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One expert has noticed a subset of voters hasn't reacted positively to the Government's plan to reduce the number of beneficiaries. Prime Minister Chris Luxon today revealed a planned return to a more strict regime of sanctions for those on the unemployment benefit. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan observed the younger members of the press gallery seemed shocked by these changes. She says it's been a while since conservative ideas held power- it's been decades since sanctions were in place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are planning to make some changes to public sector agencies. Speculation indicates they could shoulder-tap people with a certain level of business experience to take on leadership roles. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are planning to make some changes to public sector agencies. Speculation indicates they could shoulder-tap people with a certain level of business experience to take on leadership roles. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One expert is claiming David Seymour's State of the Nation speech covered issues that needed to be addressed. The ACT leader discussed Government failings from the past two decades and laid out his infamous Treaty Principles Bill. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Seymour has the capacity to excite and challenge voters and attack the status quo. "He's looking at the philosophy of whether the Government should just keep repeating the policies of prior Governments- or change and bring in a bit of transformation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The first Cabinet meeting of 2024 is set to take place tomorrow, as the Government reaches the halfway point of its first 100 days. This meeting takes place days after the National Unity Hui in Turangawaewae- and event which has cast a shadow over the Government. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan outlines her predictions here. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former politician and Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash has issued a warning about the second pillar of AUKUS. US lawmakers have struck a deal on the AUKUS military pact - with legislation approving the sale of three Virginia-Class vessels expected to soon be made public NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan noted that his concerns reflected previous sentiments that the US held too much influence over the new Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Former politician and Reserve Bank Governor Don Brash has issued a warning about the second pillar of AUKUS. US lawmakers have struck a deal on the AUKUS military pact - with legislation approving the sale of three Virginia-Class vessels expected to soon be made public NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan noted that his concerns reflected previous sentiments that the US held too much influence over the new Government. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand has a new Government – and this means a new Minister for Foreign Affairs. Winston Peters will take over from Nanaia Mahuta in a role that's getting more complicated with every passing day. Trade wars, environmental devastation, and open military conflicts have returned to the globe on a level not seen in decades, to name just a few of the diplomatic tightropes that Peters will have to walk as he navigates this role. So is he still the right man for the job after all these years? And what does a change in Government mean for our role and reputation on the global stage? Today, NZ Herald editorial director and long-time columnist Fran O'Sullivan connects the dots between Aotearoa and the rest of the world. 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: Damien VenutoProducer: Paddy FoxExecutive Producer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has expressed concern with the scale of financial challenges left behind by the former Government, which she is still uncovering. She's accused her predecessors of leaving the books in a much worse state than they appeared in the pre-election unveil. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says a lot of Government projects were funded on a short-term basis- and Willis shouldn't have been too surprised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has expressed concern with the scale of financial challenges left behind by the former Government, which she is still uncovering. She's accused her predecessors of leaving the books in a much worse state than they appeared in the pre-election unveil. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says a lot of Government projects were funded on a short-term basis- and Willis shouldn't have been too surprised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of America's most successful business figures are set to arrive in Auckland for the upcoming US Business Summit. Experts from major companies like PepsiCo and Amazon will gather in this half of the world to discuss New Zealand's evolving direction. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains the topics that will be covered within these discussions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some of America's most successful business figures are set to arrive in Auckland for the upcoming US Business Summit. Experts from major companies like PepsiCo and Amazon will gather in this half of the world to discuss New Zealand's evolving direction. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains the topics that will be covered within these discussions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
APEC leaders agreed on a reform of the World Trade Organisation- but many were divided on several other key issues. The ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Russia-Ukraine war divided leaders across the Pacific Rim during the two-day summit. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan recapped the highlights of the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart discussed climate change, in a first bilateral meeting in seven years. The pair sat down together ahead of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Biden says Xi Jinping agreed to help disrupt fentanyl drug production, resume military communications and assess AI risk. Herald business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says they also talked about a combined approach to the climate crisis. "Between them, they're 40 percent of emissions for the world. These are major issues, they've got the big meeting up in Dubai coming soon- COP28." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart discussed climate change, in a first bilateral meeting in seven years. The pair sat down together ahead of the APEC Summit in San Francisco. Biden says Xi Jinping agreed to help disrupt fentanyl drug production, resume military communications and assess AI risk. Herald business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says they also talked about a combined approach to the climate crisis. "Between them, they're 40 percent of emissions for the world. These are major issues, they've got the big meeting up in Dubai coming soon- COP28." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christopher Luxon says coalition talks will probably prevent him from attending this week's APEC leaders' meeting in San Fransisco. The summit for Pacific Rim leaders is expected to focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. It will also include a crucial meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first on American soil in about seven years. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Chris Luxon will miss the chance to do a political sweep and show several key leaders what his Government aims to accomplish. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christopher Luxon says coalition talks will probably prevent him from attending this week's APEC leaders' meeting in San Fransisco. The summit for Pacific Rim leaders is expected to focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. It will also include a crucial meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first on American soil in about seven years. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Chris Luxon will miss the chance to do a political sweep and show several key leaders what his Government aims to accomplish. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The next phase of establishing a new Government is set to begin, as all the final ballots have been counted. National is in talks with ACT and New Zealand First, after special votes revealed all three are needed to form a Government. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says all three parties will need to have negotiations in person so Luxon can work around Seymour and Winston's complicated history with each other. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The incoming National-led Government is expected to step up for two key international summits. The Pacific Islands Forum and APEC are set to happen within the next few weeks- and it's likely Luxon will attend to represent New Zealand on a wider scale. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains what to expect in the coming weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The incoming National-led Government is expected to step up for two key international summits. The Pacific Islands Forum and APEC are set to happen within the next few weeks- and it's likely Luxon will attend to represent New Zealand on a wider scale. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains what to expect in the coming weeks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The election has finally wrapped up- and New Zealand is in for a change of leadership. Chris Luxon is our new Prime Minister-elect and National and ACT are currently on 61 seats, with the final official result being declared on November 3. NZME's Fran O'Sullivan says the nation's business community appreciates the change of leadership. "People I've spoken with really expect to see clarity, they expect to see focus, momentum and importantly- execution. And that's where the previous Government stuffed up." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National's claims voters could be forced into a second election has been met with backlash from commentators. The party's expressed concern over not striking a coalition deal with NZ First and warned Kiwis may be required to vote again. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan has labelled this threat 'gauche' and says National has no reason to scare people into voting. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week's Mood of the Boardroom survey ranked National's Chris Luxon over his Labour counterpart. The survey compiled responses from more than 100 chief executives and leaders- with Luxon scoring 3.24 out of 5 compared to Hipkins' 2.95. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says voters are still sceptical of National's tax package, with experts criticising the party's priorities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week's Mood of the Boardroom survey ranked National's Chris Luxon over his Labour counterpart. The survey compiled responses from more than 100 chief executives and leaders- with Luxon scoring 3.24 out of 5 compared to Hipkins' 2.95. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says voters are still sceptical of National's tax package, with experts criticising the party's priorities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Both Labour and National took a dive in the latest Newshub-Reid Research poll. The National Party has lost nearly 2 points of support, taking it to just over 39 percent - and with ACT on 8.8, it needs New Zealand First to govern. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan explains what this could mean for the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury moderates a panel of political pundits – Bryce Edwards, Fran O'Sullivan, Simon Wilson, Jordan Williams and Damien Grant – who give their instant reaction to tonight's 1News debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been rumoured in business circles that Luxon is scoping top Kiwi figures as part of his potential administration. Fraser Whineray and Andrew Grant have reportedly been courted by National's leader ahead of the election. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says the pair have declined so far, but Luxon has expressed interest in partnering with Whineray and Grant. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The outgoing New Zealand Superannuation Fund CEO has slammed the near-$10 billion tax bill as 'nonsensical'. Matt Whineray believes the Superannuation Fund should have tax immunity status, according to an exit interview. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says the next Government will need to make choices about the state of the fund. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
One expert is warning about the dangers of a Trump comeback following his recent arrest. The former president was lined up for a mugshot in Georgia after he surrendered on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn election results. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says strategic shifts implemented during his administration influence current policy- and New Zealand needs to be alert to geopolitical changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Labour Party has slumped in the latest 1News Verian opinion poll to below 30 percent. National has picked up 2 percent over the past month to 37 percent, and Labour's tumbled 4 percent to 29. These numbers tonight would see the centre-right forming a coalition Government, with ACT gaining a point to 13. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says that Hipkins will have to give the performance of his life to save Labour's chances in the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
New Zealand's sophisticated red meat business model is built on the ability to shift volume between export markets to maximise value. In this panel discussion from the 2023 Red Meat Sector Conference, moderated by Fran O'Sullivan, hear from Fred Hellaby (Wilson Hellaby Ltd), Gerard Hickey (First Light Foods), Vangelis Vitalis (MFAT) and Willie Wiese (Alliance Group) on the emerging standards and consumer expectations that our industry will need to meet to stay at the top of the red meat export game.
The Government has announced a raft of tax policies designed to address the cost of living crisis ahead of the election. Hipkins has announced a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, which will benefit about 160,000 families. The GST on fruit and vegetables will be scrapped, a cut to take effect come April 2024. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says there's room for other parties to introduce more optimistic, pro-business policies ahead of the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Meat exporters have been watching the global spat between the US and China, and some worry New Zealand may be caught in the crossfire. New Zealand's leading trade negotiator Vangelis Vitalis has warned the golden weather for trade policy is over and the region has to be careful going forward. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says tensions are high between the US and China and New Zealand won't want to get drawn into either security camp. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A $567 million push to make cyclone and flood-affected roads safer and more resilient. The Government's announced funding for immediate works on state highways in Tairāwhiti, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay, Coromandel and Northland. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Cyclone Recovery Minister Grant Robertson has a lot landing on his shoulders, and it's unclear how much will get done before the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are growing calls for Labour to arrange a snap election following Kiri Allan's arrest and resignation. Kiri Allan is the latest Minister to depart following Stuart Nash and Michael Wood exiting after getting caught up in controversy. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan believes Chris Hipkins needs to put the current Labour Government out of its misery with an early election. "It's still hard to come back, because you don't expect to have a Justice Minister remonstrating with the police. That's the bit that raises the questions." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The UK has formally signed up to the CPTPP trade deal this weekend- with China and Ukraine still waiting. China applied to join in 2021, but NZME business commentator says there are geopolitical factors holding them back. She says China will bring plenty to the table if they join- but it's unlikely to happen anytime soon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Matariki weekend, New Zealand will host the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership Commission. Set to be the biggest biggest international trade event held in the region recently, trade ministers from 11 nations will review and update the terms of this pact. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says this meeting will establish the next phase of CPTPP Commission, with the UK officially signing the deal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will attend the NATO leaders summit to strengthen international ties in wake of Russia's war in Ukraine. This comes off the back of Hipkins' week-long trade-focused trip to China. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Hipkins may finally get the chance to meet Joe Biden, as both leaders will be at the NATO summit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The situation in Russia is expected to colour the background of the Prime Minister's trip to China. Chris Hipkins is currently leading a delegation there and is expected to meet with President Xi Jinping NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan is with the delegation and says there's concern about what's happened in Russia. "My sense in talking to people here is- there has been behind-the-scenes efforts by China's side to urge Russia to be careful in this environment." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has locked in a coveted confab with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Hipkins heads to China on Sunday, alongside a large delegation of high-flying New Zealand businesspeople. He'll be travelling to Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Chris Hipkins will use the trip to boost the New Zealand-China trade relationship. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is set to go to China at the end of the month. This trip will be the first Prime Minister-led delegation there since 2019, and Hipkins is expected to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says it's likely Chris Hipkins will meet President Xi Jinping and several key ministers. "The details will probably come out next week. Normally with these trips, there's a bit of protocol, like waiting for China's side to face up as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National have backtracked from a bipartisan agreement with Labour to address the housing shortage on their own terms. Under a National-led government, councils will be able to opt out of the Medium Density Residential Standards and have the option to either increase density or develop farmland. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says National have used this backtrack to 'sandbag' Labour at their recent party Congress. She says that commentators agreed Labour hadn't come out with any new policies and National took the agenda forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Hipkins' appearance in Papua New Guinea is being framed as significant. Hipkins is present for security pact between the US and Papua New Guinea that may give US armed forces uninhibited access to the nation's airspace and territorial waters. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says Papua New Guinea put all the Pacific forum nations together with the US, which will be important for the regions involved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Ginny Andersen, Dr Rahul Sen, Fran O'Sullivan and Sue Moroney.
NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan met investors and took part in roundtables on her week-long visit to China. Fran O'Sullivan observed that China aims to get back to the business of growth after years of Covid-19 lockdowns. "Lifting the zero-Covid measures now means China will post a rebound. After last year's slump, they're predicting 5.7 percent by the end of the calendar 2023." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has confirmed he will be meeting King Charles III during his visit to London for the coronation. Hipkins will also meet his UK counterpart Rishi Sunak at Downing Street to advance the Fair Trade Agreement between the two countries. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says this trip will be important for Hipkins, because the bilateral FTA may be nudged forward by the pressure of a physical meeting between the leaders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Starting from July, hundreds of Kiwis living in Australia will be able to easily become dual citizens. This announcement fulfils a promise Anthony Albanese made in July last year when he met former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says that Jacinda Ardern's meeting with Albanese laid the foundation for this policy, and it was apparent this would eventually be enacted. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today introduced some new measures to regulate the lobbying industry. The removal of the swipe cards from lobbyists and calls to develop a voluntary code of conduct come after a series of RNZ articles highlighting the close relationships between lobbyists and politicians. These measures also follow the removal of former minister Stuart Nash after it had been revealed that he sent Cabinet information details to two of his donors. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says there's been a cosy system between the Government and lobbyists, and the events of last week have exposed the extent of it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta has returned from her visit to China. Nanaia Mahuta used her meeting with China's foreign minister to raise concerns about China's human rights abuses, developments South China Sea, and China's ties to Russia. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says the machinery of Government on both sides needs to work these discussions through and more information will come to light. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta will travel to China on Tuesday for two days. This will be China's first visit from a Cabinet minister since 2019, and Nanaia Mahuta will be meeting new Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang. Nanaia Mahuta's trip comes as China's President Xi Jinping travels to Moscow to support Russian President Vladimir Putin. NZME business commentator Fran O'Sullivan says the timing of this trip is a coincidence, as the Government has been looking to arrange a meeting between Foreign Ministers for some time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.