Podcasts about national mp

It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined on the show this week by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. Our political panel address Minister Winston Peters' controversial comments towards a Chinese-Kiwi Green MP in Parliament yesterday. They discuss the standard of behaviour expected, and the rise of racism in the beehive. Also on the agenda is the Government's acceptance of majority of the Covid-19 Inquiry findings, paid parental leave extension and the dismissal of a fireworks ban. Plus, why are both parties so quick to dismiss the Opportunities Party? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought a better argument's needed to get a fireworks ban across the line. The Government's quashed a select committee recommendation to ban sales to the public, aimed at protecting animals and free up firefighting resources. National MP and Committee Deputy Chairperson Greg Fleming told Mike Hosking he was originally against it, but after hearing the submissions, he was in favour of a ban. He says his colleagues decided with pre-conceived ideas, and he'll try harder to convey the full argument if the Bill returns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former National MP, former deputy speaker and former chairman of NZPork takes a break from the NZPork Industry Conference to pay tribute to his old mate Jim Hopkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Tim Wilson and Jo McCarroll. First up, in a whirlwind week for colourful political language, New Zealand First candidate Stuart Nash has resigned after calling a National MP lazy for taking maternity leave. So where is the line for what political figures can or can't say? Then, power prices have surged by 12 percent in the last year - Consumer NZ lead researcher Rebecca Styles explains why.

