't rule in, or out, the possibility that the family home was part of that tax capture. Tip number 1: Drop the Middle East. No vote is moved in this country on a place that has been a disaster zone for decades and the more you look like you tolerate terrorists the more you put middle New Zealand off you. Tip number 2: If you are stupid enough to even hint that a family home could be part of a new tax, give up right now because you are toast. As history shows, a CGT with the family home exempt has been trialled and rejected multiple times by his own party. The irony of ironies being it was Hipkins himself with a captain's call that dropped it last time. So not only is he clearly not committed or convinced, he seemingly may have been hijacked by some left-leaning radicals inside his own camp to get the family home involved. So, a party that can tolerate Hamas and tax your family home. What could possibly go wrong? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) No Matter How Much We Want To/How Is He Still In Charge?/Prime Time/What If Gas Comes Back?/What If Cameras Come Back?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's had a bump in the latest political poll - up four points in the One News Verian poll - nipping at National's heels. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 11 August 2025, Australia says it will recognise Palestine as a state, and New Zealand says it will make a decision on the same on one month. International relations expert Professor Robert Patman tells Heather why this is an important step - and whether it will mean any more aid gets to the starving people of Gaza. Labour leader Chris Hipkins on why his party keeps climbing the polls - and whether he would let the Greens' Chloe Swarbrick be his Finance Minister. Will Christchurch's new stadium be ready for the Super Rugby Round in April? Destination Queenstown's Mat Woods on the new super luxury hotel that's being built in Queenstown. Plus, the Huddle debates the pros and cons of recognising a Palestinian state and whether the Government needs more "legacy" projects. 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 race for Election 2026 is on a knife-edge, with this morning's new poll revealing it could go either way. The new Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll projects a hung Parliament, at 61 seats each for the the left and right blocs. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the party aims to focus on the issues that matter to Kiwis ahead of the next election "I think New Zealanders want a Government of stability and I think Labour can deliver a Government of stability." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 10th August 2025, Flight of the Conchords star Bret McKenzie speaks ahead of the release of his new solo album Freak Out City. He talks about writing for movies and inheriting 50 race horses. Actress Kate Burton is the daughter of global screen star Richard Burton, she tells Francesca why the latest biopic of her father is the first she's endorsed. Labour leader Chris Hipkins talks about whether his party is doing a good job in opposition and whether they are doing enough to win New Zealanders back while Francesca slams their education spokesperson Willow-Jean Prime for a seemingly lazy and arrogant reaction to an invitation to meet over education reform. And fibremaxxing is trending - wellness contributor Erin O'Hara has been looking into whether the evidence behind the trend stacks up. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina Shrimpton and director at Capital NZ, Ben Thomas, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour's Chris Hipkins has admitted his education spokesperson should have replied to the Minister over NCEA changes before the Government moved to scrap the qualification. What do we make of this! And what do we think of Labour at the moment? The boot camp data is in, with new reports revealing seven participants re-offended seriously enough to warrant returning from the community to residence. Can the Government make changes to the programme? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's leader believes lessons can be learnt from a lack of communication from his party on NCEA changes. Education Minister Erica Stanford reached out to Labour's education spokeswoman Willow-Jean Prime at least three times, asking for her input on the changes but she failed to respond. Following the announcement, Labour criticised the Government's minimal cross party consultation. Leader Chris Hipkins says Willow-Jean has learned a lot from this. "The key thing now is that we do need cross-party collaboration to make sure that the changes to the NCEA are enduring." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour leader Chris Hipkins has rebuked his education spokesperson after finding out she ignored, then rejected offers to work with the government on NCEA reforms. ACT's David Seymour said if she was one of his MPs, he would have fired her. But Labour is pushing, and said there still needs to be more consultation on the NCEA changes. Russell Palmer reports.

