Podcasts about deputy prime minister grant robertson

The former Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has announced he will quit politics in late March to instead head up Otago University. The Labour MP says it was time for him to call time. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports.

Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins is due to begin the year in opposition hot on the heels of attending his predecessor's lavish wedding over the weekend. Hipkins was among the many famous faces at Dame Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford's Hawke's Bay wedding over the weekend. The former Prime Minister spoke to Newstalk ZB this morning, saying the wedding was “lovely”. Chris Hipkins and Toni Grace seen leaving their motel the day after Jacinda Ardern's wedding. Photo / George Heard “Aside from a few hiccups along the way, they got the opportunity to enjoy their wedding in relative peace and privacy and I think that's a lovely thing,” Hipkins said. A car doing a burnout across the river from the wedding venue was photographed by a Hawke's Bay Today photographer at the time the vows were being exchanged, and a small group of anti-vax protesters were spoken to by police earlier in the day. A burnout pulled over the other side of the Tukituki River from Craggy Range, just as Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayword wed. Photo / Connull Lang Ardern and her TV host partner of almost 10 years began married life at the exclusive Craggy Range winery on the outskirts of Havelock North, where they exchanged vows before a reception full of laughter, cheering and dancing. Hipkins looked relaxed and tanned, dressed in shorts, a T-shirt and sunglasses, as he was leaving the Village Motel in Havelock North with partner Toni Grace. He earlier told the Herald that the event was “lovely” and that he had also taken advantage of the opportunity to indulge in more than a few of his beloved paua and snapper sausage rolls while at the wedding. Paua and snapper sausage roll on the menu at Ardern and Gayford's wedding. Photo / Instagram, Tane Tomoana Ardern gave a five-minute wedding speech, including nods to friends, close colleagues and family, some of whom had twice travelled great distances to be there for the occassion. She gave a special shout-out to Craggy Range and head chef Casey McDonald, who was just about to serve up the main course, before spending roughly a minute talking about her “best friend” and now husband. The wedding was officiated by the couple's friend and former Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson. The couple are now heading away on a family holiday. The wedding was originally set to take place in 2022 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Dame Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford pictured at their wedding. Photo / Felicity Jean Photography Fashion designer Juliette Hogan, who made Ardern's dress, and her husband were guests. Official images released by the couple yesterday evening showed a smiling Ardern in the ivory sleeveless, cowl-neck halter gown featuring a high neckline, cinched waist and low back. The former PM also wore a long tulle veil, which was clipped into a chignon up-do, created by hairdresser Tane Tomoana who has previously worked on looks for Ardern. Two buses - including one featuring Hipkins and Grace, former speaker of the House and ex-veteran MP Sir Trevor Mallard and former minister Megan Woods - took some guests to the wedding. Musicians Marlon Williams, Hollie Smith (Gayford's ex-partner) and MC Tali were also spotted among guests. Other political guests included former minister Kelvin Davis, former MP Dame Annette King and fellow former MP Darren Hughes. Ardern's former press secretary Andrew Campbell also attended. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister and Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson joins Nick Mills live in the studio for the special Christmas edition of Wellington Mornings.  Together they discuss MP safety, Three Waters, co-governance, Restore Rail Protesters and how 2022 has been in general for politics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's First Up pod with Anna Thomas - our reporters hit the streets of Auckland for tips on how to get rid of visitors who outstay their Christmas welcome; will ditching the fuel tax raise inflation - we ask Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson and the head of a major trucking association explains why our hauliers aren't happy about it; plus, we take the road less travelled to the self-declared Republic of Whangamomona. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson still has confidence in Labour for the 2023 election, despite Labour's loss in Hamilton West. National's Tama Potaka beat out Labour candidate Georgie Dansey in the Hamilton West byelection, but Grant Robertson doesn't see this as an indicator for how the 2023 general election will go. Grant Robertson says that the Hamilton West byelection is a different ballgame to the upcoming general election and National's win was just due to the specific circumstances around that. "The result we saw on Saturday night was certainly not the result we're intending next year, nor the one that I think we'll get."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns are set to get a heroes welcome next month, following an announcement made at Monday's post-Cabinet press conference. Wellingtonians will have the chance to celebrate the Women's World Cup success at a Parliamentary reception for the team on December 13. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says they want as many people to come along as possible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese president Xi Jinping says he wants his country's relationship with New Zealand to be taken to a "higher level" in the wake of a meeting with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Bangkok, their first face-to-face meeting since 2019. The meeting happened amid a backdrop of war in eastern Europe between Russia and Ukraine, and North Korea's decision to fire further missiles into Japanese territory during the summit. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson spoke to Kim Hill.  

The Prime Minister is overseas, so our Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has a chat about the Black Ferns' win, the reappointment of Adrian Orr as governor of the Reserve Bank, and the Prime Minister's trip to the East Asia Summit and Apec. Whakarongo mai nei!   

The Prime Minister is overseas, so our Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has a chat about the Black Ferns' win, the reappointment of Adrian Orr as governor of the Reserve Bank, and the Prime Minister's trip to the East Asia Summit and Apec. Whakarongo mai nei!   

The show kicks off with a chat with Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson as the Prime Minister is overseas, the Rob chats ancient combs in the Mind Trench, Neil Ieremia chats about The Art of Black Grace, and Amelia d'Screte is here for Word Salad! Whakarongo mai nei! 

