Podcasts about National Party

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry are back and there's a lot that's happened since they last sat down together. In this week's episode they examine the Liberals' abandonment of net zero emissions, whether Barnaby Joyce could help or hinder support for One Nation and why the Liberal party needs to start courting young people if it is to survive

Don Brash on his career as a central banker at the helm of New Zealand's central bank, helping to start inflation targeting in New Zealand, his time as a politician and leader of the National Party, and more. Recorded on November 21, 2025. ABOUT THE SERIES Each episode of Capitalism and Freedom in the 21st Century, a video podcast series and the official podcast of the Hoover Economic Policy Working Group, focuses on getting into the weeds of economics, finance, and public policy on important current topics through one-on-one interviews. Host Jon Hartley asks guests about their main ideas and contributions to academic research and policy. The podcast is titled after Milton Friedman‘s famous 1962 bestselling book Capitalism and Freedom, which after 60 years, remains prescient from its focus on various topics which are now at the forefront of economic debates, such as monetary policy and inflation, fiscal policy, occupational licensing, education vouchers, income share agreements, the distribution of income, and negative income taxes, among many other topics. For more information about the podcast, or subscribe for the next episode, click here.

You might recall a poll result that came out back in September which proved that 75 percent of us are idiots. It's these idiots that the Government is pandering to with the council rates cap it announced yesterday. And the 75 percent of people who said in that poll that they support the Government forcing rates caps on councils will be very happy today. Because, from mid-2029, annual increases won't be allowed to be any higher than 4 percent. Unless a council manages to get a special dispensation. As a ratepayer, a rates cap sounds like a great idea. But it's not. One description I've seen of the Government's move is that it's lazy politics. Which it is. Because of the 75 percent of people who support it, as the poll a few months back would suggest. I suspect the only complaint the pro-rates cap people will have is that it isn't planned to start for another three-and-a-half years. In mid-2029. By which time there could very well be a different government in power and, if Labour (for example) is true to its word, then the whole thing could be history. Labour's local government spokesperson Tangi Utikere is saying today that they'll vote against the rates cap law when it goes through Parliament. He says: “We've made it very clear that we won't expect local government to continue to work and take on additional responsibilities without the funding. So we don't support this rates cap.” Nelson mayor Nick Smith has been very careful not to bag his old National Party mates. But he does admit that it's not going to be easy. Rates caps have been brought-in in Australia and it's created severe financial difficulties for some councils over there. What's more, Christchurch city councillor Sam MacDonald is already talking about the council selling assets to make up for the money it won't be getting because of the limit on rates increases. All this is, is another placebo policy. Something that might make us feel better for a little while. But it won't last long.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the fight Comrade Wayne Brown over the cuts and populist legislation that this government is participating in. This time it's over the maximum increase to rates of 2%-4% leaving Auckland not able to fund it's needs. It also means that cities will become more user pays and the Councils will look to make up the losses in other areasUnder Labour the National Party and Christopher Luxon made it incredibly clear that Labour was responsible for the increase in ram raids. We continue to find out that meth us has exploded in NZ "like no where else in the world" so whom shall we hold responsible for that?NZ's new Reserve Bank Governor was in the Finances Expenditure Committee today and had a warm welcome, the same cannot be said for Nicola Willis who played Queen Karen when challenged by several members including Chloe SwarbrickWe have a big update for you as well on Te Rārangi Rangatira with a very influential school just having signed up=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

The 1990s in New Zealand have dawned with images of harmony projected to the world, but longstanding divisions still acute at home. The Bolger government comes to power promising to uphold the Treaty and provide redress for injustice.  Negotiations over the Sealords fishery quota and with two of Aotearoa's largest iwi, Waikato Tainui and Ngāi Tahu face pushback from all directions: in cabinet and the National Party base, from the public, and within te ao Māori, where the concept of the “fiscal envelope” is widely considered anathema.  Plus: how Jim Bolger outmanoeuvered Ruth Richardson on Te Papa. The fifth episode of Juggernaut 2: The Story of the Fourth National Government includes new and exclusive interviews with Jim Bolger, Anake Goodall, Doug Graham, Tau Henare, Jenny Shipley and more.  Click here for full details of archive material used in this series Juggernaut 2 was made with the support of NZ On Air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, the government has announced some major reforms to how regional councils operate, with regional councillors proposed to be replaced by boards made up of city and regional mayors, and potentially even Crown-appointed representatives, called combined territories boards, or CTBs. As well as this, Health Minister, Simeon Brown, has called for the decentralisation of Health New Zealand, with the expectation that the entity focuses on deliveries closer to the front-line, additionally expecting a plan to do so by the end of the year. For our weekly catch up with the National Party, News and Editorial Director Joel spoke to MP Stuart Smith about these topics, starting with the regional council.

Barnaby Joyce has announced he is resigning from the National Party after more than 30 years as a member; Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in the U.S. today, just blocks from the White House; A large fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has killed at least 44 people, including a firefighter, and left 279 residents missing; Police are seeking the mother of a newborn baby found outside a fire station in Canberra’s South; A woman in her 20s has been killed and a man seriously injured in a shark attack at Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park; Robert Irwin is celebrating his win on Dancing with the Stars, but says his body still needs time to recover after a rib injury. Support independent women's media CREDITS Host/Producer: Tahli Blackman Audio Production: Lu HillBecome a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Krishani Dhanji, political reporter and live blogger for Guardian Australia, based in Canberra.

It’s a huge move for the longtime Nat, who says the party simply doesn’t allow him to properly represent his constituents in the NSW seat of New England any more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Australia’s best-known and most colourful politicians, Barnaby Joyce, is quitting the National Party to sit as an independent—and he hasn't ruled out joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in the future. Sarah Ison joins Claire Harvey to unpack the shock defection, what Pauline Hanson sees in the firebrand former leader, and why Joyce isn't resigning his New England seat to trigger a by-election. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's headlines include: Barnaby Joyce has officially resigned from The National Party, saying he does so “with a heavy heart”. Two Melbourne schools were placed in lockdown today after a primary school student stabbed an eight-year-old and a staff member. Hong Kong authorities have arrested three men over major apartment fires that killed 44 people. And today’s good news: The NSW Government has awarded $80,000 to punk band SPEED for their album Only One Mode, as part of the inaugural NSW Music Award. Hosts: Sam Koslowski and Billi FitzSimonsProducer: Rosa Bowden Want to support The Daily Aus? That's so kind! The best way to do that is to click ‘follow’ on Spotify or Apple and to leave us a five-star review. We would be so grateful. The Daily Aus is a media company focused on delivering accessible and digestible news to young people. We are completely independent. Want more from TDA?Subscribe to The Daily Aus newsletterSubscribe to The Daily Aus’ YouTube Channel Have feedback for us?We’re always looking for new ways to improve what we do. If you’ve got feedback, we’re all ears. Tell us here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This one kicked off with a simple question: if Christopher Luxon really was facing a leadership challenge, who would you want running the National Party? So we put it to our YouTube audience, and nearly a thousand of you delivered a fascinating result. Chris Bishop edged out Erica Stanford by just a single point, with Luxon miles back and Nicola Willis taking a real hammering. Duncan digs into why Bishop and Stanford are resonating right now, what each brings to the table, and why Luxon's position suddenly looks a whole lot more fragile than the Beehive might like to admit. We talk momentum, credibility, and the difference between being a fixer and being a leader who can move the country. There's also your feedback on New Zealand's strange lack of mandatory third-party insurance, plus a few thoughts on why consequences on our roads feel far too soft. Another sharp, punchy episode of Editor in Chief. Find every episode and discover your next favourite podcast on the rova app or rova.nz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he has quit the Nationals, claiming the regional party wants him to leave. Beaches are closed on a stretch of the NSW Mid North Coast, after two people were mauled by a shark. And Hugh Jackman has gone Insta Official with his new girlfriend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barnaby Joyce has confirmed he has quit the Nationals, claiming the regional party wants him to leave. Beaches are closed on a stretch of the NSW Mid North Coast, after two people were mauled by a shark. And Hugh Jackman has gone Insta Official with his new girlfriend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party could join coalition partner NZ First and campaign on repealing the Regulatory Standards Act at the next election, deputy leader Nicola Willis says. This is despite the law, which was pushed by the Act Party during coalition talks, being less than a month old, and having been passed into law with votes from both National and NZ First. Speaking to Wellington Mornings with Nick Mills on Newstalk ZB, Willis said National had not “come up with what our party position will be after the election”. “We haven't ruled out repealing it either. We haven't taken a position yet, but it's not impossible that we would go to the campaign trail saying, ‘yes, we met our coalition commitment, we supported that into law, but actually we agree with the concerns of some people, it hasn't operated as we'd hoped and we want to repeal it'. “We haven't come to a position yet, but we haven't ruled it out.” NZ First leader Winston Peters shocked the coalition last week when he said his party would campaign on repealing the law it had just helped to pass. His position is that the coalition obliged his party to pass the law, but his party is free to repeal it in the next Parliament. Willis said she was “comfortable” with this position. “They joined the Cabinet, they used their votes to ensure it is passed into law – they did their bit,” Willis said. Willis is not the only National MP to float repealing the law. Last week, when her colleague Chris Bishop was asked what the party was thinking, he replied, “you'll see our policy going into the election”. “I'm not going to give you a commitment on National policy,” he said. All three opposition parties say they will repeal the law if they have the numbers next term. Labour MP Duncan Webb has even submitted a member's bill to the ballot which, if drawn, would give NZ First the opportunity to repeal the law this term of parliament. Peters, however, described this as game-playing and said he would not be supporting the effort. Act leader David Seymour attacked Peters' about-turn on the law, saying it looked as though Peters was gearing up to join another Labour-led coalition, something Peters has said he would not do while Chris Hipkins was leader of the party. The Regulatory Standards Act is designed to improve the quality of government regulation by establishing a set of principles for what constitutes “good regulation”. Part of the controversy surrounding the law is the fact these principles are closely aligned to Act's political worldview and do not constitute more universally recognised principles of good regulation. The act is also controversial for the creation of a regulations board that acts as an assessor of compliance against these principles, although power to act on what the board says ultimately still rests with ministers and Parliament. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Ollie Belton, Carbon Forest Services founder and Managing Director, about the sharp decline on the NZ carbon price, what's behind it and the rate of new forestry planting in NZ... REX Producer Jo Grigg talks with Derrick Moot, Professor of Plant Science at Lincoln University, about regenerative pastures vs conventional, the results from a ewe production trial show and how an extra 131kg per hectare of sheepmeat was grown on the conventional dryland area (lucerne, sub-clover/cocksfoot) versus multi-species regen pasture... And Dom talks with Waitkai MP Miles Anderson about RMA reforms, major changes to regional councils and the National Party's rural roadshow. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Waitkai MP Miles Anderson about RMA reforms, major changes to regional councils and the National Party's rural roadshow. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

