Podcasts about finance minister nicola willis

Supermarket experts say there is no clear player waiting in the wings to rev up competition for cheaper groceries. That's despite Finance Minister Nicola Willis name dropping Costco in her announcement on reforms to the sector this week. Costco was one of a number of players she mentioned that had been in touch - and are interested in the New Zealand market. So how realistic is it? Money Correspondent Susan Edmunds reports.

You can't tax your way to prosperity - but you can grow the pie. In this exclusive interview from inside the Beehive, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins us to discuss NZ's economic future covering everything from housing affordability, debt, and financial literacy to KiwiSaver, exports, and why cutting red tape is critical for growth.The Minister's appearance is not an endorsement of any particular financial advice service or company.For more money tips follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

The Government says it won't make the same mistakes as the last if hit with an event similar to the Covid-19 pandemic. A Treasury report has calculated the total cost of the pandemic at $66 billion. It puts New Zealand among the highest spenders as a proportion of GDP on the Covid response in advanced economies. Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Ryan Bridge nearly half of the spending was on unnecessary initiatives. She says it didn't make a difference to the economy, and racked up huge amounts of debt. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday 8th of August 2025, the Ardern government was warned that the spending spree during Covid would have dire consequences, Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains the impact it's had. There's been confirmation from the Kremlin overnight that a meeting between Trump and Putin will take place as early as next week, BBC Russia correspondent Olga Ivshina tells Ryan whether it will impact the deadline for sanctions. A US company's building the world's largest airplane to transport massive wind turbines, the company's CEO Mark Lundstrom tells Ryan about the project. Plus UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on Israel's security cabinet meeting and the UK beginning operating its 'one in one out' scheme with France. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says anxiety about tariffs will be playing a part in slowing down New Zealand's economic recovery. Unemployment's reached a five-year high of 5.2%. Economists think it could rise even higher before it starts turning around. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking tariffs aren't great, but some people may have been more worried than they should be. She says the tariffs will have affected confidence and investment intentions, but it's important to remember that New Zealand is doing okay compared to the rest of the world. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis remains hopeful that unemployment will start to reduce sometime this year but given global economic uncertainty with Donald Trump's trade wars she won't give a more exact time frame, Labour's Barb Edmonds joins us LIVE to discuss. ‘Biggest change in 50 years': Petrol tax to go, everyone to pay road user charges as the Government signs off on the first steps towards scrapping petrol tax and shifting all vehicles onto electronic road user charges, calling it the “biggest change to how we fund our roading network in 50 years”.Ellen Tamati's image was used without her knowledge in a billboard campaign opposing Māori wards. Her face appeared on at least two billboards by lobby group Hobson's Pledge, which is campaigning to remove Māori wards from local government elections. Tamati says she is “mortified” by this.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 4 August 2025, Education Minister Erica Stanford explains why she's scrapping NCEA and how our school kids will be assessed in the future. Former top cop Jevon McSkimming appeared in the Wellington High Court today after being charged with possession of objectionable material. Herald Investigations Journalist Jared Savage tells Heather he allegedly had child exploitation and bestiality content on his devices. Can we really negotiate a better trade deal after the US slapped us with a surprise 15% tariff? Finance Minister Nicola Willis is hopeful. From "circling back", to cringe LinkedIn posts - two comedians have come up with the guide to mastering the corporate world and its "office wankery". Plus, the Huddle responds to the big changes to the NCEA regime and Trish and Josie confess to using some office jargon. 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.

The Finance Minister reckons New Zealand will eventually be able to work out a better deal with the Trump administration following last week's shock announcement. President Donald Trump has unveiled a surprise 15 percent tariff on New Zealand - higher than that for both the UK and Australia. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says there's a possibility things could improve, given the changing trading relationship between both nations. "The question for us is - if it does change, does that mean we get better treatment?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister reckons New Zealand will eventually be able to work out a better deal with the Trump administration following last week's shock announcement. President Donald Trump has unveiled a surprise 15 percent tariff on New Zealand - higher than that for both the UK and Australia. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says there's a possibility things could improve, given the changing trading relationship between both nations. "The question for us is - if it does change, does that mean we get better treatment?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government had promised to push back on the 15% tariff on New Zealand exports to the United States. The White House revised a swathe of rates today, lifting New Zealand's tariff from 10 to 15%. Trade Minister Todd McClay said the jump is a real concern for exporters who can only absorb or pass on so much of the additional costs. Both he and Finance Minister Nicola Willis took questions this afternoon. Political reporter Anneke Smith was there and spoke to Lisa Owen.