The Black Ferns have won the Rugby World Cup at last Saturday's final match, and the best way to celebrate the team is up for discussion. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson recently stated at an earlier post-cabinet press conference that a celebration will happen to honour the Black Fern's victory, but no further confirmation was given. Grant Robertson says that the Black Ferns deserved a celebration, but the final decision was up to NZ Rugby as to what happens next. Barry Soper explained Grant Robertson's comments further today. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Ferns have just finished dominating at the Rugby World Cup after winning Saturday's final, and discussions about how to compensate them are on the table.  The All Blacks have always been given a bonus of at least $150,000 every time they've won a World Cup, but this standard isn't set in place for the Black Ferns. NZ Rugby has stated that they aim to fix this. Deputy Prime Minister and Sports Minister Grant Robertson says that the Black Ferns should get a monetary bonus for their win, given their extraordinary performance in the World Cup.  LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New poll results from yesterday indicate that Labour's approval is going down further, as preliminary polls give the current Government a 32 percent approval rating. Despite these concerning numbers, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson isn't too worried about the next election. Grant Robertson insisted that Labour's declining ratings aren't the fault of the party, but rather the circumstances they're operating under this year.  Grant Robertson says that the only poll he's concerned with is the 2023 election results and that Covid-19 and inflation are making people doubt the current Labour Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new mayors of Auckland and Christchurch have teamed up to create a new Three Waters proposal. The main difference is the regional water organisations would be owned and governed by councils, not a co-governance body. Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson explained his thoughts on the plan. "From what I have read, it does sound like it might not quite reach what we need in terms of aggregation. They're talking about an opt-in situation, which might not mean that we get the heft into the entities that they need." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rishi Sunak will be the UK's next Prime Minister, replacing the country's shortest-serving leader ever, Liz Truss. The former treasurer will be the third person to lead the country in seven weeks, and the fifth since 2016. His win was cemented after his sole rival, Penny Mordaunt, pulled out of the Tory leadership race at the last minute. Sunak pledged unity in his first speech as Conservative Party leader. Reaction from fellow colleagues appears to be one of relief, after weeks of political turmoil. Foreign secretary James Cleverly is glad to move on. At 42, Sunak will be the youngest prime minister in more than a century, and the country's first of Hindu or Asian descent. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is off to Antarctica today, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson spoke to Corin Dann in her regular spot .

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson took a big dive in The Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey. As we've discussed - the highest ranked minister was James Shaw - a Green climate change Minister. Grant Robertson is with us to explain his thoughts on what caused Labour's results to dip over the past few months, and how Covid-19 played a part in his and Jacinda Ardern's ratings going down from an economic perspective. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's First Up pod - the British Labour party are in conference in Liverpool, our correspondence Henry Riley is there to talk about the conference and the UK's crashing pound; did Air New Zealand under-estimate how logistically complicated the direct route to New York would be and what about the length of the shift for crew on the flight - the union and airline responds and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson talks to about the future of our economy. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson is concerned about the safety of MP's, leading up to the next election year, He's been facing unruly crowds and needed extra security at recent events. Here to share his insight on the matter and voice whether or not Grant Robertson should be concerned is former Labour Chief of Staff, Mike Munroe. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's First Up pod - We ask Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson if the government will apologise to the women wrongly accused of breaking lockdown rules and plunging Northland into lockdown; rugby legend Matua "Muts" Parkinson discusses his journey of te reo as we look forward to Te Wiki o te Reo Maori and regional council workers say they're sick of being paid less because they don't live in the big city. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

Controversial pastor and would-be politician Brian Tamaki claims his umbrella party will get into Parliament. Tamaki and his supporters copped flak for holding a mock trial of politicians outside Parliament last week. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson's described Tamaki as extreme, and National's Chris Luxon has called the new party crazy. But Tamaki told Heather du Plessis-Allan he's confident he has the numbers. He says he has many supporters and thinks the party will easily surpass the five percent threshold quite easily. The five percent threshold equates to 177 thousand votes. Between 1500-2000 turned up to Tamaki's protest last week. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's First Up pod - 130 people lose their jobs at Mt Ruapehu's ski fields due to the lack of snow; We checkout what's on the Government's shopping list for the supermarket duopoly with Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson and the Minister of Tourism says we don't want to attract low-budget visitors to Aotearoa, a position that's upset some backpackers ... and businesses. First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

On today's First Up pod - why nine out of ten employers would love to pay their staff more; the launch of a "first-of-its-kind" trades course in te reo Maori; Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson talks about Labour's candidate selection process and his recent European tour and save the whitebait.. DoC shortens the whitebait season to protect threatened species First Up - Voice of the Nathan!

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's first stop on her trip to Europe is attending and speaking at the NATO summit tonight New Zealand time. Yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson announced we will be sending more support to Ukraine. A further $8 million will be spent on medical kits, extending intelligence and logistic deployments, and 'non-lethal' equipment like fuel and rations. Professor of strategic studies at Victoria University of Wellington Robert Ayson spoke to Susie Ferguson.

MPs have had their say in the overturning of Roe v Wade.Nanaia Mahuta called out the decision, despite her voting against legislation to decriminalise abortion.Meanwhile, Grant Robertson wrote a lengthy post on social media on Sunday explaining his reaction to the decision while recounting on his own experiences.Robertson says Labour has delivered on the promise to deliver on decriminalising abortion and the issue is now a health one for them.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.LISTEN ABOVE

A long-awaited free-trade deal with the European Union is at the top of the Prime Minister's wishlist on her trip to Europe. Jacinda Ardern is expected to push for greater access to the European market for our dairy, lamb and beef producers. Before Brussels, she will be stopping at Madrid, where she will become the first New Zealand leader to attend a NATO leaders' summit. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson stood in for her weekly spot, and spoke to Morning Report.

The Government has announced a GIB taskforce to investigate the shortage.It's going to give advice to those struggling to get alternative plasterboard products and troubleshoot any issues.The taskforce members are Naylor Love chief executive Rick Herd, Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly, Simplicity Living's managing director Shane Brearley, businessman Sir Stephen Tindall, a member of Local Government NZ, and telcom founder Tex Edwards.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has announced a GIB taskforce to investigate the shortage.It's going to give advice to those struggling to get alternative plasterboard products and troubleshoot any issues.The taskforce members are Naylor Love chief executive Rick Herd, Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly, Simplicity Living's managing director Shane Brearley, businessman Sir Stephen Tindall, a member of Local Government NZ, and telcom founder Tex Edwards.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson joined Heather du Plessis-Allan.LISTEN ABOVE

Yesterday, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister David Clark, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, announced the Government response to the Commerce Commission's findings on the supermarket sector.The Government will match 12 of the Commission's 14 recommendations and it will go further with the other two recommendations. But the main message to the supermarket duopoly was that the Government is putting the sector on notice and to change at pace or face regulation.The bulk of the reforms will be included in the Grocery Industry Competition Bill, and Minister Clark intends to introduce that later this year. So if you're looking for something that was going to make a difference to your weekly shop over the next wee while, you're out of luck.Yesterday's announcement was meant to look like action on dealing with inflation and rising costs, but we all know it's not just supermarkets that are solely responsible for rising costs. They're part of a mix, but not the whole solution, and a long-term solution is needed.This is a little bit cheeky by the Government using these new regulations to take action on the cost of living and trying to sell it to us like that. But if you want to look at these regulations as an attempt to change decades worth of a lack of competition between supermarkets, then there are some positives here, especially when it comes to enabling new players into the market.

The director of a clothing chain hit by ram raiders says we should reach out to kids on social media to stop them. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says the Government could potentially assist stores to install anti-crime measures. Yesterday's law and order package included a commitment to help retailers, but lacked detail on exactly how. Huffer Director Kate Berry told Heather Du Plessis Allan we could launch a social media campaign on the likes of TikTok. “To say ‘crime is not ok' and actually, these people should put their time and efforts into positive educational facilities rather than destroying the fronts of our stores.” LISTEN ABOVE 

Māori co-governance is shaping up as a political wedge as parties position themselves ahead of next year's general election. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Morning Report yesterday that the country could be proud that Māori voices are now heard more clearly in politics.  National Party leader Christopher Luxon spoke to Kim Hill.

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick is standing by a bill before parliament to change electoral rules in the city. The Rotorua District Council Representation Arrangements Bill would allow the Māori and general wards to have the same number of seats, with three each, plus four "at-large" seats. Attorney-General David Parker said the bill is discriminatory, despite it receiving the Labour Party's backing and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told us this morning he could not support the bill in its current form.  Chadwick spoke to Corin Dann.  

Attorney-General, David Parker, says the Rotorua District Council Representation Arrangements Bill is discriminatory, despite it receiving the Labour Party's backing. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Morning Report this morning he could not support the bill in its current form. The Rotorua District Council Representation Arrangements Bill would allow the Maori and general wards to have the same number of seats, with three each, plus four "at-large" seats. Māori News Director Māni Dunlop spoke to Morning Report.

I don't consider myself to have been affected at all by the MIQ system that has operated here in New Zealand for pretty much the last couple of years. I've got a brother in London who possibly would have visited if MIQ wasn't operating. But I don't have a heartbreaking story, like many other people do, when it comes to the MIQ requirements keeping them separated from friends and families during tragic and stressful times in their lives. And so maybe that's why I'm not going to be jumping on the bandwagon and condemning the Government over the news that it may have kept the MIQ system running longer than it needed to. 15 weeks longer.  The Government's getting a truckload of flak over the revelation that it was told in November last year that MIQ was no longer needed, but kept it going anyway for another three-and-a-half months. And it's a truckload of flak that I don't think is justified.  In November last year, Director General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield and Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay told Cabinet that they thought the risk of getting Covid from someone coming here from overseas was no greater than the risk of getting it from someone already here.  Essentially, they were telling Cabinet that MIQ had served its purpose and they didn't think it was needed any longer. But the Government didn't do anything, and kept the MIQ rules in place for another 15 weeks – and it was March before any changes finally happened What that meant, was that there were about 40,000 more MIQ stays than there might have been if the Government had acted straight away when it got the advice in November. 40,000 stays and seven online lotteries which these people had to take part in to get their spot in MIQ. A lot of stress, a lot of heartache – which, on the face of it, was totally unnecessary. And they are the five key words here – “on the face of it”. On the face of it, the Government ignored the advice – and that's why people are jumping up and down. But there's more to it – much more to it – and I think the Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson explained it well when he spoke with Tim Dower this morning. He said Cabinet was told on November 15 last year by Ashley Bloomfield and Caroline McElnay that they thought MIQ wasn't needed because of the reason I mentioned earlier – that we had just as much a chance of getting Covid from someone already here, as we did of getting it from someone coming into New Zealand from overseas. But he also said that Bloomfield and McElnay emphasised to Cabinet that any change would have to be carefully managed and that they themselves wanted their advice peer reviewed just to double check that they were on the right track. As Grant Robertson said this morning – Ashley Bloomfield knew full well, that once they got rid of MIQ there'd be no going back. So, Cabinet said “yes, get the peer review” and that's what Ashley Bloomfield did. And the advice that came back from that was that if New Zealand was going to do away with MIQ it had to think carefully about the risk of more people coming through the borders, it needed to check that its testing processes were up to scratch, it needed to be sure that vulnerable people wouldn't be put at unnecessary risk by MIQ shutting up shop. All common sense stuff. And so, on the back of that, the Government decided it would do away with MIQ in January – but then Omicron arrived and it was pushed out another month. As I say, this all makes perfect sense to me. But it doesn't seem to be making perfect sense to everybody. And that probably will be because some people suffered terribly because of MIQ. It will also be because some people just won't believe anything the Government says – and I don't necessarily blame them because, as we know, this current government isn't as transparent and open as it says it is. The fact that this information has only come out today – well, that's not open and transparent as far as I'm concerned. Nevertheless...

