Podcasts about Jack Tame

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Australia's Labor Government is pushing to add 40 members to Parliament before the 2028 election. This move has prompted plenty of debate about the pros and cons. What do we think of this? The Government announced proposals to let under-13s bike on footpaths and allow e-scooters in cycle lanes. Transport Minister Chris Bishop says a 'common sense' approach is needed on this issue. Do we think this is fair? US President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking State of the Union speech discussing crime, immigration and the economy. What did we make of the address? Why aren't people buying townhouses? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 25 February, 2026, we talk to Transport Minister Chris Bishop about plans to let E-scooters use cycle lanes and allow children under-12 to ride their bikes on the footpath. Why the Reserve Bank wants banks to set up more ATMs and branches. Real Estate agent Rawdon Christie tells us why so many newly built townhouses aren't selling. And on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour and Jack Tame assess Donald Trump's record one hour 47-minute State of the Union speech. 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.

Moana & the Tribe have long been acknowledged for pushing the boundaries of Māori music. Led by Moana Maniapoto, the band has become one of New Zealand's most successful Māori bands, creating a fusion of politically charged haka-funk-dub music and performing all over the world. They're bringing their global collaboration ‘ONO' to Tāmaki Makaurau as part of the Auckland Arts Festival, and to mark International Women's Day. But this performance is a little bigger than their usual band, Maniapoto telling Jack Tame that she got a bit carried away. "There is a cast of thousands on stage,” she said. ‘ONO' showcases the voice, language, and cultures of six indigenous women from different places Moana & The Tribe has performed, and two of the artists are flying in for the performance – Hawai'i's Kaumakaiwa Kanaka'ole and Australia's Shellie Morris. “I'm really excited to have them come and join us.” “It's gonna be great, and its a celebration of like, mana wāhine and mana reo.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What. A. Photo. What a stunning, extraordinary, scandal-defining, generation-defining photo. A gaunt man. His eyes wide, somehow focusing on nothing and everything at once, as if haunted by a vision he cannot unsee. His face is haggard. His pale fingers clasped. The light of the photographer's flash reflected in red in his pupil. What is the position he's in? Is he trying to hide? If so, he did a terrrrrible job. Is he willing the plush leather seats of his vehicle to swallow him whole? And what is that expression? Is it the humiliation of Police detention? The shock and embarrassment of being held against your will? Or is it the gravity of this moment, this realisation? Does Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor finally see that he, a man born into the most extreme privilege is now mired in the most profound shame. Charged? As of yet, no. Convicted? Certainly not. But surely irredeemable in his disgrace. What a moment. What an extraordinary fall from grace. What a photo. Once again, we are reminded, aren't we, of a photograph's unique power. There's nothing like it. The Reuters photographer at the other end of the lens fired off six frames. Two had Police in the shot. Two were blank. One was out of focus. And this, the frame that endured. A photograph that says more than any headline in British tabloids ever could. It was as if it were meant to be. In a strange poetic way, photographs now book-end Andrew's disgrace. It was a photograph that first tied him to Epstein and Virginia Giuffre. The then-Prince stands with his body facing towards her, his hand around her waist. It was a photograph in the latest Epstein dump of Andrew on all fours, above a female on the ground. Once again, the flash reflects red in pupils. And so it was that when he was filmed and photographed on his 66th birthday leaving the Aylsham Police Station, it is the photograph we remember. A friend noted yesterday what an astoundingly undignified episode this has been. From the photographs themselves to the pathetic communications of Sarah Fergusson scattered throughout the files, to the image of a flubbering man on the BBC's Newsnight, waffling about Pizza Express. I bet you're sweating now, Andy. I thought the King's statement yesterday was excellent. Might he have felt a strange relief at having already stripped his brother of his Royal titles? Perhaps. There are still plenty of valid questions about why the Palace didn't do a whole lot more, a whole lot sooner. But the statement was strong and uncompromising. He continued with his engagements. And in the face of a reputational crisis for the Palace, he was a vision of relative stability. Who can say now what indignities remain for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor? He spent his 65th birthday in a palace and his 66th in a police station. Theoretically if he's charged and convicted, he could face time in prison. That photograph of him being driven away cut a pitiful vision. One that very few people will forget. From Andrew's perspective, worse could yet still be to come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finances aren't everyone's strength, and as such, they might decide to enlist a financial advisor. But there are a few things you might not be aware of when it comes to the job, so Ed McKnight joined Jack Tame to reveal the truth about financial advisors in New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot on the heels of Valentines Day, Dr Dougal Sutherland becomes Dr Love. He joined Jack Tame to discuss some research about dating, both online and in person, and offer up some advice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend marks the end of an era for Splore Festival. This instalment of the annual boutique music and arts festival at Auckland's Orere Point will be the last. After nearly 30 years, ticket sales fell and it became too difficult for owner John Minty to fund alone. Chris Schulz is attending this weekend's festivities, and joined Jack Tame to chat about the festival's tragic ending. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 18 February, 2026, we hear from the new Reserve Bank Governor on the first big call of her tenure - keeping the official cash rate at 2.25 percent. We talk to Northland MP Grant McCallum about Shane Jones' call to kill "homicidal" dogs. The head of Christchurch's new Te Kaha stadium hints there's more than just the Foo Fighters to come. And on the Huddle, do Jack Tame and Tim Wilson support Heather's call that the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band? Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Anna Breman made her first call as Reserve Bank Governor and left the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. Do we think this is the right move? Do we need to start putting down more dangerous dogs? The recent attack in Northland has sparked discussion - and some outrage. Do we need tougher regulations for dogs, or owners? Heather says the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band in existence. Do we agree with that? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On my route home from work is a big arterial road with a whole line of different car dealerships. There's a Toyota yard, a Ford dealership, a Mazda and a Volkswagon. A series of uber-fancy ones selling everything from Audis to McLarens to Lamborghinis. And as I made my one home one night a couple of weeks ago, a new sign caught my eye. What the hell is Zeekr? I wondered. Actually, truth be told I already had a pretty good hunch and a quick Google that evening confirmed my suspicion. Zeekr is the latest premium Chinese EV company to hit the New Zealand market. You can add it to Geely and Farizon, EV brands owned by the same Chinese conglomerate. Add to those Xpeng, which has its first dealerships and sells a pretty smart-looking coupe SUV. Add to it Leapmotor, Dongfeng and old mate BYD, and if you've spent any time on the road in New Zealand of late, you've surely noticed we are in the midst of a bit of a revolution with Chinese Evs. It's not just us, of course. It's everywhere. Last year, China exported $115B worth of electric vehicles. That was a 43% increase on 2024. And they're not only relying on a single export market for their sales. Chinese EV sales are booming almost everywhere. 