Podcast appearances and mentions of jami lee ross

Film and TV reviewer Tamar Munch joins Kathryn to look at unconventional love story Rain Dogs (Neon), Elements of Truth: Behind the Scenes of Jami-Lee Ross' 2020 Election Campaign (Spinoff) and which movies have made the list for this year's 'Best Picture' Oscar.

Former National MP Jami-Lee Ross has been cleared of fraud charges that emerged out of an investigation he sparked four years ago. Ross was charged with obtaining by deception after dropping bombshell allegations National broke electoral donation laws. He's now walked away from the case - acquitted of any criminal activity - while three of his co-defendants have been found guilty. Political reporter Anneke Smith has more.

Jami-Lee Ross, former National MP, has been found not guilty of election donation fraud. The trial ran for seven weeks before Justice Ian Gault delivered his verdict.  Jami-Lee Ross was charged alongside three Chinese businessmen, who were facing similar charges. Barry Soper, political editor, is here to break the verdict down. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now, Dr Sharma.  The longer it drags on the uglier it gets, and there's even a whiff of the Jami-Lee Ross about the whole thing now. I saw Dr Sharma on the TV news last night and he comes across as quite convincing, even straight-up. But then he is a politician albeit a very junior one and he's had experience of pitching himself, and doing his best to come across as an honest broker. So, how seriously do we take him? Has he been bullied, or is it actually him that's the bad guy? Nno one can work with the man. Or has he, like Jami-Lee did, got a bit carried away, does he have an overblown sense of his own importance? Thing is, back bench MPs and especially the current crop of very new members on Labour's back benches, mostly know their place. Their job is to cheer at the right time...ask a pre-prepared patsy question to a Minister if it's their turn...keep a seat warm on a select committee...and so on. Back benchers make up the numbers basically. They're allowed to visit local kindies and put up social media posts when they take their dog for a walk. But otherwise they keep their mouths shut and their heads down, toe the line, and leave the serious politics to the grown-ups. Sharma himself said as much to Newshub last night, talking about Labour's instructions to new MPs, quote "shut up, don't talk about anything...don't say anything for which the Prime Minister has to do a media stand-up". So they had a meeting behind his back to make sure all the other junior MPs were on board and they've been shunning him since. My money is that he'll be expelled from the Labour Party by the weekend. The Prime Minister has already said he's on his last strike and just like Jami-Lee Ross, Dr Sharma seems hell bent on going down in flames. Question is, does he have enough to take anyone down with him? Or will he, like Jami-Lee, fade into irrelevance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former National Party leader Simon Bridges has given evidence in a trial over alleged concealed donations to the party, agreeing Jami-Lee Ross went "full kamikaze". Seven people including Ross are defending charges related to electoral fraud. The High Court in Auckland is hearing how the relationship between the pair fractured shortly after Bridges took up the party leader post in 2018. Amy Williams filed this report.

Former National MP Jami-Lee Ross told the police he sounded the alarm over a donation to the party because he thought it was dodgy and potentially illegal. The High Court in Auckland has heard a 2018 police interview in which Mr Ross claimed then party leader Simon Bridges knew of the alleged deceptive donation. It's the third week of a trial over anonymous donations to the country's two biggest political parties. Amy Williams filed this report.

What a pointless exercise the Tauranga by-election was and what a waste of taxpayers' money.National is keeping the seat, hardly a surprise.But the turnout was awful.40 percent, about 20,000 votes cast and cost the taxpayer - roughly $50 a vote according to the Electoral Commission's figure of about a million to run a by-election.Of course, we wouldn't have needed to go through that whole process if Simon Bridges had been a list MP, just ring up the next person on the party list.And maybe, maybe that could work in constituencies too, given we have a general election every three years.Do we really need to go through all that process just to find someone for the seat for say, half a term?Here are some of the characters who've snuck into Parliament in by-elections the last few years:David Shearer, Kris Faafoi, Jami-Lee Ross that name alone shows you what a shonky process it is. Poto Williams, Winston, the Prime Minister and a few others.Now, if we just left it to the party of the outgoing MP to pick a successor, we'd save all that money and aggravation...you'd get some continuity on the ground locally, and it wouldn't change the proportionality of Parliament.Or maybe, maybe as a way of discouraging MPs from walking out on their contracts part way through, whoever came second at the previous election could be offered the seat.That might save us a few million.In saying that, we've had about ten by-elections in the last decade, so does it really matter?To me it does, waste is waste after all.

Who should take over the leadership of the National Party?In the mix right now: Christopher Luxon, Simon Bridges, Mark Mitchell, Chris Bishop, and Shane Reti.Shane Reti is not an option. He helped Judith Collins commit the murder-suicide on Simon Bridges on Wednesday night so he's too tainted. Chris Bishop is not an option yet. Too many people are still too angry with him for helping in the Muller coup. He's doing great work so he'll recover, but it's too early.Mark Mitchell is probably not a real option. This will be the third time he talks about running and probably the third time he doesn't actually end up running. I suspect this is more of a strategy to get a promotion within the party than an actual leadership bid. That leaves the two real contenders: Luxon and Bridges.Bridges is a really good politician but I think he is too old-National now. He's ended up getting splashed with too much of the dirt of the last few years: Jami-Lee Ross, the angry Covid stuff when he was leader, the Muller coup and now this attack from Collins. He doesn't necessarily deserve it, but he's just become the guy caught up in too much of it.Which leaves Luxon. He is shiny and new. He represents a complete generational change in National. He's got none of the mud sticking to him. He's risky though. Because he's very inexperienced. He's only been there a year. There is the risk that he bombs under pressure like Muller did. But he's also very smart. He's studied politics for years, he's been mentored by Sir John Key and he was working towards this anyway (it just came a bit early). I think Luxon's their guy. He's not a perfect option – none of them are – but he's the best option. Deputy's important too, and that should go to Bridges. Forget worrying about choosing a woman or a liberal to balance his conservativism or a rural MP to balance that he's from Auckland. The biggest problem the Nats have right now is that they're fighting with each other. Putting Bridges in there is showing unity. What's more, as I said earlier, Bridges is a very good politician. His experience will go a long way to keeping Luxon away from the easy mistakes of inexperience.So all things considered, probably a Luxon-Bridges ticket is their best bet. Can they give Labour a run for their money? Well, it feels more likely under Team Luxon than under Team Collins.

