Podcast appearances and mentions of Jacinda Ardern

Chinese officials are watching the 2026 election for a signal on whether New Zealand's more United States-aligned security posture will become a permanent fixture. If they assess that it is, the trade relationship might be at risk. That's the opinion of David Mahon, a Kiwi business consultant based in Beijing. “New Zealand–China relations are already at their worst stage since diplomatic recognition,” he told the Of Interest podcast. “At the moment, there's not some sword hanging over us, partly because China is so busy dealing with a massive geopolitical mess, as all great powers and smaller and medium sized powers are.” But Mahon sees two risks in the future: China could retaliate by blocking the import of some non-essential luxury goods, or it could simply become “indifferent” towards its relationship with New Zealand. “New Zealand sells a lot of things to China. None of them are irreplaceable. In the end, it's just milk. In the end, it's just fruit or honey. That's something that we need to acknowledge.” “If you look at our free trade agreement, the profit margin, the rationale for many of our companies trading with China is only based on the fact we pay no tax. If we lost that free trade agreement. We would lose much of our business with China”. Mahon doesn't think the Free Trade Agreement is currently at risk but there are signs Kiwi businesses in China are nervous about the deteriorating relationship. An article written by China trade consultant Anna-May Isbey in a report published by the NZ Business Roundtable in China warned there could be direct consequences for geopolitical policies. “The language used by governments when navigating geopolitical tensions can have real commercial consequences. Exporters consistently express the view that New Zealand's longstanding, pragmatic, and independent approach to international engagement should continue,” she wrote. This perspective contrasts against security analysts in Wellington and elsewhere who are increasingly concerned about China as a security risk, and want New Zealand to bolster its defence capabilities and diversify its export markets. Government agencies have linked China to both foreign interference and cyber espionage in New Zealand, such as hacking the Parliamentary Service network in 2021. But a political pivot towards the United States, which began while Jacinda Ardern was Prime Minister, has been complicated by the country's plunging popularity in New Zealand. The United States is now seen by Kiwis as more of a threat than China, according to an annual survey commissioned by the Asia NZ Foundation. Mahon believes New Zealand should “learn to do less” and avoid taking sides in geopolitical competition which doesn't directly affect it. “Stop seeking the approval of these big countries that impress you so much, including Beijing … If we do less, and our need for the approval of other nations is less, then I think the navigation is going to be a lot simpler,” he said. Audio soundtrack opening is licensed from Shutterstock, Track 1219389 Monetization ID TFGEPGEI0LHEIJAI

Is it just me, or did anyone else notice what a contrast it was watching Christopher Luxon cracking jokes with Anthony Albanese, compared to what it was like when Jacinda Ardern visited Australia? For all her kindness and communication when she was Prime Minister, she would use those trips to Australia to give then–Prime Minister Scott Morrison a tongue-lashing—usually over the 501 deportees, which was pointless because the Aussies weren't going to change their minds. This weekend, though, was a bit of a love-in. And that's despite the fact that we've done something that could genuinely have upset the Aussies. Because Nicola Willis has probably gone a bit too hard, having cracks at them for their capital gains tax changes in their budget—which they're very sensitive about, because they're copping huge blowback. And yet…it was no drama. Albanese wrote it off as cheekiness. And then, instead of yet another trans-Tasman drama, he was cracking jokes with Luxon about Kiwi immigrants. They were taking turns going first with the questions, and they were affirming each other—welcoming closer ties, strengthening shared resilience. It's turning into a bit of a cliché thing to say now, but Luxon is in his element overseas. He sounded every bit the statesman—someone who has thought deeply about the degrading state of international affairs and what New Zealand needs to do to weather the coming storm. And I thought, as I listened to him pitch how kick-ass Australia and New Zealand are going to be, that he was doing a better job of selling Australasia to the world than the Prime Minister of Australia was. He's a big-ideas guy—selling his country and his region and getting on with people is his party trick. Isn't that a better strategy, when you think about it, than always fighting with your only ally? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you suffer from 'Spoiled Pig Syndrome'? Honestly, maybe. We unpack Lena Dunham’s latest theory that we’ve all become a little too accustomed to getting the treat before we’ve even learned the trick. Plus, Former The Hills Reality TV star Spencer Pratt is officially running for Mayor of Los Angeles. We’re nominating our top contenders if Aussie celebs entered politics. SUBSCRIBE to Mamamia and never miss a word of Out Loud. Plus get access to every story and our exercise app, MOVE. Also, paper straws, automatic taps, hand dryers and Bluetooth. It’s 2026. So why are there certain things that just don’t work? We have a simple request for the universe: be better And, we’re bedazzling now. Em is excited. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Recommendations Em recommends Torriden Dive-In Low Molecule Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Clare recommends The Crash documentary on Netflix. Holly recommends The Four Seasons on Netflix. What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: Don’t Go To Uni, Baby Doll Dresses & The World’s Coolest Wedding Hat Listen: Reading-Gap Relationships & The 'Daddy' Of It All Listen: A Woman Got Pregnant & ‘Betrayed Us All’ Listen: FREE SUBS TASTER: The One Big Lie Blown Up By The Kylie Doco Listen: Bed Shaming & A Terrible Excuse To Skip Your Son’s Wedding Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see Mamamia Out Loud on Apple What to read: The one thing happily married women have quietly stopped doing. 'My partner kept putting off trying for a baby. Then I got a text that explained why.' 'I spent years working in reconciliation as a non-Indigenous person. Here's the thing we never want to admit.' HOLLY WAINWRIGHT: The one question I really wanted to ask Jacinda Ardern. THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud CREDITS: Hosts: Holly Wainwright, Clare Stephens & Emily Vernem Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Executive Producer: Grace Rouvray Video Producer: Josh Green Associate Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nueva Zelanda enfrenta una creciente salida de profesionales hacia Australia, impulsada por la desaceleración económica, el aumento del costo de vida y la búsqueda de mejores oportunidades laborales. Un fenómeno que reaviva el debate sobre la capacidad del país para retener talento en un contexto cada vez más competitivo. La decisión de la ex primera ministra Jacinda Ardern de trasladarse al país vecino ha dado mayor visibilidad a una tendencia que afecta a miles de neozelandeses. ¿Por qué cada vez más personas deciden marcharse y qué consecuencias puede tener esta fuga de cerebros para el futuro económico del país? Reportaje de Emma Garboud-Lorenzoni para France 24.

Our very favourite polymath popstar Dua Lipa got married at the weekend and warning: Big Bride Hats are about to be everywhere. Also: Why do some female musicians get oceans of criticism for their bodies and clothes, while others do not? Meet the baby-doll discourse. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media While we’re at it: Don’t go to uni. That’s the advice coming at Australian kids from AI-savvy academics and is it terrible advice? Are you time-poor or time affluent? And if you’re lucky enough to find some “time confetti”, how do you spend it? Oh, and let’s imagine, for one strange moment, that Russell Crowe is a woman. Win a $1000 TK Maxx voucher! We want to hear from you about where you shop. Complete our 3 minute survey for a chance to win a gift voucher in our quarterly draw! What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: Reading-Gap Relationships & The 'Daddy' Of It All Listen: “Too Rich” Celebrities & The Adolescence Theory Listen: The 7 Controversies Of This Year's Biggest Movie Listen: The Three Questions You Should Ask On A First Date Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see Mamamia Out Loud on Apple What to read: This dress is causing problems. The one question I really wanted to ask Jacinda Ardern. 'I'm a frugal fashion editor. These stylish winter finds are giving bougie on a budget.' 'I read for a living. Here are all the best new books to read in June.' 'I spent thousands treating my perimenopause. Here's what I wish I'd known from the start.' THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is facing a major brain drain. Even former prime minister Jacinda Ardern has chosen to relocate to Australia. Her decision has reignited a debate over the country's persistent struggle to retain its talent, against a backdrop of a stagnating economy and a soaring cost of living. Our Auckland correspondent Emma Garboud-Lorenzoni reports.

