Podcast appearances and mentions of chris hipkins

In a sit-down interview with The Hui, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson took aim at the coalition government. She said that while the Greens are "readier than we have ever been" for an election, the current Government is "a pack of bastards".Chris Hipkins has come out swinging today making the observation that maybe NZ First should be called "Labour's Seconds" due to the number of former Labour MPs that were, and are, involved with Winston Peters' partyNicola Willis has fronted the media today about the increase in inflation to 4.1% saying that Trump ‘certainly made things harder' and looking for external excuses for the number, which may be true on some level, but they certainly didn't give Labour the same excuse when external excuses, in the form of a global pandemic, caused inflation to spike in the last term. Labour's finance spokesperson Barb Edmonds joins us live at 9pm to talk about today's announcement++++++++++++++++++++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/

Labour's Chris Hipkins thinks the Electoral Commission needs to step up its game getting voters enrolled, particularly with new changes kicking in this election that will prevent people enrolling to vote on the day. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report.

New Zealand First wants to spend a billion bucks looking for oil and gas fields to make our country rich again. Well, richer. A bit more like the place our kids go to earn a living, Australia, who've pulled in $430 billion in mining royalties over the past decade alone. A bit more like Norway, where per person GDP is $153,000, one of the highest in the world, ours is only about $85,000. The Norwegians, of course, got a big boost from oil post 1960s and have a $2-trillion wealth fund, which pays for the stuff the Greens and Labour here could only dream of. And herein lies one of two big problems with this country. The first one is not that we don't more children out of poverty or a generous welfare state or universal pensions. The problem is how you pay for them. Debt is a downward spiral but is how we've been operating since 2019. That's the last time the books actually balanced. So, there is logic in dragging oil and gas up out of the ocean to pay stuff, especially as the rest of the world, especially the US, is doing it anyway. Which brings us to the second problem with this issue, and Winston's plans for it, and that's the opposition. What's the point in us spending a billion bucks to look for oil the next government won't let anybody drill for? The only way this makes sense is if you get the big parties to agree with each other, we actually need another feather in our bow, economically speaking. Right now, Andy Burnham is having this very debate with his top advisors, including Mike Munro who worked for Jacinda Ardern. The British press is reporting Burnham is about to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Labour banned it. Burnham's a union guy, a worker guy, a more commonsense guy, so they say, and therefore he is about to turn the black tap on again. Chris Hipkins is not that guy for the New Zealand Labour party. And until the Opposition puts down its giant no sign, then spending a billion bucks looking for oil is throwing money down the dunny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says Labour must take a clear stance on rates caps, with the Government planning to introduce legislation before the election. Labour's Chris Hipkins has told Newstalk ZB his party's yet to decide on a position. He says the policy is "good retail politics" but adds councils will need ways to fund core services. Local Government Minister Simon Watts told Mike Hosking they want to make sure that when they implement a policy, it's enduring and there is certainty for businesses and households. He says the problem is that Labour has previously indicated that they would vote against the legislation, but are now saying they don't have a position. Watts says he just wants to know where they stand on this. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins joins Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings to chat the latest in politics, including Paul Henry's entrance into politics with the ACT Party. Hipkins shares his thoughts on famous faces entering politics, and how he thinks broadcaster Paul Henry will fit into the beehive. "Shane Jones is going to have a bit of competition for parliament's biggest blowhard." Then how is Labour reacting to the shifts in National's plan for the Roads of National Significance. Would they follow through with all projects put on the back burner? When asked if Labour would prioritise the second Mt Victoria tunnel project, Hipkins says he doesn't think anyone will be driving through it in the next decade. Plus, his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the talks to join an Ocean of Peace Alliance and remembering Sir Sam Neill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop the press, the media has a new darling. Chlöe Swarbrick and the Opportunity Party can have a breather this week, a bit of downtime, because there's only one show in town and it's Paul Henry. The self-made millionaire, the former broadcaster, has thrown his hat into the political ring again. He wants to become a polly, and not just any old polly. He has no interest in sitting on the back benches, cooling his heels, learning the ropes. He is not there to shag spiders. He's made it perfectly plain that he wants to be a minister in the next coalition government. Prime Minister, hey, why not? There is no doubt when you hear him speak that he has a real passion for New Zealand and that he wants New Zealand to be a great place for his children and grandchildren, for your children and grandchildren. And there's no doubt that he's a great cheerleader for the ACT Party. “I think with ACT I can tangibly affect change. I think with ACT, it is the only party that I think can genuinely steer this country in the right direction. By right direction I mean create policies that inspire growth of our economy because our economy is perilously small, cut wasteful government spending in so many different ways, and hopefully create an environment whereby New Zealanders, I mean your introduction was spot on, where New Zealanders aren't