Fallen politician Jami-Lee Ross has turned his hand to selling "health" supplements with dubious benefits. It's an industry that's thinly regulated and barely policed. 

Andrew talks to Kathryn about Newshub's political editor Tova O'Brien becoming even more well known, with an opinion piece for The Guardian on her Jami-Lee Ross interview. And he has an update on the petition in Australia for a Royal Commission into Rupert Murdoch's media company and influence.

Andrew talks to Kathryn about Newshub's political editor Tova O'Brien becoming even more well known, with an opinion piece for The Guardian on her Jami-Lee Ross interview. And he has an update on the petition in Australia for a Royal Commission into Rupert Murdoch's media company and influence.

Mike McRoberts joins the Kitchen Cabinet to discuss a drunken Shane Jones and which side had the best election night after party. Tova dishes on her scathing Jami-Lee Ross interview and the team hand out awards for the best and worst moments of the Decision 2020 NZ election campaign - the cheapest stunts, the biggest blunders, the meanest moments. It's all right here on the Kitchen Cabinet podcast! For more, visit www.newshub.co.nz/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The minor parties have been battling it out to woo the undecided voters ahead of Election Day. New Zealand First's Winston Peters, the Green's James Shaw, David Seymour from Act along with the Maori Party's John Tamihere, and Jami-Lee Ross from Advance New Zealand fronted up for last night's TVNZ Multi-Party Debate. With current polling showing most of them struggling to claw their way into parliament, there was little to lose and everything to gain. Here's political reporter Charlie Dreaver.

Our euthanasia debate. ACT Party leader David Seymour defends the End of Life Choice Act and palliative care specialist Dr Sinead Donnelly warns us against it. Plus interviews with two people at the end of their lives: one will vote yes, one will vote no. On The Trail: reporter Conor Whitten gets exclusive behind the scenes access to National leader Judith Collins in her biggest week yet on the campaign. And we give Jami-Lee Ross a policy grilling, while he gives his pitch for a seat in Parliament. Plus, analysis from our panel: PR consultant Trish Sherson and Auckland Councillor Efeso Collins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jami-Lee Ross is pinning his hopes of getting back into Parliament on the fortunes of Billy Te Kahika in the Te Tai Tokerau seat. The disgraced former National MP announced that he won't be standing in Botany - the seat he's held since 2011. Ross' Advance New Zealand Party teamed up with Billy TK's controversial Public Party - and their electoral fortunes now depend on them getting either five percent of the vote, or the northern Māori seat. RNZ reporter Katie Doyle and visual journalist Dan Cook headed to Botany to find out what voters there think.

The co-leader of the Advance NZ party Jami-Lee Ross is not going to stand in his Botany electorate this election. He's just announced he will stand instead on his party's list. Ross won the Botany seat for the National Party in a 2011 by-election but became an Independent MP after a spectacular split with the party in 2018. He's pinning hopes for re-election on his party's co-leader, Billy Te Kahika, winning the seat of Te Tai Tokerau. Ross speaks to Susie Ferguson.

A crowd of a few thousand packed in Auckland's Aotea Square yesterday afternoon, at the "National Rally for Freedom", organised by Advance Party co-leaders, Jami Lee Ross and Billy Te Kahika.There was little social distancing and few people in the crowd wore masks.Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen told The Weekend Collective the police should've taken a tougher position on the protestors."For the police to permit thousands of people to gather, which is against the laws of not allowing more than 10 people at gatherings, is a failure of their responsibilities."LISTEN ABOVE

A crowd of a few thousand packed in Auckland's Aotea Square yesterday afternoon, at the "National Rally for Freedom", organised by Advance Party co-leaders, Jami Lee Ross and Billy Te Kahika.There was little social distancing and few people in the crowd wore masks.Criminal lawyer Steve Cullen told The Weekend Collective the police should've taken a tougher position on the protestors."For the police to permit thousands of people to gather, which is against the laws of not allowing more than 10 people at gatherings, is a failure of their responsibilities."LISTEN ABOVE

There are fears the sharing and promoting of Covid-19 misinformation by political party leaders will have disastrous consequences for Māori. Billy Te Kahika, leader of the NZ Public Party and Advance NZ co-leader, has a growing following - particularly among Maori voters - gaining traction through the sharing of conspiracy theory and anti-lockdown videos online. Causing even more controversy at the weekend when he and Jami-Lee Ross organised a large rally in Auckland; with a few thousand people packing into Aotea Square with no social distancing and few wearing masks. Political reporter Katie Scotcher has been speaking to the Outliers. She travelled North to meet Billy TK and his supporters, and filed this report.  

