Podcasts about luxon

The Green Party is proposing sweeping energy reforms, aimed at slashing household power bills and stripping market dominance from major electricity corporations with the establishment of a new publicly owned electricity entity named Kiwipower which would compete directly with the four major electricity providers, which control over 85% of both retail and generation markets, and build a more resilient network with the funding of solar power schemes.Christopher Luxon was very clear on RNZ this morning that when their budgets changes because "we take our costings as best we can at the time" and that "construction costs bounce around a lot" that is fine, but if Labour's budgets say for ferries or Auckland light rail change then it's a mismanagement from a feckless government.P aul Henry has announced his candidacy for the ACT Party list. He says while the decision came together quickly, he wants to be in parliament to create a better future for his ten grandchildren. He joined Jack Tame to discuss what that future might look like.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

David Seymour announced that this election Paul Henry would be standing as an ACT candidate in the general election. When asked why he wanted to be an MP, Henry, says he's “enormously disappointed with National”, and prime minister's performance especially.Labour leader Chris Hipkins says “it's still very early days” to consider speaking with Opportunity, and urged left-leaning voters to consider their vote carefully, after the fledgling party came close to the 5% threshold to enter Parliament in the latest political poll.RNZ and Reid Research released their latest poll which is bad news for National yet okay news for the right and pretty good news for Labour and below average for the left. Opportunity is again featuring in polling discussions with both Luxon and Hipkins now saying a vote for Opportunity is a vote to put the other side in.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Kiwi screen legend Sir Sam Neill has died, aged 78. News of the Jurassic Park star's death was confirmed today on social media. "It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the post read.A growing number of NZers are experiencing homelessness with 33,000 children are living in "severe housing hardship" and NZ has seen a dramatic increase since 2022David Seymour filled in for Christopher Luxon on Newstalk ZB this morning where he spoke about the Indian FTA and why Winston Peters is so very against it, the economy and the failure of the RoNS++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

A word of caution as New Zealand forges closer defence ties with India. Prime Minister Chris Luxon's signed a Strategic Partnership with Narendra Modi - during the Indian Prime Minister's whirlwind visit. He's also agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation and carry out more bilateral naval activity. Geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller says the relationship's come a long way in a short space of time - but we need to be careful we're not moving too fast. "It is positive to broaden the relationship from trade, I just think New Zealand needs to be careful in what it is signing up to, because it has the potential to impact on international relations more generally." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has announced their SolarSaver policy looking to make access to solar panels easier and more affordable. National has claimed Labour is copying them, but we wonder if this new policy by Labour is "GST off fruit and veggies Mark 2" leading to a pretty insignificant improvement in the weekly finances of those hit the hardest with the cost-of-living crisis.Christopher Luxon fronted up to a rare public meeting in Whangārei last night, where about 300 locals showed up to hear what he had to say. The National leader acknowledged it has been a tough few years, but pointed out areas where he felt his party had succeeded.Marama Davidson educates David Seymour and Ryan Bridge when the two of them were very flippant about the Greens Drink, Swim, Fish policy in a clam and precises manner which demonstrated exactly why right-wing talking points fall over after the slightest scrutiny++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Where is National's social media bill at? We know Seymour doesn't like it. Winston is apparently has reservations with the wording, though that's only according to Stuff, rather than the man himself. Labour might need to step in and save the day by supporting it from across the aisle. In Australia, half the kids who were on socials are still on socials. Here, there's no shortage of famous and big-money backers behind a ban. And Erica Stanford's been on the case. Yesterday, Gemma McCaw was talking about it – she's part of the group wanting a ban. Personally, I don't think social media is a net positive for society. But I don't think we'll ever fully get rid of the thing completely. Doesn't happen. Not with booze, not with cigarettes, and it won't with social media. Which is not a reason not to do it, but it seems like National's having a very hard time getting this across the line. Which Luxon won't like. It's one of his babies – like the India FTA. He'll want to head to the polls with a bill under his belt, telling parents their kids will be saved from the perils of the internet. So the ball looks to be in Hipkins' court. Does he help Luxon out and make himself look more Prime Ministerial and above-the-fray, as Key did with Helen Clark and the anti-smacking law? That probably depends on the actual wording of the bill, which we haven't seen, because you can't back something that won't work or doesn't make sense, no matter how morally, or politically, worthy it might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says sport will likely be top of mind for his Indian counterpart when he visits this week. Narendra Modi will fly into Auckland on Friday for a one day visit - marking our first visit of an Indian leader in 40 years. He's set to hold a bilateral with Chris Luxon, meet business leaders and attend an Indian-New Zealand community event. Luxon told Mike Hosking that Modi is really interested in sport. He says they want to host the 2036 Olympics and are interested in our high-tech sports approach. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has admitted he was unaware there was no night shelter in Auckland for people sleeping rough. Political editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; Luxon unaware Auckland lacked night shelter; Chef Peter Gordon discusses Michelin Guide Awards; Black Cap Zak Foulkes speaks to John Campbell following win; Debate reignites as feral cat hunt returns

