Podcasts about finance minister nicola willis

We've come to the end of a fascinating week in politics. But what week in politics isn't? It kicked off last Sunday with Nicola Willis alleging a massive hidden bill in Labour's policies. She also had a crack at the lack of policies from Labour. And while that entertained her base who already hold that view, there were many who said she pulled the trigger too soon and it was a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Heather said it was way too soon, and it should have been left to closer to Election Day. Cameron Bagrie said that all parties have hidden bills and because of our fiscal state, all policies are going to have to be paid for by debt. So, Nicola's shot could have backfired. And Audrey Young pointed out that last election Nicola Willis released her fiscal policy with costings only four days before advance voting started, and 17 days before Election Day. This year's election is 141 days away. Look I enjoy this election-style biffo because it's great grist to the mill for people in my job, but I too wonder why National has pulled the trigger so early. It raises the question whether they're very worried about the Opposition beating them. It also shows their hand, and come Election time maybe Labour will be better prepared. Maybe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis fronted a press conference on Sunday, complete with a black dossier labelled Labour's Hidden Bill, accusing the opposition of leaving an $18 billion funding gap in its plans. Since then, independent economists have also questioned Labour’s figures around their recently announced fare cap policy, saying the numbers don’t quite stack up. Labour says the attack is a distraction while National says voters deserve answers. But beyond the numbers themselves, does this tell us something about how both major parties plan to fight the election campaign? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joins us to unpack the battle over Labour's alleged hidden costs and what it reveals about the state of Election 2026. 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. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don't you think it's a bit rich of Nicola Willis to be criticising Labour when, last election, she did exactly what she's accusing Labour of doing? Keeping us in the dark. Every politician is guilty on this front. Which is why I'm right behind the idea being floated by economist Cameron Bagrie today. He's saying that we need to set-up an independent outfit that would help us decide whether what politicians are promising stacks up financially. But let me take you back to the last election. When National was promising tax cuts and saying they were going to be paid for by taxing rich foreigners buying houses here. The party said it was going to get $740 million from the foreign house buyers and, because of that, we were going to pay less tax. And, pretty much straight away, economists and tax experts were poo pooing the idea. Which had us all wanting National to say who gave it advice that this was going to work, when everyone else seemed to think it wouldn't. And what was National's response? Not telling you. I do remember Nicola Willis saying she'd resign if the tax cuts weren't delivered. But she wouldn't - and Christopher Luxon wouldn't - give the type of detail she's now accusing Labour of hiding from us. Which economist Cameron Bagrie says could all be avoided if we had an independent fiscal watchdog, separate from Treasury. He's saying today: “We saw this in 2017, 2020, 2023. One side has a crack at the other in regards to making their numbers stack up. We've been here before. Not surprising.” It was happening way before 2017. Remember in 2011, when there was a pre-election debate in Christchurch, and John Key trotted out the line, which some people think won him the election. “Show me the money,” he said to Phil Goff, who was the Labour Party leader at the time. Fifteen years on, the only thing we can still rely on are the numbers and costings trotted out by the politicians. Labour's public transport policy is an example. They say $65 million and we'll be in bus heaven. I'm not convinced. Maybe I would be if we had this independent outfit Cameron Bagrie is calling for today. Just like we would have had numbers rather than the “just trust us” we got from National at the last election over the foreign buyers tax coviering the cost of you and I paying less PAYE. But we didn't. We thought it was smoke and mirrors. And that's what it turned out to be. Just like Labour's promises and the $18 billion Nicola says isn't accounted for. If we had more transparency, we wouldn't have to rely on politicians on one side telling us we can afford whatever they're promising and politicians on the other side saying no, we can‘t. To give Nicola Willis credit. She has been a fan previously of some sort of way to cost-out party policies. In fact, she wanted to see a publicly-funded outfit that would have done the numbers and worked-out the actual cost of election policies. Or election promises. It had the potential to work-out whether all the talk we get from political parties before an election stacks up. It didn't happen, though. Because ACT and NZ First wouldn't let it happen. But I think we deserve this kind of transparency. In think an agency separate from Treasury that would tell us exactly how things are on the fiscal front, would be brilliant. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TSB and Heartland Bank are looking to join forces by the end of the year. TSB owner Toi Foundation's seeking feedback on the plan to join with Heartland Bank, to the tune of $620 million. Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomes this decision to team up and take on the big Australian banks. "That's positive, and good for the state of banking competition." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, Resident Economist from Opes Partners, Ed McKnight, and TV producer, journalist and commentator, Irene Gardiner, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Budget 2026 was revealed last week, and it forecasts a return to surplus in the 2028/29 year. Some experts have raised questions over how likely this actually is - what do we think? Finance Minister Nicola Willis also indicated discussions about the future of NZ Super need to take place. Do we agree with this? Rum and raisin ice cream is back on the shelves - will we buy it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Return to surplus? Nicola Willis charts economic recovery Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered her third and final Budget Day speech for the parliamentary term this week. A Budget delivering investment in health, infrastructure and defence, the Minister has described it as "responsible" - while Opposition voices have criticised the lack of stimulus for ordinary New Zealanders facing cost-of-living pressures. The big bonus is a forecast return to surplus in financial year 2028/29, one year earlier than previously forecast, using the government's favoured forecasting tool, OBEGALx. Five months out from the general election, Nicola Willis joins Jack Tame to discuss the government's record on economic stewardship, why the new bank tax won't be passed onto consumers, and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's "freeloaders" comment on New Zealand's defence spending. Children's Commissioner: The cost of child poverty In Budget 2026, Treasury published New Zealand's latest child poverty statistics. It's a grim picture, and one that isn't improving much: the number of households in material hardship is estimated to be 14 percent, with a 2028 target of six percent. Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad joins Jack Tame to lay out the cost of persistent child poverty and discusses the workability of a forthcoming ban of social media for under-16s. Why populist nationalism won't stop immigration Five months from the election, immigration is being framed by political parties as a critical election issue, with the Prime Minister warning the wrong policies could damage social cohesion. In New Zealand in 2026, migration is the main source of population growth, with the nation's fertility rate slumping to 1.6, below replacement levels. Is an immigration backlash the inevitable response to a globalising world? Jack Tame speaks to author and CEO of geospatial analytics company AlphaGeo Dr Parag Khanna. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered her third and final Budget Day speech for the parliamentary term this week. A Budget delivering investment in health, infrastructure and defence, the Minister has described it as "responsible" - while Opposition voices have criticised the lack of stimulus for ordinary New Zealanders facing cost-of-living pressures. The big bonus is a forecast return to surplus in financial year 2028/29, one year earlier than previously forecast, using the government's favoured forecasting tool, OBEGALx. Five months out from the general election, Nicola Willis joins Jack Tame to discuss the government's record on economic stewardship, why the new bank tax won't be passed onto consumers, and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's "freeloaders" comment on New Zealand's defence spending. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Well, it wasn't the most exciting Budget week was it? Finance Minister Nicola Willis' budget was designed around fiscal restraint, deficit reduction, and a return to operating surplus by 2028/29 (depending on the accounting measure used!). It does appear to make progress toward reducing spending growth. Major savings are expected from restructuring the public service and ending the final-year “fees free” tertiary policy. Whether these cuts are fully achievable is uncertain. The plan to reduce around 8700 public-sector jobs by 2029 relies on agency mergers, technology adoption, and continued restraint across departments. That's a lot to get done right. Critics argue these reductions may prove politically difficult due to differences between the coalition parties. On the revenue side, the Government introduced a new levy on banks and insurers and adjusted several tax settings, but the Budget largely depends on stronger future growth to lift tax receipts over time to make the numbers work. The Government also attempted to address productivity and long-term growth through increased capital investment in infrastructure, defence, hospitals, schools, vocational training, and technology development. Supporters argue these investments will improve economic capacity over time. Critics contend we still lack a comprehensive productivity strategy and under-invest in innovation and business growth. So it's not an aspirational Budget. Or an interesting one. It's not a Budget that is going to seriously address inequality and inequity in NZ. It's a back to basics, practical Budget and pretty much what we were expecting. But what I do like, and what makes this Budget distinctive, is the medium and long-term approach which, considering the pickle we're in, is refreshingly grown-up. This is a Budget focused on long-term economic management rather than near-term popularity. It largely devoid of gimmicks, bribes, or incentives for voters. This is a Budget that draws a line in the sand. This is National and the coalition practising what they preach and defining themselves by their decision making. Whether the strategy succeeds politically is another question. Yes, it demonstrates fiscal credibility and attempts to address underlying economic weaknesses. But you can also argue the Government has underestimated public demand for immediate cost-of-living relief. Overall, the Budget moves New Zealand closer to stabilising debt and returning to surplus, but its success depends heavily on economic growth forecasts, successful implementation of spending cuts, and stable global conditions. Given weaker growth projections and international uncertainty, achieving surplus by 2029–2030 is far from guaranteed. As ever, it's another case of us needing to hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keeping NZ super as it is, is a strike against intergenerational equity according to the Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Winston Peter's has described her comments as a "sad point". There were no changes to the super scheme in the Budget. But the finance minister took the opportunity to raise serious concerns about the cost of the universal benefit. Nicola Willis said super costs are rising sharply with the bill going from $20 billion in 2020 to a forecast $30 billion in 2030. NZ First Leader Winston Peters spoke to Lisa Owen.

While presenting Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nicola Willis shared a prediction that New Zealand will reach a $2.6 billion surplus by 2028-29. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner told Heather du Plessis-Allan the prediction was 'a little bit rosy'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure and health are the big priorities in this year's Budget, as banks face a new levy, and cuts take shape. There are no specific cost-of-living payments or Budget sugar hits - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis promises spending initiatives will create thousands of jobs. And our books are set to return to surplus earlier than expected. But, Opposition parties are saying the Government doesn’t live in the same reality as struggling Kiwis. So, what does it actually mean for households, for the economy, and for the political landscape? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter, Jamie Ensor, is with us to break down the numbers, the politics, and what it all means for you. 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.

The Finance Minister Nicola Willis took a gamble with her budget yesterday. Touted as a responsible financial move with no sugar hits, Budget 2026 focused on the long term, and an early return to surplus, over election year sweeteners. 

Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaks to Lisa Owen about Budget 2026.

Papatoetoe GP responds to budget health announcements; Pediatrician raises concerns over child poverty progress; Opotiki trades academy responds to budget announcement; Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses 'responsible budget'; Che Fu discusses hall of fame honour with John Campbell.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about what she's called the "responsible Budget".

All eyes will be on Parliament this afternoon as Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivers the Budget. At 2pm we'll pass the mic to Guyon Espiner for RNZ's one-hour Budget Special. But before then we wanted to look at where today's announcement sits in the history of Government Budgets. Historian Dr Grant Morris is with Jesse.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 29th of May, we got the trades' reaction to the Budget and an economist's thoughts on what the books might look like in a couple years' time. Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Winston Peters both relay their wins from Budget Day. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Mike's holiday, the Music Awards, and Oura Rings. 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.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis hopes her Budget will convince voters to re-elect the Government in November. It includes significant investment in infrastructure and health. It also shows a return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year – a year sooner than previously forecast. The forecast uses the OBEGALx measure, which excludes ACC. Willis told Mike Hosking her message is simple. She says the Opposition would borrow and spend more, which would put the country's future at risk. The Finance Minister is also defending the new 1% levy on banks, insurers, and other financial market participants, which would be used to regulate the sector. Willis yesterday directed banks not to pass on the cost of the levy to their customers, saying they're the most profitable companies in the country and do very well for themselves. Asked by Hosking why she didn't increase tax on high-earning individuals like himself using the same logic, Willis said she didn't want him “flying off overseas”. She says that the idea that taxing high-earners more and they'll be more inclined to invest in New Zealand doesn't make sense, but when it comes to banks, it's a tiny, tiny levy relative to their bottom line. The move brings New Zealand into line with other countries like Australia and the UK, Willis says. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has described superannuation as a 'time bomb' that is here now and political parties need to be honest about it. Delivering the Budget today, Willis said National will enter the election with changes to ensure superannuation is affordable. NZ First's Shane Jones has confirmed the party's not budging on this issue. "The reality is, our economic growth rate...is quite anaemic. Under three percent, that's in the Treasury forecast. We need to do a hell of a lot more as a country, irrespective of who the the Government is, to substantially grow the economy and boost our revenue." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis today, and it aimed to be more 'careful' amid the ongoing economic turmoil and international conflicts. Healthcare, education, and infrastructure were the key priorities - and the Government's claimed the books will return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Winston Peters has lucked out, as he's secured an extra financial boost in terms of foreign aid. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The surplus train's left the station early in Budget news today, with the country expected to be out of deficit by 2028/29, a year ahead of predictions. Government Ministers are trumpeting that figure, alongside a focus on health and infrastructure. The Waikato Expressway will get 12 more kilometres, Whangarei a new hospital wing and new police stations are on the horizon for Whanganui and Greymouth. The biggest surprise is a tax on banks and insurers, worth roughly $50 million dollars a year. The bowel cancer screening age will lower to 56 by September and increased health funding aims to increase surgeries and reduce wait times. $450 million has been set aside for targeted support, in case the fuel crisis worsens. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says things are tough - but its not the time for lolly scrambles. She says the crisis is hitting many hard - but the country will bounce back with growth and increasing wages. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 has been unveiled, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed this is a 'careful' Budget with an eye to the future. Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are the top priorities, and the Government's forecasting an earlier than expected return to surplus. There's also a new levy on banks and other financial market participants from mid-2027. Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen says it illustrates a targeted approach. "There is a much greater focus on user pays, so instead of just general taxes paying for stuff, if you're using a service, if you're getting a benefit - you're paying for a whole lot more as well." Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's been waiting to see how much money's in the kete - before announcing its election policies. He says there's clearly not much. "I think this Government's resisted, probably against a number of odds, of maybe offering a few tantalising pieces, to go towards the election." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While everyone counts the dollars and tries to make sense of Budget 2026 – there are thousands of public servants staring down losing their jobs. In her pre-Budget speech, Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced plans to slash the sector by about 8,700 roles by mid-2029. The overhaul will also include reducing the number of government departments and increasing the use of AI. The Public Service Association says the changes will further decimate public services, at a time when workers are already stretched to breaking point. So, is this really about efficiency or is it just shrinking the state and hoping services will hold together? Today on The Front Page, Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons is with us to talk about what happens next. 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.

Tomorrow, Finance Minister Nicola Willis will deliver the third and final Budget of this Parliamentary term. 

Very few frills or surprises are expected to be in today's Budget. Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges predicts a “sensible, prudent, boring, Presbyterian” Budget, with only a few goodies coming from reprioritised spending. He told Ryan Bridge he was more interested in the "nuggets" that pointed to the Government's future policy direction. He wanted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to “stake some strong positions, defend them and stick with them”, with details on how the Government planned to lift innovation, productivity and growth. Bridges believed most people understood restraint was required, but said he wanted to see evidence the Government knew the difference between “frittering” on large social projects and “real investment” that would grow the economy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Energy security. Financial security. International security. Social cohesion. These are the government’s priorities for Budget 2026 that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon laid out earlier this month. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says this Budget will lay out a clear plan. Where the country is now, where we're headed, and the road we'll take to get there. So, what should we look out for? How does this position the Coalition for the election? Will the spending be worth the thousands of public sector jobs being cut to pay for it? Today on The Front Page, University of Otago Honorary Research Fellow, Dr Michael Swanson, is with us for a pre-Budget 2026 chat. 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.

Very few frills or surprises are expected to be in today's Budget. Auckland Business Chamber CEO Simon Bridges predicts a “sensible, prudent, boring, Presbyterian” Budget, with only a few goodies coming from reprioritised spending. He told Ryan Bridge he was more interested in the "nuggets" that pointed to the Government's future policy direction. He wanted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to “stake some strong positions, defend them and stick with them”, with details on how the Government planned to lift innovation, productivity and growth. Bridges believed most people understood restraint was required, but said he wanted to see evidence the Government knew the difference between “frittering” on large social projects and “real investment” that would grow the economy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What part of no does the Christchurch City Council not understand? Because, despite us knowing what the answer would be, councillors yesterday voted in favour of putting another $15 million into the Anglican Cathedral reinstatement project, providing the government came to the party. And, wouldn't you know it - within just a few hours of the vote happening - Finance Minister Nicola Willis was already pouring cold water on the idea. Saying the government has already contributed $25 million to the cathedral and there won't be any more. She said there are many pressing infrastructure needs and the cathedral isn't one of them. She'll get no argument from me on that one. Not that anyone should be surprised. Because she said the exact same thing last year when the people involved in the reinstatement went knocking on the door asking the government to come to their rescue. Which she reminded us of last night. Saying: “In declining the cathedral's funding ask, we noted that the requested amount represented a significant contribution for a building that would not be owned by the public, and where public use could be limited due to the cathedral being a private, religious space.” Which was a polite way of telling the cathedral people, and now the council too, that it was no the first time, it's no this time and don't bother asking a third time. Because, as far as she's concerned, it is end of story. And fair enough, too. Because it would be obscene, given the state of the country's finances and the state of our infrastructure, for more taxpayer money to go into it. I even think it's obscene that the City Council thought it was ok to ask for it. How more tone deaf could it be? It's end of story too as far as Labour is concerned. Chris Hipkins has previously said that he doesn't think more taxpayer money should go into the cathedral. And local Labour MP Tracey McLellan said the same thing last night. Winston Peters, though, has already pledged $15 million if he's in the next government. But I can't imagine that being one of his non-negotiables in any coalition talks. So I think the cathedral can kiss goodbye to any money coming from any government. In case you need it, let me remind you of the numbers. The reinstatement project is $90 million short. They've asked for a total of between $40 million and $45 million from ratepayers and taxpayers. And, so far, somewhere around $90 million has been spent. More numbers for you: when the vote was taken yesterday, 11 councillors and Mayor Phil Mauger voted in favour. Three were against and two abstained. And there were emotional scenes around the council table, apparently. One report I've seen says Councillor Melanie Coker was fighting back tears. Saying she was torn about spending the council's surplus, because of the other things it could be spent on, but said the cathedral is the heart of the city. She said: “We had an earthquake and it kept us out of the city. It was like a break-up with the city that we knew and we never got it back again, so we need to heal our broken heart.” Councillor Andrei Moore was very anti. He told the meeting that he'd done a survey and, of the 1,200 who took part, 91 percent were opposed to the council funding the cathedral. He said he wasn't prepared to ignore what the people had said and, if he did, he would be breaching their trust. He said: “I don't think we are doing the right thing.” Never a truer word said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Post is to believed this morning, the Government is considering a business growth fund whereby some Crown agency would pick winners and probably a few losers with financial backing. Chalmers did this in Australia. There was apparently a meeting in April between Willis and Chalmers to talk about us joining his fund. We're talking about minnows, with revenue between one and ten million. Unless the gas transition guarantor was the start of some kind of paradigm shift in the way this Government thinks about private enterprise, then investment decisions in the private sector should be left to, well, the private sector. Capital funds and even KiwiSaver. We have about 5% of KiwiSaver funds invested in private equities. The Aussies are apparently more like 15 to 20%. Fund managers have been making noises about changes needed to help encourage such investments. So why don't we? If needs be. The other unusual one this week was the Golden Visa. Apparently, there aren't enough investment opportunities out there to soak up the billions these guys want to pump in to score a bunker in Queenstown with mountain views. So now you can donate to charity or even help fund a DOC walking trail upgrade. Erica Stanford told me yesterday they're looking at broadening out the types of investments that qualify. We ether have too many investment opportunities and not enough capital, or not enough capital and too many opportunities. Or we have regulatory settings that are stopping one from feeding the other, in which case, the Government ought cut through them before picking its own winners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's announced a $1.2 billion gas transition loan scheme – a big bet on keeping some of New Zealand’s most gas hungry businesses afloat. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the government will guarantee 80% of each loan, with about $48 million set aside to cover potential losses. It’s being framed as a lifeline: help gas‑heavy manufacturers and processors stay open, protect jobs, and ease pressure on a shrinking and increasingly expensive fuel. But behind the headlines, big questions remain. Who really benefits, who foots the bill, and will any of this cost creep its way into your power bill or tax bill? Today on The Front Page, journalist and publisher of The Kākā, Bernard Hickey is with us to unpack whether this scheme is an economic rescue mission, a political pivot, or something more complicated. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Green MP Gareth Hughes joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! As the New Zealand greyhound racing ban looms, there's talk of sending at least 70 greyhounds to Australia. What do we make of this? Labour's Barbara Edmonds is under fire after she called Finance Minister Nicola Willis a 'duck-faced horse'. Were these comments out of line? And why is Labour spending more time on media training than policies? Ahead of Budget 2026, the Government has introduced bank loans to help businesses reduce or eliminate their dependency on gas. Is this a good move? What did we think of Auckland FC securing the A-League title? How good is this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis will be presenting the 2026 budget on this coming Thursday. A number of pre-budget announcements have already been made including money directed to maths and literary in schools and maritime security, while social housing and the public sector have faced budget cuts. Founder of Bagrie Economics, Cameron Bagrie, spoke to Tim Beveridge about what he expects and what he thinks should be done. One change Bagrie believes is unpopular but crucial is reforming NZ Super saying 'the current system is unsustainable'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis unpacks the public service cuts and we hear from the head of Commonwealth Sport as Auckland hosts the Oceania National Olympic Committees' General Assembly. Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton joins out of Sardinia as the America's Cup officially gets underway. And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss the lack of details in Labour's Future Fund and Winston Peters' idea for BNZ on Politics Wednesday. 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.

Another swathe of Government agency job cuts and public sector reform. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they want to return the public servant headcount to 1% of the population by mid-2029, culling about 8,700 jobs. Government agency operating budgets will again be reduced – 2% now, increasing over following years. Willis says they will also thin out the ministries, pointing to savings it'll bring. She says they expect to hire more nurses, Police officers, and others in critical frontline roles. Willis says AI is “incredible” at slashing the amount of time needed for mundane tasks, revealing her staff used it to write a report on public service reform. She told Mike Hosking the Government was streamlining agencies and embedding AI and digitisation, and asking the public service to "get out of the 80s". She was experimenting with AI in her own office. “Instead of one of my analysts spending half a day coming up with a document, they said to AI, ‘Have a look at public service reform around the world, tell us who's done what, what seems to have worked well, what hasn't'. “And 10 minutes later, you've got a beautiful document with some guidance and some advice.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 18 May, 2026, former Finance Minister Ruth Richardson on why we can't buy back the BNZ as Winston Peters suggests. Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals part of her pre-Budget speech will be on setting a target of reducing the number of public servants to 1% of the workforce. We talk to chief victims adviser Ruth Money about why removing character references for sex offenders' sentencing is a good thing. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani discuss whether taking "weed" helps you exercise. 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 14th of May, we get a couple of interesting insights into business in this country when it comes to governance and brick and mortar retailers. Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses her ever shrinking Budget operating allowance. And CEO of Jetstar Steph Tully unpacks the recent claim they're committed to New Zealand while also cutting routes and flights due to current jet fuel prices. 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.

The government says in a worst case scenario, fuel would be rationed according to need - from critical services at the top to the general public at the bottom. Nicola Willis spoke to John Campbell.

Opposition leader Chris Hipkins speaks to Ingrid Hipkiss; Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains the fuel rationing plan; Mariameno Kapa-Kingi discusses her exit from Te Pati Maori; Calls for more money for trades following fees free scrapping; Interview with NZ Rugby League's new boss, Andrea Nelson .