It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to dive into the political issues from the week. Starting with the resignation of NZ First candidate Stuart Nash after incorrect claims were made about National MP Katie Nimon in a text message. Nash claimed she was the "laziest MP" and made false comments around her parliamentary leave for the birth of her son. Do our politicians think it was an offence worth resignation? Also, ACT candidate Paul Henry comments in a radio interview - was this possibly inciting violence? Then the Golden Bay Cement plant $60 million pay out, and an informative discussion about the mental health system for our youth. Are we too reliant on antidepressants, and what led our kids to need them so regularly? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear oh dear oh dear oh dear. You do have to wonder whether Stuart Nash is employable in this country. He might have to head over to Oz and join forces with Tory Whanau – they can set up their own consultancy on what not to do if you want a job in the public eye. For those who don't know, and I can't imagine there's anyone in the country who doesn't, but let's recap: Stuart Nash has resigned as a New Zealand First candidate after yet another ill-advised reckon came back to bite him in the bum. In a late-night social media post – and therein lies the problem, I think. There is no good that comes from being out late after midnight. There is no good that comes from social media posts after 5pm. But in this case, he said the backlash over his comments had become a significant distraction, so he was resigning as the candidate for New Zealand First. He had accused National's Napier MP, Katie Nimon, of being lazy. She had taken maternity leave. He was responding to Chris Finlayson's positive comments about Nimon in Finlayson's podcast. In a late-night social media text, Nash sent the text to Finlayson and it read: “Katie took nine months off on full pay, went back for a week, then took another month off. Laziest MP I've ever come across. Nice woman, ill-suited to the rigours of being an electorate MP." In fact, Nimon had 10 weeks of parental leave and was back at work as an electorate MP. She spent six months away from Wellington but working from her electorate office. If Nash's comment was a one-off, it could perhaps, with generous interpretation, be explained away. But Nash has form. In mid-March 2023, Nash resigned as Minister of Police following revelations he asked the then Police Commissioner Andrew Coster to appeal a decision Nash felt was too light. You can't do that as a Minister – you have to remain neutral. Later in March, he made remarks on Newstalk ZB calling for a murder suspect to be imprisoned. At the time, the murder suspect was facing trial, hadn't yet been convicted. This is basic law 101 He has a law degree. He was Minister of Police. This is stuff he should know, and it just hands the opposition ammunition. Then, third strike and you're out, he contacted the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to advocate for a migrant health professional. So, ministerial interference. You can't do that. In response, Hipkins demoted Nash to the bottom of the cabinet rankings as a final warning, but declined to strip him of his remaining cabinet portfolios until it was revealed that Nash had emailed two of his donors, who were commercial property owners, about a commercial rent relief policy that cabinet was discussing, which is in direct contravention of the cabinet manual, which says you can't talk about things that are discussed around the cabinet table. It is basic stuff if you want to do the job. Basic, basic stuff. Chris Hipkins said, “Right, Nash has got to be stripped of his ministerial portfolios." He'd given him enough rope, he'd subsequently hung himself. He decided not to stand for Labour, or Labour decided not to have him, which gave him free rein to express whatever he wanted to say. And off he went onto an internet radio station, The Platform, and when asked for the definition of a woman, said it's a “person with a p***y and a pair of t***s”. He was working for a recruitment company, a serious recruitment company involving serious professionals. There might be some workplaces where that kind of thing is perfectly acceptable, but not at Robert Walters. He was shown the door forthwith, and he also resigned from the board of the New Zealand Taxpayers' Union. This is not an "oh my goodness, how on earth did that happen?" You know that he's a loose cannon. You know that he says oiky, oafish comments that are then ammunition for opposition parties. And it's his indiscretion. Why would you send a text like that to a former National MP who's a very sort of moderate, sensible person who is quite likely to take offence? If he thinks Katie Nimon is the bee's knees, he's going to be rightfully annoyed when Stuart Nash sends him a text like that in the middle of the night. What surprises me is that New Zealand First took him on in the first place. They knew he was an indiscreet oik – he was exactly what was written on the can. You got what you expected, surely. But it's his lack of judgement and his indiscretion that makes him really ill-suited to standing for any kind of public office. He can't just do a Michael Laws and go from Parliament to regional councils to Parliament. No. Indiscreet, hopeless. Heather had a hot take on it, saying that if you are an electorate MP, you have to get back to work. You shouldn't be mucking around taking as much maternity, parental leave as you're legally entitled to. If you've been elected and your name is on the door, you should be back at work straight away. I disagree with her, respectfully. Being a politician is hard work. It is a lot of travel, it's a lot of slogging around. It's not the same as being a radio host. I think if the parental leave exists, every employer, every voter knows that there is the possibility that if you employ or elect a young person of childbearing age, and that includes a man up until about —God, Mick Jagger's still churning them out, isn't he?— 80, there is a possibility they can take parental leave, male or female. I think it's really, really hard work and she was right to take the time off that she did. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Katie Nimon says she'd hate women being put off becoming a politician if parents weren't welcome in Parliament. NZ First Napier candidate Stuart Nash sent a text calling opponent Nimon one of the laziest MPs he'd come across, and claimed she'd taken nine months off on full pay. Nimon went on Parliamentary leave last year, days before giving birth. She says she took 10 weeks off, then returned to electorate work, and was back in Parliament after six months. She says MPs countrywide take time off. "We don't want to make anyone thinking that they're doing that job that they can't take time with their family." Nash says he has real respect for any working parent raising a newborn alongside a demanding job. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP for Bay of Plenty Tom Rutherford is the driver of the bill that would mean if no body is found in a murder case, there will be no parole. Attorney General Chris Bishop has highlighted the bill breaches Section 7 of the Bill of Rights Act, where once a minimum sentence was complete, any further imprisonment should be justified on account of risk to the public, rather than as a punishment. Nick Mills spoke to Rutherford this morning about what this bill would mean for victims families, and if it will still pass as law against concerns within the Bill of Rights. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to discuss the political news of the week. Starting with Nationals plea for Labour to commit to their rates cap proposal. Is the risk of flip flopping between governments worth it? Do we need a different solution to the frivolous spends of councils? Andersen shares Labour's thoughts and why they still have not taken a stance on the issue. Then the panel discuss the introduction of bird flu on Wellington's shore, TOP in the election debate and where are we at with the Wellington Roads of Significance? Is there any chance we could drive through the second Mt Victoria tunnel in the next decade? And Paul Henry - what do our political panel make of the broadcaster's entrance into parliament through the ACT Party? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh New Zealand First candidate and veteran politician Michael Laws says he doesn't have too much baggage to return. He's a past National MP and has also already been with NZ First. He resigned from Parliament in 1996, after revelations his secretary had forged a signature to grant a poll contract to a company his wife part-owned. Laws told Heather du Plessis-Allan that he's learned valuable lessons. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for our Politics Panel and this week Nick Mills is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. Starting with Minister Casey Costello's statement that she is considering a review on excise tax of tobacco. We hear what Verrall and Costley think of this stance and how do we address the growth of the illicit tobacco trade. The death of a man who spent 9 hours in the Waikato Hospital Emergency Department has bought attention to ED wait times. How are the politicians working to stop this tragedy from ever happening again? And the big reveal earlier in the week that MSD had a metric for staff of emergency housing numbers, potentially incentivising staff to deny the support. Plus, the panel discuss regulating politicians on social media. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday, Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to debate the hot political issues of the week. Starting with the TVNZ situation - is the public entitled to transparency around the resignation of their political editor? And the heartbreaking story of Sheena Hemens who lost her daughter and is now fighting for bereavement leave to be extended from three days to ten. Costley and Andersen debate if the law should be changed. Then the changes to local government, both to stop unelected members from voting on council decisions and Mayor Andrew Little's concern on the amalgamation deadline. Will Upper Hutt be dragged into something they don't want? A lobbyist influence was hiding from the OIA in the personal email of the Prime Minister's chief policy advisor. Has enough been done to prevent this happening again? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday and it's Budget Day, Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. The panel talk the political issues of the week - starting with the budget due for release at 2pm today. Costley says it's certainly no lolly scramble, but it is a budget for real Kiwis. Andersen shares her worries for the people who need support most - particularly from what we have already seen from pre-budget announcements. How has collaboration and compromise been with the coalition partners while crafting the budget? And onto the Ipsos survey, where Kiwis trust Labour to deal with 7 out of the top 10. What do our politicians think have caused these results? Are people voting on hope? Then, the government's new loan scheme to transition large companies off gas, should this be expanded? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins is bidding farewell to politics. The senior National MP has delivered her valedictory speech, saying goodbye after 24 years in Parliament, as she prepares to move on to heading the Law Commission. Collins held numerous ministerial portfolios in her time in politics and led National to the 2020 election. She told Kerre Woodham she feels as though she's done everything in Parliament that she really wanted to. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says she has no regrets about spending the last 24 years in Parliament. The senior National MP has delivered her valedictory speech as she prepares to move on, to head the Law Commission. Collins has held numerous ministerial portfolios in her time in politics and led National to the 2020 election. She told Mike Hosking she's grateful for everything she's been able to do. Collins says it's been an interesting career, and she never held a portfolio she got bored with. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour says ACT's immigration policy is a long-held approach aimed at tackling real challenges, and those claiming he's competing with New Zealand First should be more constructive.Despite the Prime Minister accusing his coalition partner of "playing politics" last week, a senior National MP says the coalition is "working very well". National Party campaign chairperson Simeon Brown told Morning Report, National was focused on making sure it "maximised" its party vote going into the election on November 7.Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has launched a broadside at coalition partner Act's immigration policy. Stanford said comments by Deputy Prime Minister and Act leader David Seymour on launching the policy showed “he hasn't thought through this very well”. Stanford says David Seymour hasn't thought through policy she says will hurt businesses, farmers++++++++++++++++++++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/