Crusie ships may be allowed back into New Zealand waters by October, but the industry says without a firm decision now, cruise lines may turn their backs on this country. Under Maritime Covid-19 rules, cruise ships are banned. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says Cabinet is waiting on further advice from health officials, before making a final decision and an announcement is expected in the next few weeks. He says the October date could be brought forward. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland have given the go-ahead to cruises resuming. New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Kevin O'Sullivan spoke to Susie Ferguson.

New Zealand is staying in the red light setting with a review scheduled for Thursday 14 April. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Andrew Dickens red doesn't mean stop. “We have to keep doing this on the basis of what's best for New Zealand overall, and as I say, people are out there enjoying their lives under red they can keep doing that, there is a few restrictions.” LISTEN ABOVE 

Experts say it is unlikely China will join in the Russian invasion of Ukraine - but any involvement by Beijing could have catastrophic economic consequences. New Zealand's new Russia sanctions law allows it to penalise countries actively supporting the invasion. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said the Government has not yet had to consider whether to sanction China, New Zealand's largest trading partner. New Zealand China Trade Council chair John McKinnon spoke to Guyon Espiner.

The Government's indicated it will look further at a broader autonomous sanctions regime. It's revealed a bespoke Russian Sanctions Bill, drafted specifically for conflict in Ukraine, will be passed under urgency this week. It'll allow sanctions to be imposed on people, companies and assets related to the invasion, or who are of economic or strategic relevance to Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Andrew Dickens we need to make sure a broader regime is designed properly. “It isn't something that we want to leap straight into without having thought through all of the consequences of.” LISTEN ABOVE 

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson talks to Lisa Owen about the decisions made to reopen the border to fully vaccinated arrivals without MIQ or isolation. Robertson has suggested that scrapping isolation for fully vaccinated travellers from elsewhere in the world could happen before July, but maintained it is not a commitment. "What we're signalling is that as we come off the peak, as we move through March into April, we can then start to take decisions based on where we're at with the health system and so on. "It will be much sooner I think than people have expected … [to be] able to see people coming into New Zealand freely from everywhere."

New Zealand continues to pledge its support for Ukraine. Kyiv remains on heightened alert as Russian forces close in on all sides. Two large explosions lit up the night sky south of the Ukrainian capital early Sunday morning local time. The action appears to have been around Vasylkiv, which has a large military airfield and multiple fuel tanks. It comes after Ukraine's outgunned forces held the capital for the third day – as battles continue across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told the Weekend Collective the denunciation of Russia has been worldwide, and clear. “President Putin hasn't shown a great degree of interest in that, but I think what he's meaning in terms of the NATO alliance will certainly be shown in that the global community is rallying around the Ukraine.” LISTEN ABOVE 

The government is coming under pressure this week as National ramps up its attack on the handling of the pandemic and the media turns its full attention to pregnant journalist Charlotte Bellis and her bid for a spot in MIQ. National leader Christopher Luxon told Queenstown business leaders yesterday there should be a phased shutdown of MIQ and widespread access to rapid antigen tests. He would allow New Zealanders into the country. Bellis has won her battle and will be taking the emergency MIQ spot she's been allocated.  Meanwhile, the government has announced that the country will have access to more than 55 million rapid antigen tests by the end of March - bringing the total on order to 123 million tests. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson spoke to Corin Dann.

The government has announced a big shipment of rapid antigen tests has been secured and will be here in the next two months. The Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says they've secured an additional 36 million tests, on top of the 17 million already confirmed for delivery in February and the five million already in the country. He says rapid antigen tests will be used more frequently as Omicron cases increase. National says it wants to see rapid antigen tests handed out to school kids and teachers twice a week, as Omicron circulates in the community. It's also renewed its calls for an end to MIQ - saying the system is no longer needed, with Covid in the community. Our political reporter Anneke Smith has the story from National's caucus retreat in Queenstown

There are lots of questions over the new red and orange lights that will divide the country on Friday.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan in the transitional phase, the Government wanted to start with Orange."We will look at it again in the New Year in terms of moving to Green, but not before Christmas, therefore we don't want to jump around."LISTEN ABOVE

The new traffic light system is showing orange across most of the country on Friday, with just Auckland and 10 other North Island regions starting at red. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Cabinet is taking a cautious approach. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said cases appear to have plateaued in Auckland but they want to “lock in those gains”. He says under red, vaccinated people with certificates in Auckland will have freedoms similar to level 2. He has not ruled out the possibility Auckland could be orange by Christmas. But he did not detail what criteria needs to be met for the region to move.