There's a belief it's going to be a long journey to get Kiwibank into the ring with the big leagues. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced the bank's parent company is being allowed to raise $500 million from investors to help it compete with the four major banks. Simplicity founder Sam Stubbs says Kiwibank will need more capital over time. He told Mike Hosking if the country has five banks making profits, at least one will re-invest in KiwiSaver. Stubbs says it'll bring pricing pressures into the market, which there's very little of right now. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's floating the idea of listing KiwiBank on the stock exchange. Cabinet has given KiwiBank's parent company the green light to raise an extra $500 million. However, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says this won't occur without an electoral mandate. "That will be for individual parties to take a position at the election - but I've been advised that any potential public offering could take place before 2028." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 30 July 2025, Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains why she's given the green light for a partial privatisation of Kiwibank. Air NZ has a new CEO. His name is Nikhil Ravishankar and Forsyth Barr's Andy Bowley tells Heather what we can read into the appointment. Australia will include YouTube in its social media ban for under 16s - is that going too far, or should NZ do the same? TVNZ's Melodie Robinson spills the beans on the new broadcast deal with Netball NZ - and whether money will actually change hands. Plus, the Huddle debates whether the UK made a mistake threatening Israel with recognising Palestine as a state. 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.

A banking expert believes new capital for Kiwibank will shift the dial but won't completely close the gap with its Australian competitors. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced the bank's parent company is being allowed to raise half a billion dollars from private investors to help it close in on the four major banks. Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews told Ryan Bridge Kiwibank is already making a difference, but can't see the announcement making a big enough splash. She says enabling it to grow will help, but the competition issue in the market is being overstated. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister's floating the idea of listing KiwiBank on the stock exchange. Cabinet has given KiwiBank's parent company the green light to raise an extra $500 million. However, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says this won't occur without an electoral mandate. "That will be for individual parties to take a position at the election - but I've been advised that any potential public offering could take place before 2028." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus from our conversation with Labour's Finance Spokeperson, Barbara Edmonds unpacks her approach to tax policy. Following our conversation with Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Barbara raises the question of fairness in how different types of income are taxed, and the need to reassess what's included in New Zealand’s “broad base, low rate” system.Barbara also weighs in on employee share schemes, saying they can lift productivity and give workers a real stake in the businesses they help grow—if the tax settings are right. For more of this episode or our chat with National's Nicola Willis, head to http://linktr.ee/sharedlunchShared Lunch is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. It is not financial advice. Information provided is general only and current at the time it’s provided, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. We do not provide recommendations and you should always read the disclosure documents available from the product issuer before making a financial decision. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions—including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers—can be found on our relevant Australian or NZ website. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. If you require financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial advisor. Past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. Appearance on Shared Lunch is not an endorsement by Sharesies of the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis is defending her decision to seek answers from Fonterra about its prices. The price of butter has almost doubled in the past 14 months because Asia is demanding more, and Europe is producing less. Fonterra is ruling out selling butter to New Zealanders at a lower price than it makes overseas. But Willis told Mike Hosking she has no regrets about raising the issue with the dairy co-op in the first place. She says she can't dismiss an issue lots of New Zealanders are talking about. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 24 July 2025, the Government is making significant changes to voting rules. Same day enrolments are gone and you must now enrol to vote before early voting starts two weeks before election day. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith speaks to Heather. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says she still has confidence in the chair of the Reserve Bank, Neil Quigley, as more details are revealed about Adrian Orr's alleged behaviour before he quit his job as Governor. A group of doctors and nurses want politicians to waive their right to private healthcare while they're in power, so they can get a better feel for the constraints of the public health system. Plus, the Huddle debates whether people who enrol to vote on the day are dropkicks. 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.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jo McCarroll and Mark Knoff-Thomas. First they discuss the RNZ story by Guyon Espiner about NZ First's relationship to the nicotine industry. They then examine proposed changes to allow more housing on food productive land, and, finally, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says New Zealanders are not getting a raw deal on butter: discuss!

Rates, rent and power are a trio of factors responsible for driving up inflation, which has now jumped to a 12-month high. Stats NZ data showed food costs were also surging, alongside rates shooting up by 12.2% and electricity rising by more than 8%. However inflation is still within the Reserve Bank's target band and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has said it is under control. But the opposition said it shows the cost of living is still a problem. Kiwi bank Economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 21 July 2025, Health Minister Simeon Brown on giving the green light for the new Waikato Medical School - and how the Government managed to cut a significant amount of money from the original proposal. Inflation is up again to 2.7 percent but the Finance Minister Nicola Willis reckons the economy will have firmly turned around by the time we get to the election next year. If NCEA is too far gone, what should we replace it with? Plus, on the Huddle a controversial take from Trish on the Coldplay kiss cam incident that leaves both Heather and Josie red faced! 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.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 10th of July, Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks the Reserve Bank decision to hold the OCR steady and what that says about our economy. Shane Jones has had enough of lizards, DOC, and progress being stalled on a mine that would provide 700 jobs for the Otago region. Kiwi actress Antonia Prebble joins to talk the 20th anniversary of Outrageous Fortune and the latest season of her podcast What Matters Most. 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.

