Podcast appearances and mentions of craig renney

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government says it is taking significant steps to improve police oversight after a damning IPCA report on the handling of complaints against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Can Andrew Coster come back from this? The Government is set to roll out roadside drug tests from December. What do we make of this? Is this the right move? Prime Minister Chris Luxon and NZ First leader Winston Peters are clashing over the idea of asset sales ahead of next year's election? What do we think will come from this? US President Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for over $1 billion over their misleading edit of his speech that appeared to encourage the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021. How much trouble is the BBC in? What does this mean for our trust in media? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 November 2025, a new bombshell IPCA report has revealed serious misconduct by senior police leadership in the Jevon McSkimming saga. Herald investigative journalist Jarod Savage speaks to Heather with the latest. Drivers will soon be tested for drugs as well as alcohol in roadside tests - Transport Minister Chris Bishop explains who will be pinged. NZ First leader Winston Peters is firmly rejecting the idea of asset sales in a public clash with Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Former White House Chief Information Officer Theresa Payton tells Heather what scares her about AI and how we need to do to be able to trust it. Plus, the Huddle reacts to the damning IPCA report and when is Craig Renney going to announce he's running for Labour? 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.

Craig Renney joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk in more detaill about the GCT announced yesterday by the Labour Party. We had Barb Edmonds last night for a very tightly timed interview and tonight we'll take a bit more time to delve into what it is, and what it means for NZ and Labour in 2026.Labour leader Chris Hipkins has had a crack at the Prime Minister's real estate portfolio while making the case for his party's new capital gains tax policy challenging Luxon on the tax plan to "Bring it On"The Ministry of Education has released a new draft curriculum for years zero to 10, with Education Minister Erica Stanford saying the overhaul will deliver a much needed “refresh” to the 20-year-old curriculum.=================================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

The Reserve Bank has opted for boldness over caution as it delivered a 50-basis-point cut the official cash rate to 2.5 percent, and signalled further reductions. What does this mean for the economy? Craig Renney joins us LIVE at 9pm to explain everything.Hundreds of teenagers with a health condition or disability could be cut off from the Jobseeker benefit as part of the government's welfare changes, official data shows. The government is ending Jobseeker payments to 18- and 19-year-olds whose parents earn more than $65,000, saying it will encourage them to find work. The policy will also apply to young beneficiaries with a health condition or disability who have had to stop work for a period of time or reduce their hours.Thirty people have been arrested at a demonstration outside an aerospace summit in Christchurch. Reporters at the scene said about a dozen were chained together near the entrance to Te Pae Convention Centre. Several protesters have been carried away by police outside the national aerospace summit in Christchurch.=================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! NZ Post today revealed they'll be cutting services down, including fewer delivery days and fewer post offices. Do we mind this change? Who still sends post? Winston Peters' home got vandalised last night - is this a sign the protests have gone too far? More than 200 people will be elected unopposed at this weekend's local elections. Is this ridiculous? Do we need an overhaul? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SPECIAL GUEST HOST: Tommy Deehttps://www.tiktok.com/@tommy92929Craig Renney joins us LIVE around 9.30(ish) to talk about the electricity sector and what's happening at the moment and why Treasury is no longer seemingly having lock ups for analysts to release economic data Brie Elliot has had some really interesting interactions with Chris Bishop online with an outcome that we will share with you tonight as Brie joins us LIVE at 9pmNew Zealanders on the flotilla to Gaza have been detained by Israel without much information on what is happening to themTe Pati Māori and toitu te tiriti seem to have had a public falling out and we'll see if we can see what it's all about tonight=================================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