There are lots of questions over the new red and orange lights that will divide the country on Friday.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan in the transitional phase, the Government wanted to start with Orange."We will look at it again in the New Year in terms of moving to Green, but not before Christmas, therefore we don't want to jump around."LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A critical report says the Government's COVID-19 response is failing and will fail further once the country re-opens. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson hits back. After a whirlwind week in Wellington, Senior Reporter Conor Whitten breaks down the latest on the National Party's nightmare before Christmas. Then Professor Jennifer Curtin from Auckland University Politics on what will define the end of Judith Collins' reign. Forty percent of male prisoners are back behind bars within two years of release. Senior Reporter Conor Whitten with a special report on a former prisoner who defied the statistics. Then to dissect the news of the week on our panel: Senior NBR journalist Dita de Boni and PR consultant Ben Thomas. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition groups are criticising the government for rushing through legislation on the vaccination mandate - the subject of two days of debate before Parliament goes into recess. This follows the release yesterday of a new vaccine verification app to help businesses - but Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has already warned that users should expect glitches. Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood spoke to Corin Dann.

Opposition groups are criticising the government for rushing through legislation on the vaccination mandate - the subject of two days of debate before Parliament goes into recess. This follows the release yesterday of a new vaccine verification app to help businesses - but Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has already warned that users should expect glitches. Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood spoke to Corin Dann.

Waikato will drop back to alert level 2 at 11:59pm Tuesday, despite new cases popping up in the region. And the government's announced the booster dose will be available from the end of the month, for those who had their second dose more than six months ago. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson talks to Lisa Owen.  

The police union says it will be impossible to manage the Auckland's Covid boundary over summer.  Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said a hard perimeter is staying, and Aucklanders will have to show proof of vaccination to leave.  On Wednesday on Checkpoint Covid Minister Chris Hipkins suggested holidaymakers could be given time slots to drive out of Auckland - one option under consideration.  On Thursday morning on RNZ's First Up, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson walked that suggestion back.  But on Thursday afternoon Hipkins released a statement saying, "no system will be perfect," and it would be challenging but the government is working on options for the border over the holiday period.  Nick Truebridge and cameraman Nick Monro have the story.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says if people against vaccinations believe in choice they should respect peoples' decisions to get the jab. Protests have appeared at vaccination centres in recent days, including one the Prime Minister was due to visit on Wednesday. Robertson said vaccination is a critical way for New Zealand to get back to some form of normality.

More disappointment among Aucklanders after yet another announcement of an announcement from Jacinda Ardern today.The Prime Minister said while case numbers have been rising, hospitalisations and ICU numbers have really happily stayed quite low, and still, Auckland has to wait another week before retailers can reopen their doors and meet in groups of 25.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan they've got to make sure they've got the balance right.“Vaccination rates are increasing all the time and this gives us another week to pursue that. It also means that we can move forward with the further considerations around the impacts of what we've done with schools reopening and make sure that's gone well.”LISTEN ABOVE

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson is confident it is safe for senior students to return to school on Tuesday. Robertson said it is understandable some students will be anxious about returning, but the Government and schools have worked hard to ensure it is safe for Auckland's senior students to be heading back. He spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson is confident it is safe for senior students to return to school on Tuesday. Robertson said it is understandable some students will be anxious about returning, but the Government and schools have worked hard to ensure it is safe for Auckland's senior students to be heading back. He spoke to Susie Ferguson.

As Covid-19 case numbers climb, officials are begging Aucklanders to follow the rules. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says a large number of new infections are down to unlawful gatherings inside people's homes. Reporter Katie Todd headed out - with her socially distanced microphone pole - and found many Aucklanders aren't too surprised by the bad behaviour.

"Sobering but not unexpected." That is how health officials are describing today's 71 new Covid-19 community cases. But there is a warning those numbers will get worse. A big part of the problem is said to be rule-breakers, including people illegally gathering in large numbers in private houses. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson urged Aucklanders to stick to the rules. According to modellers, daily Covid cases are doubling every twelve days, meaning triple digit daily case numbers could be just around the corner. The government is planning for more than 5000 cases a week north of the Bombay Hills from next year. That is based on rates of full vaccination at 90 percent. RNZ political reporter Charlie Dreaver filed this report.