There appears to be a feeling we don't like the fact that banks make money. Inland Revenue's digging into the tax settings being applied to banks at the Government's request - as it seeks to ensure they're paying their fair share. But Massey University banking expert Claire Matthews told Heather du Plessis-Allen she believes it's motivated by a general bad attitude towards banks. She claims the Government's looking to take more money off them, as they're perceived as big organizations that make a lot of money. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act's David Seymour says a unit for verifying the costs of pre-election political policy promises - would add more bureaucracy. Act and New Zealand First torpedoed a proposal by Finance Minister Nicola Willis to publicly fund such a service. National declined Labour's offer of support. Seymour claims his Party managed to release a fully costed alternative Budget without it. He says he doesn't like the idea that people need bureaucracy to tell them what is good or accurate. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has promised to take action in the coming months to tackle the cost of living crisis. Christopher Luxon has acknowledged it is still tough out there for too many kiwis and the government's focus is on unlocking economic growth. According to Stats NZ the price of food has gone up 4.4% in the last year. Electricity is up almost 9% and gas is up more than 15%. As of March last year house insurance was up almost 25 % and contents insurance up about 28%. This week figures from Centrix showed almost half a million people are behind on debt repayments. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Lisa Owen.

A nine-year fight to create a publicly funded election policy-costing unit has come to an end. Act and New Zealand First have shot down Finance Minister Nicola Willis's proposal to create one. Metiria Turei, then-Green Party co-leader, first proposed the idea in 2016. Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce told Mike Hosking Willis's proposal was different from those that have come before. He says to cost individual policies at the request of parties would have dealt with a problem that happens when you're in Opposition. Joyce says that's when you don't have access to the information. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has announced that former acting Reserve Bank Governor Grant Spencer has been appointed to the central bank's board. Spencer retired from the Reserve Bank in 2018, after he was deputy Governor and head of financial stability from 2007 to 2017. He was acting Governor over the six months to March 2018. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks what Nicola Willis is indirectly saying through this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 30 June 2025, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith explains why he's making coward punches a new offence with tougher penalties. Rental homes have to follow healthy homes rules by tomorrow - but many many don't comply. Heather asks Andrew Eagles from the Green Building Council whether the rules are simply too tough. Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals what changes she's making to FamilyBoost to make sure more people are eligible. An etiquette expert weighs in on our worst ever phone manners. Plus, the Huddle chew over the crazy consent requirement hurdles Ikea had to jump over. 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.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 23 June 2025, David Kilcullen, former advisor to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaks to Heather du Plessis-Allan on the odds of Trump bringing in regime change in Iran. Exclusive polling shows Kiwis don't think Cook Islanders should continue to get automatic access to citizenship, healthcare and superannuation if the country continues with its foreign policy push towards China against NZ's will. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is refusing to tell Heather the price of the new Kainga Ora wool carpets. All Black rookie Brodie McAlister on finding out he'd made the team - and the first person he told. Plus, the Huddle weighs in on the situation in Iran and whether saunas are taking off in NZ. 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.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 16 June 2025, Foreign Minister Winston Peters tells Kiwis in Iran and Israel to get away from the "arc of danger" but the ways out are limited. Are your sick leave entitlements on the chopping block? The Government walks back the PM's claim that the entitlement might soon drop from 10 to 5 days. Roles reversed? Heather gets a telling off from Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Plus, the Huddle debates whether National is turning out to be Labour in a blue jacket and the taste of tearless onions. 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.