I'm with the KiwiSaver providers who are saying we need to go further than just increasing contributions and we need to make them compulsory. This is after the announcement by the National Party yesterday that one of its election policies next year will be increasing contributions to 12 percent (6 percent from employers and 6 percent from employees) by 2032, to bring us into line with Australia. KiwiSaver providers are saying today that they're liking the policy - but the calls are already coming for it to be made compulsory. Across the Tasman, it's compulsory for employers to contribute - but not for workers. National says it's not in favour of making any contributions compulsory. NZ First is, though. So does Sam Stubbs, who is managing director of Simplicity. He's saying that it has to be compulsory because we have to make sure everybody is saving for their retirement while they're working. And the only way to do that is to make it compulsory. Who can argue with that? He says: "Those people who aren't saving into KiwiSaver are going to be much worse off later on in life. So if we want to remove inequality in New Zealand, and we don't like inequality in New Zealand, we have to make sure that everybody is saving for their retirement while they're earning.” Compulsory KiwiSaver contributions are also going to be essential with any changes to the contribution rates, as National is proposing. Because some people who are paying three percent now won‘t want to pay six percent and so they'll pull out. And the only way to stop that, is to make it compulsory. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party have announced their first election promise - a lift to default KiwiSaver contribution rates. The changes would mean that by the end of the implementation, savers would be able to contribute 12% to KiwiSaver, putting us on a level matching Australia's superannuation. Some experts say it'll lead to countless people opting out of KiwiSaver, with other investment methods providing more incentives. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Either Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is telling porkies, or he's the most out-of-the-loop person in Wellington. His claim that there's “no talk” of rolling Chris Luxon is complete nonsense. There is talk—serious talk. I can tell you for a fact that senior National Party ministers believe Luxon can't continue in the job. MPs are actively discussing whether to pull the pin and replace him. If they do, the most likely successor is Chris Bishop. But—and this is crucial—they haven't decided to do it yet. Why? Because it's risky. Rolling a sitting Prime Minister has only happened once before, with Jim Bolger, and that didn't end well. MPs know that sticking with Luxon might pay off if the economy improves next year. Better economic conditions could lift National's polling and save seats currently at risk. But there's a flip side: if the polls don't recover, Luxon's unpopularity could drag National down further. Like it or not, modern elections are presidential in style—voters focus on who they want as Prime Minister. Jacinda Ardern boosted Labour's vote in 2017. Luxon is part of why National's vote has fallen. Would Chris Bishop do better? Maybe. But it's a guess. He could also do worse. And the instability of rolling a sitting PM could make things even worse for National. So MPs face two high-risk options: stick with an unpopular leader or gamble on an unproven one. It's a call I wouldn't want to make—but they're making it right now. It may never happen, but trust me: the talk is real.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday 21 November 2025, Heather finds out more about the disquiet in the National Party about Christopher Luxon's leadership. Auckland Pride are seeking a judicial review of the government's call to withdraw guidelines for transgender athletes in community sport. We find out the DIY medical tests may be as reliable as a coin toss. Plus, the Sports Huddle debates whether Scott Robertson is under pressure as All Blacks coach. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Wednesday e te whānau! E whai ake nei, coming up on your Rāapa Brekkie; What's Up with The National Party, a chat with the team behind Ngakinga, and The Birds The Bees and The Bugs with Care HQ! Whakarongo mai nei!  Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