angsting, they're not suspicious of everything all the time. I mean the thing that holds New Zealand back, because both of us travel a lot, we can both see New Zealand with a bit of perspective from offshore. What a brilliant country with extraordinary resources and potential it is. So why is it not being realised?" That was former broadcaster Paul Henry talking to broadcaster Mike Hosking this morning. Will Paul Henry have the discipline to sit through the turgid meetings and briefings that are a part of being a politician? A lot of people go into politics and they say they're going to cut red tape and they're going to get things done, and within a matter of months they end up hogtied in the corner defeated by the red tape. Paul Henry is a loose cannon – he doesn't have to do anything. He's perfectly fine where he is. He could do whatever the hell he wanted. He's very bright, he's very quick witted. These are both blessings and curses for the ACT Party. He doesn't need the gig. He has his own thoughts. It might be a libertarian party, but by crikey, once he starts speaking his own mind within Parliament, it can create issues when you have to abide by coalition rules. And of course, Paul Henry is not the ACT Party – he's one person among many. The party has broad ranging policies and very strong ideas on just about everything, and you would have to surely look at those closely. You might like Paul Henry, but you might not like the policies that come along with Paul Henry. Do celebrities make good parliamentarians? On the one hand, it brings profile to the party, especially if they've been languishing a bit, and it's fair to say that ACT has taken a back seat to New Zealand First this year in terms of column inches generated, probably even taken a back seat to the Opportunity Party this year. National's Christopher Luxon doesn't have the pizzazz, the jazz hands of Paul Henry, nor indeed does Chris Hipkins. But I don't think Labour voters would be looking to ACT as their alternate party – but who knows, stranger things have happened. When you look at former broadcasters that have gone into politics, they've done okay, I suppose. Maggie Barry's probably the best of the recent crop. She made minister, but I think it was pretty tough going. Do self-made millionaires make good MPs? John Key was a good Prime Minister. Didn't have to do the gig and when he got bored, he went. But I think it's widely agreed that he was a pretty good PM for the times. This is probably just going to be a flash in the pan. There'll be the big announcement, we got it yesterday, it's gripped the media news cycle to the extent that we're going to wrap up I think the 24 hours of, I don't know what it was really, excitement? It wasn't shock so much, but it just seemed to be wow, it sort of energized the conversation around ACT, it energized the conversation around politics. And that's got to be a good thing. Anything that gets people interested in politics, great, but it's got to go beyond one person, it's got to go beyond celebrity, it's got to go beyond face value. As I say, if you're voting for Paul Henry you have to be very careful, as people did for Winston Peters. They liked him and the party came second. So be aware that there are broad ranging policies, have a look at those before you decide oh, I like that Paul Henry, I'm going to give him a tick. And be aware too that quick witted, mercurial people who don't need the gig might not be around for a long time. It'll be a good time, but it won't be a long time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Henry is everything Christopher Luxon isn't. He's everything Chris Hipkins isn't. He's everything his potential new boss, ACT leader David Seymour, isn't. Which is why his announcement that he's standing in this year's election has taken a lot of people by surprise. And has got some people excited. But aren't we over celebrity politicians? I certainly am. Nevertheless, if there was a political party in New Zealand that Paul Henry might be a good fit for, philosophically, it would be the ACT Party. But is he a good fit for Parliament? Or is Parliament a good fit for him? Or, more to the point - is this personality and wit that people are talking about - are they the kinds of things we need in our politicians right now? I don't think so. It's what the ACT Party needs right now. Because, of the three parties in the current coalition government, it needs a bit of a boost. And there's no doubt that Paul Henry's announcement has put the spotlight on the ACT Party. But, a lot of the time, publicity doesn't lead to substance or delivery. Take Jacinda Ardern, when she became leader of the Labour Party just weeks out from the 2017 election, she was a publicity darling. She was someone who could spin a good yarn. A great communicator, as they say. But we all got sick of that. And, as Thomas Coughlan points out in the NZ Herald, Paul Henry's announcement yesterday was a communications “masterclass”. Thomas writes: “After a brief introduction from Seymour, Henry gave probably one of the best ‘new job' press conferences since Dame Jacinda Ardern's famous 2017 effort after becoming Labour leader.” He does point out, though, that there were some differences. Yesterday, Paul Henry wasn't facing the full gallery of political journalists. He didn't need to defend any policies. And he didn't have to look like he could credibly be Prime Minister in a matter of weeks. Nevertheless, he made a good fist of it. Which you would expect from someone who's been in the public eye for yonks. Who is well used to talking about himself in front of an audience and who has a truckload of experience in the live broadcast environment. Where you have to think on your feet all the time. No wonder David Seymour and the ACT Party welcomed him with open arms. Because they need him way more than he needs them. And he has said as much. But I thought, after the Jacinda Ardern experience, that we were over celebrity politicians. I certainly am. Which is why I can't get excited about Paul Henry potentially being in Parliament after this year's election. Because I don't care about charisma. All I care about is substance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INTERVIEW: Leader of the opposition MP Chris Hipkins on Labour's 2026 Election Policies by Lily Jane on Radio One 91FM Dunedin

