Podcast appearances and mentions of chris luxon

It's set to get easier for New Zealand businesses trading in South East Asia, as the Prime Minister's in Malaysia to finalise a regional deal. Chris Luxon is in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit and will finalise a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the association. ASEAN has 11 member countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Laos. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that it can be difficult for kiwi businesses to deal in South East Asia, with often complex and prohibitive rules. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's set to finalise a deal strengthening our diplomatic and trading ties with 11 South East Asian countries, as he meets with leaders in Malaysia. Chris Luxon is in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit and will finalise a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the association. He's then off to South Korea, for the APEC summit later this week. Luxon told Mike Hosking that we will be only one of seven countries with this relationship, which is the highest level of diplomatic partnership possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's met with various South East Asian leaders but missed out speaking with US President Donald Trump, as he attends talks in Malaysia. Chris Luxon's attending the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur for bilateral talks with regional leaders. Donald Trump was at the talks briefly, before leaving for Japan to meet their new leader. Senior Political Reporter Azaria Howell told Ryan Bridge the pair will have a chance to cross paths again, with APEC in South Korea later this week. She says Luxon told a news conference it's unlikely there'll be any reprieve from tariffs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's set to get easier for New Zealand businesses trading in South East Asia, as the Prime Minister's in Malaysia to finalise a regional deal. Chris Luxon is in Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN summit and will finalise a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the association. ASEAN has 11 member countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Laos. Trade Minister Todd McClay told Mike Hosking that it can be difficult for kiwi businesses to deal in South East Asia, with often complex and prohibitive rules. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister heads to Asia today, for crucial meetings on trade and the economy. Chris Luxon's first travelling to Malaysia for the East Asia Summit and mark a milestone of 50 years of diplomatic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says Luxon will be meeting with other world leaders at APEC to discuss trade. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says the Government would pay teachers and doctors more, if it could. Tens of thousands of education and health workers will walk of the job, in a massive super-strike on Thursday. They're wanting pay rises to keep up with inflation. But the Prime Minister told Mike Hosking the Government is dealing with a limited budget. He says if New Zealand was a wealthier economy, like Ireland, it could afford to pay its people more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent polls show Prime Minister Chris Luxon's popularity has taken a nosedive, prompting speculation about his future in the National Party. With the election set to take place next year, there's growing speculation Luxon's leadership role might not last. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this discussion is a self-fulfilling prophecy, but it's likely there could be mood for change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turnout in the weekend's local elections has fallen even further this time around. By the end of Friday, less than 33-percent of Kiwis had cast their vote. Local Government New Zealand President Sam Broughton - who was unseated as Selwyn Mayor - says we should be aiming for much higher turnout. He says general elections get double the turnout and we should expect the same for local elections. Prime Minster Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking both candidates and voters alike are to blame. He says candidates have to be compelling and set out a clear vision, but the public also can't complain if they don't vote. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 8 October 2025, the Reserve Bank has pulled out the big guns and cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points today. Kiwibank chief economist Jarrod Kerr speaks to Heather. Former National Party staffer Ben Thomas says National polling in the 20s is not good news for Chris Luxon. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson explains why rugby unions across the world don't want players playing for a new rival league backed by Saudi Arabia. New Zealand's best big airport is .... Queenstown Airport! Heather is surprised? She speaks with Queenstown Airport Chief Operating Officer Todd Grace. Plus the Huddle debates that poll and Tory Whanau's final speech as Wellington mayor - surprising? 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.