National Rally for Freedom is here family! UPDATE as follows...New Zealanders are taking Aotearoa back! Take care dear whanau! If you are concerned about Facebook's new censorship policies that are on the way, please go to www.joinwithus.co.nz to ensure we can keep in touch with you. Privileges Committee acts like kangaroo court The Co-Leader of Advance NZ, Jami-Lee Ross, has hit out at Parliament's Privileges Committee for presenting a report to Parliament with no input from the persons or party accused of breaching Parliament's rules. “The Privileges Committee has acted like a kangaroo court by holding a meeting, taking advice, forming a conclusion, and then making a finding, all without any input from those standing accused; myself and Advance NZ,” says Mr Ross. https://www.facebook.com/jamileeross“This process makes a mockery of Parliament's so-called powerful Privileges Committee. “The Committee has not followed any principles of natural justice or fair process, and has made no effort to seek a view, or defence, from us despite the fact we are accused in their report of breaching Parliament's rules. “The members of the Committee have acted unilaterally against us. “We entirely reject the Speaker's first decision on the video on our Facebook Page. “We now entirely reject the view of the Privileges Committee. “The claim that coming dissolution of Parliament meant the Committee could not undertake any further process is false. “The Committee has an entire week to call for submissions and evidence from us. “Billy Te Kahika and I have been available to meet the Committee in person, or electronically, at any time. “The Committee has chosen not to take up that opportunity. “This is the standard of democracy we have come to expect from the current big parties in Parliament. “They hold a behind closed doors meeting, decide an outcome, with no opportunity for people to defend themselves. “The Speaker's decision to order us to take down a legitimate piece of political advertising was an unreasonable and draconian measure in an attempt to censor a political party's videos in the middle of an Election campaign. "Our Party was founded on the principle of standing up for New Zealanders' rights and freedoms against political overreach and measures that dismantle democracy. “Parliament has already trampled on the Bill of Rights multiple times this term. “It passes wide ranging laws under urgency and does so without consultation. “We will call out the Government when it passes laws allowing mandatory testing, mandatory quarantine, mandatory lockdowns, and warrantless entry powers. “Now we are calling out the Government for passing laws that enable them effectively to force everyone, including citizens, to be vaccinated if they want to travel into New Zealand. “We will continue to do so." ENDS --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/new-zealand-public-party/message

Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas dust off the bazookas scattered around New Zealand politics in this week's Gone By Lunchtime. A new Newshub poll has put Judith Collins' National Party on 25.1%, Jacinda Ardern's Labour on 60.9%, and many jaws on the floor. Gerry Brownlee has dismissed it as a "rogue poll".Annabelle, Ben and Toby impersonate Nate Silver and assess the veracity of the thing, and ask: is this the result of the disarray in National or Ardern's performance through the Covid crisis?Plus: Was the Iain Lees-Galloway appropriately handled or a dirty politics throwback? Marama Davidson and James Shaw launch the Green campaign. Winston Peters lashes out (again). And is the political marriage of Jami-Lee Ross and Billy Te Kahika Jr a serious prospect or a sideshow?Either download now, subscribe through Apple Podcasts, or visit Gone By Lunchtime on Acast or Spotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The former National MP Jami-Lee Ross is joining his Advance New Zealand party with the conspiracy theory-driven New Zealand Public Party. The Botany MP will co-lead the new party with the Public Party leader, Billy Te Kahika, who wants to stand in Te Tai Tokerau. Ross speaks to Corin Dann.

"As hard as it is for me to say, I reckon Simon Bridges probably is the one they have to stick with," ex-National MP Jami-Lee Ross told Checkpoint, in discussing the leadership of the National Party. He said Bridges needs Collins and Mitchell's support to stay in leadership.

Should Parliament step in to enforce a nationwide rates freeze, what's happening in Botany and should our relationship with China change? Islay Aitchison interviews Jami-Lee Ross.Support the show (http://www.taxpayers.org.nz/donate)

This week Political reporter Benedict Collins got more insults than answers from Winston Peters, revealing he was "at various times called 'sunshine', and an 'idiot' by our Deputy Prime Minister." Meanwhile, Maiki Sherman says it's "the nail in the coffin" for Jami-Lee Ross in Botany, as he and three others are charged by the Serious Fraud Office in National’s own donation saga, and we analyse the issues going into this year’s election. Produced and Edited by Adam Simpson Shot by Scarlett Wild & Matt Smith Engineered by Brian Holloway Research by Liz Feary A TVNZ Production 2020

Jami-Lee Ross is not ready to give up his electorate just yet.The Independent MP will next year face off against his former party, National, in the general elections. Ross quit National last year after a public falling out with leader Simon Bridges and a battle with mental health. He told The Weekend Collective that he admits the end of last year was "a bit rough", but he is still confident of his abilities."As a MP who sits in between the two parties now, it means I get a lot more done now." Christopher Luxon addresses the National Party candidate selection meeting for the Botany electorate. Photo / Jason OxenhamRoss says that he is already door-knocking and is out there every day talking to people, and an independent MP has a better chance at advocating for their party. He says that people can vote for National as their party vote, but they can still pick him as their MP. 

Jami-Lee Ross is not ready to give up his electorate just yet.The Independent MP will next year face off against his former party, National, in the general elections. Ross quit National last year after a public falling out with leader Simon Bridges and a battle with mental health. He told The Weekend Collective that he admits the end of last year was "a bit rough", but he is still confident of his abilities."As a MP who sits in between the two parties now, it means I get a lot more done now." Christopher Luxon addresses the National Party candidate selection meeting for the Botany electorate. Photo / Jason OxenhamRoss says that he is already door-knocking and is out there every day talking to people, and an independent MP has a better chance at advocating for their party. He says that people can vote for National as their party vote, but they can still pick him as their MP. 

Jami-Lee Ross is not ready to give up his electorate just yet.The Independent MP will next year face off against his former party, National, in the general elections. Ross quit National last year after a public falling out with leader Simon Bridges and a battle with mental health. He told The Weekend Collective that he admits the end of last year was "a bit rough", but he is still confident of his abilities."As a MP who sits in between the two parties now, it means I get a lot more done now." Christopher Luxon addresses the National Party candidate selection meeting for the Botany electorate. Photo / Jason OxenhamRoss says that he is already door-knocking and is out there every day talking to people, and an independent MP has a better chance at advocating for their party. He says that people can vote for National as their party vote, but they can still pick him as their MP. 