Tonight we speak to NZEI President Ripeka Lessels about what is being described as an historic action where primary school teachers, principals, school support staff, and Ministry of Education specialists all strike in what union NZEI calls because the Government has failed to address key issues within the education sector.Craig Renney joins the show LIVE tonight to talk about what he describes as "GPD numbers in free fall" with numbers out today that are about as bad as they can be...the only reason there is a chance of improvement moving forward is they could not get any lower.Rev Mel McKenzie is the supervising chaplain at Victoria University and earlier this week was chained to Nicola Willis' office in a protest calling for sanctions to be made on Israel by this government. Mel joins us tonight LIVE at 9pm to talk over the action she, and her fellow Reverends, took this week.=================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, Infrastructure NZ chief executive Nick Leggett and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Right-wing activist and speaker Charlie Kirk was fatally shot and killed in Utah earlier today. Are we worried about what this means for the future of political discourse? Stuart Nash has resigned following his infamous comments about what makes a woman - did he have choice in the matter? And what could this mean for his chances in NZ First? Should non-elected council members be allowed to vote? ACT is looking to change that - do we agree with this? Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down as Silver Ferns coach - do we think this is fair or another case of Gen Z being too fragile? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Green Party's tertiary spokesperson, Francisco Hernandez joins us tonight LIVE to talk about the petition to "Save Our Polytechs" and end the cuts.The government has signed off on a plan to ease alcohol restrictions, pledging fewer hurdles for bars and bottle stores, and make it harder for people to block liquor licences and simpler for ministers to declare one-off special trading hours for pubs or clubs screening major sport or cultural events.Reports are saying that the gender pay gap has narrowed to its lowest level on record - but has it? Graig Renney joins us LIVE around 9.30 to talk over the hidden story in the newly released numbers=================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU economist Craig Renney and Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! More than a hundred students at Lincoln University are being re-tested after suspicions they used AI to cheat. Is this the right move from the university? Are we in favour of 4-year parliamentary terms? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU economist Craig Renney and Jordan Williams of the Taxpayers' Union joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Sir Michael Hill passed away today - what did we make of his legacy and professional advice? What can the rest of the nation learn from him? The Government will run an investigation to clarify whether farm children are safe to collect the eggs and water plants. Have we completely lost the plot here? Should medication always be checked by two pharmacists before it's dispensed? The case of a two-month-old baby dying after allegedly being given an adult dosage by a pharmacy in error has raised concerns. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury this week welcomes a very special guest in the form of Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee, to unpack the Parliament haka debacle - was the punishment a principled defence of procedure, or a tone-deaf crackdown on tikanga? The panel of all stars features Peeni Henare, Matthew Tukaki, Craig Renney, and the one and only Sir Roger Douglas. The four take on the Government’s $6 billion infrastructure “announcement” (spoiler... it’s old news dressed up as new hope). Economic growth has flatlined, inflation’s creeping back, and term deposits are ballooning for the already-rich while Māori unemployment sits at an alarming number. Meanwhile, National sells residency to billionaires while blaming Labour for an economy they're clearly steering. Oh - and the Minister of Defence wants us war-ready. Against who? China? Trump? The moon? Powered by Waatea News.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We recently found out Whānau Ora funding has been used to fund Moana Pasifika. What do we make of this? 15-storey apartment buildings will soon go up in some Auckland suburbs near strategic train stations - and the locals aren't happy. Are the detractors being NIMBY's - or are people right to be concerned? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Renney joins us LIVE at 9pm to have a look over the GDP numbers which he has already described as a "dead cat bounce" which concerns about what is happening over the rest of the yearTed Cruz has been embarrassed by the strangest of places right wing commentator Tucker Carlson and we also will have a look at the history of Benjamin Netanyahu attempting to scare the world into a war with Iran.Matariki around the country, what's happening where?=================================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

Barbara Edmonds and Craig Renney were in Christchurch talking about Govt Budgets and hinting at what Labour will campaign on such as Tax Reform. Emz shares her experience at the event.The govt is being sued by two major entities, Environmental Law Initiative and Lawyers for Climate Action NZ representing 300 lawyers, for regressive climate policies and not meeting it climate emission reduction targets with unambitious and regressive policies.Jacinda is meeting with big names in media and podcasts in politics promoting her book "A different kind of Power". We look at some of the reflections she has about her time as Prime Minister.=================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, Ben Thomas and Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Should kids who are homeschooled be excluded from sports competitions? Does this seem unfair? The Auckland property valuations are out - and many aren't happy with their property values taking a dive. What do we make of all this? New research shows more Kiwis feel reluctant about making online purchases, with many quitting before they check out their digital trollies. Why do we think this is? There's growing corruption in police, customs, immigration - can we do something about this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions has called Budget 2025 a reverse Robin Hood budget that steals from working people. CTU economist Craig Renney spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU economist Craig Renney and Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The 2025 Budget was unveiled today - what did we think of it? Do we agree cutting down Government KiwiSaver contributions was the right move? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us at 2pm for the headlines from the Budget as Craig Renney comes our from the lock up and gives is a first look=================================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

Join us live at 9pm for a wrap of the budget, the headlines, the deep dives and what CTU's Craig Renney and Labour's Barb Edmonds have found in the numbers=================================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

At the time of preparing this show Craig Renney and the CTU have been banned by Treasury to attend the budget lock up for the first time ever. Along with other third party, non-media groups such as the TPU, Business NZ and the NZ Initiative have also been banned. The company that makes BHN applied for access to the lock up and we'll tell you the whole sordid story tonight after 9pmMarama Davidson joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk the Green Party Alternative Budget. The Green Party is proposing an "income guarantee" that would give everyone who is out of work at least $395 a week, and to completely overhaul the Working for Families scheme. It is one of the announcements in its alternative Budget revealed this morning.=================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU economist Craig Renney and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Why has the CTU been excluded from the Budget lock-up? The green bins debate- do they need to go? Simeon Brown suggested Aucklanders could shave 2 percent off their rates bills if they went away. What do we make of this? The IRD is cracking down on chasing up people overseas who haven't paid back their student loans. Why have they taken so long to do this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're starting a campaign to support Women's Refuge tonight. If this government want's to put women into hardship, then we better get behind one of the groups that helps women when they're at their most vulnerable.See www.BHNShop.nz for detailsUnemployment data released today by Statistics New Zealand shows ongoing weakness in the labour market, with falling employment, falling hours of work, and nearly half of all workers getting a pay rise less than inflation. NZCTU economist Craig Renney joins us tonight to flesh out the numbers.The fallout continues by the government halting all current pay equity claims, makes it harder to lodge new ones with a fiery day in the debate chamberDonald Trump get's old 'Never gonna happen' to his face by the Canadian PM about the US annexing their northern neighbour=================================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

The Government is fast-tracking amendments to the Equal Pay Act, the law which prohibits employers from paying men and women different rates for the same work, in a move which will scrap all current pay equity claims and make it harder for employees to make a claim. Craig Renney joins us to talk over the economics of the change and Labour's Workplace Relations Spokesperson, Jan Tinetti joins us to talk the impact to those who the Equal Pay Act is currently helping

The Government is fast-tracking amendments to the Equal Pay Act, the law which prohibits employers from paying men and women different rates for the same work, in a move which will scrap all current pay equity claims and make it harder for employees to make a claim. - Craig Renney joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk over the economics of the change- Labour's Workplace Relations Spokesperson, Jan Tinetti, joins us LIVE at 9.20 to talk the impact to those who the Equal Pay Act is currently helpingChris Hipkins was on Breakfast this morning talking about Erica Stanford using her gmail account making the case that Parliament Cyber Security have been telling MPs not to use systems outside the security of Parliament, which means if Mr Luxon is so chilled about it either security is wrong, or he doesn't care about Stanford being a security issue.Christopher Luxon has announced that National wants to ban under 16s from social media accounts which raises a couple of questions, the first is...is this really the most pressing issue you have right now PM to be on top of...and...id under 16s are banned from social media...who will David Seymour have to snapchat with?================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, CTU economist Craig Renney and journalist Clare de Lore joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! David Seymour has made some suggestions about the ministries he would cut down or scrap altogether. What do we think? Do we agree with this idea? The Greens have unveiled a plan to create 40,000 new 'green jobs' as part of their alternative budget due out in a couple of weeks. Do we support this concept? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Renney joins us LIVE from Australia today as Finance Minister Nicola Willis says funding for almost every Government department will be frozen in this year's Budget. This means today, the forecast for the NZ economy is so much worse than any knew as of yesterday.Shock news today that The Working Group has come to an end with co-host and beloved Socialist Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury writing a post today stating of Damien Grant that "a Free Speech Champion has been bullied into it because his right wing mates don't like my free speech" which is the reason the podcast is now ended.See the post here https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2025/04/29/comrades-it-is-with-deep-sadness-that-i-announce-the-working-group-has-been-cancelled-by-the-political-right/Associate Education Minister David Seymour has written to all 78 mayors - city, district and regional - asking them to consider what they could do to stamp out truancy at a time when his Government cut attendance officers in the Ministry of Education=================================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

Labour MP Barbara Edmonds joins us LIVE at 9pm to talk over the utter failure that is the FamilyBoost package that Nicola Willis was 99.988% wrong saying 21,000 families would get it, and only 249 haveCraig Renney explains how Nicola Willis does not understanding the funding of the FamilyBoost package which can be demonstrated by how she says they will open the funding, when there is no funding to openQ&A this week shared numbers around Charter Schools which lead us to only one conclusion...no one wants charter schools...which is just another failure this government has promised and not delivered on=================================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

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Craig Renney from the CTU joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour is talking up the potential of a snap election, saying 'we are ready'. Do we think there's a chance Winston Peters is going to blow it all up - or is Labour just stirring? Do we think Simeon Brown is being too hard on the senior doctors - given how badly we need them in this country? New Zealanders' concerns about the impact of climate change has declined to 69 percent from 76 percent in 2022 and 80 percent in 2023. Why do we care less? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll have Tamatha Paul on LIVE to talk about all the free publicity that the Sensible Sentencing Trust have giver her and the message of defunding the police. We also want to drill down into the idea of defunding the police and what it means when it comes to legislation and changed to funding.Nicola Willis has given NZ a gloomy update on the economic future face Aotearoa, Craig Renney will come on LIVE to talk about what we were told, and what it all meansWe'll have a look at the Trump influence on the world and the $4 trillion his tariffs knocked of the US stock exchange todayChris Hipkins was on Breakfast this morning talking about how National's claim of consultation over the new defence spending was actually just an "informing" and a quick look at Chippy's response to the One News polling from last night=================================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

New Zealand's out of recession, but many Kiwis could take a while to feel better off. Our economy grew by 0.7% in the December quarter – surpassing all economists' expectations. But unemployment's expected to keep rising this year, and many households are still doing it tough. Council of Trade Unions Economist Craig Renney told Francesca Rudkin that confidence in the New Zealand economy is still lacking. He says that many people will need to feel the difference in their wallets in order to believe the economy is recovering. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is making the claim that this year is the first drop in violent crime since 2018. CTU economist Craig Renney has crunched the numbers and has some thoughts around the claimRetailers and members of the public will soon have beefed-up rights to detain and arrest suspected thieves by using "reasonable force", the Government has announced. It says the measures will help tackle retail crime but the changes have been slated by business lobby groups — including the Employers and Manufacturers Association and Retail NZ — who say it could lead to violence.It might be saving money, but the social impact of David Seymour's new school lunch initiative is proving costly in some of our most deprived communities. We are also getting more and more reports of the quality of the food delivered under Labour's policy, versus the "cheaper and better" options being delivered (sometimes) today=================================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

The Government has declared 2025 the year of economic growth, with its current action plan for the next quarter honing in on various economic growth plans. Craig Renney, chief economist for the CTU, and former advisor to Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson, joins Thomas this week to discuss economic growth from a left-leaning perspective and what he thinks needs to be done. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buckle up, it looks like I might agree with a trade union. CTU policy director Craig Renney is worried about the same thing I am, and I think he is right to be worried. What he is worried about is the possibility that we will become a net exporter of population. Oh the irony that as an exporting nation, one of the growth industries is people. If you have followed the migration story these past few years a couple of large, and some would argue alarming, things have happened: 1) A huge number of people arrived. 2) A huge number of people have left. Things are sort of starting to settle. The arrival numbers are tailing off. But the departure numbers, although not breaking records the way they were, are still large. The key part of that numeric equation is we are at a tipping point. It is more than possible that if the arrival numbers drop just a bit more, but the departure bit doesn't stop, we will have more people leaving than arriving. We will be a net exporter of people. The really scary thing about that is the one in, one out idea isn't in and of itself a good thing if the “out” is a brain surgeon and the “in” is an uber driver. The overall picture, i.e. a shrinking population, is a disaster as well because for every person who thought too many arrived and they had no houses etc, having a shrinking population is as bad, if not worse. Reputationally it's catastrophic. We are the country no one wants to live in. That's not normally a portrait of a robust, successful, prosperous nation, is it? What it says is those looking to move here don't fancy it. They pick somewhere else. In the meantime, those already here look to leave for brighter, more appealing pastures. We are the ugly girl in the corner of the school dance. It's a reminder, as if we needed it, that this country has a series of problems of size and severity that we have not faced in many a long decade. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An updated estimate by the CTU for the cost of progressing the Treaty Principles Bill to its first reading shows a 50 percent increase, due to the number of submissions received. CTU Chief economist and Labour Party policy council member Craig Renney spoke to Paddy Gower.

Gravity Credit Management proudly sponsors the Working Group. For more information on Gravity click the link.  Kia Ora Aotearoa! Welcome to The Working Group, New Zealand's top political podcast not funded by NZ on Air. I'm your host, Martyn Bradbury, editor of The Daily Blog. Joining me tonight:  Damien Grant - libertarian liquidator and Cthulhu of Capitalism. Max Harris - Political Commentator and strategist Craig Renney - The Council of Trade Unions Economist Tonight's Issues: CTU day of action - Is this the most anti-worker Government ever? Benefit increases and unemployment - how bad is the economy? Is the prosecution guideline backlash an attempt by the Right to take over the Judiciary? Welcome to The Working Group, jump on in. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TEXT: Working to 3598  Check out the Social Media - https://bento.me/theworkinggroup

A conservative estimate suggests it will cost at least $4 million to progress the controversial Treaty Principles Bill to a second reading at Parliament. CTU economist Craig Renney spoke to Corin Dann.

Kia Ora Aotearoa! Welcome to The Working Group, New Zealand's top political podcast not funded by NZ on Air. I'm your host, Martyn Bradbury, editor of The Daily Blog. Joining me tonight: Damien Grant - libertarian liquidator and Cthulhu of Capitalism. Michael Wood - E Tu Union's Negotiation Specialist Craig Renney - the sickle and the hammer, The Council of Trade Unions Economist Tonight's issues: Shane Reti amputates public health - what happens next?     OCR holds but only because economy is tanking     The irony of starting Boot camps while apologising for abuse in State care     Biden finally steps down - is Kamala Harris the solution? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TEXT: Working to 3598  Watch on YouTube Watch on X Watch on Instagram Check out the Social MediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Council of Trade Unions says tax and spending cuts have been favoured over what New Zealanders need in this year's Budget. CTU head economist Craig Renney spoke to Corin Dann.

Join us this week as we dissect the tumultuous landscape of New Zealand politics. From plummeting poll numbers to a potential leadership shakeup in the National Party, and the looming spectre of economic uncertainty amidst global geopolitical tensions, we delve deep into the heart of the nation's political arena.  Watch on YouTube Watch on X Watch on Instagram Check the Social MediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday (29 January) at this time we interviewed the chief economist of the CTU Craig Renney. Craig Renney is now also on the Labour Party's policy council. He was elected late last year by Labour Party members.

ACT leader David Seymour wants to convince his coalition partners to flatten the tax system in this year's Budget, arguing everyone can be better off. The Party is proposing to scrap the lowest tax threshold, reduce the highest rates, and give lower-and-middle income earners a tax credit. The Finance Minister Nicola Willis has asked Treasury to look at whether aspects of ACT's plan can be incorporated. New Zealand Council of Trade Union's chief economist Craig Renney spoke to Corin Dann.

The Council of Trade Unions is urging the Government not to cut public spending to reduce inflation. Annual inflation increased by 4.7 percent last year, down from 5.6 percent the previous year. Trade unions say government support is needed for middle and low-income families, not spending cuts, which could harm the economy. Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney spoke to Corin Dann.

The Council of Trade Union's chief economist says higher unemployment is looming. Stats New Zealand released economic figures yesterday - showing the economy shrank 0.3 per cent in the three months ending September. It also revised figures for the June quarter - showing a 0.5 per cent GDP rise, compared to the 0.9 per cent reported. The union's Craig Renney said this shows the economy is weaker than assumed. He spoke with Corin Dann.

The Council of Trade Unions says landlords will get $3 billion in tax cuts thanks to National and ACT's coalition agreement. That's about $1 billion more than the National Party fiscal plan outlined before the election. The Coalition agreement with ACT says the parties would "restore mortgage interest deductibility for rental properties with a 60 percent deduction in 2023/24, 80 percent the year after, and 100 percent in 2025/26." Council of Trade Unions' economist and director of policy Craig Renney spoke to Corin Dann. We invited Finance Minister Nicola Willis on to the programme to discuss the CTU's figures, but she declined.

BusinessNZ and the Council of Trade Unions both say they hope the new government will be more responsive. Both organisations seem to agree that the last government didn't always seem to have a good ear for what people were saying. CTU chief economist Craig Renney and BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.

The National Party is hitting back at criticism its tax cuts will cost front-line services. It's promising to cut $2.3 billion in bureaucratic spending. CTU economist Craig Renney says services like biosecurity and work on family violence, among others, are on the chopping block. National's finance spokesperson Nicola Willis says the CTU didn't bat an eye when Labour announced $4 billion in cuts to bureaucratic spending. Willis spoke to Corin Dann.

The Council of Trade Unions says National's plan to cut public service spending will target frontline services. CTU economist and a former advisor to Labour's finance spokesperson Grant Robertson, Craig Renney, says National's promised tax cuts would be bank rolled by money being chopped from core services, not back offices like the party claims. Renney spoke to Corin Dann.

Craig and Tim break down the campaign launches of the big parties over the weekend, with National opting not to include any new policies while Labour unveiled its plan to provide free dental care for under-30s. Both parties had to deal with protestors - is that a sign of the times? National's tax policy has been under the microscope by critics, as has both parties' cut to climate change funds. And the 53rd Parliament has adjourned, what major laws has it passed - and not passed? Craig Renney is currently the Economist and Director for the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, and has held roles as the Senior Ministerial Advisor to the Minister of Finance, and Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition. Craig volunteers for Labour election campaigns in the Wellington area in his spare time. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser, was the National Party Campaign Director in 2020. He is a director of several companies, including Museum Street Strategies, a public affairs firm.