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has backed the decision to scrap the fees-free scheme for good. Last week, Winston Peters revealed to Newstalk ZB on Friday the Government's doing away with the free final year of tertiary education. Nicola Willis says it's important for the Government to invest in things that Kiwis really need and want - not a failed policy that didn't achieve any of the goals it aimed to accomplish. "New Zealand has been in deficit since 2019, we're carrying a heck of a lot of debt, we've got some real priorities for our budget in terms of the health system, the education we want to give our young kids, the defence system we want to build up, the infrastructure we want to build - all of those things have a better call on money." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University student groups want the Government to reconsider the scrapping of the fees-free study scheme. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed it'll end at the Budget, with 2026 being the final year students are eligible. Victoria University of Wellington Student Association President Aidan Donaghue says it's being binned as the cost of living bites. "There's huge opportunity costs...we can't work full time while also studying. So energy, heating, groceries, fuel - those are all just compounding on students as they try and better themselves." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns about what the Government's latest pre-Budget announcement means for students. Winston Peters told Newstalk ZB on Friday that they'd get rid of the final free year of tertiary education, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed it. She says they will have more to say on it in due course. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says it's likely the Government isn't thrilled with Peters leaking these details - and it wasn't pre-authorised by Willis or anyone else. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says the Government's going to have to do something about Superannuation. An OECD report warns if current policy settings continue, we could be spending 5% more of our GDP on health, long-term care, and pensions by 2060. Minister Nicola Willis says the cost for superannuation is going up billions of dollars, while there are fewer workers for every pensioner. She told Mike Hosking the cost is also rising as a proportion of taxes. Willis says it will soon account for 20%, and every dollar spent isn't available for education, health, and infrastructure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 8th of May, Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses the OECD report on the future impact of our current Superannuation settings. NZR Chairman David Kirk answers questions about the new CEO, new President, and the economic state of rugby in this country. And on Wrapping the Week, Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson listen in as Mike calls a young fan with a special invite! 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.

It's now five weeks exactly since Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was "actively consulting with industry, local Government and other community stakeholders" about who would be on the list. Earlier this week, Shane Jones told Checkpoint officials are finalising the list but didn't want to rush it and would confirm a timeline at another time. Nathan Surendren is Chair of the think tank, Wise Response Society, a group of people from various walks of life and experience who look at the imminent risks facing New Zealand. Surendren spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 30th of April, Dr Rober Breunig takes a look at Australia's surging inflation whilst Finance Minister Nicola Willis compares their experience to ours. The Cancer Society has released their election manifesto, calling for more investment in skin cancer prevention. Kiwi singer Gin Wigmore is back to living in New Zealand – she's opened a deli and is releasing some new music. It's been over a decade since she was last in the Breakfast studio, so she stopped by for a chat – and to talk her dating life! 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.

The Government says there will be downsides to loosening restrictions on heavy vehicles. Trucking lobby group Transporting New Zealand is calling for weight restrictions to loosen immediately, not just in Phase Two of the fuel response. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the Government's looking into options they can implement quickly - and they're weighing up the benefits and drawbacks. "I wouldn't rule out progressing them in Phase One, because actually, what they'll do is reduce the cost of fuel for major diesel users." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 22nd of April, the inflation rate for Q1 has held steady at 3.1%. Finance Minister Nicola Willis discusses what that means going forward, and touches on the National Party leadership vote. Gilbert Enoka has returned as the All Blacks' mental skills coach under Dave Rennie and joined Mike to discuss his appointment. And Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the India Free Trade Agreement, Shane Jones' ‘butter chicken tsunami' comment, and the National Party leadership saga on Politics Wednesday. 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.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 9th of April, Iran and the US have agreed to a ceasefire that looks increasingly tenuous – what will happen in the next two weeks? Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman and Finance Minister Nicola Willis discuss the OCR remaining at 2.25% and the economic impact of the ceasefire for New Zealand. Kiwi Supercars driver Matt Payne speaks ahead Taupō this weekend and the first ever South Island race next weekend. 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.

The Finance Minister says the country's fuel supplies are stable, but diesel levels have dipped slightly in the latest figures. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Corin Dann.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is working on ways to help those who are struggling most, instructing the IRD and Treasury to work on a package to help ease the burden on households. Nicola Willis spoke to Corin Dann.