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The Labour Party's controversial Three Waters reforms were repealed last week. National's replacement plan seeks to address the complaints of many who pushed back against the bill, while maintaining support for challenged regions. Additionally, this Sunday saw National Leader Christopher Luxon pushed out of the yearly Big Gay Out event by protestors. Amongst other issues, the protestors are standing against proposed changes to the school curriculum, removing and replacing gender, sexuality, and relationship-based education guidelines. Producer Castor spoke to National's James Meager about the Three Waters replacement, including recent environmental concerns. He also discusses the curriculum changes, and how the National Party supports queer young people.
National Leader Christopher Luxon joined Kerre Woodham live in studio to take calls and answer questions from listeners. WATCH ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Party has raising the prospect of a hung Parliament or even a second election, if voters don't deliver a clear National - ACT government. A few weeks ago, National leader Christopher Luxon said he could work with New Zealand First if he had to. Now, he and his colleagues are not so sure. This week, we sit down for an extended interview with the leaders of the two largest parties. We'll hear from Labour's Chris Hipkins on Tuesday. Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.
Christopher Luxon joins Kathryn Ryan for an extended interview on all the issues this election and why National should form the next government.
While's there's been a bit of a scramble over his tax policy, the leader of the National Party, binds it together when it comes to breakfast. In RNZ's new political series, Grilled, the top four polling political leaders make a meal of their choice, for our very own Charlotte Cook. In Friday's episode, National's Leader Christopher Luxon was eager to get cracking.
They've been crying foul over attack ads, but now the National Party are being accused of being hypocrites. The Labour Party leader, Chris Hipkins, unveiled a long list of ads he and his MPs have been subject to in recent times, some of which were shared by National Party MPs. When National's campaign manager, Chris Bishop, was asked about an ad he shared, he couldn't remember the post. National Party leader Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.
With the gap between the left and right blocs widening in the latest political poll, attention is shifting to what a possible National and Act government could look like. It has prompted National Leader Christopher Luxon to rule out some of ACT's policies, but he is being less definitive about his party's position on New Zealand First. Political reporter Katie Scotcher has more.
"It's getting rid of dumb stuff." That's how National Leader Christopher Luxon has described the Government's policy bonfire. He told Mike Hosking it's stuff that shouldn't have happened in the first place. Luxon says it's a stupendous waste of money, time and resources, and he's questioning what the past six years have been about. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Leader Christopher Luxon says the change of leadership won't solve the Government's underlying shortcomings. He says the Government has failed to address the underlying causes driving inflation, while National has a five-point plan. Luxon believes he still has the clear upper hand heading into the election. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National is increasing its lead over Labour. Labour has slid one point to 33 percent support in the latest 1News Kantar poll, while National is up one point to 38 percent. Act has 11 percent —giving it the backing to form a government with National— and the Green Party is sitting at nine points. National Leader Christopher Luxon says it's clear the public want change. He says they want to see a Government that actually gets things done. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The move to lower the voting age already appears to be dead in the water, despite a landmark decision from the country's highest court. The Supreme Court has ruled stopping 16 and 17-year-olds from voting is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. Cabinet is now set to draft legislation to lower the voting age which will be put to a conscience vote, and will require 75 percent support to pass. Justice Minister Kiri Allan told Mike Hosking it will give the public the chance to debate the issue and have their say. However, the legislation is extremely unlikely to pass, with National Leader Christopher Luxon and Act Leader David Seymour saying they oppose any change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A reduction in the voting age is unlikely to get over the line. The Supreme Court has decided stopping 16 and 17-year-olds from voting, is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. Cabinet will now draft legislation to lower the voting age, which will go to an all-of-House conscience vote with a 75 percent majority required to change the law. Justice Minister Kiri Allan told Mike Hosking MPs will consider the issue carefully. National and Act MPs are expected to vote down any change. National Leader Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking while his MPs won't be required to vote a certain way, all MPs agree they want to keep the voting age the same. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The move to lower the voting age already appears to be dead in the water, despite a landmark decision from the country's highest court. The Supreme Court has ruled stopping 16 and 17-year-olds from voting, is inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. Cabinet is now set to draft legislation to lower the voting age which will be put to a conscience vote, and will require 75-percent support to pass. Justice Minister Kiri Allan says it will give the public the chance to debate the issue and have their say. However, the legislation is extremely unlikely to pass, with National Leader Christopher Luxon and Act Leader David Seymour telling Mike Hosking they oppose any change. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John MacDonald spoke to National Leader Christopher Luxon about the Quality of Life survey. How would National help Cantabrians feel more settled financially, and safer on our streets? They discuss inflation, and also the plans for National to repeal and replace Three Waters should they be elected next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National says the Government does not need powers to deal with Covid anymore. Documents leaked to Newshub show it's now proposing retaining existing powers - due to expire in May - to 2025. Latest official figures show case numbers are continuing to rise week-on-week. But, National Leader Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking it's time to move on. “Why do we actually need it? Is the big question.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Leader Christopher Luxon was on The Platform this morning getting asked all the hard questions like 'how many genders are there?' and 'why are you learning Maori?' Was there anything of worth? Well, we listened so you don't need to The allegations against Nanaia Mahuta and her husband when it comes to improper application of favourtism in awarding government contracts is 24 hours older and some have taken place in the corners they adhere to. we look at what Martyn 'Bomber' Bradbury has to say about it tonight. Either hundreds...or thousands depending on which News you watched tonight...of Students played hooky from school today for the Climate and Climate Change awareness...how'd it go?
This week our thoughts on National Leader Christopher Luxon summarising the Uffindell report but not letting anyone see it; the impact of prison officer shortages, and it's girls against boys in the office while reflecting on the pomp and passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
"I think he will be a very good king… he also is someone who is deeply committed to service and public service and has followed his mother's example incredibly."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Leader Christopher Luxon is convinced his new youth unemployment plan will get more young people on the right path. The plan would see under-25s given financial incentives for finding jobs and staying employed and handed penalties if they don't take part. The Government says the plan demonises young people and over-simplifies complex issues. But Luxon told Mike Hosking the number of young people on the Jobseeker benefit has doubled, during a time when employers are crying out for workers.He says if people don't get off the benefit before they're 20, they're likely to stay on the benefit throughout their 20s. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Leader Christopher Luxon has been immortalised in puppet form at the Backbencher pub in the capital. The pub across the road from parliament has a long running tradition of creating caricature-style puppets inspired by New Zealand politicians. Luxon's figure - inspired by his former career at Air New Zealand and a popular nursery rhyme - was unveiled last night. Political reporter Katie Scotcher was there.
National says an independent review of the Reserve Bank is crucial to ensuring mistakes from the past aren't repeated. Governor Adrian Orr has acknowledged interest rate decisions he has made during the Covid-19 pandemic, have contributed to inflation reaching the level it has. It follows criticism from his predecessor, Graeme Wheeler. National Leader Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking the central bank's work needs to be reviewed. He says New Zealand's been outside inflation targets now for 15 months straight, so an after-action inquiry is a must to learn from the last two years. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National says an independent review of the Reserve Bank is crucial to ensuring mistakes from the past aren't repeated.Governor Adrian Orr has acknowledged interest rate decisions he has made during the Covid-19 pandemic, have contributed to inflation reaching the level it has.It follows criticism from his predecessor, Graeme Wheeler.National Leader Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking the central bank's work needs to be reviewed.He says New Zealand's been outside inflation targets now for 15 months straight, so an after-action inquiry is a must to learn from the last two years.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Newstalk ZB Political Editor Barry Soper joined Heather du Plessis-Allan as National Leader Christopher Luxon has admitted he took an overseas holiday during Parliament's three-week winter recess - while posts on his Facebook page made it look as though he was visiting regional New Zealand. Soper provided the latest update on the Green Party co-leadership situation as well as legislation having its first debate today that will mean anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will never be able to purchase tobacco products. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today is a good day. Those were the words of National Party MP Simon O'Connor. And he wasn't talking about Matariki, or that most of us had a great weekend despite it being winter. He was talking about the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade in the United States. National Leader Christopher Luxon then had to ask him to take the post down in the first bit of inner party conflict in a while. Here to break down what happened we are joined by National's former press secretary Ben Thomas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National Leader Christopher Luxon is making his position on abortion crystal clear.In the wake of the removal of a constitutional right to an abortion in the US, Luxon's pro-life stance has been brought into question.He's vowing there will be no revisiting of our laws under a future National Government.Luxon told Mike Hosking he has a personal pro-life view, but no politician's role is to force their beliefs on others.He says that's because they serve the common cause of all New Zealanders, which means you don't get captured by one group or one interest, but represent everybody.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National says the cost of living crisis is highlighted in the latest Newshub Reid Research poll.National is up 9.2 points at 40.5 percent surpassing Labour's 38.2 percent, falling 6.1 points.Act and the Greens have both dropped while the Maori Party has nudged half a point up.National Leader Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he believes the public sees National as better economic managers.“What we need is a really good inflation fighting plan, all these guys are doing is spending money and actually not getting those outcomes and confusing spending with success.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
National says the cost of living crisis is highlighted in the latest Newshub Reid Research poll.National is up 9.2 points at 40.5 percent surpassing Labour's 38.2 percent, falling 6.1 points.Act and the Greens have both dropped while the Maori Party has nudged half a point up.National Leader Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he believes the public sees National as better economic managers.“What we need is a really good inflation fighting plan, all these guys are doing is spending money and actually not getting those outcomes and confusing spending with success.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With National leader Christoper Luxon, Minsiter Wille Jackson and Megan Clement.
Riro whenua atu, hoki whenua mai - we meet the Tauranga couple returning millions of dollars of church land back to mana whenua. National Leader Christopher Luxon speaks to Mihingarangi and we pay tribute to Moana Jackson. Made with the support of Te Māngai Pāho and the Public Interest Journalism Fund.
This week on Q+A, Jack speaks to Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins just hours after entering the traffic light system, sits down with new National Leader Christopher Luxon for a wide-ranging interview and hears from Tina Ngata on vaccination and travel to the regions. Whena talks to a contact tracer who won't be having the summer holiday we all long for.
In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson talks to National's leader Chris Luxon in his new office to assess what his leadership will look like.
In today's Focus on Politics podcast, Political Editor Jane Patterson talks to National's leader Chris Luxon in his new office to assess what his leadership will look like.
Christopher Luxon has long been hailed as a potential future leader, including by the likes of National's former Prime Minister John Key. Previously known for leading Air New Zealand as its Chief Executive for six years, he rose quickly through the National Party ranks to become the party's new leader this week. The new National Leader was Simon Barnett and James Daniels' guest for this week's Six and a Song. LISTEN ABOVE