David Seymour announced that this election Paul Henry would be standing as an ACT candidate in the general election. When asked why he wanted to be an MP, Henry, says he's “enormously disappointed with National”, and prime minister's performance especially.Labour leader Chris Hipkins says “it's still very early days” to consider speaking with Opportunity, and urged left-leaning voters to consider their vote carefully, after the fledgling party came close to the 5% threshold to enter Parliament in the latest political poll.RNZ and Reid Research released their latest poll which is bad news for National yet okay news for the right and pretty good news for Labour and below average for the left. Opportunity is again featuring in polling discussions with both Luxon and Hipkins now saying a vote for Opportunity is a vote to put the other side in.++++++++++++++++++++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 latest RNZ-Reid Research poll continues to have Labour on top, despite a drop in support. It's sitting on 34 percent - down 1.6 percent since March, but almost six points above National, who've slumped to 28.7 percent. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to John Campbell.

Jo Moir breaks down the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll; Chris Hipkins responds to latest RNZ-Reid Research poll; Sir Grahame Sydney remembers screen legend Sam Neill; Repeat recycling offenders face losing bins; Researcher tests life without a smartphone

You may remember that Morgan McSweeney was one of Keir Starmer's fall guys in the Mandelson scandal. He ran the Labour Party's 2024 campaign that saw Labour land a comparatively small amount of the vote (37%) in exactly the right places to give them a stonking great majority and end 14 years of Tory rule. It ended badly for McSweeney. It's ending badly for Starmer, and a bloke who never got elected by Britain is going to run the place in a few weeks, theoretically for the next three years. I tell you this because McSweeney has never spoken before, until now. What he says is fascinating. He claims the party didn't prepare properly for power, didn't think about how the world had changed since they were last in Government, didn't talk about it enough, and didn't plan, and that's why Starmer was such a disaster. What makes it fascinating for us is: 1) It was Starmer and Labour that Chris Hipkins visited in Liverpool at their conference to get tips. 2) It's Hipkins and Labour, according to former MP and Speaker Trevor Mallard, who ended up at the Featherston book fair telling exactly the same story about his party. So do we have a theme, or a trait? Are Labour groupings essentially lazy, or blind, or arrogant? Or a combination of all three? Labour NZ 2017 set a record in working groups because they hadn't prepared for Government. They had nine years to do so. Labour in Britain had 14 years. Perhaps as interesting is Peter Dunne's latest column in Newsroom where he reports that the recent Labour congress here was well staged but lacked anything new. Subsidies for apprenticeships are worthy, but dull, and reminds voters of the economic mess Labour last got us into. Do labour movements lack imagination? The two may be coincidental, but they might not be. Is Labour about simply waiting for the other lot to lose? At their heart, are they not actually up for a bit of hard work and prep? New Zealand Labour were jettisoned for a calamitous record. British Labour would be on the verge of it if they didn't have five-year terms. McSweeney, Mallard, and Dunne all tell a similar story. If you're a potential Labour supporter here, surely that story is worrying, if not frightening. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman tells us why the Official Cash Rate has risen for the first time in three years. Labour leader Chris Hipkins explains the difference between his party and National on solar power policy. Coach Dame Noeline Taurua can barely contain her excitement at being back in charge of the Silver Ferns for the Commonwealth Games. And on The Huddle, Katie Bradford and Phil O'Reilly discuss ACT's plans for three-year prison sentences for repeat burglars. 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.