It's Politics Thursday and Nick is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP and Cabinet Minister Mike Butterick. Emails between Winston Peters and the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were released by NZ First through the OIA. They show that Peters talked down Luxon over his initial call to support the US strikes on Iran. There has since been some public beef between the two - Nick asks our politicians who is really in charge with the coalition, and have to gloves truly come off now? Also on the agenda is Luxon cancelling his scheduled media appearances on Breakfast, alcohol in the beehive and the Maiki Sherman event and when will we see some policy from Labour? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A senior National MP insists the party is focused on governing, despite growing unrest around Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's leadership. Our newsroom understands from three sources that a fortnight ago, Luxon didn't respond to the party's whip Stuart Smith, who tried to raise concerns about his support in caucus. It's understood MPs pushing for change could make a move in the next fortnight, with the Prime Minister likely to be formally presented with concerns. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there's no coup, but won't say whether he's aware of other colleagues seeking to replace Luxon. He says many people —including Luxon— want the party to do better. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley Things get fiery over calls from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on increasing tax. Specifically IRD want to see an increase to the goods and services tax (GST) rate, offering a cash transfer to low-income earners and a Capital Gains Tax. The politicians face off over the best way to increase government funds, and which of their policies will help Kiwis? Then onto the crisis in Iran. Andersen and Costley give their thoughts on Trump's actions with Strait of Hormuz and on his social media Truth Social. Also, should politicians go after the Pope? Also, the new Wellington Water entity Tiaki Wai's board pay is concerning Mayor Andrew Little and Minister Simon Watts. The politicians share what can be done, and their thoughts on the salary doubling in some cases. Then they talk trust in the media, which has risen for the first time since 2020 and Winston Peters comments that the new ferries may not be operated by KiwiRail - who else could do it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'Not one cent' - National MP moves to cut taxpayer funding to gang-linked groups, but one critic calls it 'short-sighted' and argue there will be fallout - including more victimsA member's Bill could stop public funding to gangs and organisations with gang ties. It's unlikely to be a hard sell, but one expert says it's 'cutting off our nose to spite our face'.Find The Detail on Newsroom or RNZGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For this week's Politics Thursday Nick is joined by National MP for Wairarapa and newly appointed Minister for Land Information Mike Butterick, and Labour MP and Spokesperson for Education and Police Ginny Andersen. With the announcement of the two-week ceasefire between the US, Israel and Iran, Nick asks our politicians how this will affect NZ and their thoughts on what has unfolded these last few days. Also, how fuel is being impacted - and why is the price of diesel hitting $4 if we still have 51 days left of supply. And how is Luxon coping with the pressure of leadership? During Butterick's minister appointment ceremony, he and Cameron Brewer were mistaken for ushers. Hours after Luxon appeared on Breakfast and stumbled around how many Māori MPs were in his cabinet - forgetting Tama Potaka. They dissect his performance as Prime Minister - and how he is coping with the conflict. New Zealand is seeing a huge surge in drug imports at the border. In the first 4 months of 2025 at Auckland Airport the amount of drugs seized was more than the total from all NZ airports the year prior. What will our politicians do to solve this issue, where do the problems lie? And the RBNZ has decided to keep OCR 2.25%, what does this mean for our economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A potential new law could restrict Crown funds reaching gang-linked organisations. Takanini National MP Rima Nakhle's proposed amendment to the Public Finance Bill has been pulled from the biscuit tin. It would prohibit agencies from providing money to organisations run, administered or associated with gangs. Nakhle says the last Government gave $2.75 million to gangs via Kainga Ora. "There's no doubt that there's people that choose to change their lives, but we're not going to accept that public money goes to gangs, basically, when they're the ones selling the drugs. So how do they become the saviours?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Bishop's been turfed out as National's campaign chair in favour of Simeon Brown - signalling a potential dent in his relations with the PM. The National MP's also lost his Leader of the House and Associate Sport Minister roles in yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle, but is replacing outgoing MP Judith Collins as Attorney General. Former Minister and commentator Peter Dunne says Luxon might be trying to give Chris Bishop a warning on where he stands in the party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A win for striking firefighters, with confirmation of an inquiry into the national fleet. Parliament's Governance and Administration Select Committee has launched the probe with hopes of increasing the number of fit-for-purpose fire trucks. Deputy Chair and National MP Tim Costley told Newstalk ZB he has some serious questions for Fire and Emergency New Zealand. He told Mike Hosking that he's been going around in circles with Fire and Emergency's leadership, who have been giving contradictory and incorrect reports on how many of trucks are in use. Costley says either the Board has been receiving incorrect answers from team leadership, they haven't been asking questions at all, or they've received honest answers but haven't passed them on – regardless of the reason, he has questions. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now we've got to talk about Winston. If you hadn't noticed yet - or maybe you didn't believe it - take a look at Winston Peters' State of the Nation speech yesterday and you'll see the proof that this election is shaping up to be New Zealand First's election. More than a thousand people turned up in Tauranga to hear him speak. They even had to use two overflow rooms. Compare that with the same speech last election, which was held in a church with a capacity of just 100. More importantly, New Zealand First used the event to announce they've recruited Alfred Ngaro, the former National Party MP. Now, it was a bit of a running joke in the crowd that they didn't know who Alfred was - but commentators do. And I think most of us can see this for what it is: the recruitment of an incredibly well-liked former National MP with a strong Christian faith. That won't offend Winston's older voters - in fact, it's likely to appeal to many of them. More significantly, it's a signal of what's happening and what could accelerate as we get closer to the election: New Zealand First stealing National's territory. In this case, it's an MP. As the election nears, it could be votes. I count among my friends two people who used to be part of National's parliamentary team. Both are now likely to vote for New Zealand First at this election because they're conservatives - and Winston is positioning New Zealand First as the home of conservatism. This cost-of-living crisis - now also a fuel crisis - is going to play straight into his hands. He'll go hard on smashing the power companies to bring down prices, something National has failed to do. He'll argue for New Zealand retaining ownership of state assets, a position that resonates more now than ever Just think about the Marsden Point oil refinery and you'll see what I mean. He'll choose mining over climate concerns, which will appeal to working-class voters. Everything is lining up for him to significantly lift his vote. Keep an eye on the polling. He's already sitting at more than 10 percent. If things continue the way they're going - with the fuel crisis squeezing the economy and Chris Luxon unable to fire the National Party up - that 10 percent could, in my view, become 15 percent by election time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Politics Thursday this week Nick is joined by Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. After this week's events with Minister Chris Hipkins family life reaching the public eye - we talk to our politicians around where we draw the line for privacy as a public figure. Then panel tackle the top political issues of the week starting with the latest GDP increase of 0..2% - what does this signify for everyday Kiwis? Discussion gets heated over food cost - the price of mince has risen 23.2% in the last year to an average of $24.46 a kg. What do our politicians think of this? And what will they do about it? Costley and Andersen also talk about doubling speeding fines as AA calls for an increase to cope with inflation but also deter drivers from speeding. There were 538,192 fines issued over 2025 - more than one per minute. Also on the agenda is fuel levels, changes to asylum seeker rules, and do parents have the right to be mad if their child is given sugar in class? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week for Politics Thursday Nick is joined by Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues, Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki, Tim Costley. Yesterday the Covid-19 response findings were released, what have our politicians learned from these findings? Verrall, who was associate health minister at the time, shares her thoughts on the inquiry findings surrounding spendings, teenage vaccination health concerns and lockdowns. Was the 30-million-dollar inquiry worth it? They also cover the union outcry over primary teacher individual pay deals, and the letter from Wellington regional mayors and community leaders opposing move on orders. Plus, Shane Reti exits the beehive - are some people too good to last in parliament? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party is in a total tailspin. With a new poll putting them at just 28.4 percent, Christopher Luxon is reportedly heading home to contemplate his future. Former National Minister Maurice Williamson joins Duncan to discuss why the party has lost its way, the "ghastly" alternative, and whether Luxon can actually survive the weekend as Prime Minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Findings claim the Government extinguishing pay-equity claims destroyed an earlier system that was fit for purpose. The People's Select Committee - a group of 10 former women MPs - has released its final report on the changes rushed through by the coalition under urgency last year. It held three months of hearings and almost 1400 submissions. Group chair and former National MP, Dame Marilyn Waring, raised questions about the 'urgency' that this legislation was rushed under. "This wasn't an emergency war regulation, it was an equal pay amendment. It's just quite unnecessary, you don't do that. And so, it was all done simply for the Budget." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Wellington, failure at the Moa Point wastewater treatment plant has led to millions of liters of wastewater being sent into the Cook Strait.  The incident has shed light on what scientific experts have been saying for years — that water infrastructure in New Zealand is out of date and incapable of handling the growing effect of climate challenges without deeper investment. The Salvation Army released their State of the Nation report which has found an increase in issues across the justice system, child welfare, and poverty contributing to declining social equality in Aotearoa. As well, NZ First leader Winston Peters is campaigning on a referendum on Māori seats in New Zealand. Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Moa Point. 