So I don't know what's worse, the fact that Willow Jean Prime is a lazy, disinterested waste of space in Labour's team, or the fact that Labour's been busted almost lying about this. So let me get you across what happened, and you can decide for yourself. In March, Willow Jean Prime took over the Labour Party education portfolio from Jan Tonetti, and her National Party counterpart, Erika Stanford, sent her a text to say congrats and I need to get you up to speed with the NCEA change process. It would be good if we could meet first and I can run you through where we're at. There is a policy advisory group of principals who are working on the details. You can have access to them as well as my officials and also NZQA. Willow Jean does not bother to reply. Two months later in May, Erica's office sends an email saying, basically, haven't heard from Willow Jean, would like to ensure cross-party engagement can continue. Can we set up a meeting? Willow Jean doesn't bother to reply. A month later in mid-Junne, Erica personally writes again, Willow Jean, yeah, you know, doesn't bother to reply. Next month, July, Erica then goes up a level and writes to Chippy. He doesn't reply either, but then the next day Willow Jean finally does reply, and she says she declines your invitation. Fast forward now to the 25th of July and suddenly Willow Jean writes to Erica wanting to meet because she's read in the Herald that the NCEA changes are coming soon. Erica writes back, basically says to her, mate, you missed your chance, we have already made the decisions. Chippy, meanwhile, complains publicly that the government, AKA Erika Stanford, hasn't been consulting with him and Willow Jean on the NCEA changes. So, tell me now, having heard that, what do you think is worse? That Willow Jean can't be bothered doing her job properly, or that Chippy has an amazing ability to lie with a smile? Now, here are the key learnings from this incident. Willow Jean is not a serious, hardworking, or clever person, and it is not ready to be a minister. Chris Hipkins is not as honest as his lovely smiling face would make you think. Labour is thin on the ground for talent if Willow Jean Prime is #8 in their party, and don't mess with Erica because she will pull a beautiful hit job on you, which is exactly what's happened here. But also, Labour are just rude and unprofessional. It doesn't kill you to reply to a message. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 20 years as New Zealand's official secondary-school qualification, the government has pulled the pin on the NCEA. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Corin Dann.

In a special interview with MediaWorks news journalist Azriel Taylor, former New Zealand Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins tackles vaping rules, cost of living, and local government challenges. On the economy, Hipkins argues the coalition has worsened pressures through rising rates and stalled infrastructure. He condemns climate policy rollbacks, advocating for renewable energy, and voices concerns over voting law changes. Hipkins also backs Palestinian statehood and urged moving beyond political blame towards practical solutions for New Zealand's future. Get in touch with Duncan - duncan@rova.nz and join us on the socials. Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief.html Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show…  - It's a pre-election dance, bit of shadow boxing, a fight over who is the most credible party and person to run the NZ economy.  - Chris Luxon says his approach is so successful and he's so confident in what he's doing that he's doubling down on it - meanwhile Chris Hipkins says Luxon ran his victory lap too early.  - So why is Hipkins refusing to say what he'd do? Right now who knows what Labour stands for - is he all mouth and no trousers?  - Plus some Letters to the Editor! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our mate Chippy AKA Chris Hipkins came through for a kōrero, and as we know our politician mates LOVE a chat, so we couldn't fit the whole thing on air. Enjoy the full uncut kōrero with Chippy!

Ehhh kia ora e te homies! Here's what you missed on the show today: Fame has gone into negatives in his sick leave Some advice from Tegs to the straight girlies PSA to start respecting the on-ramp lights Tegs partner is perfect but… What is communal in the work fridge? Chris Hipkins on for a lil yarn Someone punched a nana on the shore Should I be wearing a swimming cap with a bald head? Shot for listening, From Eds (or Eric) xoxo

Today on the show…  - It's time for my political panel. Former Labour Party MP Stuart Nash and Political Commentator Ashley Church join me. We look at the latest poll which sends National into opposition after just one term. And Labour the Greens and Te Pāti Māori would govern if an election was held today.  - And Chris Luxon is neck and neck with Chris Hipkins as preferred PM. Luxon has never been popular so if he can't get National a second term, should they roll him? I'll ask the panel.  - Plus some Letters to the Editor! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Nicola Willis sent on a fool’s errand to Fonterra? The government can’t do anything about the price of butter and cheese (without subsidies), but what can it do to kneecap spendthrift local body councils? Is the Prime Minister concerned with what’s happening at Pāmu, after the sudden resignation of the long-standing and well-regarded manager of Molesworth Station, Jim Ward?Should the state be a farmer? Or is that an outmoded concept? And what about “frickin” Chris Hipkins?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Instead of Chris Hipkins, this week Milly and Rosetta catch up with Kieran McAnulty to chata about rising homelessness and inflation. 

Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury this week is joined by a HEAVYWEIGHT panel comprised of Simon Wilson, Claudette Hauiti, and Prof. Jane Kelsey. Together they tear into the brain fog of a recessionary Kiwi economy, David Seymour’s dodgy Regulatory Standards Bill, and Winston Peters' Covid Inquiry-for-clicks. With 30,000 New Zealanders fleeing and GDP flatlining, the crew ask - who exactly is “growth” growing for? Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins is this week's special guest, and of course we have the War on News. Powered by Waatea News.

Auckland risks being cast into obscurity as "a global city" according to a just released report. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The word "Tory" is thrown around quite a lot, most publicly and recently by Chris Hipkins making a reference to media company NZME's "Tory owners". So, what is a Tory, and why is it being used here in New Zealand? To explain the history behind the word Jesse was joined by Dr Grant Morris.