66 countries last year spent more than $US 100m on Chinese EVs. Why am I telling you this? Well I reckon there's good reason to think that Donald Trump's decision to scrap emissions standards and environmental regulations this week, is the equivalent of laying down your king and resigning the chess board. It might make combustion engine vehicles a bit cheaper for U.S consumers in the short term, but as the World slowly shifts to cleaner technology, it hands the Chinese EV makers an even greater advantage. Where is the incentive for U.S carmakers to make good EVs? Where is the incentive to push consumers towards electric vehicles? There's a reason Tesla has opposed scrapping the vehicle standards. And what will it mean for U.S carmakers trying to sell into markets where emissions standards are still in place? China's used some pretty extraordinary methods to propel its clean tech industries. They've subsidised and propped up EV makers in a way that foreign manufacturers say is anti-competitive and unfair. But look at BYD's extraordinary vertical integration. They own mining rights. They revolutionised battery technology. They have purpose-built ships, designed to the perfect specifications to maximise the number of vehicles they can export. And look at the quality, the features, and price point of Chinese EVs. There is a reason they are poving so popular. I don't think for a moment that EVs are the solution to everything. But I do think that on balance they'll play a huge part in domestic transport in the near future. If you agree, then in my view Donald Trump and the United States has just thrown in the towel and more or less guaranteed that China will dominate that EV future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The heart is a phenomenal muscle in the body that is often described as ‘natures quiet overachiever'. Small steady steps work to keep it healthy are important as heart disease is responsible for 33% of deaths in New Zealand. It's our biggest killer. Dr Bryan Betty joins Jack Tame to discuss what Kiwis can do to keep their heart healthy, and it doesn't take much. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six60 have spent more than 15 years working on their craft. With the heights they've reached you might forgive the band for taking some time to relax a little, but there is simply no stopping the boys Matiu, Marlon, Ji and Chris. Six60 have released their 5th album, it's called Right Here Right Now. And what makes this album so special is that it's all recorded live. Every track is a one-take wonder. The boys joined Jack in the studio to discuss the process behind making their new album and give a special performance of one of their new tracks. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Morris Williamson, Auckland councillor and former National Party minister, and Jack Tame, host of Saturday mornings and Q&A, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Nicola Willis announced a surprise inquiry into the Reserve Bank's actions during Covid with questions arising over the timing. And, Winston Peters visits Saudi Arabia and sits ringside at Joseph Parker's fight. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 February, 2026, Nicola Willis tells us why the Government's now decided to do an inquiry into Reserve Bank actions during Covid-19. We ask the Safeguarding Children chief executive if an abuse awareness campaign is likely to be effective in the wake of the murder of five-year-old Malachi Subecz. The publisher of a new book on Ron Brierley explains why he thinks people need to hear the disgraced businessman's story. And on the Huddle, Jack Tame and Maurice Williamson on whether they'd sample a michelada - beer with tomato juice. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Milne's dreams to buy a gorgeous house has been stymied by something unexpected: age. Photos of what quickly became his dream home popped up this week, but it became a disagreement between him and his wife Linda, with her banning him from even thinking about buying it. But why? Kevin joined Jack Tame to explain what's made the house so unobtainable. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yumi Zouma is the gold standard for ethereal dream-pop. But after a decade together, the Kiwi quartet has decided to push the envelope, taking strides into a heavier rock sound. Their fifth studio album, ‘No Love Lost To Kindness', is a turning point, filled with themes of confrontation, disillusionment, risk, and honesty. The band's guitarists, Josh Burgess and Charlie Ryder, joined Jack Tame to discuss the album, its creation, and the decade they've been creating together. Ryder told Tame that while there's a big juxtaposition between this album and their previous body of work, it was a natural progression. “We listen to a lot of music of all genres, that includes like, rock music, heavy stuff, and at the time, I think, yeah, it made sense for us to go in more of a grungier, harder direction.” “After releasing five albums, and I guess like, 100 songs, you can't just keep doing the same thing over and over again.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand was host to two contrasting acts this week, playing out at the opposite ends of the North Island. On Thursday, Auckland's Laneway Festival was held at Western Springs, whilst in Wellington, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds played two shows – one Thursday and one Friday. Chris Schulz was at both events, and joined Jack Tame to share his thoughts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm generally sceptical of conspiracy theories. Call me old fashioned, but I'm pretty sure we landed on the moon. I think 9/11 was al-Qaeda, not an inside job. I think climate change is real. But I've got to admit, I've been captivated by the information released in the Epstein files. And while I still don't think it reveals a coordinated paedophile ring, the trove of information released so far has been far more enlightening than I ever anticipated it would be. Truthfully, I thought it would be a nothing burger. I was wrong. It's not that the files necessarily prove greater illegality. Many people thought the dump would reveal a client list of the global elite: a black book of politicians, billionaires, CEOs, celebs, and royalty who'd committed the most appalling crimes and would be rounded up and brought to justice. So far at least, it doesn't have that. But it has illuminated a web of connections and relationships among the wealthy, connected, and powerful that we might never have known existed. And it is quite extraordinary to see the ways in which power and acquaintances have been leveraged. There are several stand out takeaways for me. First of all, the sheer volume of information. Thousands of videos, hundreds of thousands of photos, millions of messages. Was there anything this guy didn't document? And there are still millions of documents that haven't yet been released. Secondly, the impact the files are having in countries outside the United States. Although they name heaps of big powerful figures in the US, many of whom are closely connected to the President or the Clintons, the blow-back has arguably been curiously stronger in other parts of the World. Overnight, the Crown Princess of Norway has publicly apologised to the King and Queen after her close relationship with Epstein was illuminated. As we go to air, Police in the UK are searching the properties of Peter Mandelson, the man who until a few weeks ago was the UK's Ambassador to the US, and who's one of many people who after initially talking down their relationship with Epstein, has been proven to have been far closer to the man, to have visited him and stayed with him well after this initial convictions. Ariane de Rothschild, the CEO of the Rothschild Swiss bank, previously said she only met Epstein on bank business, but the files suggest a much chummier relationship, Epstein inviting her to stay at his apartment. My third takeaway is that even though nothing illegal is alleged on their behalf, some of the high-profile names associated with Epstein have forever tarnished their reputations through their enduring relationships with him. Bill Gates continuing to communicate with Epstein for years. Noam Chomsky tendering advice to Epstein on surviving a media storm relating to his criminal charges. And of course, the greatest fall from grace outside of Epstein himself, the former Prince Andrew, disgraced, stripped of his titles, and with no realistic path back to respect. The files may not have proved a great conspiracy, but they have been incredibly illuminating. And as I've digested the reporting and analysis, the communications of incredibly powerful people who never imagined their messages would be publicised, I've been reminded of a salient quote. "The measure of a person's character is what they do when no one is watching." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the happiest job in New Zealand? Research undertaken in 2025 looked at how people across different jobs and sectors rated their wellbeing. They targeted people who were “mid-career” – around 40 years old. Dr Dougal Sutherland joined Jack Tame to delve into the findings and see what factors make for the happiest careers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Stats NZ data shows unemployment was at 5.4 percent in the December quarter - the highest it's been in over a decade. What does this say about the economy? Will things finally turn around this year? It could be months before Wellingtonians are given the all-clear for swimming at southern coastal areas, following today's big sewage leak. Should people be outraged? Is Petone's Jackson St really cooler than Cuba St? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 4 February, 2026, unemployment's at a 10-year high but Brad Olsen from Infometrics says it's not all bad news. Why Wellington's sewage problem in the water could go on for months. Former Warriors coach Tony Kemp tells us how big a deal a State of Origin match at Eden Park would be. And on the Huddle, Tim Wilson and Jack Tame on the merits of Petone's Jackson Street being cooler than Wellington's Cuba Street. 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.

We're all guilty of buying things we don't need sometimes, but there are ways to curb that behaviour and make things a little bit more sustainable. Kate Hall has a list of things she's not buying in 2026, paper towels, seasonal decor, and fast fashion just a few, but instead of giving them up entirely, she's figured out a few alternative options. She joined Jack Tame to discuss her full list of swaps. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For one reason or another, many people don't think about what will happen when they die. What will happen to their belongings, their money, their assets. But in a world where blended families and complicated dynamics are becoming increasingly common, it's becoming more and more important to ensure you have a will organised. Ed McKnight joined Jack Tame to discuss the importance of having a will – telling a story of how the lack of one tore one family apart. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are just one week away. New Zealand's presence at the Games is growing, with 17 athletes set to compete this year. And though he won't be competing this year, two-time Winter Olympic medallist Nico Porteous knows how they'll be feeling. At age 16, he won the Bronze at the 2018 Games in PyeongChang, and four years later, took the Gold in Beijing. But last year he decided to shift focus, stepping away from the Olympic-level competition. Porteous had been in high performance and competitive environments since he was ten years old, and felt it was time for something new. “We're lucky that in our sport, competition isn't everything,” he told Jack Tame. “With the support of sponsors, we can move into different areas such as, y'know, making films and doing one off projects, so that areas has always really excited me and inspired me.” And with two Olympic medals under his belt, a raft of other titles, and even a New Zealand Order of Merit to his name, he felt he had achieved what he wanted to on the competition side of things. “I felt like it was the right time to step aside.” But for those heading to the Olympics this year, Porteous does have some advice. “Just worry about yourself and worry about your own performance,” he said. “There's a lot of external stuff that can sort of come into play, so I think the biggest skill that I took out of it and learned in the whole process was to just worry about what you're doing and your process.” “Be driven by your own process, rather than someone else's ambitions or goals for you.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fifth studio album from NZ indie-rock quartet Yumi Zouma, ‘No Love Lost To Kindness' is a turning point for the band. In this album they made a deliberate effort to shed the soft-focus production of their previous works in favour of a heavy and more emotionally exposed feeling ‘No Love Lost To Kindness' was recorded in Mexico City, and tackles themes of confrontation, diagnosis, disillusionment, risk, and honesty. Chris Schulz joined Jack Tame to share his thoughts on the album. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our house this week, the juggle gets real. After a year's maternity leave, my wife is heading back to work. With a nearly-one-year-old and a nearly-nine-year-old, we're balancing the two kids with two working parents. Every day is logistical jiu jitsu. My wife has been making this point for ages, but as we've counted down the days to the new normal, I've come to appreciate its salience more than ever. Even though young people are the key to our future, economic and otherwise, somehow we've created a society that makes things incredible tricky for many young families. First of all, to have a reasonable middle-class, home-owning life, most households need two working parents. There are exceptions of course, but I reckon most need two working parents. It's my sense that this didn't use to be the case. In the post-war years it was quite normal to have households with one working parent. It wasn't that families were flush with cash! It's just that relative to incomes, housing and the cost of living was more affordable. So, two working parents for most middle-class households. Many jobs, if not most, will require staff to work an eight-hour day – 9am-5pm. But school, oh no, that's a six-hour day – 9am-3pm, which means if you're on pickup duties, you probably need to be checking out of work at about 2.30. Consider the holidays. Standard leave provisions for a fulltime worker in New Zealand are four weeks annual leave plus the public holidays. That means that in a two-parent house, if the parents never have more than a long weekend off together, they can cover eight weeks a year. But kids? They get at least twelve weeks of school holidays. Hmm. I'm convinced school holidays programmes and after school care were not nearly as common or necessary when I was a kid, let alone in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. For younger children, it's just as challenging. Sure, the Government has increased its maternity provisions (my Mum got nothing, back in the day!), but while they provide 20 hours free childcare for children over the age of three, maternity payments are only for the first six months of a baby's life. Even though supposedly a child's first 1000 days are the most important, there's a two-and-a-half-year gap in support. So what is a family to do if their grandparents aren't around or available every day to help? One parent can choose to stay home with the child, or a parent can go back to work and effectively redirect all of their income into childcare. Neither option is amazing. New Zealand's birth rate has massively dropped off in the last few decades. Same with our fertility rate. We don't yet face the same kind of population crisis that afflicts the likes of Italy and South Korea, but as the eldest of four, something tells me the sale of Mitsubishi Chariots has dropped off in recent years. You don't see anywhere near as many bigger families as you were the norm a few decades ago. And I want to be clear: we are very, very fortunate. I'm lucky to be pretty well-paid. We have support. We make it work. But it's still a real hustle. And what for the working families who don't have the same income, support close by, or flexible employers, or more help with childcare? For so many families it must be more than a juggle. It's a real struggle. And I'm not sure that's in anyone's interest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers Union and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Judith Collins today confirmed she was retiring from politics - will we miss her? Will New Zealand politics be different without Ju-Co around? Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has sunk to his lowest popularity in the past year, with a leaked poll showing more voters disapprove of him than approve. What can the Government do differently here? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 28 January, 2026, we look at the legacy of Judith Collins in New Zealand politics as she prepares to become president of the Law Commission. Air New Zealand cabin crew are preparing to go on strike - will it affect your travel plans? Another hammer blow for the construction industry - why more than 20 businesses have gone bust in a week. And on the Huddle, Jack Tame and Jordan Williams look at why people aren't liking prime minister Christopher Luxon in opinion polls. 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.