Here's a PR tip for the coalition Government: if they want to win support for their ongoing budget cuts - which affect some of the poorest people in this country - they should consider giving up something themselves. Now, I don't know if you saw this last week, but Stuff ran a damning story on Louise Upston, the Social Development Minister, who is a lovely woman and a very capable minister - but the optics were terrible. While she's forcing some of the poorest Kiwis in this country to pay more towards housing before they get any help from the taxpayer, she is claiming $1000 a week from the taxpayer to rent her Wellington apartment - from herself. Today, we hear that MPs are again due to get a pay rise in July, bumping their pay up by 2 percent to, in the case of Cabinet ministers like Louise, $327,000 a year. Now, I raised this with Nicola Willis on the show. She's not prepared to touch MPs' pay or allowances, and neither is the Prime Minister, when he was asked about it today. Their excuse is that the money is decided by the independent Remuneration Authority. But anyone who's been around for more than five minutes knows that's a crock because MPs are the ultimate lawmakers They can override the Remuneration Authority and they have done so before - Jacinda Ardern froze MPs' pay for six years back in 2018. Now, frankly, quite independently of this whole argument, I personally think it is well overdue that MPs' perks are reined in. They are far too generous. These guys get really good pay but on top of that, they receive expense allowances of at least $19,000 for things like flowers and coffees, up to $52,000 in accommodation allowances -which they can use on their own apartments - fully paid travel and a superannuation scheme so generous it can be worth up to $70,000 a year on top of their salary. So, you can add somewhere between $120,000 and $140,000 at least in perks to their base pay. That is hard to accept at a time when our budgets are so tight that we are, quite rightly, asking state house tenants to pay another $31 a week to square things off - and when we are, quite rightly, cutting nearly 9000 public servants. But quite rightly, we should also be taking another look at just how much money we sink into MPs every year. I know MPs don't want to do this. No one wants to give up the entitlements they're entitled to. But if they want to increase public support for their budget cuts, they could do with showing they're prepared to give up a little themselves. Because when you ask the country's poorest to take one for the team - or more specifically, the team's budget - you should be prepared to take one for the team too. It's called leadership. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Mongrel Mob-run meth rehab programme ended up at the centre of a fierce political fight. After being funded by Jacinda Ardern’s government, the Coalition government turned off the tap for drug rehabilitation programme Kahukura. But behind the politics, did Kahukura actually help people get off meth? And what does it tell us about who is best placed to deliver addiction treatment? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer Derek Cheng has gone through the reports on the programme’s intakes, and he joins us now to talk through what really happened – and the role of gangs in frontline services. 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.

Co-directors Lindsay Utz and Michelle Walshe's documentary “Prime Minister”, which premiered at Sundance to critical acclaim, chronicles Jacinda Ardern's unexpected journey as New Zealand's 40th Prime Minister, offering an unfiltered window into her personal journey of family, motherhood, democracy and hardship. They share with Tiller where this film began (5:30), their most incredible archival discoveries (14:00), the future of the “follow doc” (20:30), and striking the dramatic tonal shifts of Jacinda's life (29:00). Produced by: Jacob Miller Executive Producer: Tiller Russell Music by: James Carroll, Graham Tracey & Zydepunk Distributed by: Jake Brennan & Brady Sadler, Double Elvis Productions

EDITORIAL: Look, this one's not going to make me popular in Wellington today, but sometimes reality doesn't care whether we like it or not. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is right. And deep down, I think a lot of New Zealanders know she's right. We cannot keep running a country where the answer to every problem is another ministry, another department, another communications team, another layer of management, another policy advisor, another taxpayer-funded office somewhere in Wellington. At some point, we all have to wake up and say: enough. Because the numbers don't lie. Back in 2017, when Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister, the public service had around 48,000 employees. By the end of last year, that had climbed to more than 63,600 fulltime staff. That's an increase of more than 15,000 public servants in under a decade. And here's the key question: are we New Zealanders genuinely getting better outcomes? Are the roads dramatically better? Is healthcare dramatically better? Is education dramatically better? Is productivity dramatically better? Do you and I feel government is faster, leaner, more efficient? Or does it feel bigger, slower, more bureaucratic and more expensive? Because that's what many New Zealanders think. Now I understand why Wellington gets nervous when these conversations happen. This city has lived off the back of government growth for years. Thousands of jobs, entire apartment blocks, cafes, bars, retails, hair dressers, car sales, businesses, office buildings just for the public sector. But we cannot employ people simply to prop up the Wellington economy. That's not sustainable economics. That's avoidance. And the reality is, New Zealand has been living beyond its means for too long. We borrow too much. We spend too much. We create agencies for everything. We duplicate work. We layer management on management. Meanwhile, the private sector — the people actually generating the tax revenue — are under enormous pressure and have already slimmed down to bare bone. At some point the country has to slim down too. And yes, it will be painful. And yes, there will be more pain. Nicola Willis is reportedly preparing to reduce the number of ministries and agencies from the current 42, while also driving public service numbers back closer to the historical norm of 1% of the population. Under the Labour government it was pushed to 1.2%. Frankly, that idea sounds reasonable to me. Australia has 16 departments. The United Kingdom has 24. Finland has around a dozen. We've got 42. We have forty-two. And the other reality nobody wants to say out loud? AI and digitisation are coming whether we like it or not. The private sector is already changing rapidly. Law firms, banks, consultancies — they're all using AI to improve productivity and reduce repetitive work. Government won't escape that. The Government should not escape that. This isn't about attacking public servants personally. Most are hardworking people doing their jobs. But the system itself has become too large, too expensive and too inefficient. If we genuinely want the books under control, improve productivity and rebuild the country's finances, then this is part of the medicine. And tell me, have you ever taken medicine that tastes good. It doesn't it tastes horrible. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veteran political journalist Barry Soper reflects on nearly five decades in the parliamentary press gallery and his time observing 12 New Zealand prime ministers up close, discussing with Paula Bennett the often overlooked loneliness of political leadership and life inside the Beehive. He recalls a very different parliamentary era of all-night sittings, and a rougher political culture, alongside candid reflections on figures like Robert Muldoon and the personal toll of power after office. The conversation also touches on modern politics, media scrutiny, and why leaders such as Jacinda Ardern and Helen Clark continue to shape how New Zealand sees its leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Em Vernem is celebrating a big birthday and we’re unpacking why turning 30 can feel like you’re living in five different decades at once. Plus, Victoria Beckham says her family isn't a brand while simultaneously launching, well, a new family brand. Is this the definition of 'posting through it'? SUBSCRIBE to Mamamia and get every single episode of Out Loud & access to every story on Mamamia plus our exercise app, MOVE. And, public pimple patches. Is wearing a glittery chin star to brunch the ultimate 'skin-positivity' win? Finally, we’re entering a time when robots are shortlisting your dating options. So, what awkward conversations are AI bots having on first dates, and do they have a better chance of finding your true love than you do? SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media Recommendations Em recommends The Sheep Detectives, Hugh Jackman's highest grossing film. Amelia recommends Chosen Family by Madeleine Gray. Holly recommends Prime Minister on Apple TV; chronicling Jacinda Ardern's journey as Prime Minister of New Zealand. What To Listen To Next: Listen to our latest episode: Wait, There Are Four Styles of Friendship? Listen: A Fashion F-Up & The Ryan Reynolds Of It All Listen: Scurrilous Gossip: The Royal Affair No One Saw Coming Listen: How To Be Liked By Absolutely Everyone Listen: Writing a List of Anti-Goals Made Me Quit My Job Listen: Scurrilous Gossip: A Facelift Slippage & ‘Wildly Unhappy’ Royals Listen: The Red Carpet Moment That Answers The Blake Lively Question Listen: Fake Nips & Wandering Hands: Mia’s Met Gala Verdict Connect your subscription to Apple Podcasts Discover more Mamamia Podcasts here including the very latest episode of Parenting Out Loud, the parenting podcast for people who don't listen to... parenting podcasts. SUBSCRIBE here: Support independent women's media You can now watch our show in full length video on the Apple Podcast app - make sure your phone is up to date and we can't wait for you to see Mamamia Out Loud on Apple What to read: 'The dating formula that helped me ditch the apps for good.' Someone needs to gently tell Harper Beckham this is a bad idea. 'I went to Mecca to try Victoria Beckham's beauty products. Here's what I would (and wouldn't) buy.' The Sheep Detectives is Hugh Jackman's highest-rated movie ever. It's the best thing I've seen all year. 'I recommend books for a living. These are the 8 you need to read.' THE END BITS: Check out our merch at MamamiaOutLoud.com GET IN TOUCH: Feedback? We’re listening. Send us an email at outloud@mamamia.com.au Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice message. Join our Facebook group Mamamia Outlouders to talk about the show. Follow us on Instagram @mamamiaoutloud and on Tiktok @mamamiaoutloud CREDITS: Hosts: Holly Wainwright, Emily Vernem & Amelia Lester Acting Group Executive Producer: Sasha Tannock Assistant Producer: Tessa Kotowicz Video Producer: Josh Green Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast. Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I have learned a lot about kids and university, having had two attend and graduate and one still immersed in the experience. Here are the takeouts. Generally, you go for a reason. You have an idea of what you want to achieve and those who don't, flounder quickly. I have many examples of kids who enrolled because "that is what you do". Schools too often give university as a default. It has a snobbery about it as if successful people only go on to tertiary learning. It seems the wider lesson we have all learned is Jacinda Ardern's "next year is on me" was fatally flawed because funding the first year was literally a waste of money and even when it got put to the back end of study, it would seem the world hasn't been changed. So they are scrapping it. The reality is people on a path will incur debt in the belief that whatever it is they are studying will serve them well, provide challenge and enjoyment, and hopefully pay a wage that allows them to pay back the loan and get on with their lives. University has always been heavily subsidised anyway on the idea that we all benefit. But to suggest you study for anyone other than your own personal satisfaction and enhancement is farcical. So no more first year/last year artificiality. The money will be put elsewhere, perhaps into the more practical side of the workforce. Personally, I wouldn't mind it being saved. It's not like we actually have the money in the first place anyway. But the Winston Peters argument appears to be the trades, which makes it yet another of those debates that is constantly tinkered with and never really resolved. Is paying an employer to train a person any more or less wasteful, or artificial, than paying a university to train a doctor? We need doctors as much if not more than we need plumbers. Both are valuable, both are in short supply. The Peters argument will of course be driven by the immigration aspect of it all. If we don't train who we need, we bring them in and before you know it you have a "butter chicken tsunami". It's of course a government again picking winners and I would have thought we had already learned that lesson. Peters' other idea, if you remember back, was bonding students to regions, or indeed immigrants to regions. That didn't work either. The trick here is not to repeat past mistakes. And yet the budget is destined to include at least one. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition government is promising to "repurpose" the millions of tax payer dollars being spent on the fees-free policy for tertiary students. Winston Peters' confirmed the scheme, which has been through a few versions, will be scrapped. It was introduced in 2018, under Jacinda Ardern's government. Back then, students were eligible for their first year of study free and $194 million was paid in fees. Grant Robertson, was Labour's finance Minister when the fees-free policy was brought in and is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Otago. Grant Robertson spoke to Lisa Owen.

