Podcasts about luxon

The Prime Minister has stuck to his criticism of his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, but said he has also been critical of Hamas. Yesterday Christopher Luxon said the Israeli prime minister had lost the plot, and was not listening to the international community. Mr Luxon said he was giving his personal view, but Israel's deputy foreign minister has fired back, with some criticisms of her own. Giles Dexter reports.

Starbucks is cracking down on working from there Fletch's Nightmare talent show for delayed flights SLP - Do you have emergency savings? Over or under - How many toilets have you used in your life? Top 6 Ways to make Luxon more popular Uber Naughty and nice cities A girlie recreated The Holiday What caused the smell in the car? Jonas brothers and Demi Lovato Vaughan and Fletch's AI wedding vows Shannon's Hack Fact of the Day What embarrasing thing keeps you up at night?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll out Monday morning shows the government struggling to make headway amidst the cost-of-living crisis. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chris Luxon this weekend, in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting. Luxon said in a world that's ever-changing, our relationship with Australia is a "bedrock", and Albanese shared a similar sentiment. But no announcements have been made so far between us. So what can we expect to come from this? what issues do both leaders agree, or disagree on? and what concerns still remain? New Zealand Herald Senior Writer Derek Cheng was down there to cover the meeting, and he's with us now... LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon was on Newstalk ZB today for an hour explaining how much he enjoyed the format of discussing issues "a bit deeper" all while not going in-depth at all in any way just continuing on the same old talking points.We asked questions last night about how we'd be charged road user charges "like a power bill" without mass surveillance. Seems the answer is the way the government wants to do it...is by using mass surveillance.The 'nobody is surprised' award goes to Jordan Williams and his The Campaign Company who Don Brash confirmed this morning was the group being using Rotorua kuia, Ellen Tamati's, face on a Hobson's Pledge billboard against Māori Wards. The Israeli government has told so many lies since Oct. 7. In under three minutes, Mehdi Hasan debunks the top 10 Israeli lies about the genocide in Gaza.Primary School teachers reject a 1% pay increase offer, meaning they would be going backwards in real terms, about 2% based on current inflation=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

The $66-billion question hanging over Labour's head has been answered. This new Treasury report tells us what we all already knew about Labour's Covid response. They went too far. Spent like a drunken sailor. Made it rain dollar bills. When Treasury advised them to pull back, they didn't they kept going. Covid was the most expensive economic to this country. The government spent $66-billion - which is 20% of our GDP. Of that, just 18% was spent on specific pandemic healthcare costs. Then they just kept spending. Forget the Nigerian prince, this is the biggest scam to hit kiwi shores. They also spent the Covid fund on things like school lunches and art therapy programmes. The report tip toes around it but the clear inference of this report is Labour went too far pulling the fiscal leaver. The Reserve Bank should be using monetary policy to bulk of the heaving lifting in future events. At the same time this report landed on Labour's lap like a tonne of bricks, Chris Hipkins was in Queenstown chatting about the policies they don't have but will probably have going into the election. Guess what's on the menu? A capital gains tax. More government spending. And talk that the Treasury-imposed safe debt cap could be increased. So debt, Tax. And spend. People may not like Luxon's delivery of this message, it grates, but you can't hide from the fact those guys screwed the pooch. And the pooch, if they were to get back into power, best be preparing for more screwing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cost of living and the economy remains top of the agenda for National. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s already touting his leadership as one that’s a “clear choice” for New Zealanders at next year’s election, saying the government “inherited a mess and sorting it out”. However, commentators have been quick to out the issues facing National ahead of the campaign – writing that Luxon is “getting worried” and that National is in a “mess”. So, as the battle lines start getting drawn in the Beehive, what’s ahead of politicians? Today on The Front Page, outgoing Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joins us to discuss the past week in politics, and what could lie ahead. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's blaming New Zealand's rising unemployment on the last Government's economic management. The rate's hit a five-year high of 5.2%, just shy of Treasury's predicted 5.4%. Christopher Luxon told Kerre Woodham when inflation rises, interest rates go up, the economy shrinks, and people lose their jobs. He says Labour had a lovely big spend-up party, but it's left a significant hangover. Luxon says we have to work our way through the economic cycle, which is what we're doing now. China's doubling down on its deal with the Cook Islands. Ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong says China wants to co-operate on seabed mining research, an inter-island cargo ship between the two countries, and infrastructure. The partnership has prompted backlash from New Zealand, which has a special relationship with the Islands, including the withdrawal of aid. Meanwhile, Luxon told Woodham the Governor-General is visiting the Cooks to celebrate our 60 years free association. He says he's proud of the people, but has an issue with their Government's moves. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's prime minister is talking up a more united Pacific in Papua New Guinea. Political Reporter Russell Palmer has more.