As the human tragedy at Mt Maunganui continues, the timeline around warnings and what authorities knew and when they knew it is becoming clearer. Fire and Emergency has confirmed it received a 111 call about landslides on the Mount before 6 o'clock on Thursday morning. As you would expect, it has a robust record-keeping system, which records that call as being at 5.48am. The slips at that time did not affect life or property, and so three minutes later at 5.51am, Fire and Emergency says it notified Tauranga Council as the landowner responsible. But here's where it gets tricky. Tauranga City Council's CEO initially said there was no record of the call at the council's end. Then he was corrected - and that the council did actually receive that call. But given all of the staff who were working and the various calls they were receiving as they responded to weather problems that morning, it's going to take a bit of time and the independent review to work out the timeline at the council's end. Personally, I had no idea until this week that landslides kill more people in New Zealand than any other natural disaster. But as the changing climate makes these big weather events much more common, the question of liability is becoming more prescient than ever. In addition to responding to the myriad problems that extreme weather might cause, in addition to modelling for flooding and high winds, councils and landowners need to have a system for assessing landslide risk in different areas and responding in real time as conditions dictate. And one of the critical questions in the independent review will be whether receiving that call from Fire and Emergency about a slip on the Mount would have been enough for the council to evacuate the campground. Did they have an adequate, real time, extreme weather risk management system? Should staff have had to wait for a landslip to be reported? Or should heavy rain have been enough to get people out? The question of liability looms over everything in this tragedy. And it's my hunch that many councils and landowners around the country will be looking at the terrible events at Mt Maunganui and realising their own systems for assessing real time landslide risk are woefully inadequate. Tauranga Council hopes to have the terms of reference and more detail about the independent review confirmed later this week. But just as Pike River was a catalyst for huge health and safety law reforms, the Mt Maunganui disaster is fast shaping up as a watershed moment for property owners and councils around the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

January is nearing its end, but there's plenty to come throughout the rest of the year. Chris Schulz joined Jack Tame to preview some of the albums set to release this year, and delve into some of the rumours floating around the music scene. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a globally acclaimed celebration of military tradition, music, ceremony, and cultural performance. It has been running for 75 years and in that time has only ever been performed overseas on five occasions. And for the first time in a decade, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will return to New Zealand – performing for the very first time at Auckland's Eden Park in February with the theme ‘The Heroes Who Made Us'. Staff Sergeant David Fiu is a standout member of the NZDF Army band and will be taking part in what is set to be a phenomenal event. He told Jack Tame he's been fortunate to attend the Tattoo in Edinburgh seven times during his career with the NZ Army. “I certainly do not take that for granted,” Fiu said. “I really check myself when I'm there because it's probably easy, midway through the season, to sort of get a little bit complacent.” It's a bucket list moment for many, Fiu explained to Jack Tame, and many people come at that time to experience Edinburgh itself. “So you only can give, give off your best, otherwise you're sort of selling them short.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turns out that not only is swearing good for pain, but it may also increase performance. In many situations where physical effort or performance is required, people often hold themselves back, and holding back emotionally can lead to underperforming physically as well. Dr Dougal Sutherland joined Jack Tame to discuss the growing evidence that “letting it all hang out”, aka shouting, grunting, and even swearing, can benefit your performance. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns over skin cancer with many Kiwis still getting sunburnt. A new Cancer Society and Otago University survey, has found 64% of respondents were sunburnt at least once last summer, including 26% severely. Rates were highest among 18 to 24-year-olds, with more than a third reporting at least three sunburns. Dr Bryan Betty joined Jack Tame to break down the data and discuss some of the best ways to push skin protection to the youth. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's less than a month to my son's first birthday and whenever anyone asks me about my experience of becoming a father, I feel like I have nothing new to offer tens of thousands of years of established observations and discourse. “I just feel,” I say. “Like all the cliches are true. The intensity of the love. The joy. The exhaustion. It's all true!” But one of the things I've come to appreciate more is the difference between theory versus experience. There's stuff I knew about parenting. I understood the theory. But it has taken experiencing it to properly get it, to appreciate it in my marrow. Case in point: newborn babies almost never look very good. They're always a bit squished or alien, a bit like a bald marsupial. And yet, when you're a new parent, you're sure that your baby is different. Perfect and symmetrical and gorgeous in every way. I knew this before we had our son. I had observed the phenomenon in close friends. And yet when our boy arrived, I was convinced. ‘He really is gorgeous. I know it's a thing. I know new parents get new parent goggles. But this is different!' I thought. I look back now, and I've sobered up a bit. In the photos he looks like a newborn. It took experiencing that to properly get it. I'd love this to be a funny little story but sadly it's not. I just wanted to use the point to illustrate something else. Before having our boy, other parents told me how having a child changed they felt when they heard about accidents or tragedies affecting children in the news. I could understand it, but I couldn't understand it if you know what I mean. This last year, I've really noticed the change – for someone who's worked in news all his life, it's quite something. This morning, I just cannot stop thinking of the poor families at Mt Maunganui, especially the parents of the young people who are still missing. Could there be a more iconic Kiwi campground? A happier summer spot? The response effort is ongoing. But the thought of those families enjoying a summer holiday and all of the joy that brings, the ice creams and the card games and the memories... and for that to end in a moment, in a freak accident, like this... it's just hideous. This really isn't about me. It's just to say that after Mt Maunganui, I couldn't help but think a lot about my own boys and just imagine how awful these days and this waiting will have been for those poor families whose kids are missing. It's another dimension to parenting I had to experience to fully understand. I love my boys so intensely, but we all know there's nothing any of us can do to fully protect anyone in this world. Some things are left up to chance and luck. And freak accidents happen. I just hope the poor families at the centre of this have every last bit of support that will possibly help them in any way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We've finally got an election date - it's November 7th. Who do we think will win at this stage? Any other predictions? New data shows 65 percent of Kiwis want to ban under-16s from social media. Will this be a vote winner this election cycle? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, Christopher Luxon's announced the election date - we look at who's in poll position. A witness to a shop worker's stabbing in Auckland tells us how he confronted the attacker. Martin Snedden on the difficulties of the job with our three top sports - rugby, netball and cricket - without leaders. Plus, on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Phil O'Reilly debate the election and the overwhelming support for a social media ban among Kiwis. 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.