Labour says its solar policy will benefit renters and rural communities, not just city-dwelling homeowners. National and Labour's election policies would both let homeowners pay back low-interest loans for solar through their rates. But Labour's plan announced today also lets local lines companies provide loans - repaid back through power bills. Leader Chris Hipkins says this plan will provide extra grants for low-income households, funding for community batteries and additional support for the workforce. "In terms of getting more solar panels on Kiwi roofs faster, the workforce is going to be one of our biggest constraints there." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has unveiled its pitch to make power bills cheaper. If elected, the party’s promising subsidies of up to $3000 to low-and-middle-income households so they can install solar panels. The party is also promising two Government-backed low-interest loan schemes for home energy upgrades, alongside rule changes that would let renters install plug-in solar too. If that sounds familiar, it’s because National rolled out its own solar policy just a few weeks ago. So what, exactly, sets Labour’s plan apart? And will it actually make a meaningful dent in household power bills? Today on The Front Page, Labour leader Chris Hipkins is with us to explain how it would all work. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a suggestion a level playing field between gentailers and retailers is needed before homes switch to solar. Election policies of National and Labour would both let homeowners pay back low interest loans for solar through their rates. Labour's plan would also let local line companies provide loans, repaid through power bills. Director of solar company Lightforce John Harman told Ryan Bridge fair prices are needed for renters and low income homes to make the change. He says companies are making record profits from New Zealanders with high power prices and that's not going to stop. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour Leader Chris Hipkins is open to working with the Government on a bill banning social media for under-16s. Speaking to Canterbury Mornings, Hipkins said any social media ban should go through the select committee process, and New Zealand should take lessons from Australia's recently introduced restrictions. "We've got to do more to keep our kids safe online, but the Aussie experience has shown that it's not easy". Hipkins also shared his views on recent policy announcements from NZ First, National and the Greens, as well as China's missile tests in the South Pacific. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report.

Chris Hipkins discusses Indian PM visit, China Pacific test; Grocery Commissioner discusses investigation into sector; ABC's Lice Movono on rising Pacific tensions with China; Pregnancy Hope Auckland charity at risk of closing; Teen forced to switch schools to get game time

I read that apparently the Government are about to give a formal response this month to the Covid Inquiry Phase Two report. Brooke van Velden, who drove it, was so concerned about the mistake made around Covid vaccine advice for 12–17-year-olds, and the fact Chris Hipkins said he didn't see any advice, when in fact he did. She went off to seek advice as to what to do. They told her what you would expect they would, which was, roughly, you could do a lot, do a bit, or do nothing. The trouble with Royal Commissions is once they are done, they are done, and launching yet another inquiry, she rightly decided, would be wasting everyone's time. So she has passed it off to the Health Minister, and we stand by. The tricky thing here is accountability: will there ever be any? Hipkins and Bloomfield, the two critical players here, never turned up in person to the Commission. Once the mistake was discovered, that the paperwork on the vaccine did get to Hipkins in Cabinet, no one seems to want to know anything about it. The head of the inquiry, Grant Illingworth KC, doesn't answer questions. "The report can speak for itself," he tells everyone. Hipkins relied on the faulty report to say he never saw anything, even though he did, and Bloomfield refuses all comment. I go back to my original request; that the Government do things properly, which was an adversarial inquiry i.e. they had the power to force people to turn up. Because when they don't and the Q&A is all back and forward on paper, look what happens. And what does happen? Well, nothing, clearly. I'm happy to be proven wrong, but what is the Health Minister going to do? What happens to Hipkins or Bloomfield, apart from nothing? Mistakes were made in Covid, so we have two Commissions. Commission one is a whitewash, Commission two missed critical detail, so more mistakes are made. Does that give you confidence that the next time we have an epidemic we are any better off? Of course not. So as we await the so-called response, what was the point? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Netball: 7/10 Because the pleas I have heard this week from players, and coaches, and fans to save the thing have all had passion attached to them, and passion is no bad thing. Michelin: 9/10 It did exactly what we paid for; got buzz, got vibes, got tables booked, and reps confirmed. It's quite possibly a tourism-cum-marketing masterstroke. Chris Hipkins: 4/10 The Michelin misread was next level cloth-ear. Keep that up and the campaign is over. Serena and Mark: 4/10 As in Williams and Mitchell. The common thread? Age and injury. You've got to know when to fold 'em. The All Blacks: 8/10 New era, new season, easy spanking for the opener given it's the French away, and not even a good French away. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Thursday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) But Then, Isn't Everything?/What's Wrong with Chris Hipkins?/Netball Can't Get Out of its Own Way/The Great Canadian Rift/Trump In the BadlandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report.

Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; Luxon unaware Auckland lacked night shelter; Chef Peter Gordon discusses Michelin Guide Awards; Black Cap Zak Foulkes speaks to John Campbell following win; Debate reignites as feral cat hunt returns

Labour has started its countdown to the election, with its leader Chris Hipkins laying out the party's roadmap at the Labour Congress. He also laid the blame for rising unemployment, the high cost of living, and the cancellation of Fair Go at the feet of the current government. Labour's campaign manager Kieran McAnulty spoke to John Campbell.

Chris Hipkins as he rallied the Labour troops over the weekend as the party held its election year conference in Wellington with eyes squarely on the future. Our political reporter Giles Dexter was at the Labour conference.

A social policy advocate suggests taxing superannuants' alternative incomes could be the solution New Zealand needs. National is campaigning on raising the retirement age, which Labour's ruling out. But earlier this year, Labour's Chris Hipkins appeared open to means testing NZ Super eligibility. Auckland University's Susan St John says reviving the superannuation surcharge, abolished in 1998, could get political agreement. She explained it is a middle ground between the extremes of means testing and raising the age of eligibility. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour has revealed they're not planning on making changes to the retirement age and leader Chris Hipkins says there are some fundamental questions National needs to answer on its election KiwiSaver policy. Do we agree with this? Why does Labour keep saying no to things? Keir Starmer officially resigned as UK Prime Minister last night. Is this the right move? Will Andy Burnham be a better leader - or at least a good replacement? Gym memberships among Kiwis are on the rise - what do we think of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report.

Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; Nicola Willis answers listeners questions on KiwiSaver policy; BBC's Rob Watson discusses Starmer's resignation, Mayors call for cross-party support over bed tax; Author compiles Southern Hemisphere's greatest novels

Labour isn't ruling out funding other policies with its capital gains tax, but assures there's a cap. It's today pledged to again scrap prescription co-payments - to the tune of $74.5 million - which this Government reinstated. CGT revenue will also fund free pregnancy scans and three GP visits a year. Leader Chris Hipkins says people living outside the big cities are entitled to affordable medicine as well, and Labour aims to deliver. "There's about 150,000 people who are not picking up prescriptions because of the cost...yes, it's going to cost more, there's an annual survey done every year and it found, last year alone, that 155,000 didn't pick up the benefits." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those of you who were super keen to hear from the Labour Party in an election year as to what they might have in mind for policy, my question to you is: now that they have started handing out the ideas, does the size of the cock-up make you wish they hadn't? Or can you believe the incompetence of past years hasn't been addressed? The bus idea that isn't $65 million, but, according to economists, possibly well over $100 million. The cancellation of primary testing that's been released, seemingly through Ginny Andersen's Substack of 115 followers. The doctor visits policy that pays for millionaires to go to the GP. And the pay equity promise that, despite the fact all would be revealed post-Budget, has still not been revealed – or anywhere close. You have two things in an election year: the policy itself —and we debate those as ideas around ideology and workability— and the bill for any such idea. The latter is of increasing importance in recent years because the previous Labour Government spent all the money – and then some. And we still have no money. Therefore, simply dreaming up ideas with no bills attached is no longer acceptable to most voters Or is it? That is my other great conundrum in this current election year. Can a party that might well be Government promise something with an $11 billion price tag, not explain where the money comes from, and still get away with it anyway… given the punter isn't really that interested? Polling might help, but that's another conundrum. Do I trust polling? No. The participation rate is now so ropey that people, to my mind, tell pollsters anything. If what Labour has produced so far—in terms of ideas, lack of dollars, and general calamity—was accurately measured, you might see a drop in support… or not. But if you trusted polls, at least you could get a good gauge. The upshot, though, is this: this lot under Chris Hipkins seem to have learned nothing. There is not a lot coordinated, well-honed, or slick about any of this. For those waiting, it would appear a disappointment – a haphazard, piecemeal sort of effort that, after all this “wait and see” they have been playing, turns out to be the same old group of sloppy thinkers and lazy operators. Hoping the Government would fail was their best chance. Given when they are forced to sell themselves to you, they look like a Year 8 school project – and not a particularly good one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; Waitomo boss discusses what US/Iran deal means for fuel prices; Screen use researcher discusses UK social media ban; Economists identify apparent errors in Labour transport policy; Trailblazing surgeon hopes to inspire Pacific women

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report.