Rabobank’s chief executive discussed the bank’s Fieldays breakfast, where Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke about her clear vision for the primary sector, including using wool carpets in Kāinga Ora in state homes. He also talks about a positive result in the Federated Farmers banking survey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says a move to require wool carpets in state housing makes financial sense. Nicola Willis has announced a change to Kainga Ora's supplier agreement that will see it re-open its previously nylon-only carpet tender process. From the start of next month, all public entities will also be required to use woollen fibres where practical and appropriate. Willis told Mike Hosking officials have told her it makes sense for Kainga Ora to make this change. She says it's cost-neutral, and it performs well across a number of other dimensions. Nicola Willis says the Reserve Bank should never be exempt from cost-cutting across the public sector. Newly released documents show Adrian Orr's abrupt resignation as Governor came after he was denied the Budget allocation he was seeking. The Finance Minister says the central bank still has the funding it requires to do its statutory duties. She told Hosking the Reserve Bank can't operate as a "gilded palace" – it needs to be fiscally responsible, like all other government departments. Willis says any idea that the Reserve Bank doesn't need to abide by the same funding constraints as other Government agencies is wrong. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are fears Finance Minister Nicola Willis is opening a can of worms by potentially allowing young farmers to dip into their KiwiSavers to buy farms. She explained she was seeking advice from the IRD on the matter, which is yet to be considered by Cabinet. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny weighed in on the debate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 9 June 2025, NZ Rugby's boss is calling it quits, and ZB Rugby Editor Elliot Smith has got the scoresheet on his performance. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says yet more action is coming on to crack down on the supermarket competition. Heather reckons schools need to take a long hard look at themselves, after the Auditor General pointed out excessive spending including overseas holidays, Pilates classes and lavish parties. The mystery author behind the unauthorised Jacinda biography reveals themselves. Plus, the Huddle was on fire, talking inappropriate school spending and is it normal to be an adult and never have tried KFC? 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.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis may get her wish to see the latest move in the Avatar franchise premiere in the capital at the end of the year. That's due to a decade-old agreement between the producers of the Avatar franchise and the Government. It states at least one of the films produced here must hold a local premiere - if the studio wants to receive its rebate payment - worth about $60 million. Former Arts and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson says an event like this will be huge for Wellington. "If it means the red carpet can be rolled out in front of the embassy, that's fantastic." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister Nicola Willis says one in five taxpayer dollars is now going into the health system, with record investment in frontline services. But a leading health policy expert says based on this year's Budget, the public system is treading water or even sinking. Ruth Hill reports.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has defended the government's budget decisions including changes to Kiwisaver, saying most workers will end up with larger retirement savings. Willis spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, Finance Minister Nicola Willis has defended the government's budget decisions including changes to Kiwisaver, saying most workers will end up with larger retirement savings, new sanctions marking the next phase of the government's Traffic Light welfare system, mean beneficiaries who fail to meet their obligations can have half their benefits restricted to being spent on essentials-only for a month, President Donald Trump said he wants the "names and countries" of every international student enrolled at Harvard University, and Auckland FC's dream first season is over after they were knocked out in the A-League semi-finals by Melbourne Victory.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis talks to Mike Hosking about the week's big issues after the budget announcement last week. Health New Zealand's aiming to perform more than 30-thousand elective surgeries by June 2026 by outsourcing more straightforward cases to private hospitals. Willis says getting doctors and specialists on longer term contracts will get more people the care they need sooner. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon last week announced his intention to raise the retirement age. Willis says no discussions have taken place yet, but says the Government would need to be upfront with their plans. "At some point, a future government is either going to have to slap a lot more tax on people or it's going to have to front up to whether the settings can be tweaked a little bit," she says. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the budget dominated the news with Finance Minister Nicola Willis promising no frills after cutting new spending nearly in half. Max Rashbrooke is a senior research fellow in the School of Government at Victoria University, he has written extensively on inequality and talks to Susie.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis on the choices and trade-offs in yesterday's budget.

The government's halving its contribution to kiwisaver. Businesses will have to up theirs from 3 to 4 percent over time. They get a tax break in return. Theres an average $14 a fortnight increase to working for families, for low and middle income households. Changes to the pay equity law are saving the government 2.7 billion dollars a year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis told Morning Report that while the Budget is responsible, it has something for every New Zealander. RNZ's political editor Jo Moir and RNZ's business editor Gyles Beckford spoke to Corin Dann.

The Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, has described the Budget as responsible, and what governments do to avoid austerity. Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Did the government get it right? We dive into the biggest shake-ups to KiwiSaver since the scheme began—Finance Minister Nicola Willis' new 2025 Budget includes cuts to government contributions, new eligibility for teens, rising minimums, and a fresh set of trade-offs for your future retirement balance.Next Steps: If these KiwiSaver changes have you wondering whether your fund, provider, or contribution level is right for you - Lighthouse Financial can help. For more money tips follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The content in this podcast is the opinion of the hosts. It should not be treated as financial advice. It is important to take into consideration your own personal situation and goals before making any financial decisions.

No unicorns, no rainbows, no BS, but not austerity - this is how Finance Minister Nicola Willis has described her second budget to be revealed this afternoon.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie on how the numbers might add up.

It's Budget day and the Finance Minister Nicola Willis says there will be no lolly scramble and no BS. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has more.

Just yesterday Finance Minister Nicola Willis pledged $577 million dollars to support film and TV production. That will boost funding of the rebate scheme to just over $9 billion. 

Nearly a quarter of the money spent on National's FamilyBoost policy has been poured into administration costs, and not into the back pockets of families. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This week the government announced plans to cut the operating allowance in this year's budget by $1.1 billion, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has hinted at changes to KiwiSaver.