Josh Emett is serving New Zealand up on a plate. The Kiwi chef's worked culinary magic in the restaurants of Gordon Ramsey, earning four Michelin Stars before returning home to establish iconic restaurants like Gilt Brasserie and The Oyster Inn. There's no doubt the world-renowned chef has played a role in shaping New Zealand's modern dining scene. But this year sees him in a very special role as Sail GP's Culinary Collaborator – responsible for showcasing the country's cuisine those descending on Auckland for the event. Emett told Jack Tame he's still in the scheming phase, but he's working with a great catering company and they're going to deliver some excellence. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've done my best to avoid the headlines over the last few weeks, but Scott Robertson being booted from the All Blacks snapped me back. I feel for him. Just as I did for Ian Foster, last time around. These guys are in high profile jobs, coaching high performance athletes. All top coaches know it's a perilous business. But to be cut after just two years in the job, and after a period of inconsistent and occasionally poor but not absolutely catastrophic results, will leave Razor and his keenest supporters forever wondering what might have been. I don't have any inside running on the review or the process that led David Kirk and NZ Rugby to swing the axe. But it occurs to me that one of Scott Robertson's biggest errors was one of his first major decisions in the role, and I've been wondering to what extent it set the tone for his tenure. June 24, 2024. The All Blacks were preparing for their mid-year tests against England and Fiji, and Scott Robertson named the man who would captain the All Blacks. I was stunned when he made that announcement. I said as much on this show. Not because I don't think Scott Barrett is an incredible rugby player. Not because I don't think he's an outstanding leader and he isn't deserving of the All Blacks captaincy. But because for anyone with even a passing interest in the game and the team, there was a much more obvious candidate hiding in plain sight. Robertson said he had an established relationship with Barrett from their time at the Crusaders. Very well, but surely coaching the national team meant other factors should be prioritised? Surely getting the best was more important than sticking with what you know?! And surely winning the trust of the playing group begins with empowering their obvious leader? Captaincy carries different responsibilities in different sports. In cricket, it's a significant tactical burden. Every ball your team bowls, you're theoretically making a decision. In football, netball, and rugby, a little less. You're not setting fields or choosing bowlers. You have a game plan or a formation, but apart from the odd decision on penalties and a well-timed word to the ref, most of the game more or less happens in the moment. It puts a different kind of demand on leadership. One that is less overtly tactical, and focuses on the sort of person whose play, and behaviour will unite his teammates, inspire their play, and set a standard for the team. And come on, I say this as a lifelong Canterbury fan, does anyone in this country think Ardie Savea isn't that man? If you were picking 15 starting players for the All Blacks, in order of value to the team, there is surely not a single rugby fan who wouldn't pick Ardie first, almost every time. If you were picking a World XV, he's maybe the only current All Black who'd be a shoo-in. The man is an incredible physical force. He has a cool head. He's tactically as good as anyone else. And above all, he oozes mana. And the frustrating thing is, we can all see it. You can see it in the haka, or when he's charging with those high knees or winning a turnover. You can see it in the way opposition plays like Siya Kolisi embrace him. You can see it when a side like Moana Pasifika goes from averaging 12th place in its first three seasons to finishing seventh under his leadership, with more points than the previous two season combined. I think if we were to go back ten years, to the Whitelock-McCaw-Smith-Smith-Carter era, you could argue that our talent was so much better than in most other rugby playing nations, the captaincy perhaps didn't matter as much. But now that the World has caught up, it beggars belief that Razor didn't make Ardie Savea captain. That he didn't see the leadership and esteem that was jumping out of the television. And what message did that send to the team? I don't know what happened. But maybe Scott Robertson's mistake was that he thought by emulating his Crusaders setup as much as possible, he would replicate the success. But he needed to go further. He needed to take greater risks and forge new relationships. And I think that one decision had a huge, outsized impact. And now, having worked for so many years to win the job, just like that, Razor's opportunity is gone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A snapshot in time": Guy Sebastian discusses his creative process, latest album Guy Sebastian is an Australasian icon with a career that's nothing short of extraordinary. From winning the first season of Australian Idol back in 2003, to carving out a place on the charts, to mentoring new talent as a coach on The Voice Australia – he's been in the spotlight for over two decades. And now he's embarking on a new chapter with the release of his tenth album ‘One Hundred Times Around The Sun'. The album has taken Sebastian nearly five years to make, a much longer period than the typical six months to two years most artists these days create them in. He told Jack Tame that in the early stages of his career, he felt pressure to create quickly. “Don't take longer than a year,” Sebastian explained. “Or you'll disappear into obscurity.” “Then there's like, the pressure of doing the right thing by the fans, y'know, you don't wanna make them wait too long.” It's a mentality that used to govern much of Sebastian's process, but one that he's managed to grow beyond. “I just got to this point where like, I don't want to release anything until I'm stoked with it,” he told Tame. “I wanna love every song. I don't want a filler on there, I want every song to be great.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ed McKnight has been working in personal finance for a fair few years and although he typically tries to be encouraging when giving advice, he does have some more brutal truths to tell. He joined Jack Tame to offer up the three brutally honest pieces of money advice that most Kiwis will need to hear. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the end, it was just over an hour. Just over an hour between being asleep on the floor of Auckland hospital, to standing, bewildered under the delivery suite lights, helping to dress my newborn son. Mava had been induced on Sunday – the scans had suggested that all was ok but that our baby was small for his age. We spent an oddly serene day waiting for the induction medication to kick in. They give you a dose every two hours until you go into labour but sometimes it takes a few hours to work and sometimes it takes days. It was actually lovely, in a way. Mava and I both read for hours in-between the doses. We went for coffee and a stroll in the domain, Mava constantly assessing baby's every shift and every hint of a contraction. My goodness, though, when it happened... it happened. Zero to one hundred. A blur. I won't labour you with all of the details but it's become clear to me that there's a reason every parent has a birth story. It was surreal. It just felt like a week's worth of crazy experiences happened in the space of fifteen minutes. It was beautiful, wild, traumatic, thrilling... it was animal. All these things. Mava was incredible. I felt so proud of her, and yet so helpless at the same time. And weirdly through it all, I felt calm. I'm not bragging. I'm not saying calmness was a good response – honestly I was probably just a bit stunned – and it turned out our son was too when he came out. They hurried him off and chucked him on the oxygen and he regained his colour. I took my cues from our amazing midwife and the other hospital staff. She wasn't freaking out too much and so I didn't either. The scans were right – our son was small for his gestational age. But he what lacked in size he made up for in his capacity to feed. There can be no doubt he has inherited my skin tone, my hair colour, and my appetite. This morning is the longest I've been away from him in his life, but at five days old I know him well enough to know that right now he is probably feeding. Isn't it incredible how instinct works? Out of the womb, almost blind, and yet he absolutely throws himself at the boob. Head back, mouth wide, latch! Who taught him that?! A few random takeaways: 1) The placenta. Wow. That thing could feed a family of four. 2) We had three nights in hospital and a couple more in Birthcare afterwards. If our experience of the New Zealand healthcare system this week is anything to go by, it is being completely held together by migrant workers: Indians, Filipinos, Europeans, South Americans, Pasifika... they were fantastic. For all the justified concern over the health care system as a whole, we had a really positive experience and felt so grateful to the people working in what are often very tricky conditions. 3) Women's bodies, eh? To have the capacity to grow an entire human being, from his skinny little frog legs folded up at his belly, to his tiny little fingernails to the lightest fur on his pink little cheeks. To grow him, birth him, and then, having done it all, having done everything... to immediately switch to nourishing him day and night. What can I tell you about our son? He's got his mum's eyes. He sucks his thumb. His first music was the Koln Concert and he made sure to stay up to watch Will Young and Tom Latham score centuries against Pakistan. His name will be finalised soon enough. When he's bulked up a bit, he's got a long list of visitors waiting to meet him, too. After five nights away, yesterday I put our son in his carseat and drove him home. His older brother ran home from school and cuddled him on the couch. Through the madness and exhaustion of the week, running on caffeine, sugar, and love, we sat there together, a family. It was perfect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's no more iconic a reality franchise than The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – which is back for its 15th season. And there is perhaps no Housewife in history that has a heftier and more prestigious CV than that of Bozoma Saint John. Boz joined the series last year off the back of a 20-year run as a marketing executive working with brands like Apple, Netflix, Uber and Pepsi and has been recognised by Forbes as the world's #1 most influential CMO. She quickly became a fan favourite for her ability to bring boardroom realness to the drama of the 90210. She joins Jack Tame to chat about authenticity, watching herself on TV, and marketing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whilst many of us are decking the halls and merrily celebrating, spare a thought for those who suffer from Christougenniatikophobia. Literally translated from Greek means Christ-related-birth-fear i.e., a phobia of Christmas. Is it a real phobia? Not really. Dougal Sutherland of Umbrella Wellbeing talked to Jack Tame about the discomfort and anxiety that surrounds Christmas for some people. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't love a great roadie? Self-drive adventures rank highly in my pantheon of golden travel experiences and Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast touring route is a show-stopper. Bookended by Derry~Londonderry and Belfast Lough, this sublime 185km drive threads together a stirring mosaic of fishing villages, secluded beaches, wondrous rock formations, rugged coastlines, crumbling castles, storied history and mouth-watering scenery. Pointing the car northeast from Derry~Londonderry, I began tracing the nooks and crannies of Northern Ireland's theatrical coastline by stopping off at Mussenden Temple. Dramatically perched on a cliff lording over Downhill Beach, this flamboyant folly was constructed in 1785 - inspired by the Temple of Vesta, near Rome. This circular stone temple served as a library and retreat for the eccentric Earl of Bristol who was also the Bishop of Derry (Earl Bishop), along with enormous views over the Atlantic Ocean. The setting is lip-smacking, wrapped in glorious estate gardens which you can explore on the cliff-edge walk, along with the ruins of the Earl Bishop's mansion, Downhill House. Fancy a beach layover? The neighbouring seaside resort towns of Portstewart and Portrush are blessed with sprawling blonde-sand beaches, backed my muscular limestone cliffs. Portrush is the bigger, brasher resort with an abundance of souvenir shops and amusement arcades like Curry's Fun Park. There's a faded glory feel to this seaside spot, exuding a retro appeal, in a similar vein to Blackpool or Bournemouth. But it's those drop-dead-gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters that really steal the show. Liberally strung along the Causeway Coast, strategically located look-out points cater to roadtrippers eager to get snap-happy and drink in the panoramic views. Few spots command greater affection than the Dunluce Castle look-out. It's a riveting perch to dreamily gaze across the crumbling castle ruins, clinging to the cliff, high above the churning ocean on a wind-walloped basalt outcrop. This medieval stronghold of the MacDonnell clan featured regularly on Game of Thrones. The MacDonnell Clan of Antrim still technically own it, even though the castle fell into disrepair 300 years ago. You can access it via the bridge which connects it to the mainland. Like many Irish castles, Dunluce has a fine bit of legend attached to it. It's said that on a stormy night back in 1639, part of the castle's