A former National MP says discrimination against pacific peoples travelling to New Zealand needs to end and the government should change visitor visa requirements so they are treated the same as travellers from dozens of other countries. More than 45,000 people have signed a petition demanding equal treatment of visitors from New Zealand's pacific neighbours. Petition organiser Arthur Anae joins spoke to Lisa Owen.

National and Labour are joining forces in support of legislation to tackle modern slavery. Their bipartisan backing means the Bill can be introduced in Parliament, bypassing the ballot system. The proposed law would require large companies to report their measures to avoid slavery conditions in supply chains, and fine those not complying or acting to mislead. National's Greg Fleming told Mike Hosking they've taken learnings from overseas, particularly Australia, and will be going with template forms and the like to ensure this does add value, rather than just cost. He says a lot of responsible businesses are already looking into the working conditions in their supply lines, so this is just aimed at the recalcitrants. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins is leaving politics on a high note. The former National leader and senior MP is stepping back from politics after 24 years, taking up a new role mid-year as Law Commission President. Since Collins was first elected in 2002, she's held 18 ministerial roles, and is currently the Minister for Defence, Public Service, Space, Digitising Government, and the GCSB and NZSIS, and also the Attorney-General. She told Mike Hosking she's become the Mother of the House, and dealing with Parliament is like having 120-something naughty children. Collins says she feels like it's time to go, and with 12 years in Opposition and 12 in government, there's a good symmetry. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Judith Collins says the one thing she'd change about her political career is leading the National Party. The Senior MP has announced she's leaving politics after 24 years, in a career that included 18 different ministerial portfolios. In 2020 she had a brief stint leading the party, and lost the election to Jacinda Ardern. She says stepping up was a bad move. "And I knew it was a hospital pass now, and I still did it, even though my husband was saying - don't do that. And I thought, well, who's going to do it if I don't?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Sabin has been a very busy man. He joined the NZ Police in 1996 and was stationed in Auckland and up north. He specialised in drug enforcement, especially methamphetamine, (otherwise known as P). He was one of the first specialised Clandestine Drug Laboratory task force members responsible for investigating and dismantling illicit P labs. In 2006 he established MethCon Group, concentrating on meth education and policy. In 2011 he entered Parliament as the National MP for Northland. Since 2019 Mike has owned and operated a private investigations business with six investigators in total. To say that this summary is just scratching the surface is an understatement. The Mailroom with Mrs Producer contains some interesting opinions. And we finish the year with comment on the increasingly Orwellian developments taking shape. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E-scooters could be on the move into the bike lane if the government has its way. At the moment low powered e-scooters can be ridden on the footpath and also on the road, but not in dedicated cycle lanes. ACC figures show claims for e-scooter injuries have almost doubled in five years. National MP Catherine Wedd, who believes the rules are outdated and dangerous, spoke to Lisa Owen.