Stand by for the mud slinging to ramp up again between Jami-Lee Ross and the National Party.News that Christopher Luxon is to contest Botany will be warmly met by trad National party supporters who may see Luxon as a potential leadership hopeful and Botany has always been a safe blue seat.But it wasn't met with much fanfare by Jami-Lee Ross.In fact he called the move arrogant.He accused National of trying to parachute someone in.What we know about Jami-Lee Ross, is he's a scrapper, and I don't doubt for one minute that he's probably already out door knocking this morning looking to lock down his support in the electorate.He claims to welcome what he called a "good old fashioned grass roots election campaign", and says he's happy to put his credentials up for locals to decide on.He says he's been asking constituents whether they want him to continue as their voice and the overwhelming response has been, according to him, that they do.So standby for a bitter battle for Botany.Why?Because this is important for National.You've got disgruntled and loose lipped Jami-Lee Ross, never short of an allegation or a broadside against them, political poll poster boy and slick former CEO Luxon and throw into that mix Bridges..A leader who needs to be proving his worth in the polls while the wolves circle.Jami-Lee Ross has accused Luxon already of wanting to race to Wellington to advance his own personal aspirations. He will play that card long and loud, but it may well play right into National's hands. Or their supporters anyway.If Luxon is seen as a leadership salvation for a flailing Bridges, then Botany voters may well see that as a good plan.So Luxon has to prove himself in Botany and win them over without looking like he has indeed been parachuted in.Jami-Lee Ross has to up the ante on the rhetoric around 'local boy taking your issues to Wellington for you if he's to keep any votes.And don't forget Simon Bridges, he needs to be jumping up the rankings in the leadership stakes in those polls pretty damn quickly so he's seen as a credible leader for National and not a fall guy waiting to be replaced by Luxon.

“We put ourselves in glossy brochures looking the perfect picture of what we want the public to believe we are. It wasn't until it all exploded that I really realised what was going on in my head.” – Senior politician Jami-Lee Ross's breakdown in late 2018 was played out in the glare of constant media attention. He walks us through his year from hell. * Content warning: Strong language; discussion of suicide. * If you want to talk to a trained counsellor, call or text for free to 1737. * www.stuff.co.nz/outofmymind

“We put ourselves in glossy brochures looking the perfect picture of what we want the public to believe we are. It wasn't until it all exploded that I really realised what was going on in my head.”– Senior politician Jami-Lee Ross’s breakdown in late 2018 was played out in the glare of constant media attention. He walks us through his year from hell.* Content warning: Strong language; discussion of suicide.* If you want to talk to a trained counsellor, call or text for free to 1737.* www.stuff.co.nz/outofmymind

How easy are we?Last week, Alfred Ngaro was some half remembered former Cabinet Minister who had slunk into invisibility in opposition.  From time to time pictures came out of the opposition benches and Alfred Ngaro would catch the eye with his shock of silver hair, looking just  like Mike McRoberts long lost twin brother. But that was last week.  How things have changed while we’ve been played.Barry Soper wrote an article bringing to light the rumours that had swirled for a while. That Alfred would split off from the National Party and form a conservative Christian party.It made sense. Alfred has always trumpeted his Christianity, called himself a Zionist and claimed to have been a pastor.But Barry’s article went further, suggesting that National could cut a deal for Alfred and his new party along the lines of the deal with ACT.  The electorate of Botany was mentioned. And this also made sense as National is desperate for coalition partners.Now, the Botany deal has been gently denied by National but that doesn’t matter because mentioning Botany was a stroke of genius.  It fired up the incumbent independent Jami-Lee Ross who dutifully went into attack mode against the party that isolated him. Ross scanned Alfred’s social media for a weapon and he found it: Alfred lightly conflated abortion with the word holocaust.  A powerful, emotionally laden word that rises heckles in many.So bang.  Alfred’s in the paper again for a second day.  He refuses to apologise but mitigates the word saying he should have said the tragedy of abortion and then double downs on his long held belief that abortion is a crime.  He has always opposed moving abortion out of the Crimes Act.So bang again. Many feminists rail against that attitude and put their argument, seemingly oblivious to the fact that people whose mind is set on keeping abortion criminal will never change their view. Alfred doesn’t mind.  His name is in the public sphere again.Meanwhile, Simon Bridges is on the radio with Mike Hosking talking about Alfred.This is all politics 101.  The trick is to get other people talking about you and Alfred has done that all week long. Holey Moley.  I’m doing it now!But it’s all so seemingly calculating.  It doesn’t feel as though this so called party has emerged organically from a significant sector of like-minded individuals. It feels like a political party you order from a catalogue.While Alfred may get the 500 members needed and the organisation together in the 18 months he has before the next election, it will still seem to me like a ruse from the National Party. And if it works and three or so members of this new party take a seat in parliament, there will still be a feeling that all the other people who started parties themselves were gypped.  The Colin Craigs and the Gareth Morgans.  That their two or three per cent of supporters were democratically disenfranchised.So personally, if you think a conservative party is needed and you’d like to support one, then the one I like is the New Conservatives who have done the hard yards by themselves and look pretty prepared really and are not some party you buy in a flat pack and assemble yourself or a party you buy from a takeaways.