kitchen fell into the icy water below. Apparently, only the kitchen boy survived, as he managed to tuck himself away in a safe corner of the room. If set-jetting is your bag, there's a host of fantastical shooting locations for Thrones fans to scout out in Northern Ireland, around the Causeway Coast. Just inland in Ballymoney, I jaunted to The Dark Hedges. Falling victim to over-tourism, stringent traffic and parking restrictions are now in place. Go early in the morning to dodge the hordes. Nor did I see The Dark Hedges. Photo / Mike Yardley The legendary ghost, the Grey Lady, a spectral figure said to drift silently between the ancient beech trees. This iconic avenue of gnarly, intertwined beech trees was planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to create a grand entrance to their estate, Gracehill House. It's an ethereal landscape which of course became globally famed after appearing as Kingsroad on Game of Thrones. Sadly, over a dozen of these trees have been lost in recent storms and a heritage trust has been formed to try and keep the remaining 80 trees alive, given they are reaching the end of their natural lives. Heading back to the ocean, the Causeway Coast earns its name from a primordial geological marvel that may well prove to be your road-tripping highlight. Yes, the Giant's Causeway. Forged 60 million years ago when molten lava cooled quickly in the ocean water and contracted into crystallised basalt pillars, it is a head-spinning volcanic formation. The spectacle is compelling, a procession of 40,000 basalt hexagonal blocks and columns, reaching out into the ocean, like primal pistons thrusting out of the earth. You can take your chances and hop-scotch or clamber your way across these inter-locking formations, as crashing waves thunder in. The spectacle is best enjoyed at low-tide, revealing more and more of these basalt columns. Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Photo / Mike Yardley I enjoyed a night in the charismatic village of Bushmills, just minutes from the Giant's Causeway. Sip on a dram from the world's oldest licensed distillery. Old Bushmills Distillery started manufacturing after a grant from King James 1 in 1608. Over 400 years later, they're still making single-malt whiskey here, using Irish barley and the unique water from their own stream too, spilling out of the River Bush which flows over basalt rock. Jamesons is the No.1 selling Irish whiskey. Like Jamesons, Bushmills is triple-distilled for smoothness, but distinctly individual in character. If you prefer gentle vanilla sweetness with subtle fruitiness, reach for Jameson. If malty richness with honey and spice appeals more, Bushmills will hit the sweet spot. Take a distillery tour to fully revel in the magic. Just around the corner, enjoy a night at the Bushmills Inn Hotel. Sharing the same pedigree as the distillery, the oldest part of the Inn, which is now home to the restaurant, was the original coach house and stables, circa 1608. Blending historic character with modern luxury, this award-winning hotel, backed by the River Burn, is an evocative place to rest and savour the legendary drama and beauty of the Causeway Coast. Space and luxury are the hallmark of the 41 guest rooms and suites, individually designed with stylish, traditional furnishings. After enjoying a dram by the cracking peat fire, tuck into some seriously good gourmet dining, steeped in local produce like treacle-cured salmon and seabass fillets with seared scallops. After a great night's sleep and a hearty full Irish breakfast, I headed back on the Causeway route, passing through picturesque Ballintoy Harbour (another Thrones filming site) to reach the remarkable Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Suspended and swaying 30 metres above the roiling Atlantic, this catch-your-breath rope bridge is cared for by the National Trust. Clinging to the cliffs off the mainland and the outcrop Carrick Island, this gnarly rope bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen over 250 years ago. Crossing the bridge is a thrilling experience with sublime views across to Rathlin Island and the Scottish Islands, along with encountering the original salmon fishery. Blow out the cobwebs and sway with the bracing wind. Fishermen first constructed a single handrail rope bridge to transport boxes of their prized salmon, caught off the island. There would be have been tens of thousands of crossings, over time. Ever since its construction in 1755, not a single report of anyone losing their from slipping off the bridge has been recorded. I didn't want to blot that copybook. As I tentatively crossed over, my guide thoughtfully informed me that the current model can withstand the weight of a double-decker bus. After reflecting on the gluttonous size of my full Irish breakfast, that was quite reassuring. I was lucky enough to get a glimpse of the historic fisherman's cottage, where they would store their nets and take shelter while awaiting their catch of migrating salmon. It's a magnificent, elemental nugget of coastal pride and seafaring heritage. Carnlough Harbour. Photo / Mike Yardley For a complete of scenery, I headed south to take in the Glens of Antrim that jut in from the coast like verdant wonderlands for outdoorsy adventures. These nine dramatic, forest-filled valleys in County Antrim, spill forth with folklore, spectacular hiking trails, bucolic splendour and truly charming villages like Glenariff. If you're after a scenic medley of deep valleys, rolling hills, lush forests and thundering waterfalls, you'll be in seventh heaven. Don't rush the Glens, they're best savoured at an easy, meditative and relaxed pace. For one final night of Causeway magic, before driving back to Belfast and onto Dublin, I luxuriated in the picturesque seaside village of Carnlough. Located at the foothills of Glencoy – one of the nine Glens of Antrim, edged by the shores of Carnlough Bay, this sheltered and compact harbour is the focal point of Carnlough village. Carnlough Harbour is another Thrones location to add to you tick-list. Fans will recognise the stony staircase leading down to the sea, filmed as part of the Free City of Braavos Canal. With its storybook good looks, this sweetheart stone harbour was first constructed in 1854 by the Marchioness of Londonderry (Winston Churchill's great grandmother), to help develop the limestone export trade. It's also home to the Harbourview Hotel. Formerly known as the Londonderry Arms, this gorgeous main street institution, beckoning like a country house hotel, has been refreshed into Ireland's first destination whiskey hotel. The Harbourview's focus is on Irish spirits, rare tastings, and events, blending its rich 1848 history with modern coastal luxury on the scenic Causeway Coast. I delved into the hotel's Whiskey Chamber, brimming with over 200 Irish whiskeys, where sublime tastings, distillery dinners, and whiskey-themed events take place, led by co-owner and master distiller Darryl McNally. Darryl and his fellow hotel owners also own Outwalker and Limavady Whiskey. Great drops! Old Bushmills Distillery. Photo / Mike Yardley Retaining stunning features including open fires and original terrazzo flooring, the new hotel features a newly refurbished bar, lounge and restaurant, offering the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern Irish hospitality. Each of the 35 elegantly appointed bedrooms have been completely redecorated and revamped, blending contemporary luxury with timeless style, and where the emphasis centred squarely on comfort. Hearty hospitality and a homely atmosphere is just the start of the Harbourview's seduction. A fitting place to raise a celebratory glass to the conveyer belt of treasures, underpinning the siren-like pull of the Causeway Coast. Fill your heart with Ireland in the enchanting Emerald Isle. For more touring insights and inspiration, head to the official website www.ireland.com I flew to Dublin with Qatar Airways, recently crowned the 2025 World's Best Airline by Skytrax, scooping the supreme honours for the ninth consecutive year. Qatar Airways flies non-stop between Doha and Auckland daily, with onward connections to 170 destinations, including daily flights to Dublin. I flew in Economy and you'll notice the difference with one of the widest seats in the industry, complete with adjustable headrests. Lap up generous dining, complimentary Wi-Fi and over 8000 on-demand entertainment offerings in the Oryx One system. For best fares and seats to suit, www.qatarairways.com Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB's resident traveller and talks travel every week on Saturday mornings with Jack Tame.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a little kid, I always slept terribly on Christmas eve. I'd try and go to bed early. I'd tell myself that the sooner I went to sleep, the sooner I'd wake on Christmas morning. But sure as anything I'd be up all night, listening for any sound of activity on the roof. Together with my three little brothers and sisters, we'd be desperate for mum and dad to throw open our bedroom doors at first light, and we'd scramble down to our spindly-and-slightly-off-centred Christmas tree to see if Dad's old football socks had been attended to by Santa. I suspect this Christmas eve will be another poor sleep. Not because I'll be excitedly listening for the sound of shuffling reindeer on corrugated iron, but because it's my first Christmas morning with our ten-month-old son. We're taking both our boys to their cousins' place. Five kids. Average age: four-and-a-half. Our eldest is already fizzing. Our baby will have absolutely no idea what's going on but will sure as anything wake up a minimum of three times in the night to demand cuddles and a feed. Christmas is a kind of touchstone for our family. Like many Kiwi families, it's the one time of year when all of us (or at least as many of us as possible) are in one place at the same time. Weddings, funerals and Christmas are the only occasions we're all together. And Christmas is the only regular date. As a child you never think of this stuff, but as you grow older you are gently confronted by the reality that for better or worse, the numbers in the room change. The grandparents whom I shared Christmas day with as a little boy are no longer with us, no longer sitting on the couch, sipping their coffees and wryly commentating as the kids tear into the wrapping paper. Granny was a very active woman. Every Christmas morning after we'd stuffed ourselves with chocolates and junk, she'd lead a brisk stroll through the neighbourhood as we worked up an appetite for lunch. Dad and my grandad would stay at home and race through a cryptic crossword. Now it's different. For the kids it's more or less the same. All magic. A whirlwind. A blur. But for the rest of us, a new baby just reinforces our awareness of having stepped up a generation. Where once I was struggling to sleep through the night on Christmas Eve, now it's my boys and their cousins. My parents have become the grandparents sitting on the couch, sipping their coffees, wryly commentating proceedings. My siblings have become the parents, the aunts and uncles. People who once were there, are not. New, excited little bodies have taken their place. There's sadness in it. But there's something quite beautiful about it too, placing yourself in a generational context like that. It's a circle of life thing. It's funny that it comes at Christmas. Other cultures and religions probably have many more of these moments. But we're a bit short on touchstone traditions. For me at least, Christmas is a short little window every year where the busy lives in my family are about as aligned as they're going to be. It's a touchstone where if you want to, you can step back and observe what's changed in the family. My son's first Christmas will mean seeing myself in a slightly different light… not as a kid, or a gift-giver, or someone setting stocking sunder the tree, but as a bridge between different generations of the same family, hoping the spirit of these traditions will continue for many years to come. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of the most meaningful song of all time, what comes to mind? For Kevin Milne it's Silent Night. Jack Tame and Milne reflect on the significance of Christmas music. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 'age-old' advice of property investment is to buy the best house on the worst street. The idea of the advice is that property values have a higher ceiling in nicer areas, so renovating the worst home could bring in some good money Ed McKnight of Opes Partners discusses with Jack Tame whether the advice stands in today's economic climate. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union and Jack Tame joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Jevon McSkimming was today sentenced to 9 months home detention. Did we expect more? The Government has scrapped the road cone hotline with six moths left to go. Do we think this is a total waste of money? Trump's chief of staff did a Vanity Fair interview, but now says her quotes were taken completely out of context. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Annabelle Lee-Mather, Wayne Mapp and David Farrar. On the show tonight: a one-in-a-generation reform of the Resource Management Act: they're scrapping the whole thing with a refocus on property rights. How does this balance the public and private needs of citizens? Is Europe between a rock and a hard place in the ongoing negotiations in the Ukraine/Russia peace process? Christopher Luxon says no to Jack Tame, but yes to IKEA. How do the managers of politicians decide where they appear? And the coming debate between Nicole Willis and Ruth Richardson; a pointless sideshow or a much-needed debate.

Today on the Show, Manaia tries to find how many separations (In Pictures) Jerry is away from Hitler... Plus, Jack Tame joins us live in studio!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.