The latest Taxpayers Union Curia poll has dropped, and while Labour is technically ahead, they are losing the argument. Duncan breaks down why Chris Hipkins is stuck in the doldrums and failing to win trust when it matters most. Plus, we take a look at the public transport policy that is falling apart under intense scrutiny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labour’s leader discusses the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report (SOPI) and the current Government’s comments on carbon credits. He also defended his party’s public transport policy, which Mackay described as “underwhelming”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Chris Hipkins, Ray Smith, Shane Jones, Rowland Smith, Ingrid Smith, Mike Casey, Kate Acland and Kate Scott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is anyone else feeling for Chris Hipkins right now? He's having a terrible week, and it just looks bad. A large part of the blame has to rest with the people below him just not doing their job. First, the Superintendent Naidoo schemozzle. Notification of his intent to run for political office on a Thursday, just before it's announced the next Monday, was an organisational failure. The superintendent should've known the police manual better, and so should the backroom administrators of the Labour Party. Then, they released their public transport policy that everyone says is low on its costing. And then the spokesman, Tangi Utikere, was unable to name the projects in the National Land Transport Fund that would be defunded to make room for it. Making it seem like a good enough idea drawn up on the back of an envelope. Making it seem like no one has really done the backroom grunt work on the numbers. And it is a good idea for young people in towns and cities, but why on earth would you release it when the nation's attention is on Fieldays and the rural sector? It was plainly evident last night that the country folk have no desire to subsidise the city folks' transport. This was the week for a rural sector announcement, not an urban one. Labour's political management seems amateur. And then there's the festering accusation that Labour simply didn't set up a site at Fieldays. Which, if true, lies at the head of the organisational staff. That has been Labour's perennial problem. A handful of somewhat competent politicians without the backup of a competent party mechanism. It leads us all to the feeling that if they can't manage day-to-day business, how on earth could they run a country? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins discusses Labour's new transport policy; Officials told govt there was a low need for LNG facility; Wellington mayor stands by evacuation orders; ProCare boss discusses use of AI in health sector; Penguin gets stuck in soccer net in New Plymouth garden

The Labour Party has announced a weekly public transport cap of $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and $10 a week everywhere else, at a reported cost of $65 million a year. Chris Hipkins spoke to John Campbell.

So here we go - some policy, ladies and gentlemen. Labour's promising cheaper public transport. They want to cap weekly fares at $20 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and $10 everywhere else. Under the plan, once you hit the cap, the rest of the trips you take that week could be free. Labour says it would save regular users about $25 a week. They reckon it would save you about $1200 a year. The policy would begin from July next year, of course depending on whether they're elected on November 7. They say it will cost $65 million a year, funded through the National Land Transport Fund. Not all services will be included, though. Inter-regional trains like Te Huia and the Capital Connection miss out, along with some longer ferries like Waiheke and cash-only bus services. Labour leader Chris Hipkins says the policy is aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures and transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere says too many families are being priced out of public transport. What they didn't really say is that it might also help reduce congestion on our roads. But, you know, it's still a spending policy at a time when we're trying to reduce spending and the national debt. Now, the money will come from the transport fund, which National says is already oversubscribed, so presumably, to fund this, Labour will have to cut some of National's road projects. It is a cost-of-living policy and many people will welcome a $20-a-week commute. Their social media shows a lot of people saying this is good. But it will only appeal to those who aren't already sorted. If you've got a car - if you can afford a car, if you can afford car parking in urban areas - you won't care about this; you might not like it. But I'm surrounded in the newsroom by low-paid young people who cannot afford cars and certainly can't afford parking, and they use public transport every day. So they'll love it - but will young voters even bother to vote? And meanwhile, that cost - $65 million - does it seem low to you? It seems low to me because there are already some caps in place. And with the money coming from the National Land Transport Fund, the question is: which roading measures will be cut? Potholes, anybody? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins talks to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins talks to Ingrid Hipkiss; Expert explains practical ways to save on your power bill; Auckland councillors to decide on housing intensification; Aussie cops being fast tracked into NZ police force; Astronomy fans already booking for Otago eclipse in 2028