The Prime Minister's remaining reticent about accusations against the country's top cop. The Police National Integrity Unit and IPCA are looking into historic sexual allegations from Police Commissioner Richard Chamber's former partner. Chris Luxon says he can't comment on the allegations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benefits, boosting apprenticeships, and the coalition headache already looming over Election 2026. Both Labour and Act kickstarted their campaigns at the weekend. David Seymour wants a much tougher welfare system. Chris Hipkins wants to bolster a Covid-era trade scheme. Meanwhile, National’s questioning its coalition partners’ intentions, with Christopher Luxon not “100% sure” about whether they can take Winston Peters’ word he won’t work with Labour. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan is with us to break down the weekend’s big political moves, and what they might mean for the campaign 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: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI related news is dominating today; warnings and actions to prevent the harm caused by generative AI on one hand, and the Prime Minister disappointed with the slow uptake of AI on the other.Education system a shambles. The cancellation of rural school buses is causing absences for students, the Ministry has been scrutinised for choosing an Australian company to re-write the NZ curriculum, and the AI-based SMART assessment tool is being dropped by schools for it's inaccurate scoring.Socialism is sweeping the democratic party primaries in New York this week. Is this a good sign for NZ and will we see the same kind of push back against our current wrecking-ball of a govt and vote in a progressive govt?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The only winner out of political polls is the media for the simple reason it gives them a chance to pontificate and clickbait. "Luxon fronts media after bad poll”. Why is that the headline as opposed to "Hipkins answers questions after poll collapse"? Let's do some simple math: there are about 53% of voters who are broadly centre-right. Pollsters will tell you this to be true. If you accept NZ First are doing well, their highest number is 15% so take that off your 53%, you are down to 38%. Take a chunk off for ACT, they seem to be about 7-9% so let's call it 8%, and you're at 30%, which is where National roughly are. The numbers make perfect sense. It's not a "bad poll", it's simple math. If there is one “real” story in any given poll, especially this week's one, it's that the main parties of Labour and National are sharing a shrinking slice of the vote, which if you like MMP is what is supposed to happen. The Greens, ACT and NZ First have established themselves as a permanent presence. We should be celebrating this, not because of specific policy, but because we voted for a system that spreads the vote and provides greater representation. That's what we wanted so that is good news. Also, you've got Opportunity at 4%. I don't think they'll get there, but if I'm wrong and they get the 5% and they go on to become the newest member of the permanent club, that is further support that will bleed away from the major players. The media coverage discusses none of this because I suspect they haven't thought about it, or indeed they may not even understand it. A lot of Europe with proportional systems have Governments led by parties who won the election with a vote in the 20's, if not low 20's. That is proportional representation. Here's the next big question: it's been ruled out by the Greens, but not Labour, so why not cut the head of Opportunity an electorate deal in Mt Albert? Mt Albert is tight. Helen White won it by a whisker. Opportunity could split the vote and hand the place to the Nats, or Labour could David Seymour it and Epsom her into Parliament and thus create a brand-new coalition partner. That's the really interesting part of the polls and machinations. But no, the media just want "Luxon fronts media after bad poll". They are stuck in the 90's. This is a way more gripping story than they are telling. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson joins us live to discuss the Green's election year tax policy released over the weekend.Luxon revealed another election promise at National's annual conference in Wellington on Sunday, with KiwiSaver changes that include auto enrolling babies with a $1500 starting boost. NZ First have called them out for stealing their homework.Helen Clark reacts the election policies released over the weekend, and whether they go far enough to address NZ's long list of current and future problems.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