Well, Winston let the cat out of the bag on Friday afternoon with Heather du Plessis Allan. Oh, we're scrapping fees free in the third year, he said, you'll find that in the budget. And Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed that yes indeed, the scheme will be ditched in the upcoming budget. Those students completing their tertiary studies this year in their final year will remain eligible for fees free. So, all well and good. It was a dog of a scheme, it was an absolute bribe, we all knew that. It was one of those nice policies that Labour brought in and ultimately, yet again, it didn't work. On paper it looked as though it might, but it didn't. It's a nice to have and right now we are a country that cannot afford nice things. Had it been doing what it was intended to do, what on paper it looked like it might do, then the coalition government might have found the money to continue the scheme. However, it never did, never achieved the goal of increasing the number of students participating in tertiary education. It was also really bad at getting people who were disadvantaged to take up the scheme and that was the intention behind it when Jacinda Ardern announced the policy at a decile 5 school all those years ago. Didn't work when it was first year fees free. It was a flagship policy from Labour to pay for the first year of tertiary education and then as the numbers swelled and children from decile 1 schools trooped off to university and raised themselves to the excellence they needed to find within themselves and just be fabulous, it was going to be free for anybody to go to university. Didn't work. The original intentions were to help people overcome economic barriers to higher education while also growing the numbers of those enrolled. In fact, the disparity between university entrance from low decile schools and higher decile schools got worse. The Herald applied under the Official Information Act and it showed that in 2017 the year prior to the scheme being introduced, 38% of first year students at uni came from school deciles 1 to 5, the remaining 62% from deciles 6 to 10. In 2021 that gap had widened, there were just 28% taking up the fees free policy coming from deciles 1 to 5, 72% from deciles 6 to 10. So, you know, there's any number of reasons for that. It was a period of high unemployment in 2021 because we hadn't been opening the borders to workers so you might go straight into work rather than uni. There's a number of reasons for that, but ultimately the reason for the scheme being introduced was to have a greater representation of young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Didn't work. And it also doesn't work having the final year fees free in terms of encouraging people to complete their degrees because we've still got about a third of bachelor's degree level students not completing their qualifications even if they take six years to do it. So that's not working. I thought the final year fees free might encourage people to to stay on. No, data shows it hasn't. So let's be done with it. Absolutely let's be done with it. Put the money where it can better support the education and vocational needs of young people maybe. I mean university just does not have the cachet it once had and that's because it's a bums on seats model. It used to be that universities were centres for higher academic learning. And they're not now. It used to be that only a few people went to university and the taxpayer paid for them, all of their fees. Now hundreds of thousands of people go to university with a third of them never even completing their degree while the taxpayer picks up the tab for 80% of the course costs. Are we getting value for money? I don't think we are. As a model, and because the world is moving so fast, a lot of what young people are learning is out of date by the time they sit down and open their textbooks. It's not for everyone, so put that money, a lot of that money into where it can most be used by young people. I think, you know, universities still have a place, absolutely, but changing the focus away from higher academic learning to, 'hey anyone can have a go', I don't think is serving the young people, I don't think it's serving the universities and I don't think it's serving the taxpayer. The Greens have called the decision outrageous. Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says the Greens will fight to reinstate fees free support. They say it's a fantastic, wise and smart investment to invest in tertiary education for students and communities. Is it? The way it is right now, I don't I'm not entirely sure it is. I mean even 25-30 years ago I remember the the guy from Spark saying they don't take people from university in their technology and innovation and, I mean I'm sure they take some from other other areas, but if you're looking at the tech side of things they don't take them from university. They'd far rather have bright young things go from school into their departments, having new ideas, new innovations. And that was 25 years ago. So it's a nice to have the fees free tertiary education. If it was delivering, you might think about finding the money. It's not, not on any metric, not on any level. And if the Greens think it's a smart investment, you'd have to worry about their financial nous, wouldn't you? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins has two weeks left as an MP and she's given an exit interview to Audrey Young at the New Zealand Herald in which she says people don't like strong women - obviously referring to herself. Now, I don't disagree with Judith that she is a strong woman. She's formidable. But I do disagree with her that people don't like strong women, because what is Helen Clark if not a strong woman? So strong, they used to say that the softest part of her was her teeth - and yet she was elected and re-elected by the New Zealand public three times. That's more than Jacinda Ardern achieved and Jacinda Ardern is not what I would call a strong woman. Now, look, I realise there are too many variables to ever make a truly fair comparison across elections like that. But if you did strip everything else out, you'd look at it like this: Helen, the strong woman, won three elections, compared with Jacinda - the milder personality - who won two and only really won the second because of COVID. Judith Collins doesn't explicitly blame the fact that she's a strong woman for her poor showing at the polls when she led the National Party - what did she come in at, 24 percent or something like that? She's really referring to the fact that she copped more outrage for rolling a sitting MP for a seat in 2002 than John Key did for doing the same thing in the same year. But just for the avoidance of doubt: Judith's problem as leader of the National Party was not that she was a strong woman. In fact, that was part of her attraction at the time. The problem was that she was up against Jacinda in the COVID election, which was really a hiding to nothing - and she was doing weird things like praying in church for the cameras and making comments about fat people during the campaign. Much as I might have agreed with her, that was not a smart move. But I really wish that women like Judith would stop blaming their gender for how people react to them because more often than not it is not their gender that's the problem - it's something else. And by blaming their gender, they're avoiding being honest with themselves and honest with others about what that other thing is. More importantly - much, much more importantly - this reinforces to younger women that they're up against it simply because they're women, that being a woman, and especially being a strong woman, is somehow a problem. It is not a problem. People like strong women. Most of us have strong women for mothers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon announced on Friday he would ditch TVNZ Breakfast and the newly hired Tova O'Brien. We'll take a look tonight at what everyone said when Jacinda Ardern ditched Mike Hosking and what National, NZ First and ACT had to say about her decisionDonald Trump was in another assassin plot when a wood be gunman just ran past all Trumps security but was stopped short of getting close to Trump himself Labour still concerned about some details in the Indian FTA especially as leaders in India and NZ seems to be saying different things with concerns are not waylaid as Nicola Willis describes it as "a different turn of phrase"...and we look at the interesting headline that Stuff used for this story which focused on Labour reversing tax cuts for landlords, not the FTA issues.A bunch of other things to cover off including Chewie and Pat seeing the movie "Sgt, Haane", Jordan Rivers explaining what Labour did and the idiot off that is happening in Trumps cabinet++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

EDITORIAL: Here's the thing — I just don't buy the outrage, and I actually think this needs to be called a bit more straight. Christopher Luxon pulling out of his regular Monday slot on Breakfast isn't some constitutional crisis. It's not democracy under threat. It's a political decision — and honestly, just say it for what it is. Don't dress it up, don't spin it. If Luxon doesn't want to sit there every week and get carved up by Tova O'Brien, then just say that. If he and his media team — and yes, people like Rachel Smalley advising behind the scenes — have decided that format isn't helping him, then fine. That's politics. That's strategy. Own it. Don't hide behind “changing media consumption habits” or scheduling tweaks. Just front-foot it: this isn't working for us, we're moving on. I've got no issue with that — in fact, I respect it more when it's said plainly. Now, the facts. Luxon hasn't disappeared. He's still doing interviews — including with Radio New Zealand and Newstalk ZB — and his office says access will now be handled case-by-case. So, this isn't shutting down scrutiny, it's changing where and how it happens. And this all comes after a tough stretch — poor polling, speculation about his leadership, and that caucus confidence vote he called himself and won. That's not someone avoiding pressure internally. The criticism, especially from parts of the media, is that he's ducking hard questions. But here's where I land: no politician is contractually obliged to turn up to the same interviewer every single week if they think it's a stitch-up rather than a fair contest. We've seen this before. Jacinda Ardern stopped going on Mike Hosking's show. David Seymour won't go on RNZ. Politicians will pick their platforms. Always have and guess what, always will. And in a media landscape that's now radio, TV, podcasts, digital — locking yourself into one weekly slot isn't necessarily smart politics anyway. Now, yes — the media's role in holding power to account is critical. No arguments there. But accountability doesn't equal entitlement to a guaranteed booking. If Luxon stopped doing all interviews, that's a problem. But he hasn't. This is a recalibration. A tactical move. I just don't want him to pretend it's anything else. I want him to be straight. He doesn't want to go on the show, he doesn't want to get carved up, he doesn't feel it good for him. Why should he have to sit there knowing someone is trying to get a gotcha moment? Rather than giving us, the people of New Zealand, a well-balanced interview on the way the country is. That's what I want to see. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says Christopher Luxon is running away from scrutiny after he cancelled his regular weekly interview on TVNZ's Breakfast programme. "The reality is that's part of the job. You're going to be subjected to scrutiny, you're going to be asked tough questions." Speaking on Canterbury Mornings, Hipkins was asked by John MacDonald whether he held the same view when former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern cancelled her weekly interviews with Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking in 2021. "I thought she should have continued to do it, but ultimately that was her choice. I made a different choice, and that was to keep doing those interviews." When Hipkins became Prime Minister in 2023, he reinstated the weekly prime ministerial interview on the Mike Hosking Breakfast. They also discussed Labour's support for the India free trade agreement, his views on drinking culture in parliament, and his reaction to a parent being taken to court by the government over their child's chronic absence from school. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, it was a rather chaotic, eventful week in politics wasn't it? Some actual business took place - the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement was confirmed by Labour agreeing to support it, the Finance Minister acknowledged the economy had been disrupted by the volatility of oil prices since the Iran conflict began, and the Prime Minister took it upon himself to call for a caucus confidence vote after weeks of speculation about his leadership - securing his position now and most likely until the election. But it was also a week of nonsense. Aside from this rare slip of dissent within the National Party, it was also a week of coalition friction, unnecessary comments about Willis' weight and migrants, and apologies or refusals to apologise. It was a week of whining about the media, bizarre late night door knocking, and a complaint laid by the National Party about those persistent door knockers from TVNZ's political team. And then the Prime Minister put his foot down and decided to cancel his regular Monday morning TV slot on TVNZ's Breakfast show. The door-knockers had given the Prime Minister a passable excuse to step away from Breakfast, where he has been struggling with interviews, and he took it. He's entitled to. As Heather du Plessis-Allan noted on Friday afternoon, we have very good access to politicians here in New Zealand. And yet, it's a mistake. It looks weak in a week when the PM was trying to look like he was in command. The relationship between politicians and the media is a co-dependent one, but the balance shifts in an election year when politicians need the media a little more to give them visibility to sell policy, and project leadership, credibility and authority; quite simply - they need to be heard. Of course, the media needs politicians too. Just look at the headlines and attention Tova O'Brien's interactions with the Prime Minister have given Breakfast. Beyond creating content and audience engagement, there is the more substantial reason the media need politicians, and that is of course to hold them to account. And for that you need access. I don't mind Christopher Luxon's faffs - his missteps in interviews. There's something refreshing about his lack of political intuition, his inability at times to swat a question away without answering it. He appears human. He should be more relaxed about the gotcha-moments and not get flustered trying to get out of them. I know - it's easier said than done when you are in the national spotlight. But with his leadership confirmed, National needs to do something to improve its polling and solidify their position leading the coalition come election day. TV appearances are a long-standing and recurring weakness - the Prime Minister hasn't appeared in TVNZ's Q & A with Jack Tame since December 2024 - so it's understandable this is a step they've taken. But Judith Collins' words about Jacinda Ardern cancelling her weekly interview slot with Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking in 2021 keep ringing in my head. As the National leader at the time she told a radio station, "I think what you're seeing is the absolute arrogance of this Government." She went on to question whether Ardern didn't like hard questions. "The point is those hard questions are actually what you get paid for” she said. You might be able to pick and choose whose hard questions you answer, but be careful it doesn't look too much like you just can't handle the pressure. Anyway, only 28 more weeks until the election. There's little chance it will be boring. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In my opinion, National MPs need to bite the bullet and ask Chris Luxon to step aside. I don't enjoy saying this because personally I like Chris Luxon and have a fair amount of respect for him. But I think the chances are now very high that this is going to happen before the election. He is going to lose the leadership and perhaps the only real choice National MPs now have is how messy they allow this to become. I'll explain why I think he loses the leadership — and I think it's simple maths. National's polling is really poor. It's sub-30 in multiple polls. You can't write those off as rogue results. The numbers are consistently bad and at that level the party is on track to lose around 11 MPs in November. Those 11 MPs do not want to lose their jobs and within that group are the people now agitating for a change of leadership. For that agitation to stop, National's polling would need to lift enough to save at least some of those MPs' seats.So how does the polling improve? The economy would have to improve. And is that going to happen between now and November? No, it's not. In fact, the economy is more likely to come under further pressure, particularly because of the situation in Iran and rising fuel costs. The most likely scenario is that the economy gets worse, National's polling deteriorates further, and those 11 MPs — and potentially more — lose their jobs at the election. Meanwhile, the destabilising campaign we saw in the Herald today continues. Someone is deliberately and repeatedly planting stories in the media. That won't stop. It will continue to drive the polls down and make Luxon look increasingly like a lame-duck Prime Minister. So if we assume the economy doesn't improve, the polling doesn't improve and the destabilising continues, then the most likely outcome is this: about three months out from the election, in the depths of winter, the National Party loses its nerve and rolls Chris Luxon in a desperate attempt to save the furniture. I see no realistic alternative to that outcome. That's scenario one: hope and pray. And yes, that is technically a strategy — maybe something miraculous happens, the way COVID saved Jacinda Ardern in 2020. But that's hope-and-prayer stuff. Scenario two is that they pull the pin. They replace Chris Luxon with someone else and call an early election, allowing that person to seek a mandate while still enjoying a honeymoon period — and before winter and the Iran-related pressures make voters even more miserable than they already are. If I were in the National caucus, I'd be opting for the second scenario. Because the polling is now so consistently bad that a leadership change is likely to happen anyway before the election. They can't avoid it — they can only choose when it happens and how messy they let it get. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nominations for the 2026 News and Documentary Emmy Awards have been announced, and a film about Jacinda Ardern has landed two nominations. Prime Minister is in the running for Best Documentary, and Outstanding Politics and Government Documentary - and it explores Ardern's five-year tenure as New Zealand's 40th Prime Minister. Entertainment correspondent Chris Henry explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on the Huddle, lawyer and political commentator Liam Hehir and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The results are in, and Fords have topped the list of the worst cars to own. Do we agree with this? We're one day into the US-Iran ceasefire - and the agreement appears fragile, with Israel increasing their deadly attack on Lebanon and Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. What do we think of this? Do we think things will change following the peace talks? The Royal Commission reportedly 'grilled' Jacinda Ardern behind the scenes over her Covid-19 response. Do we think this was really necessary? More people are getting into iced coffee - do we like it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jacinda Ardern is back in the news after transcripts of her behind-closed-doors testimony to the Royal Commission were published by the New Zealand Herald today. While the contents of the testimony contain few surprises, the transcript is notable as much for what it omits as for what it includes. There are no expressions of regret, no apologies, and no acknowledgment of wrongdoing - an outcome that may not shock those who followed the Government's approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The exchanges themselves are largely evasive, particularly on the issue of vaccine mandates. At one point, the Commission chair told Ardern it would be remiss not to ask whether she had divided the nation. Ardern responded by asking, “In what regard?” - a reply that struck many as disingenuous, given the scale of public opposition at the time, including prolonged protests directly outside her Beehive office. The testimony also reflects the familiar style critics associate with her leadership: lengthy explanations and abstract language. When asked whether she had regrets, Ardern responded that “regret is a curious word,” avoiding a direct answer. The timing of the transcript's release is striking. Just days earlier, a documentary about Ardern debuted on Netflix and has since attracted renewed public attention, earning an Emmy nomination and sparking fresh debate about her legacy. Conversations about the film are occurring across the country, with many viewers reporting mixed emotions after watching it. Some New Zealanders have expressed discomfort about the animosity directed toward Ardern after her resignation and her subsequent move overseas, saying the country should aspire to be more tolerant. Others argue that accountability remains a fundamental principle of public office. They note that Ardern stepped down before facing voters in the next election, declined to give public evidence to the Royal Commission, and has largely avoided direct public scrutiny since leaving office. The one form of accountability she has not escaped, critics say, has come in personal encounters with members of the public, where she has faced blunt and often hostile feedback - a factor some believe contributed to her decision to leave the country. Whether public sentiment toward Ardern would have softened had she chosen to testify openly before the Commission is impossible to know. What is clear, however, is that her private testimony has done little to change hardened views. For many observers, it reads as more of the same careful language and deflection that characterised her responses throughout the pandemic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Giant Ideas, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern returns to explore the person behind the public role. Invited to choose three photographs that define her life, Jacinda reflects on a childhood shaped by New Zealand, parents who modelled service and fairness, and the early experiences that forged her lifelong commitment to tackling inequality and child poverty.She shares a candid glimpse into the emotional weight of leadership, including the lasting impact of March 15, and why stepping down wasn't about burnout, knowing when to pass the baton. Jacinda also talks about becoming a mother while in office, learning to let go of control, accepting help, and challenging the myth that women must “do it all” alone. She also describes how she's crafting her next chapter and why her family makes her so happy.In this conversation:The three “photographs” that define Jacinda's life and valuesHow she was a a reluctant leaderThe emotional legacy of crisis leadership Motherhood, power, and the myth of “doing it all”Pushing back on misogyny Life after high office and why she has “no regrets”Building a purpose driven company? Read more about Giant Ventures at www.Giant.vc.Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING.Please note: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Tim Batt and Jenni Giblin. First up, the Public Service Association is calling for a loosening of the government's in-office mandates as fuel prices continue to tick upwards. Then, a Manawatu pub hosted a book-burning ceremony of Jacinda Ardern's autobiography - the panel asks Pead PR Partner Jack Wheeler about the optics of such an event.