As Covid-19 case numbers climb, officials are begging Aucklanders to follow the rules. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says a large number of new infections are down to unlawful gatherings inside people's homes. Reporter Katie Todd headed out - with her socially distanced microphone pole - and found many Aucklanders aren't too surprised by the bad behaviour.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says mandating Covid-19 vaccinations is unlikely, but vaccine certificates are likely to be introduced in the near future. Certificates would permit people to attend events, venues, and other activities to show they are vaccinated. Robertson told Morning Report making any type of vaccination across the population would be challengeable. "What we are [doing], and what you'll hear more from the Prime Minister about today, is the approach that we're going to take around what vaccines can enable you to do. "The use of vaccine certificates is going to be an important part of how we move forward from here. But mandating vaccinations is not something New Zealand's done and I think it's a step that many New Zealanders would find very, very difficult, but there will be situations where being vaccinated is the key to you being able to live a relatively normal life. That will be a great incentive." He denied that the Government was changing its Covid-19 strategy. "What this is about, is the beginning of a transition to a place where vaccinations keep New Zealanders safe. But we've got to be really clear, this is still a cautious and methodical approach." Robertson said the changes were a continuation of a strategy that supports public health objectives.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says mandating Covid-19 vaccinations is unlikely, but vaccine certificates are likely to be introduced in the near future. Certificates would permit people to attend events, venues, and other activities to show they are vaccinated. Robertson told Morning Report making any type of vaccination across the population would be challengeable. "What we are [doing], and what you'll hear more from the Prime Minister about today, is the approach that we're going to take around what vaccines can enable you to do. "The use of vaccine certificates is going to be an important part of how we move forward from here. But mandating vaccinations is not something New Zealand's done and I think it's a step that many New Zealanders would find very, very difficult, but there will be situations where being vaccinated is the key to you being able to live a relatively normal life. That will be a great incentive." He denied that the Government was changing its Covid-19 strategy. "What this is about, is the beginning of a transition to a place where vaccinations keep New Zealanders safe. But we've got to be really clear, this is still a cautious and methodical approach." Robertson said the changes were a continuation of a strategy that supports public health objectives.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says there will be an element of trust in a pilot to allow people to self-isolate at home after international travel. A stay at home isolation pilot will use cellphone facial and fingerprint recognition to make sure people don't break rules.  But Robertson said there would also be an element of trust to the scheme. "There will certainly need to be a level of trust. The system just wouldn't be able to work if there was if there was no trust in the environment." Applications for businesses wanting to send staff on overseas trips opens next week with 150 spots available.  Demand is expected to well exceed the number of places. Robertson said people will just have to follow the rules if they want to be part of it.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says there will be an element of trust in a pilot to allow people to self-isolate at home after international travel. A stay at home isolation pilot will use cellphone facial and fingerprint recognition to make sure people don't break rules.  But Robertson said there would also be an element of trust to the scheme. "There will certainly need to be a level of trust. The system just wouldn't be able to work if there was if there was no trust in the environment." Applications for businesses wanting to send staff on overseas trips opens next week with 150 spots available.  Demand is expected to well exceed the number of places. Robertson said people will just have to follow the rules if they want to be part of it.

Auckland will move to alert level three from midnight tomorrow.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says he's feeling confident that the situation for Auckland is still a level with plenty of restrictions in it.He says some people can go back to work, a few people will be moving around, but it is still a restrictive level - with bubbles still in place and schools largely not open.LISTEN ABOVE

Lisa Owen asks Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson what advice he could give to Aucklanders who had travel booked for the school holidays beginning on October 2. They also discuss the return of the Black Caps to New Zealand and what that means for MIQ.  

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says there's preliminary evidence to suggest the Waikato cases are linked to one of the Auckland clusters. Robertson told Morning Report there's no indication the virus emerged from the area and it's more likely it was taken there. "Preliminary indications are that there may be an epidemiological link to one of the clusters, and so we will pursue that." He said the discovery of the cases won't necessarily tip the balance away from dropping Auckland's alert level, but the situation is rapidly evolving, and Cabinet will need to take the latest advice when it meets this afternoon.

Auckland will remain at Covid-19 level 4 lockdown until next Tuesday, then likely move to level 3. And the rest of the country will stay at level two for another week. People in seven Auckland suburbs - Mt Eden, Massey, Mangere, Favona, Otara, Papatoetoe and Manurewa - are being encouraged to get a Covid-19 test because of the areas links to mystery cases or clusters. Lisa Owen talks to Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson.  

After a weekend in which tens of thousands of Aucklanders were vaccinated against Covid-19, health officials are gearing up for surveillance testing in several city suburbs. Ahead of today's Cabinet meeting to decide on any shift in lockdown levels, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Last week, in his capacity as Minister for Racing, Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson gave the greyhound racing industry an ultimatimum upon the release of the greyhound racing review. It was a scathing review, and today we'll take a look at its findings and what it means for the future of greyhound racing. Minister for Racing Grant Robertson's interview sourced from Radio New Zealand. Review into Greyhound Racing in New Zealand, Hon Sir Bruce Robertson, 30 July 2021.Report to New Zealand Racing Board on welfare issues affecting greyhound racing in New Zealand, Hon Rodney Hansen CNZM QC.

The government says it is speaking to the trucking industry about what is needed to take essential freight across Auckland's Level 4 boundaries - but the industry says this is the first it has heard of it. The Road Transport Forum says the government has already caused "dismay and disappointment" with its plans for testing freight workers at the borders. I t says suggestion by Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson that discussions were being held to iron out the problem had left them "blindsided" again. Road Transport Forum New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett spoke to Susie Ferguson.

A criminologist who assessed the New Lynn attacker's risk to the community in 2018, says he strongly believes the stabbings could have been prevented. When Ahamed Samsudeen was sentenced in July, after being found guilty of possessing Islamic State propaganda, the judge referred to a report that said he had the means and motivation to commit violent acts in the community and posed a very high risk of harm to others. But three years earlier, Dr Clarke Jones told a court Aathil Samsudeen didn't appear to be violent, and didn't fit the profile of someone who had been radicalised. At the time, he suggested Aathil would benefit from more support, rehabilitation, mentoring and religious counselling. Dr Jones explained his assessment to our reporter Katie Todd. Asked if the terrorist had enough support to 'get better', Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said there'd been attempts to change the man's mind - and none of them were successful.