The biggest story of the week hit on Wednesday. And no, the biggest story of the week wasn't fare caps on public transport. I mean, that was - they say - a $65 million policy that I reckon is three times that, but it wasn't the big one. It wasn't whether or not Labour had a tent at Fieldays either. I mean, hello - come on. It was when Christopher Luxon released a $51 million policy to accelerate the rollout of technologies onto farms to reduce emissions and remain competitive in the global market. This is the policy that Winston Peters has come out and questioned: “Why are we doing this? Why are we doing this? Why are we doing this?” I'll tell you why in a moment, Winston. But it wasn't actually the policy itself that was big. It was the Prime Minister saying we will not be buying $5 billion worth of carbon credits because we are looking like failing to meet the targets we agreed to under the Paris Climate Accord. Can I repeat? He said we will not be buying $5 billion worth of carbon credits - despite what Winston says today. But he did say, on the emissions targets, “We haven't given up”, and that hitting emissions targets is hard. Then he said, “But we'll give them a good go.” How Kiwi is that? Now look, Winston, this is no great shame. No industrialised economies - like the US, the EU as a whole, or the big emitters - are on track for a two-degree Celsius pathway based on their actual policies. They're not hitting the targets. And the Paris Agreement is exactly what it says it is: an agreement. But remember, we retain our sovereignty - our right to do what we see fit and what we're able to do. Just the same way that the United Nations has no real authority over us, despite what you'll hear from right-wing commentators and a plethora of talkback callers who say they're controlling us and our sovereignty. No, they're not. They make suggestions. We then decide what we're going to do. The Prime Minister has decided we will not pay $5 billion for carbon credits because we're not going to meet the targets we signed up to under the Paris Climate Accord. At the same stand-up, Todd McClay said the job of emissions reduction is a responsibility of farmers. It's not the government's job to force change. Here's $51 million for you to find some way to cut your emissions a bit. Give it a good go, mate. Give it a good go. And that is a message that most farmers will welcome. They hate being portrayed as wreckers of the environment when the environment is at the heart of their business. They want to do something - give them some money to do it - but don't tell them they're not doing enough. It's also important to signal to overseas markets - which are becoming leery of buying New Zealand products because of our carbon footprint - that we're still committed to making changes and that we are trying. Labour and the Greens' hard hits on the way we farm and generate energy, I thought, did far more damage to New Zealand Inc than they did in helping the environment. So I'm happy to give it a good go without killing the goose that lays the golden egg, and I think farmers are too. And I think the Prime Minister got the balance right. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to chat about his Australia trip. Lat week, after it was announced four New Zealand MPs would be banned from China for a year, Australia commented condemning China's decision. Luxon responded saying it was not a matter for Australia to be involved in, but today he stated he was 'appreciative' of the support anyway. A focus of the trip was economic integration in a 'volatile world', including facilitating infrastructure partnerships. Luxon said "my job on those things is to be like the super salesman for New Zealand, really is how I look at the international part of my job." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

There's a view it's been an overall successful trip for the Prime Minister across the Tasman. Christopher Luxon returned from Queensland after meeting with his counterpart Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. Luxon has been making the pitch for New Zealand to be involved in building infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says both nations are allies, and it's important for Luxon to keep the working relationship going. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RNZ's Political Reporter Lillian Hanly spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss ahead of the Prime Minister's trip to Australia.