For a double-header catch up with the National Party, Rosetta and Milly chat with Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston about the Michelin Guide coming to Aotearoa, and Minister of Mental Health Matt Doocey about his plan to get people access to faster support. Whakarongo mai nei!

Happy Wednesday e te whānau! E whai ake nei, coming up on your Rāapa Brekkie; What's Up with The National Party, a chat with the team behind Ngakinga, and The Birds The Bees and The Bugs with Care HQ! Whakarongo mai nei!  Thanks to eighthirty coffee roasters!

This interview first aired on Thursday the 13th of November, 2025 on ONE FM 98.5 Shepparton. One FM breakfast announcer Plemo interviews the State Member for Shepparton, National Party's Kim O'Keeffe who talks about the 2025 Women Economic Forum coming to Shepparton. To find out more go to - https://www.wef-australia.com/ Listen to Plemo live for Breakfast on One FM, weekday mornings from 6am-9pm. Contact the station on admin@fm985.com.au or (+613) 58313131 The ONE FM 98.5 Community Radio podcast page operates under the license of Goulburn Valley Community Radio Inc. (ONE FM) Number 1385226/1. PRA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association Limited and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) that covers Simulcasting and Online content including podcasts with musical content, that we pay every year. This licence number is 1385226/1.

After the breakneck reforms of the 80s, Jim Bolger's promise of a calmer, more inclusive New Zealand hits the spot. Emerging from the shadow of Muldoon and shaking off the nuclear baggage, Bolger leads the National Party to a landslide victory under the “decent society” banner. But even before the celebrations are done, the hangover hits: the state-owned BNZ is on the brink, and the government books are in a parlous state. Ruth Richardson wastes no time as finance minister in making the most of crisis mode, and within weeks is driving through some of the most dramatic social, economic and labour reforms New Zealand has ever seen.  Picking up where the award-winning first season of Juggernaut left off, this first episode includes new and exclusive interviews with Jim Bolger, Ruth Richardson, Jenny Shipley, Don McKinnon, Bill Birch, Michael Wall, Rob Eaddy, Michael Laws and more.  Click here for full details of archive material used in this series Juggernaut 2 was made with the support of NZ On Air. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okay, I've got a question for you - and this is a genuine question, it's not a rhetorical question. Do you agree with the teachers' unions that it's an outrage that Erica Stanford is taking the Treaty obligation out of the Education Act, or do you agree with Erica Stanford that it needs to come out? Now, I'm asking you this question because I honestly cannot understand why the teachers' unions are causing uproar over this, because it seems to me to be a clear case that this should come out. It hasn't helped lift Māori achievement in the five years it's been in the legislation. In fact, going by just one metric, which is the proportion of Māori students leaving school with no NCEA qualification at all, it's getting worse. It was 24 percent in 2021, it's now nearly 28 percent at last count. So if this thing isn't helping, then it shouldn't be there - because all it is then is just virtue signalling and distracting schools when they should be, as the minister said, laser-focused on educating kids. So this is where I ask my question - because this is where I get confused. If it doesn't have to be in there, then why are the unions picking this fight? Why are they fighting for yet another pet ideological project? Did they not learn from the allergic reaction that parents had to the news that the number one thing on the PPTA's agenda for the meeting with the minister was Palestine? That went down like a cup of cold sick. Is it not obvious to the unions that they are losing the patience of parents who've already had a guts-full of an education system that isn't educating their kids - and the teacher unions making excuses for it, and the teacher unions not wanting to have to do more work? So it's one of two things that's going on here for me, right? Either teacher unions really just cannot help themselves when it comes to yet another political distraction and a chance to give a National Party a bloody nose, or they know something that I don't - which is that there is enormous support out there for them fighting the good fight on the Treaty obligation for the boards of trustees. Is that happening? Am I missing something here? Is there massive support out there for teachers who are fighting this? Or are they burning parents' goodwill because they can't help themselves yet again fighting with a National-led Government? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Emily Barrett, Managing Editor from The Saturday Paper.