With Regulation Minister David Seymour, Halter CEO Craig Piggott, and National MP for Port Waikato Andrew Bayly.

National MP Andrew Bayly wants to clear up details of events that led him to resign his ministerial roles. It was after allegations in February he'd placed a hand on a staffer's upper arm, during what he called an animated discussion. No formal complaint was made - but he says that's contrary to what he was led to believe and he now regrets resigning. He says multiple things prompted him to quit. "It wasn't just the formal complaint, it was the statement that three people corroborated the allegations and that was what made me get to a position where I offered my resignation." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour party has launched its first new policy this term - and it hasn't taken long for its opponents to start taking swipes at it. Today opposition leader Chris Hipkins announced a future fund which would invest in New Zealand infrastructure and businesses only. It is being welcomed by Infrastructure NZ and supporters of small-business but the government and its coalition partners have been quick to pile in - with the NZ First leader calling it a cheap knock off of its own policy and a National MP calling it a "total joke". Lillian Hanly reports.

National MP, Catherine Wedd has introduced a private members bill to restrict social media for under sixteen year olds and spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report's Corin Dann; PPTA President Chris Abercrombie spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss about an open letter issued by the government ahead of mega strike action; A hunt is underway after priceless jewels were stolen from the Louvre in Paris, in a brazen daylight robbery; National MP, Catherine Wedd has introduced a private members bill to restrict social media for under sixteen year olds; Billy Halloran, a Kiwi athlete is recovering in hospital after he was attacked by a bear while out running in Japan.

Instead a children's charity is calling on him to urgently pass a law that could help end child labour even if it means joining forces with opposition MPs.

The government has announced their plan to repeal the Holidays Act in an effort to make the application of leave entitlements for workers easier to calculate — an issue which has been estimated to have resulted in more than $2 billion in remediation payments to workers for miscalculated entitlements.  But critics including from Labour and the Greens say the changes will see some workers lose protections, especially when their hours defer from the traditional employment arrangement. Submissions on the Electoral Amendment Bill reveal that many New Zealanders believe the changes will disenfranchise voters and negatively impact democratic participation.  The proposed changes in the bill include removing the ability to enrol on voting day, banning prisoners from voting, and disallowing the provision of food and drink at election booths. Over the weekend, Foreign Minister Winston Peters' announced that New Zealand does not officially recognise Palestinian statehood, going against the decisions of countries like Australia, the UK and Canada. Peters said that, at this stage, such a decision might legitimise Hamas, but that the government will take a ‘when, not if' approach to the issue.   Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Carl Bates about all of these topics, starting with the Holidays Act

An inquiry's being held into whether the MP for Whanganui has complied with his obligations to declare interests. National's Carl Bates didn't disclose 25 properties, linked to his family trust, many of which are rentals in the area. They weren't declared on Parliament's list of MP's property and financial interests. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell unpacked the investigation further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, tens of thousands of people rallied in Auckland calling for the government to sanction Israel for their actions and violence in Gaza.  While politicians across the spectrum have responded to the protests with a mix of support and disapproval, the New Zealand government is not expected to announce their official decision on the recognition of a Palestinian state until a General Assembly in New York next week.  Following the government's announcement to get rid of NCEA in favour of a new system, Education Minister Erica Stanford has revealed numerous subjects to join the senior school curriculum, which will include the incorporation of generative AI. Finally, the New Zealand Herald published information last week pertaining to MP Carl Bates' failure to disclose 25 properties to Parliament, against what has been argued as a ‘breach of public trust'. Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Bates about all of these topics, starting with the pro-Palestine rally.

Current and former Labour leaders and ministers deciding not to appear at the Royal Commission's Covid inquiry is being described as 'disgraceful'. Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, Grant Robertson and Ayesha Verrall, who were all involved in Covid decisions - have declined invitations to appear. They say it would have been performative - not informative - and there's a risk livestream recordings could be manipulated and misused. National MP Chris Bishop says they should front up because New Zealanders deserve answers over the scale of Covid spending, which is still having impacts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ex National MP and former mayor of Auckland Christine Fletcher is condemning Housing Minister Chris Bishop's proposed Auckland housing fix. Fletcher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A leaked recording has revealed a National MP thinks a Labour Party plan will improve the financial conditions for retirement village residents. Labour's spokesperson for seniors Ingrid Leary spoke to Corin Dann.

The government may be keen to move on from the pay equity overhaul and the uproar it caused - But a cross-party group of former MPs is not letting it go quietly. Dame Marilyn Waring is leading the group which will hold its own unofficial 'people's select committee' process. The former National MP said women have become collateral damage in pursuit of balancing the budget. Political reporter Russell Palmer has the details.

The Prime Minster needs to consult properly with young people about a proposed ban on social media for under 16's, not just shake hands and have surface level chat. The idea started as a private members bill in the name of National MP, Catherine Wedd. A bill ACT did not back, saying it was too simplistic and needed more work. 16-year-old Lola Fisher, Generation Z Aotearoa's co-executive director and co-founder spoke to Lisa Owen.