“We choose our defence spending and no one else,” the Prime Minister says as the United States continues to pressure other nations, including New Zealand, to increase military spending. Speaking with Heather du Plessis-Allan on Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Breakfast, Christoper Luxon has backed New Zealand's defence spending. Luxon denied New Zealand is “freeloading” off America after US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth fired comments at New Zealand over the weekend. “We choose our defence spending and no one else,” Luxon said. “I'm damn proud we're doubling [the budget] it's been run down over 30 years and it's a big job building it back.” He said spending 2.5% of the country's GDP on defence was “a start and a good place for us to get to” in wake of recent conflict. Luxon confirmed New Zealand is going to maintain its nuclear-free position. “It's [nuclear-free] one of the best things we've done. “I'm very proud and it isn't changing while I'm prime minister. Period.” Over the long weekend, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue defence and security conference that New Zealand was “freeloading” off the US military. The claim came in response to a question from Kiwi journalist Anna Fifield, after Hegseth said allies that “refuse to stand up and carry their weight for our collective defence will face a clear shift in how we do business”. At the Singapore conference, Hegseth said he expected allied governments to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence. Last week's Budget outlined how New Zealand will boost defence spending to just over 2% of GDP over eight years. Fifield asked Hegseth if that meant New Zealand was considered a “free rider”. Hegseth said 2% of GDP was not enough, so “2% is freeloading” – though he also said New Zealand and the US' relationship had been “a very fruitful one for a very long time”. Allies couldn't just say: “‘Oh, we've been friends for a long time, so let's work together',” Hegseth said. “It's: ‘We've been friends for a long time so you better have the same visibility as we do, because if we don't, our alliance is meaningless'.” Hegseth also said he didn't have anything against New Zealand and was looking forward to working with New Zealand's Defence Minister and ”enhancing capabilities". Defence Minister Chris Penk was in the audience. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. The Budget: 6/10 The days of drama are gone. It reflected the state of the place; one with prospects but difficult days ahead and discipline required. Horse-faced duck: 1/10 You literally can't make this stuff up. A behind the scenes reality of what will be asking for your vote in a few short months. Stuff: 2/10 Their coverage of our acknowledgement to the MP Joseph Mooney over outing him in the Luxon drama was wrong. They said we apologised. We did not apologise, Stuff literally made that up. It's sloppy, unnecessary and lazy. The moon base: 6/10 Because it sounds cool, but the timeline of 2032 is six years away. You can't build a kilometre of tarmac in six years, far less house yourself on the moon. The Ferrari Luce: 1/10 It's inexplicable. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking in studio this morning for their weekly chat. With the budget coming up this week they spoke about the pre-budget announcements so far, and what's yet to come. Luxon said that more spending announcements will be revealed on Thursday, but the budget is strict. "That's what we have to have, good fiscal financial discipline year in year out in order to get the ship, you know, the books back in order again." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Luxon's comments about immigration have raised a few eyebrows, especially from Labour's Chris Hipkins. What do we make of this? Winston Peters has expressed interest in buying back BNZ. Do we think this is a good idea? Will this really fix our economic issues? Is National right to scrap 'good character' assessment for sex offenders' sentencing? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is firing back at Winston Peters over his latest comments about immigration. The New Zealand First Leader has been accusing his Coalition partners National and Act of being too slow on immigration. The Prime Minister and National Leader says he feels like there's a bit of anti-immigration cos-playing going on, whereby some politicians pretend to be Donald Trump, Nigel Farage or Marine Le Pen. He told Mike Hosking that the remarks by Peters are an example of that. Luxon says New Zealand doesn't have uncontrolled immigration, while the US has 13 to 14 million illegal immigrants. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We need to talk about what Chris Hipkins has said about immigration. First of all, Labour can frankly shut up accusing the Nats of anti-migrant rhetoric because this is a party that hasn't got a leg to stand on when it comes to migration. This is the party - and some of the very same people are still there - that campaigned on reducing immigration by up to 30,000 people in 2017, produced a list of Chinese-sounding names two years earlier and then shut down immigration completely, only to do the opposite by opening it up too much during and after COVID. So, on immigration - glass houses etc. But having said that, what National is proposing to do on immigration should worry businesses up and down this country that rely on migrants. And I'm looking at you - the aged-care sector