Podcasts about national mp

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

Things get fiery this week on Politics Thursday with Labour MP Ginny Andersen and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. They join Nick on the show to talk about the biggest issues in politics this week - including the rough sleeping move on orders announced by the government. Can our police force cope with this with their resources and where are these people being moved to? Following Mayor Andrew Little's swim in Lyall Bay to prove water quality is safe , would our politicians join him for a swim after the Moa point leak? They discuss the effects, the inquiry and what should happen for impacted businesses. Plus Labour's state of the nation speech - when can we expect to see big moves from Labour? And should banks be required to accept cash? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Politics Thursday is back with Labour list MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley. They join Nick in the studio to tackle the political issues this week. First up — is the second Mt Victoria tunnel up in the air? Or will congestion charges mean we don't need it? We also confront some tough social issues. The new review from the Independent Children's Monitor shows more should be done when it comes to protecting our children? And with serious dog attacks happening right now, are current laws strong enough, or do they need tightening? Plus do we have too many ministers around the Cabinet table? 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. 

This week on Politics Friday John MacDonald was joined by National MP for Banks Peninsula Vanessa Weenick, and Labour List MP Tracey McLellan. They covered the latest national and local issues, including NZ First's announcement to campaign on a Māori electorate referendum, whether all events at One NZ Stadium should have a levy, electric e-trail bikes that are speeding around the city, and more. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Thursday, and today Nick is joined by Tim Costley, National MP for Otaki and Ayesha Verrall, Labour MP and spokesperson for Health and Wellington Issues. Starting with breaking news - parts of Transmission Gully are moving to 110kmph speed limits. Then onto the news of the week including the RBNZ Covid Inquiry - is it a political move or for the good of the country. Our politicians face off about the timing of the results, due six weeks before the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday last week, politicians including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and ACT party leader David Seymour addressed the audience during the Waitangi Day events at the Treaty Grounds. The theme this year was Mō tātou, mā tātou, which is for all of us and by all of us. As well, the past week has seen various news updates in environmental legislation including the draft decision to reject consent for seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight, Greenpeace voicing concerns about a ‘kiwi killing clause' in the proposed Natural Environment Bill, and a new Green Party bill calling to recognise the legal personhood of Tohorā — whales. This week, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Waitangi.

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.

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.

Politics Thursday is back with National MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick and Labour MP Ginny Andersen. They join Nick Mills to talk about the political issues of the week. Starting with the election date announcement - 7th November 2026. What are their plans leading up to it, what are their priorities? Plus, they discuss the state of the health system, what will they do to lower the volume of code reds in Wellington Hospital. There were 575 code reds in 2025, how will the health system cope? We find out what each party will do on Politics Thursday. 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 rural community of members bill is looking to adjust the rules around KiwiSaver so that it can be used to buy a farm. The change would also allow defence force personnel to get access to a first home. National MP for Rangitīkei Suze Redmayne talks to Mike Hosking about the proposed changes. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party, Producer Evie speaks to MP Simon Court about the government's proposed changes to Early Childhood Education (or ECE) regulations, NZ First's proposed gender bill and ACC's ethnic outcomes target. Evie speaks to early childhood representative on the NZ Educational Institute National (NZEI) Executive Zane McCarthy about the proposed changes to ECE, and why they spark cause for concern. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel speaks to Queer Endurance / Defiance member, Leliel Trethowen, about Winston Peter's proposed gender bill. Joel speaks to a board member of EPCAT Child Alert; an organisation aimed at ending child sexual exploitation Rebecca Kingi, about National MP, Greg Flemming, calling for cross-party support for anti-trafficking legislation. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio to discuss changes in the way AI is being used. Whakarongo mai.

National MP, Greg Flemming, is pushing for cross-party support for anti-trafficking legislation to expand on his members' bill. This comes as recent court documents and child welfare agencies have shown cases of adoptive parents with criminal histories abusing children who have been adopted from overseas. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to a board member of ECPAT Child Alert; an organisation aimed at ending child sexual exploitation, Rebecca Kingi, about current anti-trafficking legislation in Aotearoa and what these proposed changes aim to do.

Just four months after his first incident, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly has resigned from his portfolios, following an exchange with a staffer in his ministerial office last week. During the exchange, Mr Bayly say put his hand on the staffer's arm and was "overbearing." It follows another incident in October, when Mr Bayly - the National MP for Port Waikato - was removed as minister for small business after he repeatedly called a worker a loser while visiting a warehouse on a ministerial visit. The Prime Minister is being criticised by the Opposition for not acting sooner, and letting Mr Bayly resign instead of being sacked. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has more.