Today on the podcast we are joined by Jacinda Ardern - former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and the world's youngest female head of government. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to lead with kindness, and learn how to deal with high pressure situations.As PM, Jacinda became famous worldwide for her unique leadership style: leading with compassion and empathy. A 'different kind of power' as she puts it. Her time in office was marked by her handling of major crises. She rushed through gun control laws within weeks of the Christchurch mosque attack. When Covid hit, Jacinda moved decisively to a rapid lockdown, something that would later prove divisive. In the midst of all that, Ardern was the second ever elected leader to give birth while in office. Building a purpose driven company? Read more about Giant Ventures at www.Giant.vc.Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING. Please note: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.

Fuel shortages are emerging in parts of regional areas across Australia as the escalating Middle East conflict disrupts global oil shipping; US President Donald Trump says Cuba is in “deep trouble” amid a humanitarian crisis and suggested the US could be involved in what he called a possible “friendly takeover; Escalating conflict in the Middle East is continuing to disrupt global travel, with more than 27,000 flights cancelled and around 4.4 million airline seats removed from schedules in the past week; British MPs have voted down a proposal to ban social media for under-16s, rejecting the measure by 307 votes to 173; A fund backed by former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern will spend about $4.3 million boosting cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment programs across the Pacific, where the disease remains a leading cause of death among women. THE END BITS Support independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Host: Grace Rouvray Audio Producer: Lu HillBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claude wrote these. I did not. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 147, recorded on 5 March 2026. It's a massive week of news — a record Kiwi exodus to Australia, a leaked Liberal Party post-mortem, the Star Casino legal fallout, a landmark war in Iran, and a bumper AFL season preview. Settle in.Record Kiwi Migration & Trans-Tasman Economics[00:00:41]The BBC reports New Zealand citizens are leaving at record levels — over 60,000 departed in a single year, the equivalent of 180 people per day. Former PM Jacinda Ardern has joined the exodus, reportedly house-hunting on Sydney's northern beaches. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack debate the merits of the northern beaches vs. the eastern suburbs, and the real net migration figures behind the headlines.Net migration loss from NZ: over 30,000 in 2024 to Australia aloneLong-term departures hit 101,932 in 2023 — remarkable for a nation of 5.3 millionNZ GDP per capita: USD 49,000 vs. Australia's USD 69,000New Zealand has been in negative GDP growth since December 2024, but is forecasting ~4% growth in the next financial yearAustralia has maintained consistent positive GDP growth post-COVID (0.8%–2.5% p.a.)The two countries are described as being at opposite ends of the economic cycleBrief discussion on Jacinda Ardern's post-Harvard career options and what Julia Gillard's post-PM trajectory looks like by comparison

Some simple observations on part two of the Covid Inquiry. 1) It's cheaper than the British equivalent finished last week that cost over half a billion dollars. 2) It says pretty much what you thought it would. 3) I'm convinced it's a waste of time because a pandemic response is about the ideology and Government of the day, not medical process. 4) Why do I say that? Read the report. It says numerous times good advice was ignored. 5) Did the Labour Government, broadly, cock it up? Yes. 6) Badly? Yes. 7) The report says, at its heart, people tried hard. They wanted to do the right thing. 8) Is that an acceptable answer? Sort of. But wanting to do well isn't the same as actually doing well. 9) It's hard to work out what's worse – the medical cock-ups or the financial ones. 10) Grant Robertson and his economic vandalism come out of it probably as bad as Jacinda Ardern and her megalomania. 11) They were too slow, I would argue because they were lazy. They sat in Opposition for nine years not expecting to get to Government, they weren't sharp or ready, so not only did Winston hand them a lifeline, they got a pandemic. They never stood a chance. They weren't match fit. 12) It's as much our fault as anyone. A party that gets about 30% support in an MMP election got 50% in 2020. Too many of us loved being told how to wipe our bums and too many of us were too lazy to think and work out where it was all heading. 13) The tide turned and (given any response whether it be a pandemic, war, or just plain policy is reliant on public goodwill) once it did turn Labour were done for. 14) The fact Ardern can't live in the country tells you very clearly how badly the tide turned. 15) I am no more confident today that we are any more ready for a pandemic, although if we can take anything from the report; 16) It's the recommendation that public debt needs to drop so we can be more ready for an unpredictable world. War, anyone? 17) Neither of the reports were really needed. We are the experts because we lived through it. Some of us still bear the scars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's turning a spotlight on Chris Hipkins over newly released Covid inquiry findings. The Royal Commission's second phase report's found overall that New Zealand responded well, but highlighted concerns - including the length of Auckland's lockdown. Health Minister Simeon Brown says it shows the previous Government extended the Auckland lockdown, in spite of official advice saying it was safe to lift. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Covid period was tough on New Zealand, and it's important the impacts aren't forgotten. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“One of the things that was going to combat gender inequality in our world was that sense of progress and then to see in the research that actually the younger generation is more conservative on these questions than people my age, that deeply troubled me.”Lucy Hockings speaks to Julia Gillard former Australian PM and chair at the Global Institute for Women's Leadership, King's College London about new research on equality.Having worked her way to the top in the male dominated world of Australian politics, Julia knows about sexism and misogyny. She famously called it out in a speech against opposition leader Tony Abbott in 2012 and has always been a proponent of equality for women. But 14 years on and research from the organisation she now leads finds that more and more young men want a traditional wife that obeys her husband and that's not too independent*. So what has gone wrong?Lucy and Julia unpick the research and analyse the factors behind this backsliding, and they also discuss Julia's time as Australia's first ever female head of government. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky and former New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Lucy Hockings Producer: Clare Williamson Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.*31% of Gen Z men (born between 1997 and 2012) agree that a wife should always obey her husband and one third (33%) say a husband should have the final word on important decisions, according to a new global study of 23,000 people in 29-countries conducted by Ipsos UK and the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's Business School, King's College London.(Image: Julia Gillard Credit: Vicki Couchman for King's College London)

நியூசிலாந்து முன்னாள் பிரதமர் Jacinda Ardern ஆஸ்திரேலியாவிற்கு குடிபெயர்வதாக தெரிவிக்கப்படுகிறது. இதுகுறித்த செய்தியை எடுத்துவருகிறார் றேனுகா துரைசிங்கம்.

Luke Willis Thompson is a Fijian New Zealand artist, currently based in Tāmaki. His politically geared practice circulates various mediums that are often conceptually driven; working amongst moving image, photography, performance, installation, and sculpture, as modes of exploration. His current solo exhibition at Ngutu Kākā gallery, B42040A1A1A presents Two major moving image works, Whakamoemoeā (2024), and Soro (2025). Each work utilizes this visual language of political theatre to imagine a decolonial future for Aotearoa.  This exhibition includes the first presentation of Whakamoemoeā in Aotearoa since its first viewing at the Shajah Biennial. The work set in 2040 centres a powerful address in te reo Māori on the Waitgani grounds by recognised broadcaster, journalist, and politician, Oriini Kaipara. The Second work shown within this exhibition Soro, envisions a re-enactment of the 2021 Dawn Raids Apology. Set 10 years on from former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's apology, Where an unnamed Prime Minister delivers the speech out of frame, the camera Instead focused on recognised NZSL interpreter Alan Wendt.  Maya caught up with Luke about the show, and overall practice. 

Friday Headlines: Hillary Clinton testifies in Epstein probe, calls for PM to hold Israel responsible for destruction of Australian war graves, Instagram to send alerts to parents over their kids' mental health, Jacinda Ardern is moving to Australia and Australia’s best beach named. Deep Dive: Trying to reach the summit of Mount Everest continues to gain popularity with hundreds of people attempting the climb each year. But with the growth comes an increase in people who don’t have enough experience trying to achieve the brutal feat and with the new climbing season about to get underway, the Nepalese government is bringing in new rules to clamp down on so-called Everest “influencers” from attempting the climb. In today’s deep dive, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Aussie Everest climber Daniel Bull to get his take on the new regulations and hear his tale of the Death Zone. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern is now living across the Tasman. A spokesperson for Ardern says the family has been travelling for a few years now and for the moment they're basing themselves out of Australia. The statement says they have work there, and it brings the added bonus of more time back home in New Zealand. Australian correspondent Murray Olds says this follows weeks of speculation about Ardern house-hunting in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 26 February, 2026, we talk to Air New Zealand's boss about its net loss of $40 million and ask if David Seymour's right when he says: "Go woke, go broke." How much the Government's making from clamping cars when people fail to pay fines. We look at why men are far more likely to own the home they live in than women. And on The Huddle, Clare de Lore and Ali Jones discuss why many people are happy to see Jacinda Ardern living in Australia. 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.