The Government has announced a proposal to replace New Zealand's secondary school qualification system, NCEA, 23 years after it was first introduced.Chris Bishop was on Q&A in the weekend discussed whether Christopher Luxon's low preferred Prime Minister ratings are a cause for concern, and defends the government's decision to limit election enrolment to the day before advance voting begins.Dr Emmy Rākete, co-founder of People Against Prisons Aotearoa, and lawyer Tania Waikato join Miriama Kamo on Marae to unpack thousands allegedly being removed from the electoral roll, prisoner voting scrapped, and strict new rules that could shut even more out.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has told the National party's annual conference over the weekend that the country needs to "say yes" more, and can't rely on hope. He spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

"Say yes" to more - was the message from the Prime Minister at his address to National party members in Christchurch. The party gathered on Saturday for its annual conference, in which Christopher Luxon put an economic stake in the ground ahead of next year's election. Corin Dann has more.

Full interview: Senior minister Chris Bishop discusses the job losses currently being seen in the construction sector, and answers questions on whether his government's policies on infrastructure are a contributing cause. . Q+A also asks him about recent data on homelessness and rough sleeping, with Bishop indicating an openness to possible “tweaks” in policies that homelessness advocates argue have led to an increase in people sleeping on the street. . And as the newly appointed campaign chair, Bishop discusses whether Christopher Luxon's low preferred Prime Minister ratings are a cause for concern, and defends the government's decision to limit election enrolment to the day before advance voting begins.

Hana Pilkinton-Ching from Action Stations joins us live to talk about the upcoming roadshow to inform the public on how free dental is possible and the benefits for NZers.Luxon says his govt will continue to "smash the gangs", legal experts says his phrase is a threat of violence in a public setting and has broken the law.The scrapping of Pay Equity - that helped fund Nicola Willis' recent budget with $12B dollars - communications have been unsealed.That and your regular Friday show Memes to send you off into the weekend.=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Today on the show…  - It's a pre-election dance, bit of shadow boxing, a fight over who is the most credible party and person to run the NZ economy.  - Chris Luxon says his approach is so successful and he's so confident in what he's doing that he's doubling down on it - meanwhile Chris Hipkins says Luxon ran his victory lap too early.  - So why is Hipkins refusing to say what he'd do? Right now who knows what Labour stands for - is he all mouth and no trousers?  - Plus some Letters to the Editor! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A frosty reception for the Prime Minister at the ANZ Premiership grand final in Auckland yesterday - with booing from the crowd. Chris Luxon is brushing it off, and says he was well-looked after at the event. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's taken the backlash in his stride, and acknowledged the backlash that comes with politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is banning retailers from charging credit card surcharges - but banks are still allowed to charge the retailers. What do we make of this? Is this unfair for retailers? Prime Minister Chris Luxon got booed at the ANZ Premiership grand final yesterday. Is this a bad sign? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney-General Judith Collins says the government's proposed electoral law changes clash with constitutional rights. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

Today on the show…  - It's time for my political panel. Former Labour Party MP Stuart Nash and Political Commentator Ashley Church join me. We look at the latest poll which sends National into opposition after just one term. And Labour the Greens and Te Pāti Māori would govern if an election was held today.  - And Chris Luxon is neck and neck with Chris Hipkins as preferred PM. Luxon has never been popular so if he can't get National a second term, should they roll him? I'll ask the panel.  - Plus some Letters to the Editor! Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Government are in trouble in a couple of areas: 1) FamilyBoost. What they said would happen, numbers wise, didn't. 2) Police recruits. What they said would happen, will not. 3) The ban on foreign buyers for houses now looks farcical. Yesterday's attempt by the NZ Herald to make some Winston Peters' comments look like news was a beat up, because he said the same thing to me two months ago. Saying the same thing, with nothing new or any change in between, is not news. It's the status quo. What makes the Peters' stance, and therefore the Government damage, unusual is Peters' stance is inexplicable. FamilyBoost got messed up because IRD gave the Government poor advice. The police recruit issue is bad because being a cop is hard, a lot of cops leave, and Australia offers sunshine and beaches, and they are actively making offers. But on the upside, the golden visa is working. People with money have applied and there are hundreds of millions, heading towards billions, in play. But we still want them to rent or use Airbnb. The level of stupidity in that is inescapable and inexcusable. National had a policy of $2 million a house – anything over that a foreigner could buy. Peters didn't like it, fine. National moved that to $5-6 million. Locals here aren't buying those houses. Peters still won't move. He says a deal is coming. But the critical questions are, why would you burn goodwill inside a coalition and why would you risk reputational damage internationally? The same bloke who is holding us to ransom is the same bloke who has travelled the world telling said world we are open. And yet, we are not. If this Government is to survive, and possibly prosper, the simple stuff cannot afford to be an issue. We need money and we need investment and the jobs and growth that brings. It must be part of a package, and the package comes with a home. Peters gets that, I know he does. And yet, nothing. Small word to National and Luxon – how about some hardball? How long do you want to look like the weak guys, the dog being wagged by the tail? National's biggest problem, apart from Peters, is time. Next year, the country makes a decision on all this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour Leader has responded to Luxon's heated comments in response to their jabs about the cost of living. The Opposition has criticised the Government's flagship cost of living policy, raising a red flag over only 153 families getting the maximum credit across all four quarters. Luxon says Labour's crying crocodile tears, and that he's not taking any lectures from "frickin Chris Hipkins" about not supporting working Kiwis. Hipkins told John MacDonald that Luxon is focused on attacking other people and blaming everybody else, rather than speaking up in favour of his own government's track records. “Show me the money” is the Opposition's call over the Government plan for the new Waikato Medical School. It'll get $83 million in taxpayer funding and more than $150 million from the university and investors. The Labour leader told MacDonald we need to train more doctors, but this could take longer than just increasing intakes at existing medical schools. He says the Government should be transparent about this decision. Hipkins says Labour won't stop the project if construction's already under way if it gets into Government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government says billions in new infrastructure projects will boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Chris Luxon says New Zealand needs to change its thinking on flooding risks. Latest official data projects up to 14 and a half thousand homes will face damage from extreme events in the next 35 years. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says it's likely the Prime Minister is looking at eventually setting up additional resources for people in flood-impacted regions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dozens of people remain in emergency accommodation and hundreds of flood-damaged properties still have to be assessed after Friday's devastating floods in Nelson and Tasman. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

Winston's done it again. The old political workhorse of the Pacific just keeps getting more popular. New Zealand First has overtaken ACT in the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia Poll - it's now the third most popular party. I'll give you a break down of the numbers shortly, but this has got to be ego bruising for Seymour. He's just got his feet under the Deputy's desk and he's been overtaken in the polls by the bloke he's replaced. Not that simply being the Deputy PM gets you votes, but he's trying to make a good fist of it. Seymour's holding press conferences left, right and centre. Yesterday, a stand-up reacting to no change in the OCR. Today, a stand-up on Stats NZ numbers. Luxon's overseas on holiday. Winston's East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Seymour's been bogged down with Regulatory Standard's Bill, the Treaty bill and school lunches. Winston's been flying around the world keeping us in line with China and staving off Trump's tariffs... all while celebrating his 80th birthday. And to top it off, he's keeping cash in circulation. Winston is popular because he speaks his mind and knows what he's talking about. He commands respect. When he speaks, people listen. He's a good example of a man who keeps it simple. Do your job and do it well. Work hard and stay focussed. It's a pretty simple formula that's seen him through the last 40+ years in politics and ion these numbers will see him through atleast a couple more yet. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A promise the Government's focusing on delivery this quarter, as it gives itself a shorter list. The Prime Minister has released his Q3 action plan - laying out goals of repealing the oil and gas ban, banning prisoner voting, as well as passing changes to the RMA and looking into supermarket competition. This plan has 28 key points,10 less than the last one. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks the list further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is introducing new laws focused on protecting first responders and prison officers. Luxon told Mike Hosking that no ambulance driver, firefighter or police officer should face aggression and assault while trying to help people. Also in discussion is the new IKEA store, which has faced trouble during the planning phase. Luxon said that he has more concerns about the planning than IKEA do, and blames the struggles on ‘Māorification'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT leader David Seymour's had to step up over the last few days, as Prime Minister Luxon spends time working on relationships overseas. Luxon's been in China and Europe, meaning Seymour's had to address the media as part of a post-Cabinet press conference - and answer questions. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon's taken all the necessary steps to ensure both Deputy Prime Ministers were prepared for the role ahead of the next election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon says New Zealand is determined to continue to put pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine. Correspondent Jamie Tahana spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has arrived in the Hague where he will join more than 30 world leaders, including US president Donald Trump, for what is expected to be one of the largest and most expensive NATO summits in history. Reporter Jamie Tahana spoke to Lisa Owen from the Hague.

World leaders, including our Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, are in The Hague for the NATO Summit. Correspondent Jamie Tahana spoke to Corin Dann.

The Acting Prime Minister is warning against rushing to judgment on the United States' airstrikes on Iran, saying the rest of the world is not waiting to hear New Zealand's position. David Seymour has stepped in for Christopher Luxon at this week's post-Cabinet press conference, and he was pushed for a response on the strikes. Mr Luxon is in Europe for the NATO summit this week, where the Middle East is likely to dominate proceedings. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand says the Middle East crisis is extremely concerning and there are worries over the consequences of further actions. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

The Prime Minister has wrapped up a whirlwind three-day trip in China. Jason Young, the director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre dissects it.

Around the world, the flames of aggression and instability are burning. As Christopher Luxon arrives in China his immediate challenge is to douse the alarm from several former politicians and ensure that the relationship with leaders in New Zealand's biggest export market are sweet. From there, the New Zealand prime minister is off to Europe and another guest spot at Nato, who are meeting in the Hague. In a new episode of Gone By Lunchtime, Toby Manhire, Ben Thomas and Annabelle Lee-Mather chew over the shifting global dynamic he'll encounter, with escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Trump quitting G7 early and ongoing devastation in Ukraine and Gaza. More prosaically, will Luxon welcome a chance to stride the international stage after a bit of a media flub on sick pay just before he left? Plus: a word on a sweary scrutiny week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Prime Minister is pushing for diplomacy and trade in China - as he visits with ministers and senior business leaders. Discussions will be held on boosting education and tourism, including attempting to attract more international students to New Zealand. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the Government could look at making visa changes to make it easier on Chinese tourists. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has warned China has lost trust in New Zealand as a trading partner - and it could impact the current FTA. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is leading a trade delegation to China, with a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping set to take place this coming Friday. Mahon China Investment Management CEO David Mahon says Luxon's sending over a modest delegation over a short timeframe - and it's sending the wrong message to China. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister has laid out his goals ahead of his visit to China. Chris Luxon is about to leave for Shanghai with a business delegation, before making his way to Beijing to meet with President Xi Jinping. Luxon says he also wants to broaden the countries' trade relationship with a focus on red meat, tourism and education. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An open letter has been written to the Prime Minister urging Luxon to ease the ban on foreign house buyers. This letter comes after multiple NBR Rich Listers told NBR that making it easier for foreign investors to buy homes here would make New Zealand a better place to do business. Luxury property real estate agent Anthony Morsinkhof provided the open letter - and he says he has clients looking to invest in New Zealand. "I've got clients there that want to invest into big land developments for residential houses, I've got a biotech company that wants to come to New Zealand - I've got a lot of different sorts of people who want to invest here in New Zealand and they want to buy properties." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From September, parents of citizens and residents will be able to get a five-year visa allowing them to come and go, with an option to extend for a further five. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

Mike Hoskings and Prime Minister Chris Luxon sat down in the studio this morning for a discussion on electricity and gas in New Zealand. “The oil and gas ban was one of the dumbest, most insanest moves I've seen happen.” said the PM this morning. According to Luxon, New Zealand must steer back away from coal in favour of gas as a source of energy. “We're the only country I'm aware of in the world that's actually transitioning from gas to coal.” Which Luxon said is “twice as bad as gas.” The PM says his plan for future-proofing New Zealand's energy grid is essential for supporting planned datacenters and other high-energy usage projects. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The polling industry, whose only answer to fairly obvious questions seems to be “this is just a snapshot in time”, may have trouble explaining the past week of polling in this country. There was one on Tuesday night and one on Wednesday morning. They have completely different results. One has Luxon as the most popular leader. One has Hipkins as the most popular leader. One has National leading Labour. One has Labour leading National. One has the current Government as the current Government. One has a new Government, with the current Government out. It doesn't get a lot more contrasting than that. Even if you accept a lot of the numbers are tightish, some of the numbers aren't even within the margin of error. It's almost as though the polls aren't accurate. It's almost as though you could ring up 1000 people and get one answer, then ring up another set of 1000 people and get a completely different answer. If you can do that, why would you pay money to people who will tell you these things mean anything? At least TVNZ use commercial money to pay for this stuff. Radio New Zealand, who seem to have taken over from TV3, use our money. And given they have just had a budget cut and given they are losing their audience at a rate of knots, I'm not sure this can be classed as quality expenditure. I went to their website yesterday. The headline was "What the polls are telling us in 7 charts". And there they were. There was lots of colour, lots of lines up and down, and squiggles. But I already knew, given I had seen the charts from the night before, that either their charts meant nothing, or if they did mean something, then the other guy's charts weren't up to much. Or quite possibly if we did this charade for a third time, they would both be exposed as having shonky numbers. But remember: "they are only a snapshot in time". Except given they were done at the same time, they aren't, are they? So what are they, other than a very large waste of time and money? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 25 international climate change scientists have written an open letter to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, calling out the Government for "ignoring scientific evidence" and urging it to "deliver methane reductions that contribute to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees." Climate change correspondent Eloise Gibson spoke to Corin Dann.