Chris Luxon says the Government's taking steps to ban further protests outside politicians' homes. Protesters gathered outside Foreign Minister Winston Peters' Auckland house on Thursday, in support of the Kiwis detained by Israel, while travelling in a flotilla to Gaza. The Prime Minister says legislation is currently before select committee to ban such activity. He says [told Mike Hosking] there is a time and place for protests. Luxon says there is lots of places to protest a public figure, but you don't need to do it outside their homes, impacting their families. He says these protests outside homes are "not the Kiwi way". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand remains committed to the peace process in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the UN our Government won't be recognising a Palestinian state. Chris Luxon says we can't acknowledge a state whose de facto Government is the designated terror group, Hamas. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Peters delivered a 'well-argued and well-positioned speech' and New Zealand has always had its own foreign policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's open to legislating to over-rule court decisions on incorporating tikanga Māori. That's from the Prime Minister - echoing comments last week from his Justice Minister. Paul Goldsmith claimed at a Law Association meeting that including concepts of Māori customs and values in law could cost the country investment. Former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says the Law Commission had been doing a substantial amount of work on tikanga. "I would have thought that what the Crown should be doing is taking a good look at that report and trying to provide some definition of where and when tikanga would apply. So there's no point in just having a sort of group lamentation about it, it's within the ability of Parliament to knuckle down and do something about it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Winston Peters has articulated New Zealand's position on Gaza well. Over the weekend the Foreign Minister announced that New Zealand would NOT recognise Palestinian statehood, yet. Chris Luxon says Hamas is the de facto government and a designated terrorist organisation in New Zealand. He told Mike Hosking that New Zealand's also called out the excessive response of Israel. Luxon says we're a friend to both groups and are focused on peace. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised as to how the Government can bounce back after the recent Mood of the Boardroom survey result. The annual survey of New Zealand business leaders showed Luxon slipping in the rankings of ministers - from 6th to 15th. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says the economy isn't improving the way the Government needs and people still aren't feeling hopeful. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners 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! The New Zealand Herald released its latest Mood of the Boardroom survey and Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis are out of Cabinet's top 10 performers. Can they turn things around? What do we think of our new Reserve Bank Governor? She seems very committed to transparency - do we think that's what our central bank needs? Tory Whanau has revealed she wants to run for Parliament. Do we think this is a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's yet to finalise its position on recognising Palestine, despite recent moves by our key allies. Chris Luxon says Cabinet's expected to make a final decision later this week. Three of the Five Eyes members - Australia, the UK and Canada - have formally announced recognition of an independent state of Palestine. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says it's expected the coalition will come together to make a statement, and Winston Peters will likely deliver it by Sunday. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cabinet expects to make a final decision later this week, on whether New Zealand will formally recognise a Palestinian state. Australia, the UK and Canada have all formally announced their recognition of Palestine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned their moves, saying a Palestinian state would be a "huge reward to terrorism" and "will not happen". Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that New Zealand will make its own decision. He says irrespective of the decision New Zealand makes on state recognition, the bigger issue is how to make the region calm and peaceful again. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Mills wrapped up the week with BRG senior consultant and Chris Luxon's former chief press secretary Hamish Rutherford, and former NZ Herald senior reporter Georgina Campbell. They discussed the fallout from the 0.9% GDP drop, the upcoming Wellington Local Body Elections, amalgamation and what should happen with the City to Sea Bridge. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I tackle the controversy surrounding Ferris and his racist remarks—and ask why Party President John Tahiri is backing him. I dig into what this means for the party's direction and credibility. Then I turn to Taupō, where co-governance agreements with local Māori are fuelling serious unrest. Christine Rankin joins me with on-the-ground insight. Plus, I answer your letters, assess Chris Luxon's leadership potential, and share what's next for the podcast. Get in touch with Duncan - duncan@rova.nz and join us on the socials. Website: https://www.rova.nz/podcasts/duncan-g... Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cabinet discussions are continuing over whether New Zealand will recognise the State of Palestine. A number of countries have said they'll recognise Palestine next week at a UN meeting. Chris Luxon says recognition is a complex issue and that there's a range of views to consider, and the Government will make its own decision on whether recognition is appropriate. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking an announcement on the matter, won't be made today. He says the Government has always said it's a matter of "when not if" - Foreign Minister Winston Peters will have more to say on the matter in the coming weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 10 September 2025, police have found a second camp that Tom Phillips and his kids have been hiding in for the last few months and say the camp makes it obvious people have been helping the group. Former police investigator Lance Burdett talks to Heather about what they'll be doing to find Tom's associates. Labour's Willie Jackson reacts to the latest crazy rant from Maori MP Takuta Ferris. Netball NZ chair Matt Whineray explains why Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua has been stood down from the series against South Africa. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the $44k bill for Chris Luxon and Anthony Albanese's helicopter date was over the top - and who would pay 4000 dollars for a new iPhone? 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.

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.

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

As you know I've been saying for some time this election is National's to lose. The economy will pick up, this government's only two years in and kiwis like to give incumbents the benefit of the doubt. I still think this holds true. But, as we've been reporting since April, Trump's tariffs - which took everybody (including the markets) by surprise, making a bear of a bull - hammered business and consumer confidence just as we were showing signs of those green shoots the pundits love talking about. This has shortened Luxon's window for a real economic recovery, which is the platform he's relying on for re-election. Talk of a leadership coup by Christmas is in my view daft. Any National MP who thinks they can outpoll Luxon in the current climate's got to be dreaming. A short-term bump, maybe. But there are political costs - namely - instability. Remember Muller? Then this newly elected Leader must go to Winston and David and no doubt relitigate all and sundry just as the later begin firing up for a showdown. Winston and Shane were in full flight at the weekend. And it's only September 2025. Timing is everything and that's Luxon's card to play - in 12 months from now the country will (likely) feel a much different place to live. That means a late election. If National are smart they'll stick with the devil they know and wait for brighter days ahead. The risks outweigh the benefits at this point in the cycle. If needs be, a transition can happen in pretty short order… Jacinda Ardern is proof of that. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir 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! The Government announced some new changes designed to get overseas retailers fast-tracked in a bid to boost competition in the grocery sector. Do we think these changes will make a difference? Do we need to axe the Ministry for Women? With the gender pay gap dropping, what else could it really do? Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announced their engagement today - what do we make of Chris Luxon encouraging them to have the wedding here? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

As usual, AI slop shownotes for anyone who wants to read them. Enjoy! -----------------------------------------------Content warning: violent crime, child deaths, war, famine, and historical mass-casualty events.— Description — Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack cover a packed week: the Erin Patterson verdict and sentencing expectations; the Folbigg exoneration and compensation debate; AI's promised productivity vs. creators' rights; New Zealand politics and travel flows; Australia's recognition of Palestine and the “day-after” security problem in Gaza; the 80th anniversary debate over Hiroshima/Nagasaki; U.S. housing, tariffs, and political incentives; food-stamp restrictions; Trump–Putin optics; pasta wars over cacio e pepe; plus NRL, AFL, cricket (Darwin's case for a Test), and rugby's Giteau Law change. They finish with an Iranian TV claim on “weather manipulation” and call it a week.Summary of key pointsCourts & media: Patterson likely long sentence; Folbigg's payout criticized; cautionary tales of media rush-to-judgment.Tech & policy: AI productivity promises vs. creator consent; scraping controversies; children's online safety beyond blunt bans.Geopolitics: Australia to recognize Palestine; post-war Gaza security unsolved; Hiroshima/Nagasaki debate reopened.Economics: U.S. housing pressures; tariffs as stealth consumption tax; political incentives realign.Sport: NRL finals picture tightening; AFL contenders wobble; cricket's northern push; Wallabies selection flexibility returns.— Timestamped segments — 00:00:01 — Cold open & banterHong Kong heat, black short-sleeve “uniform,” bulk-buying Marks & Spencer basics.Light teasing about Melbourne's love of black attire.00:01:22 — Erin Patterson: new disclosures, appeal posture, sentencingResurfaced material about alleged prior poison attempts on Simon Patterson (penne bolognese, chicken korma, vegetable wrap).Serious illness and surgery for Simon Patterson after the korma.Expectation of a long sentence for premeditated murder; talk of 35–45 years non-parole.Prison remand at Dame Phyllis Frost; media rumors inside; psychiatric assessments and caution about conflating autism with criminality.John Ferguson's reporting; documentaries and books incoming; a true crime podcaster's about-face post-disclosures.Confidence in trial thoroughness; appeal anticipated but unlikely to overturn on process.00:12:30 — Kathleen Folbigg: exoneration, “skinny” compensation, media reckoningNSW offers ~$2m after 20 years in prison; hosts call it low given Lindy Chamberlain's historical payout and inflation.Books still in print labeling Folbigg a serial killer; calls for accountability among journalists.Comparison with Patterson media handling—less rush to judgment this time.00:19:19 — Productivity Commission on AI: 4.3% productivity vs. IP rightsLight-touch copyright reforms vs. creators' consent/compensation.Corporate uptake (e.g., JPMorgan's uplift) and the productivity juggernaut.Tech scraping (e.g., use of pirated libraries) and lawsuits (e.g., Sarah Silverman case).Social media harms and late-stage regulation; kids outmaneuvering adult-written rules.Data demands to verify age -> more privacy tradeoffs; grooming on gaming platforms; neurodivergent vulnerability.00:29:05 — New Zealand: travel flows, cost of living, politicsKiwis using Australia as a launchpad; departures muddying migration stats.Cost of living pressures; coalition under Chris Luxon trailing in polling.Dairy dependence on China moderated; Christchurch rebuild once boosted the economy, now cooled.00:33:32 — Australia to recognize Palestine: symbolism vs. securityPlanned announcements at the UNGA alongside France/UK/Canada.Netanyahu's pushback; everyone says “no role for Hamas” in the day-after.Israeli protests against extended occupation; Arab League reluctance to police Gaza.A (half-flippant) British “mandate” idea vs. feasibility; Somalia as an example of regional peacekeeping success; current leadership gap to assemble an Arab-led force.00:43:05 — Hiroshima & Nagasaki at 80: necessity debate revisitedImmediate vs. long-tail casualties; cancer and birth defects; legal actions in Japan.Senior U.S. military figures (Eisenhower, Nimitz, others) cited as skeptical of necessity; Soviets' late entry in the Pacific war as a factor.Recommendation to read widely; Paul Ham's “Hiroshima Nagasaki” as a starting point.00:53:29 — U.S. housing and politics: who sets the agenda?First-home median age moving from ~28 to ~38; 2008's lingering scars.Young men shifting toward Trump; Democrats' reactive posture.Tariffs as a consumption tax; pass-through risks to inflation; corporate strain and loan-taking; watch upcoming indicators.01:01:50 — Food stamps & junk food limits12 U.S. states considering restrictions (especially sodas).Government paternalism vs. personal choice; cooking skills gap; case for basic food education over bans.01:04:51 — Trump–Putin in Alaska; Ukraine reality checkOptics of a meeting; Ukraine constitution forbids ceding land; Crimea's intractability.Reliability issues with Moscow agreements; tariffs complicating Alaska supply via Canada.01:07:27 — Cacio e pepe wars (BBC vs. Rome)Purist recipe (pasta, pepper, pecorino), emulsion with pasta water—no butter/cream.Finger-wagging at British “improvements,” with a side of hypocrisy charges in summer variations.Carbonara authenticity chat (guanciale; no cream).01:10:01 — NRL: ladder shifts and a trainer's “gamesmanship”Panthers surge; Storm and Raiders in the mix; Broncos hammered by Roosters.Trainer stepping into a kicker's line—five-week ban, $50k fine; learning from AFL's runner reforms.01:14:55 — AFL culture & form linesGabba crowd scuffle; how crowds have changed since the suburban-era melees.Scott Pendlebury on track for 400; Collingwood and Brisbane wobble despite talent.Isaac Heaney's purple patch as Brownlow “smokey”; nine sides for eight spots; big fixtures loom.Carlton locks in Michael Voss through 2026; list-management changes brewing.01:26:24 — Cricket: T20 streak, Darwin's Test pitch, Ashes selectionAustralia's T20 run; Tim David's monster hitting; iconic crowd catch.Case for a winter Test in Darwin to diversify venues/opponents.Ashes schedule (Perth, Brisbane D/N, Adelaide, MCG, SCG) compresses rest windows; pace rotation likely.Opener conundrum: Labuschagne with Khawaja risks slow starts; Boland automatic at the MCG.01:34:27 — Rugby: Giteau Law scrappedWallabies free to pick more overseas-based players.Manage workloads for key big men (e.g., Will Skelton) ahead of major tournaments.01:36:21 — Iran drought & “weather manipulation” claim; sign-offIranian TV guest alleges U.S./Israel redirect rain clouds; hosts file under conspiracy.Wrap and see-you-next-week.— Notable moments & quotes —00:05:14 — Hong Kong Jack: “Premeditated deliberate … murder.”00:05:26 — Jack the Insider: “Planned, organised and designed to cause maximum injury and pain.”00:13:38 — Hong Kong Jack (on Folbigg payout): “Bit skinny. I would have thought.”00:25:40 — Hong Kong Jack: “In a battle on a tech issue, I'll back the 13- and 14-year-olds every day of the week.”00:39:17 — Hong Kong Jack (half-flippant): “Go back to 1946 and have another Palestine mandate … give it to the Brits to run as a colony.”00:47:20 — Jack the Insider (quoting Eisenhower): Japan was “already defeated … dropping the bomb was completely unnecessary.”00:59:33 — Hong Kong Jack: “Trump controls the Democrats' narrative … He's in charge of both parties.”01:10:45 — Hong Kong Jack (NRL trainer): “That was gamesmanship.”01:22:11 — Hong Kong Jack (on Heaney): “He's my smokey for a Brownlow.”01:33:12 — Jack the Insider (Ashes): “There's nowhere to hide if you're a bit injured.”

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

The Prime Minister says Auckland won't be getting a bed tax this parliamentary term, despite a renewed call from the city's mayor. Last week Wayne Brown again called for a bed night levy, saying it wouldn't cost the Government anything. He claimed they were cheeky for not putting one in and believed they would eventually cave. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that now is not the time to be putting in another tax. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is defending saying Israel's leader has 'lost the plot' in the face of pushback. The Prime Minister criticised Benjamin Netanyahu over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where people are starving. Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister responded that Luxon can't comprehend the challenges of facing Hamas. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Luxon's put his own views out there - in a change of pace from factoring in Winston Peters and David Seymour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister's steadfast in condemning Prime Minister Luxon for saying her leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, has lost the plot over Gaza. Chris Luxon made the comment yesterday and says he's voicing a global sentiment. Sharren Haskel posted saying New Zealand's worst enemies are cats and possums, so it can't understand the threat from Hamas. Today, she says she stands with Netanyahu on Gaza - and it's the UN that's failed. "And no matter how much we've been trying to work together, the Secretary General of the UN will turn it into a political issue." 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and AUT Chancellor Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Israel has hit back at Chris Luxon's comment that Netanyahu has 'lost the plot'. What does this mean for the overall Gaza situation? Should the Royal Commission of Inquiry summons the ex-Ministers? Do you think the teachers are misjudging the public mood with their strike? Or do we have patience for their demands? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm happy to report to you that it looks like some of us want to play the old 'should Luxon be rolled' game. In the wake of the not-so-great polls that came out yesterday, there is a column by Andrea Vance - who I am name-checking because she's good and credible, and not just some junior reporter with an opinion. In her column, she predicts that Luxon is in trouble, that his caucus is getting impatient, that speculation about his leadership has reached fever pitch - and that if it doesn't improve, she is not sure that he's going to be the one leading the National Party at election time this time next year. Now, if this is really what National MPs are considering, they should ditch that idea immediately because Luxon's not their problem. I mean, he is a problem. There's no debate that with personal popularity sitting at about 20 percent, he is a drag on the National Party - but he is not their actual problem. Their actual problem is that the economy is stuffed and that they haven't yet figured out what to do to fix it, even though they've had 18 months. And it really doesn't matter who the leader is, whether it's Nicola or Chris Bishop, or Erica, or Mark Mitchell or Golden Balls, it doesn't matter. They still will not have a plan for the economy. Now, if they're worried about their polling right now, they should try playing the game of musical leadership chairs and see what happens to their polling then, because they're still not going to have a plan for the economy - but then they'll also have voters feeling like it's a shambles up the top in the Beehive and not sure what's going on there. Yes, they have a problem and yes, you can see it in the polls. So fix it. Come up with a solution. Come up with a credible plan for fixing the economy now and into the future. That is where the Nats should be directing their energy, not into undermining Chris Luxon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 12 August 2025, is the Government about to ration our gas usage? Resources Minister Shane Jones speaks to Heather. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour explains why the Government is taking its time before it recognises Palestine as a state. There are calls to urgently help a Kiwi mum and her son who have been held in US immigration detention for almost three weeks. Heather speaks to her friend to find out how desperate the woman's situation is. Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron Commodore David Blakey explains the huge rule changes coming for the next America's Cup. Plus, the Huddle debates whether National should roll Chris Luxon. 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 Finance Minister says the latest One-News Verian poll shows the fight is on. Chris Luxon's popularity has dropped to a two-year low, while National sit steady on 34 percent and Labour shoots up four to 33 percent. Today's earlier Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll predicted a hung Parliament. Nicola Willis says it comes down to who people trust to steer the economy. "The reality is, the economy is still recovering. And that means that we're not seeing instant overnight success - we never claimed that we would - but we are doing the right thing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon says he and Anthony Albanese are on the same page about standardising regulations on both sides of the Tasman. The New Zealand and Australian Prime Ministers have wrapped up an annual catch-up in Queenstown. Luxon told Mike Hosking that they've also asked big business CEOs from both countires, to identify where things could be standardised more. He says Australia's states can have lots of differences in regulations, and they're keen to see where that can be standardised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is hoping to refocus secondary schools on literacy and numeracy - like the Government's done with primary schools. A major announcement on the future of NCEA is expected in the coming moments. It's understood public consultation will be launched on proposed changes -- in which teachers and parents can give feedback. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that the country needs an internationally competitive education system. He says students can get through the current system without proficiency in the basics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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.

More uncertainty this week for Kiwi businesses exporting into the US. Donald Trump has agreed to a new trade deal with the EU this morning, which includes a 15% tariff on EU imports to the US. Trump's also indicated he'll raise the baseline tariff all countries face, from 10-percent to 15-percent. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking New Zealand hasn't been advised of an increase. He says they've agreed with the US to look at things again at the end of the year, but they don't want New Zealand to be any worse off than anyone else. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says New Zealand needs to change its thinking on flooding risks. Latest official data projects up to 14 and a half thousand homes will face damage from extreme events in the next 35 years. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says it's likely the Prime Minister is looking at eventually setting up additional resources for people in flood-impacted regions. 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.

The Prime Minister is talking up our economic prospects - in challenging global times. He's just returned from meeting leaders in China and Europe, as mid-east tensions reached boiling point. Chris Luxon says we are throwing everything at boosting trade links so we can continue to grow. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan discussed further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has expressed interest in scrapping regional councils as part of the new RMA reforms - and it's sparked debate among experts. NZ First's Shane Jones has expressed similar sentiments, having recently told a local Government forum he doesn't see a compelling reason for maintaining regional Government. Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter says there's a need to amalgamate local authorities. "Local Government's been up for that issue for quite a while for quite a number of years now - it's nearly 36 years since local Government reform gave us the current structure that we've got." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that ongoing strikes and counter-strikes won't lead to a resolution. He says all the parties need to get around the table and negotiate a way forward, although that will be very difficult. The Prime Minister said, “You've got to be able to get the parties around the table and have a negotiation.” This comes ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to the Netherlands, where he will meet with the Dutch Prime Minister and leaders of NATO. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has warned China has lost trust in New Zealand as a trading partner - and it could impact the current FTA. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is leading a trade delegation to China, with a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping set to take place this coming Friday. Mahon China Investment Management CEO David Mahon says Luxon's sending over a modest delegation over a short timeframe - and it's sending the wrong message to China. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has laid out his goals ahead of his visit to China. Chris Luxon is about to leave for Shanghai with a business delegation, before making his way to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping. Luxon says he also wants to broaden the countries' trade relationship with a focus on red meat, tourism and education. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hoskings and Prime Minister Chris Luxon sat down in the studio this morning for a discussion on electricity and gas in New Zealand. “The oil and gas ban was one of the dumbest, most insanest moves I've seen happen.” said the PM this morning. According to Luxon, New Zealand must steer back away from coal in favour of gas as a source of energy. “We're the only country I'm aware of in the world that's actually transitioning from gas to coal.” Which Luxon said is “twice as bad as gas.” The PM says his plan for future-proofing New Zealand's energy grid is essential for supporting planned datacenters and other high-energy usage projects. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.