National Party leader Simon Bridges says the capital gains tax is an "incredibly bad idea" which could damage New Zealand businesses.The Tax Working Group has recommended a capital gains tax on investment property, shares, farming and other businesses at the taxpayer's highest income tax rate.Exemptions would apply to the family home and personal goods such as art and jewellery and vintage cars.Speaking with Kate Hawkesby, Bridges said this is something that Kiwis feel strongly about."The valuation that everyone will need so they can work out how much gain there has been.""Take business this will potentially cost them, well I said $10,000, [but] I think in some cases it would be much more than that. That is a half a billion dollar cost across our economy that business often don't have. It is yet one more reason why this is a bad idea."When asked about the Serious Fraud Office investigation, which was announced yesterday, Bridges said it won't get in the way of his campaign against the proposed CGT."I don't want to say too much about that because it's the SFO. I just want to say two things, firstly, this is for the National Party [and] you may say, well I'm the leader but...if you take me personally the SFO hasn't talked to me, there's no chance of any issues. I don't solicit, arrange or have anything to do with the logistics of donations, so there is nothing here."Police yesterday said they had referred the handling of a political donation to the SFO, based on a complaint made by former National MP Jami-Lee Ross.While Bridges said his hands are clean, he wouldn't confirm that he would resign "if an arrest occurred".Instead, he said there won't be an arrest and any issues are for the National Party to deal with.When asked whether he would use the waka-jumping law and ditch Jami-Lee Ross, the National Party leader said, "no"."No one is interested in him...they are just not interested in him. I am going to talk today to several hundred people and I doubt they will raise him."Bridges then turned his attention back to the capital gains tax, saying it is something that every Kiwi is exercised by.

Police have referred Jami-Lee Ross' complaint about National's election donations to the Serious Fraud Office.Ross was kicked out of the National Party last year. In October he went to police with details of alleged donation fraud in which he claimed leader Simon Bridges was a "corrupt politician with no moral compass".The Botany MP claims Bridges had asked him to collect a $100,000 donation from businessman Yikun Zhang in May which was then split into smaller amounts to hide it. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Zhang.A police statement today says the complaint was referred to the SFO as they hold the appropriate mandate to look into the matters raised by the investigation to date.And Eric Watson faces a a monster tax bill, after losing one of the biggest IRD cases in NZ history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police are keeping quiet on the investigation into a text allegedly sent from the phone of National MP Sarah Dowie to Jami-Lee Ross. The investigation was apparently sparked by a call to the Crimestoppers hotline. Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper says the text contains the words "you deserve to die". There was no immediate show of support for the Invercargill MP.Anne McCracken, who is regarded as one of Dowie's strongest organisers in the electorate, said: "There will be no comment today." Others who were involved in Dowie's 2017 campaign - lawyer Sean Woodward and businessman Jon Turnbull - said they were no longer involved in her party support network. The only current member of her electorate committee to be identified, Murray Halstead, refused to make any comment.Also today, a New Zealand university professor has been sentenced to home detention, for indecently assaulted an 82-year-old dementia patient in a rest home.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A political commentator says former National MP Jami-Lee Ross is using his mental health as a way to "rebrand himself" and distract from the accusations he bullied and harassed multiple women.Police have confirmed they are investigating a text sent to the former National MP which contained the words "you deserve to die".This follows Ross issuing a public statement apologising for the hurt he caused when he leaked secretly recorded tapes last year.The lengthy statement explains how he has been "to hell and back" since he was "forced" to take leave from the party last year.Leaving bitterness and hatred behind: https://t.co/dXyapytOq3 pic.twitter.com/Yhezot601k— Jami-Lee Ross (@jamileeross) January 22, 2019He received the text, from a female MP, well before being sectioned to a mental institution on October 20 last year, but re-read it that day and after texting the MP to say she was going to get her wish, he ended up contemplating suicide.Former National Party press secretary, Ben Thomas, told Mike Hosking Ross is trying to "rebrand himself"."This seems like a standard PR playbook kind of move for 2019. Which is, when you're being alleged to have done some pretty terrible things to some of your colleagues and staff members, leading to your banishment form parliament, to kind of come back and rebrand yourself as a mental health crisis survivor.""Really getting the focus back on his personal journey back from the depths and the struggles he's overcome and trying to take the focus away from what he did to get there and, by his own admission, what he did that provoked his mental health crisis."Thomas said the media need to be careful in how they portray the former National MP."Should he be portrayed simply as somebody who has been through a mental health crisis.""He's said he wants to provide a voice for people who have been through similar challenges, well actually very few New Zealanders have been through similar challenges... 20 per cent of New Zealanders suffer from mental health issues but very few of them are a result of breakdowns from secretly taping their leaders, harassing or bullying colleagues and staff members, and then being confronted with their actions and losing their political career as a result.""Most of the time it's bad brain chemistry or having external challenges in your life you haven't brought on yourself," he said.He also accused Ross of trying to divert blame onto the female MP who sent him the text."There's a very big question there about re-victimising someone who has already been a victim."Yesterday, National Party leader Simon Bridges said he has no intention to engage with Jami-Lee Ross at all this year.Thomas said that's probably the right move to make."All of these issues are basically dead and buried...and all of this is basically political revenge porn from beyond the grave, but there aren't any new issues here to address."The National Party leadership might have this hanging over them for a while but it's unlikely to do any damage, he said.JAMI-LEE ROSS - FULL STATEMENTThe last time I actively took part in public debate, over three months ago, I found myself at the apex of a mental health crisis that became a life and death situation. My absence from Parliament and the media since then has understandably raised questions. I hope to now answer some of them.I've been to hell and back. I almost lost everything, including my own life. I just can't be driven by hatred anymore, or the pursuit of getting even with Simon Bridges, Paula Bennett or anyone else in the National Party. Life is too short for that. My time and energy needs to be focused on doing everything I can for my family, my constituents and my country.If I could go back in time, my biggest wish is that I could have spared Lucy from this painful experience. She never deserved any of this, and politics is always harder on those loved ones in the background, than on the MPs themselves.I can't spare Lucy th...

In this final podcast for 2018 we take a look back at our favourite stories of the year which include the drama surrounding Jami-Lee Ross, the National Party Leadership and Housing New Zealand’s bogus meth testing.

I’m surprised that more people aren’t up in arms after a report yesterday found an investigation firm have been spying on New Zealanders and invading their privacy on the behest of State agencies.Security company Thompson and Clark has been barred from doing any more work for the government after the investigation by the State Services Commission found it used an unlicensed private investigator and produced electronic recordings of closed meetings without the consent or knowledge of attendees.To me the report is eye opening.Two brothers who claimed they were physically, sexually and psychologically abused in state care were seeking legal redress and damages from the Government. But rather than taking responsibility the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and Crown Law hired private investigators to dig up dirt on witnesses.An entire government department, MBIE, has been found to have abandoned impartiality and become politicised.The report reveals Thompson and Clark also invaded the privacy of political parties like the Greens and Mana and various iwi groups around the country. And it had a peer into Greenpeace. The report says it was concerned that Thompson and Clark investigated so called “issue motivated groups” under the excuse that they raised security concerns. But then they stepped over the mark into information mining.And most disturbingly they invaded closed meetings of Christchurch earthquake victims to mine information for Southern Response, the government's insurance agency. This had led to the immediate resignation of the agency’s chairman Ross Butler.Now while we can call it spying it’s at the lower end of the scale but not in the eyes of some. Kim Dotcom was all over Twitter last night saying that New Zealanders pride themselves on being the least corrupt nation on earth but that’s a delusion. Of course he reckons the rot goes deep. After all the GCSB was found to have illegally spied on him. And on the face of it state agencies hiring private investigators to spy on New Zealand citizens going about their lawful business just sounds awful.My concern is how it demonstrates the deep polarity that exists in our society these days. The contest of ideas has grown so vicious that if we not for something we’re against it. And we’ll do anything to defeat our so called enemies and in doing so we lose all perspective.We saw it in Jami Lee Ross’s leaks of banal information. The rise of political strategists like Simon Lusk and the co-operation of bloggers to spread dirt. The whisper campaign against Clarke Gayford that caused the police to issue an extraordinary statement refuting the rumours. The way this morning when Russell Norman raised his concerns at being spied on most texts just waved them away because they just don’t like what Greenpeace stands for.It seems to me that some New Zealanders fervour in their own beliefs have caused them to lose their soul. So step back, take a chill pill and stand up for yourself, but do it honestly and openly.

An independent review has been launched to into bullying and harassment in Parliament. The review had been talked about for a while, but has become more urgent after recent events, including the sexual assault scandal at Russel McVeigh, allegations of bullying behaviour by Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross, allegations of bullying by Meka Whaitiri, and Dame Laura Cox's report into bullying and harassment of the UK's House of Commons staff. Jami-Lee Ross and Meka Whaitiri both deny the claims. Speaker Trevor Mallard announced the review, and says bullying and harassment must be unacceptable in any workplace. The review comes as allegations bubble up of an 'inappropriate touching incident' at a Young National event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curly questions for media in JLR's secret recordings; rank and file missing from party conference coverage; possible push polling polarises Porirua; Stuff tightens squeeze on community papers.

National's leaders faced more curly questions after another secret recording featuring MP- gone-rogue Jami-Lee Ross was leaked to media. That raised more questions about the ethics of squeezing stories out of stuff where the public interest is far from clear.

Curly questions for media in JLR's secret recordings; rank and file missing from party conference coverage; possible push polling polarises Porirua; Stuff tightens squeeze on community papers.

National's leaders faced more curly questions after another secret recording featuring MP- gone-rogue Jami-Lee Ross was leaked to media. That raised more questions about the ethics of squeezing stories out of stuff where the public interest is far from clear.

Toby Manhire is joined by iconic duo Annabelle Lee and Ben Thomas to rake the leaves of the JLR saga – and the mini-crises confronting the government, too.The overlord of all successful television in New Zealand, Annabelle Lee, restores equilibrium to the Gone By Lunchtime universe by sitting down with Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire to discuss the Jami-Lee Ross fallout and whether Simon Bridges can survive it, Jacinda Ardern's first Labour Party conference as leader, the pressure on immigration minister Iain Lees-Galloway and the scrap around Phil Twyford's KiwiBuild scheme. Includes sealed section featuring interminable chin-stroking about the US elections.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Deputy Prime Minister doesn't think Simon Bridges or Paula Bennett will survive the Jami-Lee Ross saga, but says it will take a while before heads roll.The National Party leader has stayed staunch in the face of media attention after a week of accusations from rogue MP Ross.Winston Peters told The Weekend Collective that the Party will wait before it acts."They'll want to put distance between this event before they move on. First of all, Paula Bennett, and then [Bridges]. That's the way it usually happens. You pick off the weakest one first and then you go for the top one."Peters says it's ironic that the first use of the waka jumping legislation might go to Simon Bridges, despite the National Party's opposition to the Bill.LISTEN TO WINSTON PETERS TALK WITH THE WEEKEND COLLECTIVE ABOVE 

If Jami-Lee Ross wasn't a politician, no one would care what he has to say.That's the view of commentator Sean Plunkett. He told The Weekend Collective that this past week has been a big drama over nothing. He says that Ross' comments have been used by a media that decided they would be damaging to Simon Bridges and his leadership before they had even heard anything.LISTEN TO SEAN PLUNKETT TALK WITH THE WEEKEND COLLECTIVE ABOVE

Questions are being raised about National's promotion offer to Jami-Lee Ross, while the party's leadership knew about harassment allegations against him.Another phone call recording was released this morning, which reveals a conversation between Ross, Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett before Ross went public with his accusations against the party. the whole saga became public.Political editor Barry Soper told Andrew Dickens the recordings reveal a lot."Both of them, Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett, are saying basically that if he behaved himself, if he followed their instructions, he could return to Parliament next year and he might even be promoted."Soper says the promotion offer reflects poorly on Bridges and Bennett, who serve as National's Leader and Deputy Leader."By offering him to toe the party line and he would be looked after next year in parliament, it doesn't say a lot for the seriousness with which they are treating the complaints which they were in receipt of."LISTEN TO BARRY SOPER TALK WITH ANDREW DICKENS ABOVE 

News Bulletin read by student journalist Joe Bell Jami-Lee Ross is attempting to re-enter parliament, investigators are looking into what caused a Boeing 737 to crash off the coast of Indonesia and the stamp collection to commemorate the arrival of Prince Harry and his wife Megan is finished.

On last weekend's Q+A programme, political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards declared the media and politicians "sort of have to" start reporting "what's going on beneath the bed sheets" of politicians. Mediawatch asks if that's really the case and delves into some of last week's coverage of the Jami-Lee Ross affair.

This week we talk about the Jami-Lee Ross revelations and coverage, NZ political donations and the continuing saga of the Khashoggi assassination. We mentioned an article by Branko Marcetic and you can find that here- https://goo.gl/Ahizdh Opening track - "Sorry" by Comfort Fit

On last weekend's Q+A programme, political scientist Dr Bryce Edwards declared the media and politicians "sort of have to" start reporting "what's going on beneath the bed sheets" of politicians. Mediawatch asks if that's really the case and delves into some of last week's coverage of the Jami-Lee Ross affair.

This week's Stoked podcast is a turbo classic.Topics:Going on holiday to watch Winx in the Cox Plate ❤ (22.23)Lime E Scooters are sending society into meltdown. (7.10)NPC finals weekend: Canterbury's dominance shouldn't be scoffed at. (13.06)Teen golf prodigy takes Mitch's heart. (19.23)Stoked's lessons for the Jami-Lee Ross shamozzle. (21.54)Wrap & ramble. (27.48)

This week Political Editor Jessica Mutch McKay and Benedict Collins discuss the Poll results that were out this week and how National and particularly Simon Bridges were affected by the Jami-Lee Ross affair and we look at fuel tax and how it’s impacted on people's spending.

With the Prime Minister putting a stake in the ground and swearing there’ll be no more regional fuel taxes as long as she’s in charge, I’ve been wondering who exactly the winners and losers are out of this.Obviously, the Opposition will be strutting around claiming victory. It was their incessant hectoring on the issue in the House that finally prompted the PM to say enough. Anything to make them shut up with their constant whingeing.Mr Bridges will be breathing a sigh of relief because finally something went right and he can chalk up a victory.But is this a victory for the nation? A victory for common sense and logic? On that, I’m not so sure.Firstly the rumor that further regional fuel taxes were to come is hard to substantiate. A bit like Jami Lee Ross’ claims to be fair. There is no smoking gun. The legislation specifically prevents them before 2021. It is true that 14 councils indicated that they’d quite like them at this year’s Local Government conference and, yes, the government heard them out but that’s a long way from them becoming reality.So this was the Opposition stopping something that hadn’t even started.And secondly, is it a good thing that no Jacinda Ardern led Government will ever use them as a tool at all?I know that fuel taxes are ugly and blunt. They’re instantaneous and easily observable and they do hurt the poor more. But don’t for one moment think that without them we won’t end out paying the bill because we will.The Auckland Regional Fuel Tax is to raise $1.5 billion towards infrastructure. And using that money the authorities will be able to borrow another $3 billion more. All up that’s $4 billion dollars odd towards a $28 billion bill for infrastructure.Without the tax, you’d have two options. Either do $4 billion less work. Then you’ll slowly end out paying the fuel tax as you sit in congestion burning your slightly cheaper petrol.Or they do the work and pull the $4 billion out of you through rates.And that’s the thing. It doesn’t matter how they do it, you’re still going to have to pay for it one way or another.But I don’t blame Jacinda Ardern for doing what she did faced with such a chorus of people who want the world but don’t want to pay for it. After all, that’s what we’ve been doing for half a century and look where it’s got us.In time this win might come to be seen as a pyrrhic victory.

Explosive revelations by MP gone rogue Jami-Lee Ross hogged headlines and preoccupied political reporting all week. The volume of coverage and comment obscured reporting of some of the significant parts of the saga - including issues for the media.

Explosive revelations by MP gone rogue Jami-Lee Ross hogged headlines and preoccupied political reporting all week. The volume of coverage and comment obscured reporting of some of the significant parts of the saga - including issues for the media.

"It hasn't been a great week for Simon Bridges, but it has been much, much worse for Jami-Lee Ross. For the Botany MP, this week has been an absolute train-wreck."Listen to the full audio above as Jack Tame recaps one of the most chaotic weeks in New Zealand politics.

This week Josh and M discuss Number Stations (and, for some reason, their favourite found footage films), before tackling Saudi Arabian-dismemberment plots and the curious case of Jami-Lee Ross, MP for Botany! -- Watch M's series “Conspiracism” here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJEp7xTcFU3hc2W0kfdSvAQ and learn more about their academic work at: http://episto.org/ Why not support The Podcaster's Guide to the Conspiracy by donating to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/podcastersguidetotheconspiracy or Podbean crowdfunding? http://www.podbean.com/patron/crowdfund/profile/id/muv5b-79 You can contact us at: podcastconspiracy@gmail.com

Chris Lynch spoke to Labour MP Ruth Dyson and National MP Nicky Wagner about the political issues of the week.

There was only one topic of conversation this week, Simon Bridges v Jami-Lee Ross. Our political reporters discuss the week’s events as they unfolded. From Jami-Lee Ross’ press conference, the impact it’s had on the National Party and Simon Bridge’s reputation as a Leader, to audio tapes of private phone conversations, sexual harassment and mental health.

New allegations of inappropriate relations between ousted National MP Jami-Lee Ross and four women have come to light this morning. Matthew Hooton, political commentator and managing director of Exceltium corporate and public affairs, told Chris Lynch the National caucus is 100 percent united behind Simon Bridges as these terrorist style tactics that Jami-Lee Ross was up to with secret tapes cannot be allowed to succeed.  Mr Hooton says over the next little while a whole lot of tapes are going to come out with examples of Simon Bridges, in private, using bad language and being critical of some of his colleagues, the party National MPs must have thick skin.LISTEN ABOVE

Wall-to-wall calls today showed that there is still only one thing on the public's mind. Talkback callers expressed their outrage over the behaviour by not only Simon Bridges and Jami-Lee Ross, but the National Party in general.Dallas told Tim Beveridge that although they are not in charge of the country, they still hold a responsibility to represent Kiwis properly.“They are the opposition and are still running the country. I am afraid the calibre of the National Party is just pathetic."Another caller made a comparison between Todd Barclay's behaviour earlier this year.“In private, what sort of a character are you to publicly air private conversations, it really is despicable behaviour.”LISTEN TO THE TALKBACK FEEDBACK ABOVE

National Party MP Nicky Wagner, who got an unfavourable mention in the Jami-Lee Ross tapes, has responded by saying frank discussions about party renewal are just part of political life.The Christchurch based list MP was one of those named in a phone conversation between Jami-Lee Ross and leader Simon Bridges which was released yesterday.Speaking with Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch, Wagner said it really shows people can live two lives.‘The motivation behind Ross making the tapes public comes back to him being a narcissist who feels spurned on.’Wagner says it has been a traumatic week for National, and she is very angry and disappointed in the actions taken by Ross. “Ross has hurt a lot of people and I am very pleased he is no longer in our caucus anymore. He is going through a psychotic episode at the moment and I feel sorry for the people around him."LISTEN ABOVE AS NICKY WAGNER SPEAKS TO CHRIS LYNCH

News bulletin read by student journalist Joe Bell. Jami- Lee Ross claims Simon Bridges received illegal campaign donations, Black power members have been charged with the murder of a man in Whanganui and Donald Trump claims his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un prevented a Nuclear war.

I started to draft an editorial about the National Party situation last night, and I thought I had finished it, polished it up this morning. But now I understand how that Banksy painting felt being pushed through the shredder. It’s not just a week that’s a long time in politics - the last twelve hours have been. But as the saying goes, if you are going to go down, go down in flames. Jami-Lee Ross has thrown not just himself and Simon Bridges under the bus, but he has trashed his entire National Party family as well. In addition to describing Simon Bridges as ‘corrupt, dishonest and unfit to be leader of the National Party, he also called for businesses and donors not to make further donations to the National Party while Bridges is the leader. In addition to that, he stated ‘many people shared my views within the caucus’, or words to that effect. In doing so he has basically undermined the integrity of his entire caucus - claiming, in my view, that none of them would have the guts to stand up to Simon Bridges, or that they would be too cowardly to stand up to him. Effectively, he’s saying they would betray their own principles all for the sake of collective solidarity. Where to from here? Lots of accusations and a heck of a lot of detail that’s going to be trawled through and debated over the next days, weeks, months. Days, weeks, months. We’ve got a by-election coming up. The choice now for the caucus is stark, and simple, and straightforward. Because at this point the moment we have to go on evidence. All we’ve got is Jami-Lee Ross effectively throwing a grenade into the room and watching everything play out. They’ve got to get behind Simon Bridges and show a strong, unified caucus, because that’s all they can do. They can’t respond to any of this because otherwise it gives power to someone who seems, arguably, disgruntled and self-destructive. The words that came to mind when watching Jami-Lee Ross was megalomaniacal. This idea that only he can save the party, that everyone else will sacrifice their principles, but only he has the answers, and I’m not convinced by that at all. This will perhaps be the worst day of Simon Bridges leadership, but ultimately it could prove to be the best day.Perhaps this gives him the opportunity, if he can survive this – well, if he can survive this, he will be rock solid, he’s going to be unassailable, but that’s a huge but. But if he can survive this, it has provided him with a gold plated opportunity to transform his leadership. Up until now, he’s never seemed that comfortable with the mantle of leadership. So maybe it’s an opportunity for the real Simon Bridges to stand up. That’s the choice that awaits him, and it’s a pretty simple one. 

Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire assess an extraordinary 24 hours in NZ politics, as a relatively unspectacular expenses leak transmogrifies into the biggest Jami-Lee-based farce since A Fish Called Wanda. Guest starring Sam Brooks with a critique of Ross's incredible dramatic monologue as he quits parliament. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

LISTEN ABOVE AS BARRY SOPER SPEAKS TO TIM BEVERIDGEJami-Lee Ross' days in the National Party caucus look numbered.In a series of tweets, Ross claims Bridges pushed him out on medical leave after confronting him with a recording of Bridges discussing unlawful activity.Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper told Tim Beveridge  the future for both Bridges and Ross is looking messy."This is a direct challenge to Simon Bridges' leadership, he has got to go in and ask for the expulsion of Jamie Lee Ross from the National Party caucus tomorrow when they have their meeting."

Join us for the pits and peaks of politics as this week we try to make sense of the Jami-Lee Ross situation and head to Hobbiton for cross-party child poverty reduction bill support. We’re at the NZ First annual conference as they consider legislating kiwi values and we look back at decades of Russian expulsions. Produced by Adam Simpson Engineered by Brian Holloway Research by Liz Feary A TVNZ Production