Time for Bookmarks, that's our weekly feature where we spend some time chatting to interesting people about what interests them. Today Cass Avery is going to share what she likes to listen to, watch and read. Cass is a film and TV producer of more that 25 years; specialising in documentary projects, Cass was behind the 2016 Richie McCaw documentary 'Chasing Great' and the recently released Prime Minister - charting Jacinda Ardern's tenure as PM.

"I wake up at 3 AM, check my phone to see what fresh hell has come out, and it's usually two words: 'Trump threatens.'" — Peter BaleWe're reversing the lens today. Rather than examining America from the inside, we're peering at it from the outside in—from New Zealand, at the bottom of the world. Peter Bale is a longtime media executive who's had senior positions at CNN, Reuters, and News Corp. He's now back in his native New Zealand, waking up at 3 AM to check his phone. The news, he says, is usually two words: "Trump threatens."Much of our conversation centers on the former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. She led New Zealand's COVID response, Anthony Fauci style, with daily press conferences and a scientific mastery of the facts. An estimated 20,000 lives were saved. But she also became the target of profound misogyny and physical threats that no New Zealand Prime Minister had ever experienced. She now lives in Boston—teaching at Harvard's Shorenstein Center—because she can't safely live in her own country.Bale describes a dark MAGA-style underbelly in New Zealand that surprised him when he returned after 50 years abroad. Christian nationalists, anti-Maori sentiment, "Christchurch skinheads." US platforms—especially X—have given permission to speak in ways that would have been unacceptable. When the President uses that rhetoric, Bale notes, the permission for personal calumny is quadrupled.We also discuss the Epstein files (the media failed to connect the dots), Will Lewis's destruction of the Washington Post ("utterly reprehensible"), and whether America is finished. Bale's answer: "I don't think America is ever done. Every time people perceive it to be done, it has a political or economic renewal." The question is who comes after Trump—Vance or somebody even more threatening—and who will keep waking Peter Bale at 3 AM. Five Takeaways●      The View from 18,000 Miles Is Punch-Drunk: Bale wakes at 3 AM to check his phone. The news is usually two words: "Trump threatens." Small countries like New Zealand depend on the international rule of law. When that breaks down, they feel it acutely.●      Jacinda Ardern Became New Zealand's Fauci: She led the COVID response with daily press conferences and saved an estimated 20,000 lives. But she became the target of profound misogyny and physical threats. She now lives in Boston because she can't safely live in New Zealand.●      "They Are Us" Was the Right Three Words: After an Australian livestreamed himself killing 51 Muslims in Christchurch, Ardern flew there immediately, wore a head covering, and said of the victims: "They are us." It hung in the air as exactly what needed to be said.●      Trumpism Has Gone International: New Zealand has its own dark underbelly—Christian nationalists, anti-Maori sentiment, "Christchurch skinheads." US platforms have given permission to speak in ways that would have been unacceptable. When the President uses that rhetoric, the permission is quadrupled.●      America Is Never Done: Every time people perceive it to be finished, it has a political or economic renewal. Its ability to rebuild itself constantly is astounding. The question is who comes after Trump—Vance or somebody worse. About the GuestPeter Bale is a longtime media executive based in New Zealand. He has held senior positions at CNN, Reuters, News Corp, and the Center for Public Integrity. He ran WikiTribune and has been a close observer of both American and international media for decades.ReferencesPeople mentioned:●      Jacinda Ardern was Prime Minister of New Zealand during COVID. She now teaches at Harvard's Shorenstein Center because she can't safely live in her own country.●      Mark Carney has articulated what Bale calls the "Carney doctrine"—medium-sized countries standing up to US unilateralism.●      Will Lewis presided over cuts at the Washington Post that Bale calls "utterly reprehensible," including eliminating international bureaus and the books section.●      Michael Wolff has spent three years trying to interest mainstream media in Trump-Epstein connections. Trump's defense: "I'm not a schmuck enough to use email."About Keen On AmericaNobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States—hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,800 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting.WebsiteSubstackYouTubeApple PodcastsSpotify Chapters:(00:00) - Introduction: Reversing the lens (01:00) - Punch-drunk 18,000 miles away (03:00) - The Carney doctrine and standing up to Trump (05:00) - Whatever happened to Jacinda Ardern? (08:00) - Ardern as New Zealand's Fauci (09:00) - The Christchurch mosque shooting: 'They are us' (11:00) - The dark heart of New Zealand politics (13:00) - Has New Zealand caught Trumpism? (15:00) - The collapse of trust in media (16:00) - Peter's role in New Zealand media funding (18:00) - Opinion vs. reporting: What went wrong (21:00) - The Epstein files and media failure (25:00) - Will Lewis and the Washington Post disaster (28:00) - Will America survive? (30:00) - America is never done

Pippa Hudson speaks to Melanie Verwoed about her new podcast, Grys en Gatvol, which she’s launched with Maritza Breitenbach to discuss menopause. They’re hosting a special film screening at the Labia Theatre called Prime Minister, about Jacinda Ardern. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read, and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10 pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

En 2023, la primera ministra de Nueva Zelanda, Jacinda Ardern renunció al cargo porque “No tenía energía suficiente” para dar lo mejor. Explicaba en una entrevista que la 'la vida  pública se ha deshumanizado'.   En Más Platón y menos WhatsApp reflexionamos sobre Filosofía y Deshumanización

“Regardless of whether it's Trump or anybody else in the White House, we should expect something quite significant to be going on in terms of the United States' relationship with the rest of the world.”Amol Rajan speaks to Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University, about a new era of global power play. In this conversation, she traces the roots of the re-birth of US expansionism back to the 19th century, and America's early presidents. She also explains how the dynamics of geopolitics are tied to the control of resources, in particular oil.Professor Thompson is an expert on the history of globalisation who has taught at Britain's Cambridge University for more than 30 years. Her current research looks at the geopolitics of energy, and the long history of this century's global disruptions.Thank you to the Radical team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with the Colombian president Gustavo Petro, New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Amol Rajan Producers: Anna Budd, Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Helen Thompson Credit: Anna Budd/BBC)

Gone By Lunchtime is taking a break over summer. We'll be back soon with new episodes but, until then, here's one of our favourites from 2025: Hot on the heels of the publication of A Different Kind of Power comes Prime Minister, an enthralling new film that applies a genuinely gobsmacking lens on Jacinda Ardern's time in power. In this special edition of Gone By Lunchtime, Madeleine Chapman, editor of the Spinoff (and author of Jacinda Ardern: A New Kind of Leader), joins Toby Manhire to talk about the film, which has just had its New Zealand premiere at the NZ International Film Festival, and the autobiography, what they tell us about Ardern and what they don't. This episode was originally published on August 9 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew For America presents the third installment of his new miniseries where he plays clips from prominent people telling you the truth about reality and/or telling you exactly what the "big club's" plan for the world is. In this episode, Andrew talks about Tim Walz's recent withdrawal from the governor race in the state of Minnesota, and plays clips from Jacinda Ardern, Ted Turner, Bill Gates, John Brennen, Kier Starmer, Alexander Soros, and others talking about alleged climate change, the need to reduce carbon, and the need to reduce the population of the world! Andrew also talks about partisan hypocrisy and how the American people act no differently than the citizens of Germany acted under Hitler.The song selections are the songs, "Paradigm" and "No Kings" by the band Templeton Pek.Visit allegedlyrecords.com and check out all of the amazing punk rock artists!Visit soundcloud.com/andrewforamerica1984 to check out Andrew's music!Like and Follow The Politics & Punk Rock Podcast PLAYLIST on Spotify!!!Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Y4rumioeqvHfaUgRnRxsy...politicsandpunkrockpodcast.comFollow Future Is Now Coalition on Instagram @FutureIsOrgwww.futureis.org

“I wanted to show that you could be human and could also be kind and decisive and a mother, imperfectly but still, I think, do a reasonable job.”BBC presenter Kylie Pentelow speaks to Dame Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand's former Prime Minister about the importance of empathetic leadership in the time of populism and strongman politics. In 2017 Ardern became the youngest Prime Minister in the world at the time, and only the second ever to have a baby whilst in office. She was praised for her humane approach and leadership through crises such as the 2019 Christchurch terrorist attack that saw 51 killed. She swiftly brought in gun laws and reached out to the Muslim community targeted in the attack.In her 5 years in politics she was a champion of climate change and LGBGTQ and indigenous rights, but she was also criticised for some of the harsh lockdown measures that her government enacted during the pandemic.Since leaving politics, Jacinda Ardern has been engaging in global work focused on empathy in leadership, combatting climate change and the prevention of online extremism.She's written books, including one about being a working mother, and she now stars in a documentary about her life entitled simply, Prime Minister. She's currently a distinguished fellow and part of the World Leaders Circle at Oxford University.Thank you to the Woman's Hour team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producers: Dianne McGregor, Farhana Haider & Clare Williamson Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Jacinda Ardern Credit: Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister of New Zealand in 2017 at the age of 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world. She also made history as only the second elected leader to give birth while in office. She resigned in 2023 after more than five years in post saying she no longer had enough in the tank and, since then, has engaged in global work focused on empathy in leadership and the prevention of online extremism. As a new documentary film, Prime Minister, is out in cinemas now, Jacinda talks to Kylie Pentelow.The government has just unveiled its new HIV Action Plan with the stated goal of tackling stigma and to end transmissions in England by 2030. Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton discusses the policy along with Ellie Harrison, who was diagnosed HIV positive when she was 21.Are friendships with exes a bad idea or a sign of growing up? Journalist Olivia Petter and comedian Rosie Wilby join Nuala McGovern to explore how relationships with ex-partners evolve after a breakup, and why staying in touch can look different in straight and LGBTQ+ communities.Columnist Sarah Vine started losing her hair as a teenager and was eventually diagnosed with female pattern baldness, a hormonal condition. But now she has decided, after 15 years of wearing wigs, to reveal her own hair on the front cover of a national newspaper. She speaks about her decision to bare all.We examine new data that reveals the number of teachers leaving the profession after becoming parents. We explore why, and what's being done about it. Emma Shepherd is the founder of the Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project and Branwen Jeffries is the BBC's Education Editor.Do you like everything to be perfect for dinner party hosting – the spotless house, the elaborate menu, the Instagram-worthy table setting? But what if the secret to a great dinner party isn't perfection, but scruffy hosting – a trend that is apparently transforming the way we gather together and makes stress-free dinner parties more attainable - perhaps a one-pot dinner, mismatched cutlery, toys under the table or children running around screaming. Helen Thorn, Comedian, Podcaster and one half of Scummy Mummies tells Nuala why she embraces this type of hosting.Presenter: Kylie Pentelow Producer: Dianne McGregor

This week, hosts Tom Rivett Carnac and Paul Dickenson delve into the rapidly emerging - and faintly surreal - world of solar geoengineering. Politico journalist Karl Mathiesen joins us to unpack his investigation into Stardust, a VC-backed startup claiming it's ready to spray particles into the stratosphere. Karl explains why this technology is suddenly attracting serious money, why scientists still have major questions about safety and side effects, and how in some places, the global regulatory landscape is almost nonexistent.And from technological disruption to political stability, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, reflects on the leadership we need. She's unflinchingly honest about why so many politicians still choose “fear and blame” over long-term action, and why climate remains New Zealand's “nuclear-free moment.” A test of political character as much as policy. Her argument is hopeful: people, she insists, are ahead of their politics.As we march towards the end of 2025, these conversations map the terrain of 2026: technologies racing ahead, governance lagging behind, and a public increasingly hungry for leaders willing to act with integrity. If you want to understand where the climate fight is really heading this episode is essential.Learn more:

When Jacinda Ardern became Prime Minister in 2017 at the age of 37, she was the youngest female head of government in the world. She also made history as only the second elected leader to give birth while in office. She resigned in 2023 after more than five years in post saying she no longer had enough in the tank and, since then, has engaged in global work focused on empathy in leadership and the prevention of online extremism. As a new documentary film, Prime Minister, comes out out in cinemas, Jacinda tells Kylie Pentelow about the highs and lows of trying to lead with empathy. We examine new data that reveals the number of teachers leaving the profession after becoming parents. We'll ask why, and what's being done about it. Emma Shepherd is the founder of the Maternity Teacher Paternity Teacher Project and Branwen Jeffries is the BBC's Education Editor.British Olympic and Paralympic athletes are being offered a new form of artificial intelligence-based protection from online abuse for the first time. UK Sport has signed a contract worth more than £300,000 to allow thousands of athlete's access to an app which detects and hides abusive posts sent by other users on social media. BBC Sport Correspondent Natalie Pirks and Olympic badminton player Kirsty Gilmour discuss. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced he is launching an independent review into rising demand for mental health, ADHD, and autism services in England. Women's historic underdiagnosis has started to improve in recent years. What role might this play in the increase that the government now plan to examine? We hear from Dr Jessica Agnew-Blais - senior lecturer in psychology at Queen Mary's University in London who researches girls and women with ADHD.

High performers often mistake exhaustion for weakness — but decision fatigue is a signal, not a flaw. Discover how to restore clarity through nervous system peace, not more productivity. Learn how to pause without losing momentum.Decision fatigue isn't a sign of failure — it's your nervous system asking for peace.In this episode of The Recalibration, Julie Holly unpacks the truth behind leadership exhaustion and over-responsibility, revealing why even the most capable high performers reach a point where every decision feels heavy.Drawing from the story of Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Julie reframes her courageous resignation not as retreat, but as revelation — a model of grounded leadership that protects alignment more fiercely than image.You'll learn why rest isn't passive, but the very thing that restores discernment, clarity, and emotional regulation. From a neuroscience perspective, decision fatigue is what happens when your system mistakes adrenaline for safety — leaving you in constant vigilance. From a spiritual lens, it's the moment The Sovereign invites you to remember: you were never meant to lead alone.The Recalibration isn't another mindset tactic or productivity tip. It's the root-level realignment of identity and nervous system — the shift that makes every other tool effective again. When your identity is anchored, rest stops feeling dangerous and starts feeling holy.Today's Micro RecalibrationCancel one unnecessary decision. Delay one nonessential choice. Then, instead of filling that space — let peace choose where your attention goes. You'll be surprised how quickly clarity returns when it's not being chased.If this episode gave you language you've been missing, please rate and review the show so more high-capacity humans can find it. Explore Identity-Level Recalibration→ Join the next Friday Recalibration Live experience → Follow Julie Holly on LinkedIn for more recalibration insights → Schedule a conversation with Julie to see if The Recalibration is a fit for you → Download the Misalignment Audit → Subscribe to the weekly newsletter → Join the waitlist for the next Recalibration cohort → One link to all things This isn't therapy. This isn't coaching. This is identity recalibration — and it changes everything.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern led her country through some of its greatest crises: the Christchurch mass shooting, a deadly volcano eruption, and a global pandemic. A new CNN documentary takes an intimate look at Ardern's political career, filmed over seven years. Audie met Ardern at Oxford University to talk about the film, parenting in the spotlight, empathetic leadership, and what's next.   CNN Films will broadcast the television premiere of “Prime Minister” on Sunday, November 16 at 9pm ET/PT on CNN.  “Prime Minister” will be available to stream the next day for subscribers of CNN's All Access streaming offering.  --  This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson and Osman Noor  Senior Producer: Matt Martinez  Technical Director: Dan Dzula   Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices