Podcast appearances and mentions of chris luxon

Look, I know we're all going to have different points at which we think the media reaction to a news story gets silly but for me, that point was this morning. Members of the media chasing the Prime Minister through Wellington Airport, asking whether he was considering resigning and whether he had the full support of his caucus seemed a little bit silly to me. Silly because it's not as if he's gone to ground for the past four days, is it? He was on morning media today - two radio interviews and at least one TV appearance - and he's also fronted a post-Cabinet news conference. So it's not as though the media are starved of opportunities to talk to the Prime Minister without chasing him through a crowded terminal. All it does is create the impression of drama where no real drama exists. There is no coup. All of his ministers are backing him publicly. Privately, sure, maybe a little less so - but publicly, they are. Luxon remains the leader until he is talked out of being the leader and there's no sign that's happening. In short, nothing is happening in the short term. Now, if I try to understand why the media wanted to chase him through the airport, perhaps it's because they sense things have shifted - and that part is true. Since the poll on Friday morning that put National at 28 percent, two things have changed. First, ministers who previously gave complete backing to Luxon are now doing so privately with a caveat: “Yeah, I support him… but.” But he's bad at taking advice, but he made a bad call with XYZ. Whatever the specifics, the point is the same: they've dropped their full confidence. That tells me something is going on in their heads. Second, he has now entered what I'd describe as publicly “dead man walking” territory. Every bad poll from here, every major mistake - and there will be some - will reignite talk about his leadership. That is a slow bleed for any leader. It ends one of two ways - a spanking on election day, or the leader eventually calling it quits. I think he's now in that zone. I don't think the coalition loses the election at this rate, but I do think National comes back as a mini version of itself - and that's not great for them. Maybe that electoral prognosis is what has the media so excited that they're chasing him through the airport. But that's a medium-term issue. Today? I think the brief excitement of the weekend is over and nothing is going to happen. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been another assurance from Chris Luxon that he isn't going anywhere. A Taxpayers' Union Curia poll shows National on just 28.4%, behind Labour on 34.4%. This has sparked speculation about Luxon's future as leader. On Friday, Luxon says told Newstalk ZB he wasn't considering his position. Today, Luxon told Mike Hosking that hasn't changed at all over the weekend. He says the only future he's been considering is the future of New Zealand's kids and grandkids, and how the Government to set the country up for better success. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying the course when things are tough is a skill. I think you either have it or you don't. Chris Luxon will not get rolled, but he may quit. That would be a mistake of epic proportions. What would drive me, if I was him, would be rational thought. 1) This election is not about personality, it's about economic management. On that the Government are tracking well. 2) The internal polling within the National Party is fine. It does not reflect the Curia poll that the media made so much of. The unfortunate thing about Friday's pre-hyped release is it came at the same time Luxon had had a bad week on the war. That week by the way, was nowhere near as bad as some made it out to be. But the two events came together for a good week-end headline. 3) This would be the bit that would focus my mind - it's only Hipkins. Seriously, you're only lining up Labour as an opponent. On the economy. The people who wrecked the place two and a bit years ago are asking the voter to come back and do a bit more of it. You don't believe me? Read Thomas Coughlan's piece with Barbara Edmonds. 4) Even if you take the poll seriously, which you shouldn't. There is a one seat shift, so it's within a margin of error. 5) The economy will save you. You campaigned on a turnaround and the turnaround is real. Given we are voting on economics, the National leader is not a deal-breaker. If you are voting on interest rates and jobs, does Chris Bishop or Erica Stanford really change your view of your lot? They are good people and good talents, but they aren't game-changers and they won't get you a job any more than Luxon will. 6) Having done the hard yards, why quit now? The prize is just down the road and with a second term perceptions change. 7) The coalition as an operation is a success. Three parties have, and do, work well together. It's MMP in action. The alternative? Hipkins talking about a minority Government, a Green Party and extremism and a Māori Party that will not be back in anywhere near the numbers they have now. It's not a combo. This must all sit heavily with Luxon. How could it not? But that is what leadership is about. That is what you chased and bought into. If you think you will fail you will automatically be successful. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, it was an interesting end of the week when it comes to domestic politics. With rumours swelling on Friday that the Prime Minister was considering his future over the weekend, he had to act quickly. There was absolutely no way he could go into the weekend with even the hint of speculation he was considering his future. When a sitting Prime Minister signals they are “considering their future”, it is almost always politically damaging. In parliamentary systems like ours, leadership authority depends heavily on perceived confidence and control. Once a leader questions themselves publicly it rapidly weakens their position with the party and the electorate. Honesty and transparency in this case doesn't buy sympathy, it is more likely to create a trigger moment that encourages internal challengers. Be anything but unequivocal on Friday and the Prime Minister may as well have poured himself a Coke No Sugar and started planning a nice winter getaway. The sudden announcement he would appear on Heather de Plessis-Allan Drive just after 5pm on Friday evening was unusual enough to raise an eyebrow. But he was turning up to do exactly what needed to be done to remain credible - to get ahead of the story. He explained to Heather why he decided to appear - to set the story straight. After some easily clipped soundbites from his party deputy Nicola Willis, who told ZB's Wellington Morning host Nick Willis that it hadn't been a “great week for the Prime Minister”, Christopher Luxon made it very clear that he has the full support of his team and caucus. Since then, everyone has been very well behaved. Over the last few days, I've been reflecting on what a tough gig it is. There's quite a lot of luck and timing involved in being a successful Prime Minister. A successful career in politics isn't just about talent and ability, or the possession of that rare relatable charisma - it also comes down to what the country and the world throws at you. And - let's not forget - what the previous Government left you. Look around the world and most leaders are dealing with the same issues we have - a slow economic recovery, the high cost of living, housing, a weird international trade environment, and much more. We haven't seen much alternative policy from opposition parties to show us there are other, more likely to be successful, scenarios under alternative leadership that we're currently missing out on. The reality is that the recovery was going to be difficult for whoever was in charge. But it's especially difficult for a leader who takes on a cheerleading role with the vigour Luxon does. There's a disconnect between the aspirational words and the reality of a Government that's cutting rather than growing as much as we'd like, and when signs the economy is finally turning the corner are likely to squashed by conflict in the Middle East. The only thing keeping Luxon in play is his ability to control his troops, the party's desire to avoid the instability that comes with changing leadership, and the lack of an obvious replacement who could win an election. But history tells us that if the polls continue to trend downwards for the Nats, the Prime Minister may be organising that mid-winter break before you know it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's suspicions speculation around Chris Luxon's future won't be subsiding, even after he firmly ruled out stepping aside. This week's Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll has National down to 28.4 percent, with Labour able to govern alongside the Greens and Te Pati Maori. The Prime Minister's assured the public he had his MP's backing and won't be going anywhere. Taxpayers' Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says this week's been a challenging one from Chris Luxon. "The real significant event this week in terms of the election is the unexpected economic headwinds we now appear to be in - the events in the Middle East are not going to be over in a week or even a month now, it's looking to be quite a lot longer, and the implications on the New Zealand economy is certainly a challenge." Former Labour Chief of Staff Neale Jones says the speculation over Chris Luxon's political future is 'fatal' - regardless of whether or not it's true. "The problem he's got is that it's never a good thing when you have to ring up and say - I'm not resigning. I think that spoke to the crisis he was in this week." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has copped some backlash over his stance on the US and Israel attacking Iran. Chris Luxon strongly condemned the Iranian regime's retaliatory strikes. He also acknowledged the US claim Iran was developing weapons that could threaten overseas nations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's faced a lot of scrutiny from MFAT over this matter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All right, we need to talk about Chris Luxon and that performance yesterday. “Oh, I mean… we obviously understand… we're not saying that… what we're saying is… we… we… we understand this… I don't know how to be any clearer, guys…” You know what's going wrong here, eh? The Prime Minister doesn't want to say what he actually thinks. He doesn't want to take a position on the air strikes on Iran. If he says he supports the strikes, he risks copping it from what may be a majority - but almost certainly is a very vocal minority - of New Zealanders who don't like anything the US does militarily. If he says he opposes the strikes, then he risks creating an international headline like 'New Zealand criticises US air strikes' and getting this country offside with the most volatile US president in modern history - and whatever comes with that. So either way, he's in a tough position. A generous interpretation is that he's trying to protect New Zealand from Trump. A less generous interpretation is that he's trying to protect himself from unhappy voters. The problem is that, as always, Chris Luxon trying to avoid taking a position ends the way it always does: he looks clumsy and uncertain. He makes mistakes - like saying he supports anything the US may do to prevent nuclear weapons, including carpet bombing - which he's now had to walk back today. And Luxon's been here before, hasn't he? Remember the three-minute interview with Mike Hosking where he wouldn't take a position on whether he would have sacked Andrew Bayly? I'd say that in trying to avoid choosing between supporting or not supporting the air strikes, he created a third position altogether - making himself look foolish. And for a leader in an election year, that is the worst choice possible. It is better - even if the position is unpopular - to pick one, than to look like he does today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regional conflict is erupting in the Middle East - as the US and Israel ramp up aggression against Iran. Tehran has fired across surrounding states in retaliation for the killing of its Supreme Leader, with the US continuing bombardment, as Israel targets Lebanon. The White House says three US soldiers have died and it expects more casualties in coming weeks. MFAT says least 1750 New Zealanders are in the region, more than a thousand in the UAE. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon confirmed New Zealand stands with the people of Iran during this conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US and Israel launched strikes at Iran over the weekend, prompting concern and outrage from experts. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have criticised Iran's counter attacks, prompting Helen Clark to call the Government's response 'one-sided'. Waikato University law professor Al Gillespie has said this attack was illegal by the standards of international law. "There's nothing in the UN charter that says you can bomb someone who won't negotiate...the exemption to that was if this was a pre-emptive attack and it was an overwhelming necessity, and that cannot be seen in this instance." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand has never supported the Iranian regime. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that it's a regime which has brutally repressed it's own people, killed tens of thousands, and sponsored terrorism around the world. He also said that the missile strikes were 'independent attacks' from the US and Israel, and that New Zealand was not informed of the attacks before they happened. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a new issues poll out this morning. It's from IPSOS. 1000 people. Was taken after Waitangi weekend. The numbers are bad for National, because they should be winning on more issues. But Luxon won't hate the numbers because they're going in the right direction of a few key issues. A significant increase on Cost of Living - after a period of trending in the wrong direction. Another 'significant' increase on healthcare/hospitals- closing the gap from 19 to 12 points since October. After being overtaken on the economy, they've come back to draw with the reds. Interestingly, concern from voters about poverty and inequality is trending down - despite the big push in the media last week. The reality is that Labour is still ahead on three of the five issues. But no election is won or lost on a single issue, is it? Although Covid in 2020 and cost of living in 2023 were dominant. What the election will come down to, as I've always said, and everyone already knows, is Winston Peters. He has told me that he will not form a government with Labour if 1. Hipkins is in charge. And 2. it needs propping up by the Greens or TPM. He says they're nuts. So, as long as the polls, stay roughly where they are, the National party strategists will stick largely to the same script and wait for Winston at the alter. Barring, of course, nay campaign snaffus that might get any of the above into trouble and offside with us, the voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says visitors should be able to enjoy new investments in our city-centres - without feeling intimidated. The Government's introducing "move-on" orders - allowing Police to order people begging and sleeping rough, to leave a public space for up to 24 hours. They'll be slapped with a $2000 fine or up to three months' imprisonment if they refuse. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that in Auckland alone, the City Rail Link will be up and running later this year - and the International Convention Centre's already bringing in visitors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in Parliament today - with barbs traded between the Prime Minister and Opposition leader. Chris Luxon took a swipe at Labour's Chris Hipkins at Question Time over inflation. Speaker Gerry Brownlee told numerous MPs to cool down, after heckling from both sides. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the action from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention. Labour's saying they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers. In a letter to Chris Luxon, Chris Hipkins wants more clarity about the clause which requires New Zealand business to invest $33billion into India. Luxon told Mike Hosking that none of their concerns are real problems. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement is "politicking", and Chris Hipkins wanting attention. Labour's saying they want the un-redacted advice about the deal and greater protection for migrant workers. In a letter to Chris Luxon, Chris Hipkins wants more clarity about the clause which requires New Zealand business to invest $33billion into India. Luxon told Mike Hosking that none of their concerns are real problems. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duncan dives into the trust problem currently rotting New Zealand politics. Whether it is Chris Hipkins flipping on capital gains or Chris Luxon introducing a new power "levy" that looks suspiciously like a tax, we ask if anything said before an election actually survives. Plus, economist Craig Renney and the Taxpayers Union's Jordan Williams join us to debate the state of the economy and why Wellington is feeling so flat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Prime Minister remains hopeful for a fall in unemployment this year. Unemployment's reached a 10 year high of 5.4% - with Auckland's unemployment rate rising again to 6.4%. Job numbers have increased, but that's been offset by more people joining or re-joining the labour market. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that the economy's rebounding, and that should flow through to the job market soon. He says there's always a lag effect - with unemployment being the last economic indicator to turn around. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Faceoff was on a Thursday before the long weekend, and Nick was joined by Capital NZ Director, and Jacinda Ardern's former chief of staff Neale Jones, along with BRG senior consultant, and former chief press secretary to Chris Luxon, Hamish Rutherford. They discussed the major failure of Wellington's Moa Point treatment plant, what to expect politically from Waitangi Day, and possible coalition agreements after this year's election. Also on the agenda was this week's driver licensing changes, and has Petone's Jackson Street taken the "cool" away from Wellington's Cuba Street? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An employment law expert says a firefighter who used an obscene gesture about the Prime Minister brought Fire and Emergency into disrepute. A clip posted on social media shows Chris Luxon speaking with a person before heading towards a Defence Force helicopter. The volunteer firefighter then turns to the camera and makes an obscene gesture. Fire and Emergency is now investigating. Employment law expert Max Whitehead says volunteers don't have the same rights as a career firefighter, and explained she wouldn't be able to sue the organisation if she were fired. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says the Government had major "up front" concerns about joining Donald Trump's Board of Peace. New Zealand has joined other western countries in declining an invitation. The Prime Minister says the one-billion-US-dollars required to join the Board of Peace would be better spent on schools, roads and hospitals. He told Mike Hosking that it will be better for Middle Eastern countries to be on the board, since it will be focused on the Middle East. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon confirmed last week that New Zealand would not be sitting on Donald Trump's newly proposed Board of Peace. The refusal came days after the Government signalled it was considering the offer, and opposing parties have criticised the delayed response. Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell says the $1 billion seat price was a significant sum for a country of New Zealand's size. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers Union 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! Judith Collins today confirmed she was retiring from politics - will we miss her? Will New Zealand politics be different without Ju-Co around? Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has sunk to his lowest popularity in the past year, with a leaked poll showing more voters disapprove of him than approve. What can the Government do differently here? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament returned today for the first session of 2026, and the focus has turned to campaigning for the upcoming election. Hipkins and Luxon made their statements, with Luxon applauding the coalition's track record and Hipkins accusing the Government of being all about slogans, not delivery. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rātana has kicked off the year in New Zealand politics, as the country eyes up the November 7 election. MPs spoke at the central North Island pā site, with Labour's Chris Hipkins speaking about the importance of using Te Reo Māori. The Greens launched a Members' Bill at the event to entrench Māori seats, and it was announced the Government would invest 10 million dollars into a new Ringatū Marae complex in the Bay of Plenty. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says Prime Minister Chris Luxon was unable to attend the event and spent the day speaking with those who'd been impacted by the extreme weather in the upper North Island. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, have a listen to this. This happened in Thames this morning as the Prime Minister arrived to go and check on the damage to the properties and check out the roads and to meet with the victims' families. It's a disgrace what you're doing with your climate positive, Prime Minister. It's an absolute disgrace and we're suffering now. You're listening to a bunch of protesters heckling the Prime Minister. They're yelling shame as he gets into his car. And yesterday, Chris Hipkins mentioned climate change in his message to victims' families. Now, everybody in this country knows how political climate change has become. Well, not, no, that's wrong. Not so much climate change, but how we respond to it. So to wave banners and bring into the debate about climate change, absolutely they're right. The protesters, they have the right to do that. It's also the right of the Leader of the Opposition to mention it in his address as well. But the question is whether it's in good taste. And I reckon it's a bit off for a couple of reasons. One, we still have teenagers trapped under a landslide at the Mount. Their families, desperate, emotional as you can well imagine, banners shouting anger through the news at a time like this, I would have thought was a bit much. Number 2, the idea that by closing a few farms and getting rid of some cows in New Zealand, you will somehow stop the rain from falling and the landslides from slipping is just wrong. All the scientists agree it would take unified global action, most importantly, from the big four players to move the dial even an inch. And right now, as everybody well knows, those players, especially the US, doing the opposite. Our dear friends across the Tasman have just struck a deal to extend the life of their biggest power plant. That plant, by the way, runs on coal. As I say, I back everyone's right to protest and say what they like. There is nothing illegal or even really nasty about it. I just think it's probably a bit in poor taste so soon after such a personal tragedy, and one that people are feeling so deeply. You've also got to wonder who's benefiting from all this. Are the protesters going to be flooded with supporters after an outburst like that while the families are still waiting to hear news of their loved ones stuck under a landslide? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's not announcing any changes to the team, as parties tee-up political campaigns. The Prime Minister's confirmed a November 7 date for this year's general election - speaking from National's annual caucus retreat in Christchurch. Chris Luxon says any members retiring will announce it themself, and he doesn't feel compelled to reshuffle for the sake of it. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says Luxon will be hoping for the economic recovery to be more noticeable by the time the voting booths open up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 19 January 2026, the Prime Minister has given his State of the Nation speech but the business community is yet to be convinced. Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO Simon Bridges tells Ryan Bridge what was missing from the speech. A North Auckland community is calling for action after their rockpools have been stripped of sea life. Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals why Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman didn't call her before signing a support letter for Fed chair Jerome Powell. On the Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani debate the State of the Nation speech - and why it was the pot plants that really caught Trish's attention. Plus, Ryan explains why he thinks Chris Luxon should call an early election. 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.

Criticism over a lack of detail - as the Prime Minister delivered his State of the Nation address to business leaders in Auckland today at the International Convention Centre's first event. Chris Luxon says two years of hard work by Government and business owners will pay off this year, with more jobs and growing incomes. Business Chamber head, Simon Bridges, says he'd have liked more vision in the speech. "For not just sort of here and now - but for if there's another term, what that's going to look like. I think that's what the business community, the struggling middle, New Zealanders would want." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says voters shouldn't expect any big election promises this year, as the Government looks to keep the books in order. Chris Luxon's given his State of the Nation speech in Auckland before 600 business leaders. Luxon declared the economic recovery is here, and pointed to Kiwisaver, RMA and education reforms as this year's policy planks. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the Government's dialled back the rhetoric this time round, as part of a 'low risk, low reward' strategy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is election year, of course, and I reckon we should get this thing over and done with quickly. Let's rip the band-aid off - Luxon should go to the polls early. The argument's always been - and we talked about this a lot last year - that they should wait till November, go late, let the economy recover. Make sure people feel the recovery and not just hear about it and read about it in the newspapers, but I think the political calculation has changed over the summer break. Luxon's grip on National, and the coalition more generally, has always been pretty weak, let's be honest. He struggles for cut-through. His colleagues are only really keeping him there because instability looks worse than his performance. This doesn't mean he's doing a terrible job. Inflation is coming down, recovery is underway, education is being dealt to, as is crime, this is good. But politics isn't always about facts, much as it should be. Because it's also vibes, isn't it? And it's been seen to be bold and be strong. Now, Jacinda Ardern - you won't like this, some of you - but a lot of people did. Initially, when she shut the borders, when she closed the country, it was bold. People liked it, it projected strength and it showed us who was boss. Of course, it all fell apart, but the principle of leadership is the same. Luxon should be bold and go to the polls in late July or early August. You can credibly claim a recovery is underway. You can say international events, you know, new tariffs, military action, these are unstable things and we need stability. Put your money where your mouth is, show people that you actually believe the recovery is happening and you're willing to put your job on the line to prove it. Show some leadership, surprise people. Use one of the few levers that you have as an MMP Prime Minister in a three-way coalition to put the willies up your opposition, up your opponents. But more importantly, and crucially, cut in half the amount of time that will be spent this year bickering with your cabinet colleagues, Seymour and Peters, who are after oxygen, of course, and Bishop, et al, who are after your job. The Māori Party is an absolute shambles, why give them more time to sort their act out? If Luxon is not just sleepwalking into this election, he'd be wise to take advantage and show himself as a genuine player of the game, I think. Being a good leader means knowing your limitations and your foibles. The question I'd be asking myself is whether a significant number of voters are going to miraculously warm to him between the months of July and November this year. I think, given the poll trends, this is highly doubtful. What they might not warm to, they may at least respect if he does the big boy bold move and heads to the polls with an autumn campaign season, give us some gumption. We need a Prime Minister, not a Prime Manager. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Finance Minister says many people aren't feeling economic relief despite positive markers. The Prime Minister is giving his State of the Nation speech at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon. Newstalk ZB understands Chris Luxon will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and back to the Government's successes at home. But Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking that it's important for Luxon to level with the public. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says his State of the Nation speech will focus on his plan for setting up the country's future Chris Luxon is set to make the address at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon. Newstalk ZB understands he will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and to the Government's successes back home. Luxon told Mike Hosking that he won't be announcing policy - but will reveal a framework for going forward. He says the speech is a chance to lay out where we're at, and what's going on. Chris Luxon says he will announce an election day shortly. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business sector will want to know how the Government will support them - as the Prime Minister prepares for his State of the Nation speech. Chris Luxon will give the address at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon - the first event to be held at the new centre. Newstalk ZB understands he will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and to the Government's successes back home. Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Andrew Dickens that he will question if economic relief is set to continue. He wants to know what fresh Government ideas are coming through which will keep business confidence up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business sector will want to know how the Government will support them - as the Prime Minister prepares for his State of the Nation speech. Chris Luxon will give the address at the International Convention Centre in Auckland this afternoon - the first event to be held at the new centre. Newstalk ZB understands he will try to draw attention away from turbulent affairs overseas - and to the Government's successes back home. Auckland Business Chamber Chief Executive Simon Bridges told Andrew Dickens that he will question if economic relief is set to continue. He wants to know what fresh Government ideas are coming through which will keep business confidence up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's talk about this business with the pension age. Chris Luxon has said twice today that he wants the pension age to go up to 67. He said it once on Kerre's show this morning, and then at a post-Budget lunch speaking to business leaders, he repeated it and he told them that this is basically going to be election policy for National next year. Now, regardless of how you may feel about this, I mean, you'd have to be coming around to the realisation, wouldn't you, that we are inching closer and closer to this thing actually happening. Especially after the changes that the Government made to our KiwiSaver retirement funds yesterday. It's not long now. I think that the Government will have completely wound down its government support of KiwiSaver, and then it's gonna come after the pension next, isn't it? This is where I think it gets tricky, because this is not just about money for people. This is emotional. Let me lay out the emotional argument for you as it plays out in my head, okay? It goes like this: don't touch my pension. You can touch anything else. Do not touch my pension. I don't care if they take away every other piece of welfare that is available to me and other people. In fact, I would actually welcome it, because I think there is way too much welfare in this country for the middle class who don't actually need it. You get a best start payment for having a newborn. You're having a baby. They give you money. You get the winter energy payment. You get Working for Families, which I think is a crime. You get the subsidised childcare for sending your kid to kindy. You get free tertiary education for the 3rd year, God only knows why. Free government money for your KiwiSaver. Now, as far as I'm concerned, there's way too much of that stuff going on. They can take all of that away. If they don't want to take it away, they can means test it so that actually the most, and only the most needy in this country get it. But I will do everything I can to stop them touching my pension. Because I have earned that money. This is not a question about whether I need that money, it is that I have earned that money. I, like you, have contributed huge amounts of tax to this country, and actually I have not claimed very much back for myself. It's certainly not anywhere near how much I have put in. The only thing that stops me from being very sour about how much money they take out of my pay packet every year and the wasting of that money and the bludging by some on that money is the knowledge that when I hit 65 and want to retire, I will get a little bit back. Call it a goodwill gesture from the government, if you like, a government who I have helped prop up just like you have for donkeys' years, by the time that money comes into my bank account. So, good luck to Chris Luxon getting this one across the line. I think it's going to be one of the hardest fights to win because of the emotional argument that I have just laid out for you. I think they might find it easier to take away a lot of other welfare first. And unless they take away a lot of other welfare first, I am not budging on the pension.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've got a Code Blue on our hands. Today we dive into the explosive claims from a senior health leader who says our hospitals are so stretched they'd be treated like a patient in full emergency mode. We talk about why Kiwi-trained nurses are being left on the bench while overseas staff walk straight into jobs, and why the system feels like it's working against its own people. Chris Luxon also gives the green light to move-on orders for Auckland's homeless, and the team unpacks whether the plan is workable or just wishful thinking. Then we check in on Labour's conference, their “ready to govern” pitch, and the policies that look good on paper but come without the numbers to back them. Plus, Duncan shares a private nursing job opportunity for anyone keen to put their skills to use. Big stories, big opinions, and plenty to chew on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Luxon says banks need to be passing on their OCR cuts to customers - and customers should be switching banks if they don't. Mortgage rates have been falling significantly, following recent OCR cuts. But the Reserve Bank says the banks still have room to move, to be cutting the rates further. The Prime Minister says [told Mike Hosking] banks should be competing for customers, and customers should be trying to get the best deal they can. 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.