Answers are being demanded after a man infected with Covid-19 escaped from hotel quarantine for an extended period in Auckland early on Thursday. The man was arrested at a house in Otahuhu yesterday afternoon and has been charged with failing to comply with a health order. It's been revealed that he left his room three times before finally making the escape. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Morning Report investigations into the incident are underway, but the Novotel Ellerslie is secure enough to serve as a quarantine facility. "This is a facility that's been operating as a MIQ for some time now, therefore it has the security arrangements that we would expect for that. "We have very high standards of security for all of the facilities, and that includes things like double fencing and cameras and so forth." He said how the man's escape was not caught on the CCTV cameras is one of the things they would be looking into.

Wellington Central MP and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson joined Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills for the latest on the Covid situation.LISTEN ABOVE

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson is not worried about the politics of the mob run, Government funded meth prevention programme.Rather, he's focused on results, and that's what he says the programme's delivering.Robertson told Andrew Dickens the pilot programme had a 100 per cent drug test pass rate."From our perspective., this was a programme that looked like it was going to work, going to actually get people off drugs, and it's supported by the organisations who work most closely with the people concerned."He says that the Police would not have supported the programme if they did not think it was worth something. Robertson says that this programme is based on one done in 2016 that National worked on alongside gangs while in government. LISTEN ABOVE 

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson is unconcerned by a poll showing the Government's popularity plunging.The most recent Roy Morgan poll has seen the Labour Party drop 6.5 points since late May.But Robertson denies it's a reflection on the Government's latest policies and ideas - like potential hate speech reforms.Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan Labour isn't here to mind the shop, and intends to put in place the manifesto it campaigned on."I tend to think that people see these things in the whole. I've just done a big, long tour around New Zealand post-Budget, and I see an economy that is going much, much better than people expected."LISTEN ABOVE 

The Government says Australia and New Zealand are united, even on the most contentious issues.Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern presented a united front in Queenstown, discussing the likes of climate change, trade and security and the rollout of Covid jabs in the Pacific.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan when it comes to issues around China, both leaders delivered a powerful statement today."To come out as they have and say the kind of rhetoric we are hearing about New Zealand and Australia having differences over an issue like China is grossly overstated."Asked if New Zealand will back the US-led inquiry into the origins of Covid-19 in China, Robertson says that they want former Prime Minister Helen Clark and her group to have room to follow through on their inquiry. "Beyond that, we haven;t made any decisions. We certainly want to make sure that all the information that needs to be found is found, and if there is a need for ongoing work, that work is facilitated in China." LISTEN ABOVE

The country's immigration "reset" wants to reduce the economy's reliance on low-wage migrants.Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash laid out the Government's immigration policy intentions in a speech this evening.It includes making it harder for employers to take on workers from overseas, other than in areas of genuine skills shortages.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather du Plessis-Allan they want to make sure the skilled migrant category is filling genuine gaps."I think we know there are some industries where it hasn't, so we want to make sure that the criteria is spot on to give New Zealanders see the benefits of immigration."LISTEN ABOVE

More than 20 hours of interviews recorded during and since the New Zealand-wide lockdown in March last year, have been distilled into a stage show called Transmission. The key figures for creators Stuart McKenzie and Miranda Harcourt were epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson. The aim was to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how they were thinking and feeling at the time. The verbatim stage play is about to premiere in Wellington. Lynn Freeman talks to three of the cast: Sophie Hambleton, who plays Jacinda Ardern, Tom Knowles who plays Grant Robertson, and Tim Spite, who returns to the stage to portray Michael Baker. Transmission premieres at Bats Theatre in Wellington on Tuesday, April 20.

Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard has unveiled details of a number of new Parliamentary buildings which will be erected to house MPs and ministers.Three new buildings are scheduled to be completed by 2026 – but the price tag for the projects has not yet been revealed.Speaking to media this afternoon, however, Mallard said he hoped the bill would be less than $250 million.That is more than double the estimated cost of an earlier proposal for a new building and re-development of an existing building that was put up by former Speaker David Carter in 2016.A six-storey building will be constructed on Museum Street – right next to Parliament – and will house a multitude of offices as well as select committee rooms.Mallard also announced a new executive wing annexe will be constructed for ministers.The old earthquake-prone press gallery building at the far end of the Parliamentary precinct will be demolished to make way for the extra ministerial officesA two-storey building will also be constructed for parliamentary security.The money for the new builds has not yet been revealed but Mallard said the funding has been sought so it would come out of next year's Budget.In a statement, Mallard acknowledged that the plans would require "significant investment"."However, we must look at the long term," he said."Ultimately, this is the right and responsible course of action to ensure our nation's Parliament is supported to operate efficiently and effectively for many years to come."The goal is for all the new buildings to be completed and ready for use following the 2026 election.Mallard had considered using the new "fast track" provisions –designed to boost construction work as part of the Covid-19 recovery - to consent it.But after discussions with the Minister of Finance and Environment Minister David Parker, decided that was inappropriate.NZ First has twice scuppered plans for new buildings on Parliament's grounds.Mallard said if NZ First got back in in 2023 and demanded the project be dropped, he would put a picture of former NZ First MP Shane Jones on the side of the unfinished building.In a statement, Mallard said it was his firm belief that this strategy needed to be revisited."We must take this opportunity to ensure that the precinct is well-positioned to support Parliament as it evolves over the next 50-100 years."Mallard said this has been agreed to by all political parties."For many years now, it has been clear that current accommodation on the parliamentary precinct is not fit for purpose and can no longer effectively support a modern, accessible Parliament."He said the move makes absolute sense financially and logistically.Speaking to media on their way into caucus meetings this morning, a number of MPs were asked what they would like to see included in Mallard's designs.National's Matt Doocey came up with the idea of a group hug room while Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson suggested Jacuzzis for the Press Gallery.Museum St BuildingThis will be built on top of what is now car parks next to Parliament House.Although Mallard is still applying for resource consent, he said it will have a modern design, which will be "sympathetic to the surrounding environment"."We are not seeking to create a landmark."The six-story building will have a direct link to Parliament House, will have a Green Star rating of six and will offer a "high degree of flexibility".New ministerial officesThis will replace the old press gallery offices, which were vacated in 2017 due to earthquake strength issues.The plan is for that building to be knocked down and to be replaced by the new structure. It will be a three-story building, complementary to the existing Executive wing, with a link to Parliament House.It will also have a Green Star rating of 6.Security buildingThis will be two stories and is proposed to be built at Ballantrae Place entrance. It will accommodate the current "secure deliveries" functions, th...

The Government is defending it's actions around the recent lockdowns. Auckland plunged into Alert Level Three on Sunday morning, after it was revealed a 21 year old man had tested positive and visited a number of locations while infectious.The move follows the three day lockdown a fortnight ago. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Heather Du Plessis Allan they operate on the advice they get from health officials."We still have somebody who was potentially infectious for about a week in the Auckland community, who visited a large number of locations."We felt this was the right action to take in these circumstances. LISTEN ABOVE

The Government says it's begun writing the cheques for a Covid-19 vaccine.Some countries have already begun administering vaccinations, but New Zealand's vaccine timetable isn't expected to begin until the end of March.Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson told Tim Dower rolling out a vaccine is a priority, but he says there are other countries in worse positions than us.But he says they will have a vaccine in place as soon as possible.Asked about NZ's economy, he says although the country is doing well, we are still in challenging times.'As we see what's happening around the world, Covid will still be a major issue for New Zealand to deal with in 2021."LISTEN ABOVE

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has defended the Government's decision to step in and buy Ihumātao, saying he was not willing to stand by and watch the issue get more and more divisive."It is the right thing to do. We had a situation that was on its way to being my generation's Bastion Point. I was not prepared, and the Government was not prepared to stand off to the side and allow what could have been a very divisive and destructive time to happen."Robertson also downplayed suggestions it set a precedent for the Crown intervening to return parcels of private land to Māori, saying it was an "innovative and unique solution for these unique circumstances".The deal to settle the issue at Ihumātao included the Government buying the land from Fletchers for $29.9 million – a sum Fletchers said would see it 'break even.' Robertson said it was an "appropriate price" for the land and the costs to Fletchers over the past few years since it bought it.It will be bought under the Government housing programme – and is intended to be used for housing.However, its final use and future ownership will be decided by a steering group made up of three representatives of the Ahi Kaa (occupiers of the land), two Kīngitanga and two from the Crown.The agreement leaves open the possibility of a future transfer of ownership to the tangata whenua, if that is what the group settles on.Robertson said that would be up for discussion, but if the land had been bought for housing it had to be used for housing purposes."If there were to be significantly different outcomes on the land beyond housing there would be other conversations to be had about funding."He said it was far too early to say whether the land would have to be purchased from the Crown, if that was the case.Soul co-founder Pania Newton said it was an important first step, and acknowledged the efforts of whanau and others who had maintained the occupation and pressure on the issue."We are relieved the Government has finally come out and made their announcement because that is the first step to healing the heartache that lies across this whenua."However, Newton said it was disappointing that the Government did not acknowledge it as a Treaty-related settlement, given the land was confiscated from Māori in the 1800s.Ihumātao had never been considered in a Treaty settlement because it had been private land since then and private land can not be used in settlements.The agreement specifically excludes the use of the land in any future Treaty settlement, or to try to re-open settlements that had already been concluded.Robertson rejected claims by National and Act that the deal set a precedent that would result in occupations of other private land in a bid to get a similar deal, or that it undermined the Treaty settlement process."This is a unique solution for this particular area. It is a unique settlement outside of the Treaty settlement process. We are not doing anything to unpick the Treaty settlement process."However, Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi said the deal should be taken as an "an important precedent" for the Crown addressing injustice by returning confiscated land to Māori outside of the Treaty settlement process."We know that there are many other 'Ihumātao' right around the country – sites of huge significance that mana whenua are fighting to have returned."It is the Māori Party position that no Treaty settlement is full and final if it is unjust, and that Treaty justice must mean the return of whenua Māori into the hands of whānau, hapū and iwi."Green co-leader Marama Davidson also referred to it as a settlement that righted an historic wrong – terminology often used with Treaty settlements.Robertson said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern would take advice from Kīngitanga on when and whether it was appropriate for her to visit the site.The agreement estimates it could be up to five years before the steering group concludes its talks on the future use of...

On today's podcast, the boys catch up with Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson ahead of this week's rugby, the Four Pillars of Sax Solos gets revisited and Matt gets lost in a two-story car park...