wanting to bring in Filipino workers to look after our elderly; and I'm looking at you, Health New Zealand, needing to employ Indian nurses; and I'm looking at you, the construction sector, needing to bring in general labourers. Because Chris Luxon has made it clear in his speech he's shutting his door to businesses wanting to lobby him for migrant workers. He said: “My message to the business community is that when it comes to immigration, when I'm faced with a choice between social stability and your bottom line, I will choose the former every single time.” Now that begs the question to the Prime Minister: what does “social stability” mean? Is that basically you saying we've got too many Indian migrants? Which then begs the question: is National trying to match New Zealand First's anti-Indian rhetoric to avoid losing voters to them? Which then logically begs the next question: is Luxon putting his vote share at the election ahead of New Zealand's need to bring in the workers that we know we need? Because we've been through COVID, and we know that we do not do these low-skilled jobs - you need migrants to do them. So I think we should all be worried about this. I think businesses in New Zealand, in particular, should be very worried about this. And it begs a final question: if this is the position that National has taken, is there now even a single party in Parliament that is looking after New Zealand businesses? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has jumped into the immigration debate, promising a careful approach, putting social cohesion ahead of business profit. It's already prompted scepticism from his coalition partner New Zealand First - which says the India free trade deal suggests otherwise. The Prime Minister made the comments in a speech to business leaders in Auckland this morning, also signalling a tighter-than-expected Budget to land in two weeks' time. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has warned less cash would be thrown around in this year's upcoming Budget amid ongoing economic turmoil. Luxon told the audience at the pre-Budget BusinessNZ event that it's important for the Government to stay on track with their fiscal strategy as the election looms. NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford says Luxon's speech is meant to signal to voters that his Government values stability and social cohesion. "This is a very clear message he's trying to get out there - about how National is the party of sensible, stable planned approach going in here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori is in total collapse, and we are witnessing the most rapid exit of a political movement in New Zealand history. Duncan breaks down the internal warfare and ego-driven leadership that squandered an extraordinary platform. We also catch up with pollster David Farrar to talk about Winston's rise, Luxon's personal numbers, and the recent scandal that rocked the Press Gallery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking in studio to discuss two major policy changes announced last week - abolishing fees free study, and raising the age of superannuation. Luxon said that although the changes may not be 'politically popular' they are important, and other party's aren't brave enough to agree. "I think they're being quite dishonest in terms of not facing up to the challenge that we've got and I think just chucking it down the road to the kids and grandkids isn't the right way," he said. "So, I get it's not politically popular, but actually we should have a bigger conversation and a debate about it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says we have serious work to do on our infrastructure compared to Singapore. He's returned from the country this week, where a deal was formally signed to ensure trade keeps flowing during disruptions – securing fuel for New Zealand and food for Singapore. This comes as the former boss of Auckland's City Rail Link claims the project could have cost 50% less – ballooning to an estimated 5.5 billion dollars. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he agrees with this. He says that we spend money on infrastructure but have a very poor return on it, and we need to get much better and more strategic about our planning. And when it comes to the Government's plans for a citizenship test, the Prime Minister says he could take it or leave it. It's planning to test applicants from late next year, requiring they pass 15 out of 20 multi-choice questions – including questions on New Zealand's laws and political system. Luxon told Hosking it's pretty similar to what the UK and Australia have been doing for years. He says it's probably not a bad thing that new Kiwis are aware of pretty basic stuff around things like women's rights and freedom of speech. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A first of its kind agreement to secure New Zealand fuel. Prime Minister Chris Luxon and other ministers are in Singapore, for the signing of a fuel and food security Memorandum of Understanding. Singapore will supply us fuel in times of crisis - and New Zealand's will supply food - in a mutually beneficial deal. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the significance of this deal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says an upgrade to New Zealand's relationship with Singapore is more important than ever, as he prepares to sign a deal that will keep fuel coming to New Zealand. Giles Dexter reports.

The Prime Minister has arrived in Singapore where he'll sign a deal guaranteeing New Zealand's fuel supply. Otago University Associate Professor Nicholas Khoo spoke to John Campbell.

Simeon Brown steps in for the PM for the weekly interview; Luxon arrives in Singapore to sign fuel supply deal; ACT Party reveals new immigration policies; New data reveals low business confidence due to Iran war; Locals react to State Highway 3 reopening

Winston Peters has just pulled a classic Winston move. By leaking sensitive emails and blindsiding Christopher Luxon, it looks like he's trying to get himself kicked out of the coalition to play the martyr. We dive into why Luxon didn't pull the trigger and what this means for the government's stability. We break down the coalition cracks and the $180 million gold mine standoff, and Maurice shares his frustration at seeing elected councillors outvoted by board members who don't have to face the ballot box. It is a deep dive into the accountability crisis currently hitting New Zealand's local and national politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The former Prime Minister unpacks how coalitions actually function behind the scenes.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand's free trade agreement with India should be in effect by the end of the year. The deal's been signed in New Delhi overnight. It's due to be tabled in Parliament today, have its first reading in May, and then go through select committee and public consultation before its final reading, possibly in late September. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking that having the deal already signed is positive. He says there is a clause in the deal in which India will match clauses in any further deals that are more favourable than ours. Luxon also defended cancelling his weekly appearance on TVNZ's Breakfast, saying he's “pretty accessible” when compared to other leaders around the world. The Prime Minister's team ditched the regular interview with Tova O'Brien last week, saying Kiwis now consume media on many different platforms – however he'll still appear on a case-by-case basis. He denied that meant he was “chicken or running for the hills”, in Hosking's words. Luxon says that he reset how he wanted to engage with the media, and it was no different than what former Prime Ministers such as Jim Bolger, John Key, and Jacinda Arden had done. But he also referred to a “second issue” – referring to National Party whip Stuart Smith's reported run-in with TVNZ reporters last week. He said they respect the role of the media but highlighted the need for standards and rules in Parliament. “We've had an issue with TVNZ around that, and we've made that clear to TVNZ management.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has stared down his critics in caucus, forcing his MPs to demonstrate their loyalty with a dramatic vote of confidence. He survived the week - but still faces an almighty challenge in turning around poor polling and keeping together an increasingly fractious coalition. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch reports. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Christopher Luxon's handling of disunity within his own party's ranks has begun exposing rifts in the coalition. Now he and deputy Nicola Willis have both publicly retaliated against coalition partner Winston Peters, saying he's scaremongering, anti-immigrant and making mischief. Mr Peters' complaint: no heads up from the PM about a potential leadership spill he initiated on himself. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the story.

Barry Soper is a staple of New Zealand's political landscape. After joining the Parliamentary Press Gallery in 1980, he's spent nearly five decades as a political reporter, questioning the country's leaders. And now he's diving into the details, revealing some of the untold stories of the twelve Prime Ministers that have spanned his career in ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister'. While some things have changed throughout Soper's time, something that hasn't is politicians' perception of the Press Gallery. “Being in the Press Gallery, you're always labelled ... every time the Press Gallery does a story, they're labelled as hunting in a pack, and going off on tangents that are inexplicable,” he told Mike Hosking. “I think the only thing that's really changed from the time I was in the Press Gallery, started there in 1980, to today is the age of the journalists that are there.” In Soper's time, the demographic skewed older and more male – the gallery seen as a ‘creme de la creme' job that political reports aspired to. “Now it's transposed, there are more women than men and they're young, generally younger.” But although the journalists reporting the stories change, the stories they report can echo the past. “There are so many stories around Parliament, as you can imagine, all politicians talk, and the latest is a good example of when you get onto a good story,” Soper explained. “I've been involved in so many stories when it relates to people being rolled in politics,” he told Hosking – Bill English springing to mind. “I'd done the numbers and knew his time was up,” Soper said, which was something he'd revealed in an interview with one of Hosking's processors, Paul Holmes. “Holmes said to me at the end of the interview, he said, “Baz, is this man a dead man walking?” and I said, “Holmesy, more like a twitching corpse.”” English of course, was not well pleased with Soper's analysis, calling him up after the interview to tell him he had the numbers. “And I said, “No you haven't Bill, you'll see. See you by lunchtime.” And of course he was gone.” Twelve Prime Ministers have come and gone over the course of his career so far, but Soper has his top six, and funnily enough, Bill English doesn't make the cut. From Muldoon to Luxon, Soper delves into the details of New Zealand's Prime Ministers in ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister', releasing on the 28th of April. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon is still the boss. He emerged from a nearly three hour caucus meeting, revealing he had survived a confidence vote that he called himself. Christopher Luxon said there was good honest discussion in caucus. The PM last week declared he had the full support of his MPs, but by Monday his tone had changed. Christopher Luxon conceded there was potentially a handful of moaning and frustrated MPs, five by his count. The PM's hoping Tuesday's vote will draw a line under intense scrutiny over his position. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister emerged from closed door meeting, that lasted more than two and half hours, saying he has the support of his MPs, as their leader. In the face of speculation, bad poll results and dissent in the ranks, Christopher Luxon confirmed he moved a motion of confidence in his leadership. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has more.

Winston Peters has described Christopher Luxon's leadership vote "a very bad move," and that "there will be consequences for that." To explain what he meant, Mr Peters spoke to John Campbell.

Winston Peters on the consequences of Luxon's confidence vote; Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Tangi Utikere; Business confidence takes a dive; Why the latest severe weather caught many off guard; What to put in a library for survivors of an apocalypse?

Following a lengthy and uncertain caucus meeting this morning, RNMZ political editor Jo Moir speaks with Jesse Mulligan on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon surviving a leadership challenge.

It's quite possible the Prime Minister might look back on yesterday's caucus meeting as a moment that defined his leadership. He read the riot act, they had a vote, and he won. He was always going to win, but in making his statement afterwards he hopefully, once and for all, sent a message to the media that the sort of drama they live for is over. He should have done this sooner of course. He is 100% right when he says most of us have no interest in the minutiae and gossip that envelops the beltway. This is a country with a myriad of issues facing us and every moment you spend on frippery is a moment wasted on real problems. Yes, you can blame Uffindell and Bishop and his mates for talking and leaking. But in totality when you look at what led to yesterday —five idiots and a bloke from the Hutt who sort of fancied himself— what a mountain out of a mole hill. In a caucus of 50-ish, a handful of nobodies got a bit spooked and caused too much damage, but got aided by the media who don't like the Government and certainly don't like Luxon so leapt into it with alacrity. Luxon deserves a lot better. No, he is not one of this nation's greats. But mind you they said that about John Howard for many years, until they realised they were wrong. But what Luxon is, is a hard-working, successful operator, managing a three-way deal to run a country, mired in debt, in a world at war and when we are not at war, finding any number of problems to provide no end of challenges, for a small country at the bottom of the planet. You can't fault his ambition, and you can't fault his work ethic. If you don't like National, fine, don't vote for them. But the point is he is in it, and always has been, for the right reasons and that is to be respected. The bit that would have got me was upon arrival he tidied his party up. The leaking and backstabbing was stopped and his reward was the gormless and self-absorbed fools then went and let him down. They should be embarrassed and ashamed of themselves. But hopefully Luxon emerges from this stronger. Every now and then you see a flash of it, like Monday post-Cabinet when he spoke with passion about immigration. Yesterday was the same but about gossip and wasting time. He needs to be himself more. He doesn't like the beltway and who can blame him? Hopefully yesterday he put a line in that sand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister is concerned about an expected spike in inflation. The inflation rate has remained unchanged at 3.1% in the March quarter, despite forecasts of a drop. ASB economists now expect it to approach 4.5% this quarter, remain above 4% until the end of the year, and remain above 3% until at least the middle of next year. Nicola Willis told Mike Hosking there's no doubt inflation will rise this quarter. She's also refusing to name the five disgruntled National MPs that Christopher Luxon says are behind party leaks to the media. Luxon's passed a vote of confidence at yesterday's lengthy caucus meeting, but MPs aren't revealing details of the vote, including how many of them supported Luxon. Newstalk ZB understands the disgruntled MPs are Joseph Mooney, Andrew Bayley, Sam Uffindell, Barbara Kuriger, and Tim van de Molen. Willis told Hosking she won't throw colleagues under the bus without evidence. She says each of the five have said they haven't leaked to the media and support a unified caucus. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another poll with National's support below 30 percent has kept the fires of speculation around the prime minister's leadership burning. Last week ended with Christopher Luxon repeatedly asserting he had the support of his National Party colleages. And after the disastrous poll results last night, he spent his morning media round admitting there are a handful of MPs dissatisfied enough to speak to media. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

The political leadership rumours have been swirling again today, with fresh reports of a National party mutiny. But Christopher Luxon is digging in - amid the questions about his leadership - insisting he still has the full support of his caucus. Political editor Craig McCulloch has more.

Most developers reach for date-fns or Moment.js without realizing the browser already ships a powerful string formatting library called the JavaScript Intl API. Killian Valkhof, creator of Polypane, walks through how locale-aware date formatting, currency formatting, the Segmenter API, and the Collator API can replace heavy npm dependencies, with support for over 7,000 locales baked right into every evergreen browser since 2017. Links Resources INTL: The best browser API you're not using | Kilian Valkhof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhzJ1UFlRjw We want to hear from you! How did you find us? Did you see us on Twitter? In a newsletter? Or maybe we were recommended by a friend? Fill out our listener survey! https://t.co/oKVAEXipxu Let us know by sending an email to our producer, Elizabeth, at elizabeth.becz@logrocket.com, or tweet at us at PodRocketPod. Check out our newsletter! https://blog.logrocket.com/the-replay-newsletter/ Follow us. Get free stickers. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, fill out this form, and we'll send you free PodRocket stickers! What does LogRocket do? LogRocket provides AI-first session replay and analytics that surfaces the UX and technical issues impacting user experiences. Start understanding where your users are struggling by trying it for free at LogRocket.com. Try LogRocket for free today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction — Browser APIs & the Intl API 01:00 Why Developers Overlook Internationalization 02:30 What the Intl API Actually Is (It's a Formatting Library) 04:00 7,000 Locales Built Into Every Browser 06:00 What Intl Does NOT Do — It's String Output Only 07:00 date-fns, Moment.js, Luxon, and Numeral.js Compared 09:00 Why the Segmented Rollout Slowed Adoption 11:00 Currency Formatting and Locale Trust Signals 13:00 The Worst Under-Used API in the Browser 16:00 How Browser Specs Have Evolved Since HTML5 18:30 Dialogue, Popover, Anchor Positioning — New Primitives 23:00 The Top Layer and Z-Index Problems Solved 25:00 WebGPU, WASM, and Native API Trends 27:30 The Easiest Way to Start Using Intl Today 31:00 Collator, Segmenter, and List Format APIs 32:00 Wrap-Up and Where to Find Killian's Full TalkSpecial Guest: Kilian Valkhof.