Matt Doocey joins Tim Beveridge on The Weekend Collective to discuss what has changed in the space of mental health over recent years, and where more work is needed. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, I don't know what's worse for Labour - the fact that they've announced a capital gains tax policy again today, or the fact that someone leaked it and forced them to announce it in a rush. Obviously, it does suck for them that somebody leaked it first, because it means that they were so unprepared that they had to rush-job announce it in an email at 3:05 this morning. And then Chippy had to cancel his morning radio interviews so that he didn't have to answer questions about this until he was ready - and then they had to get ready and call themselves a rush-job press conference where they all looked furious, and they stumbled over their words. Honestly, you haven't seen such a sad line-up of people announcing something they're proud of. This is the second policy announcement that Labour has managed to stuff up in just about a week's duration - which hardly looks convincing, does it? But then it also sucks for them that this is the policy that they're taking to the election, because I don't care what the Beltway in Wellington tells us - I do not believe that a majority of New Zealanders want a capital gains tax. No matter how many times Labour pitches it, no matter how many times they try to convince us that everyone else wants it, why don't you want it? And you know I'm right when I say this, because look at how Labour's selling this today. Even they sound like they're not so sure that we want a CGT, because they've double-policed it. Today, they've told us what they're going to spend the money on, which is three free GP visits a year for us - basically to try and sell it to us, in order to convince us that a capital gains tax is good for us. And also, just look at how gleeful the National Party sound. They know that this made 2026 just a little bit more likely for them. What I now want to know though - is who leaked this to the media? Was it someone who was just really excited that they knew something, so they leaked it to the media and blew up their own party's big announcement - or was it someone who disagrees with Labour and wanted to blow up their own party's big announcement? Either way, they've just made an unconvincing policy even less convincing today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce has confirmed his intention to quit the Nationals, further fuelling suspicions he could join Pauline Hanson at the far right of the parliament. It's not the first time the member for New England has made headlines, but the move raises questions about the direction of the Coalition – particularly when it comes to climate policy. Guardian Australia political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about why the well-known backbencher says he wants to quit the Nationals and what this says about the Coalition's looming crisis over net zero

The talented, mercurial politician who can distil an idea better than anyone in politics says he’s quitting the National Party and maybe considering joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. Today, Greg Sheridan on the latest snafu in an Opposition struggling to hang on to its own talent. You can read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, and Stephanie Coombes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, Ben O’Shea reveals why Anthony Albanese’s Trump timing is perfect. Plus, Barnaby Joyce is headed for a messy divorce from the National Party. But will he get into bed with Pauline Hanson?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jim Bolger, New Zealand's 35th Prime Minister and National Party leader for 11 years, has died aged 90.

Recent polls show Prime Minister Chris Luxon's popularity has taken a nosedive, prompting speculation about his future in the National Party. With the election set to take place next year, there's growing speculation Luxon's leadership role might not last. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this discussion is a self-fulfilling prophecy, but it's likely there could be mood for change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims a rebounding economy could propel National to another election win. But a former senior National staffer also says next year's election is looking like a toss-up. The recent Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll has the party on just 29.6 percent - one of its lowest results since returning to Government. Ben Thomas says that's not a good place to be. "That is a psychological threshold - we used to be thinking that anything in the middle-low 30s was a disaster for a National Party leader." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you being ripped off on your power bill? You're not alone.Duncan Garner tears into the National Party's so-called "electricity market reforms" — calling them a 1/10 effort, just for showing up. As Kiwis struggle with skyrocketing power prices and big power companies rake in record $1.4 billion profits, Duncan asks the hard question: Why tinker when Rome is burning?He also sits down with employment expert Tom Oneill to unpack why the job market is worse than the GFC and COVID combined, and what you can actually do about it.

The United States is willing to “fortify” South Africa as it has moved from “latent fragility to being very fragile” and “moving in the direction of failure”. However, it would need to see “positive steps” and “genuine earnest attempts” from SA. So says a former diplomat to both the National Party and the African National Congress governments, Dr Edward Mienie, who is now a professor with the University of North Georgia in Atlanta. “I've never seen…the diplomatic relations between the two countries at such a low point - even during the dark years of Apartheid.” Dr Mienie says President Cyril Ramaphosa is viewed as a leader who is “taking care of his own interests, taking care of the ANC first and foremost, taking care of those that support him personally within the structure”, but not as taking care of the interests of all South Africans. Meanwhile, he expresses concern about how the ANC government would react towards an outright loss in the next general election. “And I'm even more concerned about who's going to be taking over as the ruling party at that stage.” He urges the Democratic Alliance to take “a stronger stance, to embrace morals and ethics in a more visible way”

Today on the show… Duncan Garner hosts a panel with Morris Williamson and Ashley Church to discuss the current state of New Zealand politics. They delve into the struggles of the National Party, the potential leadership challenge for Christopher Luxon by Chris Bishop and Erica Stanford, and New Zealand's recent economic downturn.  Website: https://www.rova.nz/home/podcasts/duncan-garner---editor-in-chief Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast  TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode ... It's called the Yankee National Party and says it upholds the values of New Englanders and beyond. We talk to three local party members who live in the state and are part of the Connecticut chapter to find out more. Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.

On todays show... discusses the latest RNZ poll, which shows a hung parliament with a 60-60 deadlock. Garner highlights the growing influence of Chris Bishop from the National Party, emphasizing his bold speech in Parliament where he called the Māori Party and Greens 'clowns and racists' Get in touch with Duncan - duncan@rova.nz and join us on the socials. Website: https://www.rova.nz/podcasts/duncan-garner-editor-in-chief-live Instagram: @DuncanGarnerpodcast TikTok: @DuncanGarnerpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin speaks with us about potential biosignatures on Mars, iridescent mammals & plastic waste for carbon capture.  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about Saturday's March for Humanity, AI and other new subjects in schools, and MP property declarations For Green Desk, Sara spoke with Dr Amanda Turnbull from the University of Waikato, and IT service Layer3 Solutions Director Daniel Bohan about the environmental impact of AI Jasmine spoke with Professor Toni Bruce about the lack of coverage of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, and what this means for Women's sport in Aotearoa

Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government, a National Party member and currently volunteering for the party's deputy leader, Nicola Willis. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. He is currently providing PR support for Andrew Little's Campaign for Mayor of Wellington, on a voluntary basis.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Daniel Thomas all about ‘interactions'  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the government's plans to fix up the supermarket duopoly, changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply act, and Judith Collins legislation for Defence Force workers For Green Desk, Sara spoke to University of Otago's Dr Thomas Mattern about the Tawaki Project on New Zealand's penguin populations Faith spoke to psychological medicine researcher Dr. Aida Dehkhoda about assisted dying, and how doctors, patients, and their families can be better supported

In the past week, we've seen several noteworthy legislative moves across sectors.  First, the government is seeking to address New Zealand's supermarket duopoly as the cost of groceries for kiwi remains high across the motu.  Economic Minister Nicola Willis announced numerous legislative changes that she hopes will improve supermarket competition in New Zealand. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has also shared some proposed changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply Act, including limiting barriers to the approval of liquor licenses and making it easier to provide alcohol in special circumstances. Finally, Defence Minister Judith Collins has approved changes that make it easier for the Defence Force to cover the operations of striking workers. 

Happy Rāapa! Today on the show: What's Up with The National Party's Matt Doocey, Milly and Rosetta announce the Exploding Rainbow Orchestra Lineup, Emma Gleason judges the fashion of the 95bFM Office, and we talk all things syphilis for The Birds, The Bees and The Bugs thanks to Care HQ! Whakarongo mai nei!

For our monthly catch up with The National Party, Milly spoke with Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey about the announcement of a national promotion campaign focused on getting Kiwis to Top Up with everyday actions that promote better mental health. Whakarongo mai nei!

Christopher Luxon took a short and sharp mindset into the National Party conference on the weekend and with good reason: there is much getting back on track still to be done. He arrived in Christchurch amid a blur of bleak headlines, focused mostly on an economic mood epitomised by butter, netball crowds, abrupt Trump tariffs, unemployment numbers, and so on. Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire assess the state of play. But first: a trio who did school cert in fifth form look at the overhaul of NCEA and electoral reforms that would deny the vote to “deadbeats”, aka those who seek to enrol within a dozen days of the election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Party Conference will kick off later today in Christchurch off the back of bad news for exporters with U.S imposition of a 15% trade tariff.