The government's making big changes to WorkSafe, the agency tasked with keeping workers safe including shifting in priorities from enforcement to giving advice. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Christopher Luxon says the Government's making its expectations clear when it comes to behaviour in social housing. Kāinga Ora is formally warning seven times as many tenants as it was last financial year. It's evicted 63 tenants in 10 months for disruptive behaviour. The Prime Minister told Mike Hosking the enforcement action is sending a clear message about what is and isn't acceptable. He says it's a privilege to be in a state house funded by the taxpayer, and unruly behaviour isn't okay. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Call me superficial, but to watch the Reserve Bank heavyweights lined up, as I did Wednesday post their cash rate decision, I did not see dynamism. These people outwardly do not fill you with any sense of excitement. The Reserve Bank is in a spot and, as a result, so are we as a country. A couple of semi-interesting things happened and also one very interesting thing. They voted 5 to 1 to cut. They don't vote that often. They also offered alternative scenarios, which they haven't done for five years. Alternative scenarios are not a good sign. If you have enough of them, you are literally making stuff up. Anyone can drum up alternative scenarios. What I want to hear more of from experts is what is actually going on. The important stuff is they have no bias on further cuts. A lot of people thought we would get a cut yesterday, followed by one, possibly two, more. The so-called "neutral rate", that's the cash rate settling at 2.75% or 2.5% – that now seems to be off the table. Why? They argue inflation, which is what drives them. That's their mandate. The trouble with that is inflation is only just in the band. It's heading more towards the top of the band and here is the really big part – growth, or large dollops of growth, are not driving this inflation. We are barely growing, if growing at all. Yet inflation is still a thing. That's not good for an economy and it's not good for the Government. The Government, namely Willis and Luxon, leap, and have leapt, on each announcement talking about the money coming back into the economy as the interest rates drop. If the bank isn't cutting, then rates aren't dropping, and we aren't spending or feeling remotely bullish. The Reserve Bank doesn't care that much because they are fixated on inflation, whether it's driven by factors beyond our control —like insurance, shipping or councils— or growth. Yes, we had growth in Q1. It was quite good growth too. The live GDP tracker has Q2 up a bit, but not much. But it has annual numbers negative and inflation trending up. What we need is help. We are in a quagmire we need to extricate ourselves from. The Reserve Bank doesn't look like they are that interested. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, says public servants who leak to the media are undermining the government, and the public's trust in it. Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

Benjamin Luxon, the esteemed Cornish baritone who died at the age of 87 last July, had one of the most wide-ranging repertoires of any singer of the past century, from the classical repertoire (including opera, oratorio, art song over the course of at least four centuries and in a host of languages, including work written expressly for him) through Victorian parlor song, to traditional folk. Additionally, in the early 1980s he recorded a trilogy of crossover albums for British RCA, all three of which are sampled on this episode. The first, Some Enchanted Evening, features show tunes; the second, As Time Goes By, a broad spectrum of movie-related songs; and the third, Something Else Again, highlights folk rock arrangements as well as original compositions by singer-songwriters of the period. In addition, I read from a particularly perceptive 2009 interview with Luxon in which he candidly discusses his hearing loss and how that impacted his singing career and his life as a performer. Countermelody is a podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and journalist yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly or yearly support at whatever level you can afford.

The Parliamentary debate of unprecedented suspensions handed down to three Te Pāti Māori MPs has the potential to bring the House to a grinding halt ahead of Thursday's Budget. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

An overhaul of the pay equity process has been whisked through parliament under urgency. The changes, which tighten the criteria for making a claim for workers in female-dominated sectors and summarily halt 33 existing claims in the pipeline, have prompted a major backlash, in part for their substance and in part for the decision to push the reform through without the usual consultation under a select committee process or regulatory impact statement. Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire discuss the unexpected announcement, the rationale for urgency, whether it's plausible to claim it's not primarily motivated by the billions that will be saved ahead of a tight budget, and what impact, if any, it might have on the women's vote. The trio also discuss Christopher Luxon's enthusiastic backing of a bill that would follow Australia in banning social media for under-16s. What is with the surge in member's bill as mechanisms for party campaigning, what is the polling telling politicians about young people and social media, and does Luxon know he's the prime minister? Plus: Australians have returned Labor and Albanese to power in what is being called a “bloodbath”, hot on the heels of Mark Carney's big comeback in Canada. How big is the Trump effect, is it good news for the left or good news for incumbents, and how might New Zealand politicians look to seize upon the Trumpy moment? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices