Podcast appearances and mentions of David Seymour

Act Party leader David Seymour isn't against Act voters giving their electorate vote to National, but the desired overhang is easier said than donePM Christopher Luxon is spinning that fewer NZ's are leaving for Australia, which is true, but still won't look how overall we continue to bleed talent to our Tasman brothers and sisters as there was a net migration loss of 28,500 people from New Zealand to Australia in the December 2025 year.A "shock poll results" has both our major parties under 30% and see's Opportunity out of parliament reigniting the conversation of "is a vote for Opportunity a wasted vote?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The ACT Party wants to get rid of the Maori and Pacific Admissions Scheme because it says it's racist. The scheme is a targeted entry and support programme at Auckland University's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences designed to increase the number of Maori and Pacific health professionals. ACT leader David Seymour pushed for a review of the scheme, which has now been completed and recommends it remain. But Seymour isn't happy with that. Dean of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Warwick Bagg spoke to Guyon Espiner. 

The politicians arrived at Koroneihana today, with many Māori leaders calling out the Govt and previous Govts for degrading Te Tiriti and Māori/Crown relations.A report commissioned as part of the CoC agreement didn't give the conclusion that David Seymour wanted, that the Māori and Pacific Admissions Scheme for health students is a "clear case of racial discrimination".TVNZ unveil their upcoming election "vodcast" with Jack Tame and Tova O'Brien, as well as scheduled leaders debates and more.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Marytn 'Bomber' Bradbury joins us live tonight at 9pm to give us an update on how he is, and to share his experience of being in the public health system, as it is functioning today, under this governmentMethanex to close Taranaki plant, citing 'decline' in gas supply. The country's largest gas user Methanex has announced it will close its Taranaki plant after more than three decades of operation, saying New Zealand's declining natural gas supply has made continuing operations unsustainable.Ryan Brodge spoke with Act Party leader David Seymour and Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson on an Instagram post made by Tamatha Paul where she called out 16 government ministers and MPs for purchasing properties after this government changed the rules for landlords. She seems to have gotten one name wrong which is now what the right wants you to focus on, not the 15 other names that no one has questioned.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Everyday investors will have access to 24/7 share trading in the form of tokenised securities, but there's a problem.NZ rules are built for a paper-era and no one wants to stick their neck out. Deputy Prime Minister and ACT leader David Seymour talked to me last Friday about their new proposal: A one-year bright-line test on digital-asset gains.Will this unlock NZ's digital economy? It might.Learn how to take greater control of your KiwiSaver: Book in a 15-min phone call with Darcy Ungaro (financial adviser).Sign up to the fortnightly newsletter!Thank You Swyftx: With over 1 million customers across New Zealand and Australia. Ask yourself …”Where can crypto take you?". Check out Swyftx.Affiliate Links!The Bitcoin Adviser: Plan for intergenerational digital wealth.Hatch: For US markets.Revolut: For a new type of banking.Sharesies: For local, and international markets.Loan My Coins: Bitcoin lending product.Exodus: Get rewards on your first $2,500 of swapsGet Social:Follow on YouTube , Instagram, TikTok: @theeverydayinvestor, X (@UngaroDarcy), LinkedIn, or subscribe on Substack.www.radicalinvestment.co.nz________________________Disclaimer: Please act independently from any content provided in these episodes; it's not financial advice, because there's no accounting for your individual circumstances, and nothing we say is intended as a recommendation. Do your own research, and take a broad range of opinions into account. Ideally, engage a financial adviser / pay for advice!

The ACT party wants to allow people to make tax-free profits from cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, as long as they hold onto it for more than a year. It would also make it easier to use crypto for small purchases by creating a tax exemption for such low-value transactions. Under the current rules, investors have to calculate tax on profits every time they sell or swap their assets. Leader David Seymour joined the Afternoons team to explain that the rest of the world is embracing cryptocurrencies and New Zealand needs to be a 'frontier' and adapt to new technology. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour sits down with Moana Maniapoto to discuss a number of party and govt policies and why he has such disdain for everything Māori.There has been cross odd party consensus on two major policies of the week - the rates cap and social media ban. Labour have said they may support these two National-led bills through to select committee to have the issues fully discussed and considered.Te Pāti Māori have entered the tax game, announcing their Kiwi tax plan. Good news for National, I guess? How does TPM's plan align with other parties proposing taxes?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Well done to ACT and NZ First for not agreeing to National's social media ban just because it's election year. Because that's all this is. Another example of a political party getting so-called runs on the board at the last minute so it can say to voters “look what we're doing”. Or, “at least we're doing something”. It's something they're already doing in Australia. And a new report out shows, surprise, surprise, it's not working. Which I'll get to. But, yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Education Minister announced to the world that legislation is being introduced to get the under-16s off social media here in New Zealand. Now I'm not denying that there is a problem with kids and social media. But this needed to happen 15 years ago if we wanted it to work. That's not putting National off. The fly in the ointment, though, is that its ACT and NZ First coalition partners are using the “agree to disagree” clause in their agreement. And so National is going to need Labour's support to get it across the line. Labour's making all sorts of noises about wanting to know more detail. But they'll eventually support it. Because they're just as politically desperate as National. ACT and NZ First, though, at least they've got some principles. In relation to this anyway. That's because they've seen the same reports I've seen, which show Australia is really pushing it uphill trying to make their ban work. According to Australia's internet regulator, more than 80 percent of teens and pre-teens over there are still using social media. Despite a social media ban for under-16s being introduced late last year. So, if it's not working over there, should we even be bothering here? No. Because it was never going to work in Australia. It will never work here. And it will never work anywhere else that wants to give it a go. Because it's too little, too late. It would have worked 15 years ago. Not now. Because the horse has already bolted. And politicians are dreaming if they think they can put a lid on it at this stage. Let's not forget too that social media can actually do a lot of good. I saw mental health campaigner Jazz Thornton saying that social media can be a lifesaver for teenagers. I've heard the same said about young people in the LGBTQIA+ community. How social media can be very positive in terms of creating a sense of belonging, at a time when they can feel very, very isolated. And if you think it sounds like I'm saying just because a ban won't work we shouldn't be doing anything about kids and social media, I'm not. But I'm realistic. And, like it or not, parents and caregivers are the only ones who can actually make a difference. But, even then, and I know from experience, parents and caregivers are limited in what we can do. The kids will always find a way. Just like they'll find a way to get around any ban. The most obvious way is to get a virtual private network (VPN) set up, which hides your internet protocol (IP) address. It's like turning off the caller ID on your phone. You do that, and people can't see your number when you call them. You get a VPN, and the social media companies can't see where in the world you are. Kids in New Zealand will do that and there'll be no chance of Facebook and Instagram and the rest of them shutting down their accounts. Because what it comes down to is this: if a kid wants to be on social media, they'll be on social media. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clint Smith joins us to talk about new analysis argues that reverting to the old pay equity regime might cost the Government about half as much as previous estimates. Does this therefore mean that a Labour led government could find it easier to restart the pay equity conversationThe Government has confirmed plans to cap council rates at 4%. Under the proposed system, first mooted late last year, annual rates increases would remain within an initial target range of 2% to 4%. This range will be reviewed every six years and updated "where necessary to reflect costs outside councils' control".David Seymour was on Breakfast obviously straight after consuming a big old arsehole pill as he dismissively pushed aside all the negative stats around Maori. One of the interesting thing is that ACT then used that footage as a 'win' for Seymour which it clearly wasn't.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The government is moving to ban under 16's from social media and will introduce the Online Safety Bill. If it becomes law, so called high risk social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to verify a users ages. ACT will not support the bill. ACT leader David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

ACT wants to refocus our constitution around Parliamentary sovereignty if re-elected to Government. The Party says its new 'equal rights for all' policy will rein in what it's calling 'activist judges' and prevent vague Treaty of Waitangi clauses. It will clarify Parliament has final say - and add a property rights clause to the Bill of Rights Act. Leader David Seymour joined the Weekend Collective to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're going to go over the weekends 'debate' and we're going to look into the pull out by both David Seymour and Casey Costello and will highlight, in particular, the nonsense that Seymour is spouting over why he pulled out. BHN has also been featured in a few spaces in the press this weekend, we'll take a look at that as well.Paul Goldsmith on Q&A on move on orders, citizen's arrest and changing the way NZers enroll to voteQiulae Wong spoke in the weekend about TOP's board overruling the caucus and the hole there seems to be in their UBI plan++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

David Seymour is out there fighting for the angry white guy, with this move to stop what he calls “race-based hiring requirements” in the public sector. I know about the angry white guy. Because I almost became one myself. Which I'll tell you about. But what the ACT leader is saying today, is that the decision whether-or-not to give someone a job in the public service should only be based on their skills, their experience and their suitability for the role. He says: “Public service jobs should go to the best person for the job, regardless of race.” Which is going to be music to the ears of people who think they've lost out on a job because they had the wrong colour skin. ACT is also making music for people already working in the public sector who get brassed-off when they turn up to a meeting and nothing happens until there's been a Māori Karakia blessing. David Seymour says government workers shouldn't be expected to take part in spiritual practices just because they work for the government. He says: “Taxpayers should not be required to fund staff time or other resources for employer-initiated spiritual activity, either.” What are we talking about here, though? 15 or 30 seconds for a Karakia? That's about it. Max. If David Seymour's so worried about this all happening on taxpayer time, what about all those government workers who hang around outside sucking on cigarettes and vapes when they should be working? In David Seymour's world, it's OK for workers to do that while they're clocked on. But they can't possibly ‘waste' 15-to-30 seconds doing a Karakia before a meeting. Because, generally, that's how long these take. I know, because I've been in public sector meetings it happens. Which brings me to the story of how I almost became one of the angry white guys that David Seymour is fighting for today. I was working at Oranga Tamariki a few years back when the late Wira Gardiner took over as chief executive. And, as he settled into the job, I could tell that there was change happening. That there were a lot more Māori joining the organisation. Even in non-frontline areas, where I was working. Initially, I started to feel like I was on the outer. Because of the colour of my skin. And, for a while there, I started to resent it a bit. But the more I thought about it and learnt about the organisation needing to get away from being the outfit that had done a very good job of separating families - particularly Māori families - it made sense. It made sense to have people working across the organisation who live and breathe Māori culture. And, once I realised that, I pulled back from the brink of becoming another angry white guy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A think tank leader believes the Act Party is asking a fair question of the public service. It's promising a reset in government agencies, ending what it calls “race-based hiring” if re-elected. The policy includes removing “good employer” requirements while also prohibiting agencies from resourcing any cultural or spiritual practices in the workplace. New Zealand Initiative executive director Oliver Hartwich told Mike Hosking that Parliament's already written merits into the Public Service Act, yet departments are still pursuing the diversity agenda. He says they can explain how much an individual ethnic group is paid, yet Treasury can't say how many economists it employs - so there's still work to do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's promising a reset in government agencies, ending what it call 'race-based hiring' if re-elected. It includes removing 'good employer' requirements from public service legislation, while also prohibiting agencies from resourcing any cultural or spiritual practices in the workplace. Seymour joined the Weekend Collective to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opportunity Party confesses its tax and welfare reform plans wouldn't happen in one term as an avenue emerges for it to join a right-bloc Government. The latest 1 News-Verian poll shows neither side could form a Government without Opportunity. National's Christopher Luxon has ruled out the idea. But ACT leader David Seymour says he's open to it, if Opportunity drops its universal basic income and land tax policy. Opportunity's Qiulae Wong says she may be able to work around that. "I think what we would love to do is have a seat at the table to explore them with potential coalition partners with the other parties in Parliament, and also have more of an opportunity to share that with the public." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Christopher Luxon first survived a vote of confidence among National MPs in April, Act leader David Seymour said at the time he was pleased to see the party stable and "drawing a line under any trouble they may have had." Fast forward 4 months, and the Prime Minister's leadership is being tested again. He's survived another vote of confidence. Just like the last one, National's coalition partners, ACT and NZ First, were watching on. ACT leader and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

The Deputy Prime Minister won't make a prediction on the outcome of today's National leadership challenge, but says a Prime Minister leading a coalition that's ahead in the polls should be supported. Christopher Luxon called an emergency caucus meeting for this morning in response to the growing speculation over his ability to lead the party into the election. David Seymour told Mike Hosking he's not going to sit there and bag Luxon, who is doing the best he can, given difficult circumstances. He says the National party leader has foibles just like everyone else, but he's managed to unite his own party and the Coalition. Seymour said the leadership challenge was “not helpful” and was a distraction from policy – specifically replacing the RMA, which he claimed was "the only thing that really matters" for New Zealand's future. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 12th of August, former National MP Wayne Mapp and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour talk about the damage to the National Party as the Luxon leadership speculation rolls on. We break down all the rumours and likely outcomes of the National Party caucus meeting – who supports Luxon, who doesn't, and if there will be a vote. Mark Mitchell gets put into some tough positions on Politics Wednesday while Ginny Andersen looks on gleefully. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has suggested a higher fuel tax, a bed tax and a bank levy could be discussed as part of a second term, but the ACT Party's not so keen. Leader David Seymour says voters don't want new taxes, and there's a possibility that they could grow as discussions continue. He says income tax started out as a small percentage impacting a handful of earners, and now we all pay up to eight times that starting rate. "That's just a perfect example of why you say you're going to put a tax just on banks...but we all know that the customers will pay that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 10 August, 2026, ACT leader David Seymour explains why he's at odds with National on tax policy. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown tells us why he's so against the controversial Delmore development. Heatha from Harcourts says she's just being herself with her videos getting millions of views on social media. And on The Huddle, Josie Pagani and Phil O'Reilly discuss a bad week for Prime Minister Christopher 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.

David Seymour says a decision to broaden diabetes medication met his expectations. Pharmac's widening access for several medicines for type two diabetes from September, helping to lower blood sugar and reduce kidney complications. The Associate Health Minister says more than 30 thousand people will benefit by removing ethnicity from the question. Seymour told Mike Hosking he wrote a letter to the board of what he expected. He says they need to be the best organisation in the world and forget embedding the Treaty. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shubz has been called a kūpapa. The word describes Māori who sided with the Crown in the New Zealand Wars, and it still gets thrown at Māori accused of betraying their own. Shubz gets it for having David Seymour on his show.Shubz hosts "Shubz Says So" on Radio Aotearoa. His method is simple: talk to people you disagree with, in public, without the gotcha. That has meant long conversations with David Seymour, Brian Tamaki, Don Brash and others, and it has cost him standing in parts of his own community.He sits down here with Dane Giraud, host of Free to Speak and a Council member of the Free Speech Union, who knows the same pressure from inside the Jewish community, where the equivalent word is Kapo. Both men arrive at the same question from different directions: what happens to free speech when the heaviest penalty for dissent comes not from the state but from your own people?They cover the gap between kaupapa and kūpapa, why Shubz argues Te Pāti Māori does not speak for all Māori, blood quantum and who gets to decide who counts, how little either side of the Treaty debate often knows about the history, and his argument that funding and self-preservation explain more about who polices the line than culture does.It also goes somewhere harder. Shubz is an advocate against sexual abuse, and he asks why a movement that filled the streets over the Treaty could not turn out for Sam Troth's hīkoi for survivors. He talks about what people brought to him on his own journey around Te Ika-a-Māui, and about being offered money to stop talking.Dane pushes back, particularly on whether a small community is ever right to keep its disagreements in-house. Neither man lands quite where you would expect.Content note: this episode includes discussion of child sexual abuse, including a survivor's account, and strong language throughout. Support is available. Safe to Talk: 0800 044 334 or text 4334. Male Survivors Aotearoa: malesurvivors.nz. Victim Support: 0800 842 846.Mentioned in this episode:Shubz Says So on Radio Aotearoa: https://shubzlive.comThe Road to Healing Aotearoa (Sam Troth): https://www.theroadtohealing.co.nzFree to Speak is the official podcast of the New Zealand Free Speech Union: uncensored conversations on free speech, civil liberties, and the people defending them. Hosted by Dane Giraud.Join the Free Speech Union: https://www.fsu.nz/joinSupport our work: https://www.fsu.nz/donateNewsletter: https://www.fsu.nz/subscribeWebsite: https://www.fsu.nzGot feedback or a guest suggestion? podcast@fsu.nzSupport the showhttps://www.fsu.nz/https://x.com/NZFreeSpeechhttps://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz

Jamie Mackay talks to Jim Ward, David Seymour, and Farmer Tom Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy PM and Act Party leader comments on getting “little s***s” out of our classrooms, Winston’s baby farming policy, and the Opportunity Party's tax plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Regulation Minister's hopeful solar power will be well on its way to being more accessible – pre-election. A report from his ministry outlines recommendations to ease New Zealand installs. He says it'll slash costs and approval times for smaller installations and legalise plug-in systems – which are already legal in Australia. David Seymour told Mike Hosking it's a pretty affordable way for people to get into generating their own power, bringing down their bills. He says it's exactly the kind of red tape we should be cutting. Seymour admits the systems can pose a danger but says there are too many stupid rules in this country premised on the idea that the people themselves are stupid. He thinks that if Australians are smart enough to manage the danger, then New Zealanders definitely are. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is defending his comments, which coalition partners Chris Luxon and David Seymour have labelled 'attention-seeking'. The New Zealand First leader yesterday responded to Chinese-born Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan heckling over vaccinations, by telling him to go back to his own country. Luxon says Peters has a long track record of inappropriate comments designed to get people talking about him. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says Labour has also condemned Peters' comments and called for his resignation. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour is pushing to legalise plug-in solar panels, saying Kiwis are smart enough to handle the fire risk. His Regulation Ministry's newly released report recommends ways to make New Zealand the easiest place to go solar. They also include suggestions to slash installation approval times and costs - in some cases by thousands of dollars. Seymour says plug-in solar can be hazardous, but current regulations assume people are stupid. "I think people can work this out, and it means a whole lot of people - so this is going to be like Australia, you just go to Kmart and buy a solar panel and it starts cutting down your power bill." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask the Prime Minister about Trump’s tariffs, whether bird flu’s here to stay, why he kicked TOP to touch, whether he needs the power to discipline Winston Peters and David Seymour, and what he’s doing in the Australian Women’s Weekly?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National wants to extend paid parental leave to 30 weeks, but families will have to wait until 2030 to get the full benefit. Nicola Willis tried to blame ACT for the delay, but National never pushed for it in the first place. David Seymour joins us to set the record straight on cost, policy priorities, and whether Kiwis are just being sold another long-term promise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Mackay talks to Ray Smith, David Seymour, Mike Whitty, Karn Dhaliwal, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader denies the election will be fought by celebrities more interested in glitz than graft. Plus, he comments on NZ First’s oil and gas policy and why we should make life easier for agricultural drone users.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Restrictions on innovation are being seen as a form of self-sabotage. ACT wants to introduce innovation trials – letting government ministers pause existing regulations if they block tests of new technology. Leader David Seymour told innovators the country punches above its weight when we back ourselves, but someone needs to build the framework to make it happen. New Zealand Initiative Chief Economist Dr Eric Crampton told Mike Hosking it's something New Zealand should be progressing with. He says we are too small to be stupid in this space, and need to enable innovation in new ways. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and former Labour Minister Phil Goff joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Councils have been signing iwi partnership agreements before the RMA is replaced - are we worried about this? What is Chris Bishop trying to do? ACT leader David Seymour is looking into banning smartphones for under-16s. Do we think this is the way to go? Should we wait and figure things out? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour wants New Zealand to become a testing ground for emerging technologies - by allowing companies to temporarily bypass regulations through a regulatory exemption scheme. Seymour says the existing rules are 'prohibitive' and that the 'innovation trials' will help get new technology like self-driving vehicles, agricultural drones and crypto going into New Zealand faster. He says it's important we start experimenting more if we want to see technology appear in New Zealand, instead of overseas nations overlooking the country. "We've talked to people - we don't want to say exactly who - but there's certainly people who would be interested in bringing autonomous taxi services to New Zealand." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Henry and I go back a long way. Decades in fact. He used to read news on a show of mine. I can't say I saw politics in his future, but then I can't say I could have ruled it out either. And why not him? He's retired, he could be bored, or he could be driven to make a contribution, if hanging out in Wellington is a contribution you want to make. He is good fun, he is bright, and he is worldly. But I don't think he will fit well into the “system”. He is a free spirit, and those sorts of people don't tend to operate well in teams with instruction. He spoke passionately about his country. It could be age, but I feel exactly the same way. I don't have to live here, I chose to because I love this place. He is in the same sort of position, so why not try to lend a hand? He spoke singularly about our debt and he is indisputably right. He could have stolen the lines and concern from me. Maybe all blokes of 60-ish age worry about our debt and our country. Maybe it's because we are old enough to remember better days and see no reason why we can't re-engineer the place to be like it once was. But politics is about more than debt. The other issue is if you're going to Wellington to save the country you really need to be in a position of power and National has more power than ACT. So this is clearly also a philosophical or ideological decision – he likes the cut of their libertarian gib. In terms of performance the place will be better for him. He's fun and quick. He might want to watch the line between serious and clown, entertaining and nutty, professional and self-indulgent. The big gamechanger for him will be accountability. Once they vote for you, once they pay for you, they own you and, boy, they let you know it. But I like people who don't have to do stuff, doing stuff. They are generally there for the right reasons. David Seymour told me it's just the shot in the arm they need right now. I think he's right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former broadcaster Paul Henry recently confirmed he plans to run for the ACT Party this election, and leader David Seymour has expressed confidence in him. Henry has announced he's running as a list-only candidate, and has resigned from TVNZ's board. The famed former broadcaster failed in a National bid for Wairarapa in 1999. He says he wants to be a minister - but won't name a portfolio. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 13th of July, we've upgraded our relationship with India and Modi, so what does this 'Strategic Partnership' mean for us? David Seymour is the Acting Prime Minister and joins on the Modi visit, the social media ban and why we can't build anything on time or on budget in this country. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville cover off a huge weekend of sport - the All Blacks, the Warriors, the World Cup, Supercars and more. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's been left in awe of the Indian Prime Minister's x-factor. Narendra Modi stopped by Auckland on Saturday, attending a series of business, political and community events. He and Chris Luxon agreed to attempt to double two-way trade by 2030. Acting Prime Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking that he heard Modi speak at a rally, which he attended out of political nerd-ism. He says Modi's a cross between a charismatic Baptist preacher, Winston Churchill, and a new world leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Ben Picton, Dr Robyn Dynes, and Harry Newey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister on the importance of trade deals for New Zealand. Plus, would Act work with The Opportunity Party, and what happened with school lunches? And his plan to streamline government by reducing the number of ministers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamish McKay talks to David Seymour, Tom Slee, Harry Newey, and Phil Duncan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look at the massive shakeup to New Zealand's road cone madness as new deregulation rules kick in. David Seymour has already saved taxpayers millions of dollars, but the Wellington media bubble completely ignored the announcement. Plus, we expose the truth about The Opportunity Party and their actual political agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A report into the revamped school lunch programme has found it saved money, but it's not clear whether it is meeting its main goals of reducing food insecurity and improving student achievement, because there's no robust monitoring. The report by the Auditor General revealed only about 50 percent of school meals were meeting nutritional standards last year. Associate Minister of Health, David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 1st of July, an independent review is highlighting the Treasury's flaws – Secretary Iain Rennie unpacks the results. Associate Education Minister David Seymour responds to the report criticising the school lunch programme. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss Labour's proposed Apprenticeship Boost expansion and the abuse Matt Doocey is facing on Politics Wednesday. And the chef at New Zealand's first two Michelin star restaurant discusses what the honour means to them. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour says the Auditor General's report on the Healthy School Lunches programme is one half of the story. Only 50% of last year's lunches complied with Education Ministry nutrition standards, and the Auditor General also took aim at safety issues, contingency planning and rollout. The Associate Education Minister claims the report's driven by former lunch providers upset about changes to the scheme. Seymour told Mike Hosking that the report doesn't compare the quality of the programme before and after he took over. He says they've been very critical in various ways, and he's happy to answer their criticism, but they haven't evaluated the whole programme. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 29th of June, David Seymour is into election year with plans to get rid of the size of Government and what to do with the bill for beneficiaries. The Prime Minister responds to truckies, gets asked why they backed down on the conservation bill and discusses Act's ideas. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine talk the All Whites being bundled out of the World Cup, the Warriors and just how many injuries happened at the charity rugby game involving politicians! Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Act Party is accusing some doctors of wrongfully signing off people as 'unable to work'. Under its newly announced welfare policy, the party would require all health and disability benefits to be issued by government-employed doctors. It says the number of people who are deemed not 'work ready' has increased in the last three years, despite the Government's best efforts. Act Leader David Seymour told Mike Hosking that abusive behaviour and packed waiting rooms can pressure GPs to deem a patient 'unfit for work'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister responsible for the drug buying agency Pharmac is doubling down on his call for efficencies driven by AI. In a letter to Pharmac detailing his expectations for the next year, David Seymour has emphasised investment in data and digital infrastructure to enhance core functions, including the use of artificial intelligence. Associate Minister of Health David Seymour spoke to Lisa Owen.

The only winner out of political polls is the media for the simple reason it gives them a chance to pontificate and clickbait. "Luxon fronts media after bad poll”. Why is that the headline as opposed to "Hipkins answers questions after poll collapse"? Let's do some simple math: there are about 53% of voters who are broadly centre-right. Pollsters will tell you this to be true. If you accept NZ First are doing well, their highest number is 15% so take that off your 53%, you are down to 38%. Take a chunk off for ACT, they seem to be about 7-9% so let's call it 8%, and you're at 30%, which is where National roughly are. The numbers make perfect sense. It's not a "bad poll", it's simple math. If there is one “real” story in any given poll, especially this week's one, it's that the main parties of Labour and National are sharing a shrinking slice of the vote, which if you like MMP is what is supposed to happen. The Greens, ACT and NZ First have established themselves as a permanent presence. We should be celebrating this, not because of specific policy, but because we voted for a system that spreads the vote and provides greater representation. That's what we wanted so that is good news. Also, you've got Opportunity at 4%. I don't think they'll get there, but if I'm wrong and they get the 5% and they go on to become the newest member of the permanent club, that is further support that will bleed away from the major players. The media coverage discusses none of this because I suspect they haven't thought about it, or indeed they may not even understand it. A lot of Europe with proportional systems have Governments led by parties who won the election with a vote in the 20's, if not low 20's. That is proportional representation. Here's the next big question: it's been ruled out by the Greens, but not Labour, so why not cut the head of Opportunity an electorate deal in Mt Albert? Mt Albert is tight. Helen White won it by a whisker. Opportunity could split the vote and hand the place to the Nats, or Labour could David Seymour it and Epsom her into Parliament and thus create a brand-new coalition partner. That's the really interesting part of the polls and machinations. But no, the media just want "Luxon fronts media after bad poll". They are stuck in the 90's. This is a way more gripping story than they are telling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.