Now, I can't imagine Labour's woken up feeling awesome this morning about how that reset is going. What do you think? This is a reset – you do realise that. After months of saying nothing, having no new policy and generating headlines for Ayesha Verrall singing weird songs about ducks, they started this week with a classic reset move. They got themselves a story in the Herald on Monday, claiming Nicola Willis tried to hide secret spending in the Budget. Then they followed it up really quickly with a list announcement, unveiling the policeman candidate. And then tomorrow they were supposed to have their big, substantive policy announcement – something they haven't done in months. It was meant to be this run of good news. Unfortunately for them, it's gone a little bit pear-shaped, hasn't it? The “secret money” has turned out to actually just be an accounting provision. The list announcement got derailed by Greg O'Connor taking a crack at them. Then the new guy for one of the Māori seats revealed there's some tax relief policy coming – which he wasn't supposed to say. Then Chippy got busted for using his government KiwiSaver to buy a bach, and the policeman didn't tell his bosses early enough that he was off to join the Labour Party. All of this is not a good look for Labour, because they can hardly expect to convince voters they're ready to govern if they can't even get 24 hours' worth of announcements to go to plan without being derailed by four or five different issues. But to be fair to Labour, the last 24–48 hours is really not the end of the world. A lot of this is pretty beltway stuff – at least the parts involving the policeman are. In five months' time, when the election rolls around, no one but the biggest political nerds in this country will remember any of it. Five months gives them plenty of time to fix all of this, but they really do have to get on and fix it, because this is the same problem, just repeated – the same problem as the Ayesha Verrall duck-song situation. It looks like a party unable to get its act together and just do one thing properly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Leader is disappointed by how things are playing out for the senior police officer who's chosen to run for Parliament. Superintendent Rakesh Naidoo —the Police's national partnerships manager— has been revealed as the 13th ranked candidate on Labour's list. Commissioner Richard Chambers says he only learned of Naidoo's candidacy on Sunday afternoon, and his position is now untenable. Chris Hipkins told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he's disappointed for Naidoo, who's done everything right. He says he acted with the utmost integrity through the process, and has worked very hard to preserve the political independence of the police. Hipkins also says Labour won't be making any announcement about tax this week. The party leader revealed his candidate list yesterday. Newcomer Kingi Kiriona suggested Labour could be releasing policy on tax relief in the coming days. But Hipkins told du-Plessis Allan Kiriona misspoke, and the policy is actually about cost-of-living relief. While he can't reveal the details just yet, he can confirm it will have an impact on households. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast with Heather du Plessis-Allan for Tuesday 9th of June, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins defends the process behind the appointment of Rakesh Naidoo to the party's list. Heather also challenges Hipkins on the generous superannuation scheme for MPs. Former Highlander Joey Wheeler talks what Tony Brown will bring to the All Blacks when he joins as an Assistant Coach in 2028. As we cross the 100 day mark of the Iran war, Middle East expert Jeffrey Pryce talks us through what Donald Trump's options are and how this war might end. 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.

We're going to start today's show talking about our nuclear policy. That's because at a forum in Singapore Defense Minister Chris Penk said it could be "helpful" to have a conversation about Nuclear Free New Zealand. He made the comments in reference to Australia's agreement to acquire three nuclear powered Virginia Class submarines from the United States. Speaking on Morning Report today Prime Minister Christopher Luxon comprehensively ruled out any such conversation. Labour leader Chris Hipkins also dismissed the idea. But is it actually a conversation we should be having? Liam Hehir thinks so. The lawyer and former active National Party member joins Jesse to discuss.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to Morning Report; Labour leader Chris Hipkins speaks to John Campbell; Erica Stanford discusses new trade academy funding; Former defence minister discusses NZ nuclear-free status; Oncology professor discusses new cancer drug breakthrough

Labour has been critical of the Government's budget delivered last week saying it's asking those with the least to make the most sacrifices. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to John Campbell.