Chris Luxon says National's KiwiSaver election pledge will be a bottom line in coalition negotiations. National's announced plans to lift default contributions to six percent by 2032. Employer contributions would increase by half a percent from 2029. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says most of the policy is sound, but he raised concerns over some employers taking the increases out of their workers' pay checks. 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.

Chris Luxon says he is confident that he will lead National in next year's general election. A hit in the polls raised questions about his leadership last week, and rumours spread that he would be replaced come next election. The Prime Minister has denied these rumours. He told Mike Hosking that, 'It's quite hard to take this seriously because I've read all of this before the whole 4 years I've been in politics.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Either Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is telling porkies, or he's the most out-of-the-loop person in Wellington. His claim that there's “no talk” of rolling Chris Luxon is complete nonsense. There is talk—serious talk. I can tell you for a fact that senior National Party ministers believe Luxon can't continue in the job. MPs are actively discussing whether to pull the pin and replace him. If they do, the most likely successor is Chris Bishop. But—and this is crucial—they haven't decided to do it yet. Why? Because it's risky. Rolling a sitting Prime Minister has only happened once before, with Jim Bolger, and that didn't end well. MPs know that sticking with Luxon might pay off if the economy improves next year. Better economic conditions could lift National's polling and save seats currently at risk. But there's a flip side: if the polls don't recover, Luxon's unpopularity could drag National down further. Like it or not, modern elections are presidential in style—voters focus on who they want as Prime Minister. Jacinda Ardern boosted Labour's vote in 2017. Luxon is part of why National's vote has fallen. Would Chris Bishop do better? Maybe. But it's a guess. He could also do worse. And the instability of rolling a sitting PM could make things even worse for National. So MPs face two high-risk options: stick with an unpopular leader or gamble on an unproven one. It's a call I wouldn't want to make—but they're making it right now. It may never happen, but trust me: the talk is real.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing speculation Chris Luxon is at risk of being rolled ahead of the election, with Chris Bishop being touted as a potential replacement. An opinion piece by Audrey Young was released today, and it claimed that Labour was going extra hard on Bishop over the cycleway project because he was likely to take over the party by 2026. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says National's taking a hit in the polls and there's discussions about Luxon's leadership abilities taking place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor has smacked National clean in the face, and Duncan is fired up. This isn't just a bad poll. It's voters across the country saying they're worse off, still struggling with the basics, and not buying what National's selling. A 3.9 out of 10 performance score is more than rough. It's a warning shot. Ani O'Brien joins Duncan to unpack why cost of living sits at the top of the pile, why National's messaging has never landed, and how Labour is somehow looking more trustworthy on the economy despite the mess it left behind. We get into leadership questions, the lack of tough decisions, the frustration of half measures, and whether Chris Luxon's team is actually hearing what people are saying. There's also a look at crime, policing, the Greens' latest missteps, and the brutal political reality heading into 2026. If National doesn't get moving fast, voters won't wait around. 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

Chris Luxon is standing firm on his opposition to a capital gains tax. A New Zealand Herald-Kantar Poll shows New Zealanders are evenly split on Labour's proposal for a tax on gains on commercial and investment properties. Opposition is strongest in Auckland, while support for the CGT is stronger in every other region. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking Labour's proposal is ultimately a bad idea, that will harm businesses and leave everyone's KiwiSaver worse off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has responded to Winston Peters' fears over potential asset sales. Chris Luxon has ruled them out this term, but is again suggesting it needs discussion. Meanwhile, the NZ First leader has told RNZ it's a silly argument - and claimed the party will stop the country's assets from being sold. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the discussions further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon says India and New Zealand are continuing to get closer to reaching a free trade agreement. Trade Minister Todd McClay hosted Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in Auckland last week for a fifth round of talks on an FTA. The Prime Minister says it's been good to see Goyal coming here when he's so in-demand around the world. Luxon told Mike Hosking that McClay will head to India this week for further talks. He says they're making good progress, with some negotiations, but they're committed to getting the deal done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon reckons Donald Trump will take up his offer, of a round of golf in New Zealand. The Prime Minister's back in the country, after attending the ASEAN and APEC summits in Malaysia and South Korea last week. He met the US President, extending the opportunity for Trump to play a round with former PM Sir John Key. Luxon told Mike Hosking that Trump knows a lot about New Zealand's golf scene. 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'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.