Podcasts about national party leader

Former leaders from both sides of the nation's political factions have come together to push back against New Zealand joining AUKUS. Ex-Prime Minister Helen Clark and her 2005 election rival Don Brash have co-written an editorial warning, claiming New Zealand needs to safeguard its independent foreign policy. Former National leader Don Brash says New Zealand has developed good working relationships with the US and China, and joining AUKUS would complicate that. "What's changed in the last 10 years is that the United States has suddenly recognised China as a 'peer competitor', and they don't like it. They're pushing very hard to get countries to jump on one bandwagon or the other." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon had a good idea the special votes would pan out the way they did saying coalition talks are progressing well.  There is still no timeline on when a government will be formed, although all three parties of National, Act and New Zealand First say they want it done quickly.  The National party leader says he would like to be able to make the APEC summit next week - however Peters and Seymour aren't speaking to each other.  Luxon told Mike Hosking by and large their goals are aligned.  He says there are differences and bespoke policies, and they'll all have to make trade-offs, but progress is being made.    LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon discusses debates, fiscal policy, and the performance of Agricultural Minister Damien O'Connor with REX's Dominic George.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some are picking Chris Luxon as narrowly taking the crown in last night's leaders' debate.  The National Party Leader went head to head with Labour Party Leader Chris Hipkins in the first of three debates ahead of the election.   Newstalk ZB Political Editor, Jason Walls, told Kate Hawkesby who he thought came out on top.  He says Luxon was more passionate and had a better plan on law and order, whereas he believes Hipkins couldn't defend the Government's record on that issue.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The 2023 General Election will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023 - We wanted to learn a little bit about some of the people and the parties they represent.We appreciate that politics ain't for everyone... We also understand how important it is to know even just a little bit about those who may be running our country.We hope we did enough to keep the chats entertaining and informative.... whilst giving you a chance to relate or perhaps not to their views on our future.(None of this is paid for) if you haven't enrolled to vote - check out "vote.nz"

National's Chris Luxon has promised to put $280 million into funding 13 cancer treatments over the next four years. This funding will be ring-fenced to Pharmac to cover lung, bowel, kidney, and melanoma cancer treatments- with free prescriptions scrapped to cover costs. Luxon says New Zealand's cancer mortality rate is 15 percent higher than Australia, and improving access to treatment can bridge the gap. "Part of that is actually accessing those treatments and those drugs that can extend lives, but also save lives. That's what this is about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Christopher Luxon joined Newstalk ZB Kerre Woodham Mornings live in studio to take your calls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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National wants to know why the 24-year-old Auckland CBD shooter wasn't in prison. Matu Tangi Matua Reid was on home detention for domestic violence,  and had approval to work at the construction site. National party leader, Chris Luxon, told Kate Hawkesby the perpetrator had committed some pretty violent crimes. He says the issue of not sending our violent offenders to prison has filtered down through the judiciary system, and we've ended up with soft sentencing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's hitting out at the Government's plane double up for its China trip. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and his entourage, along with a business delegation and reporters landed in Beijing last night on the Defence Force Boeing 757. But a second 757 has tailed them as a contingency plan, given that breakdowns have become a somewhat regular occurrence. National Party Leader, Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that it doesn't make sense to take two in a climate emergency. He says it also speaks to concerns around the reliability of those aircrafts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says prisoner numbers will rise as crime goes down if it wins power in October. The party's new crime policy would make being a gang member an aggravating factor during criminal sentencing. Leader Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that there'll be more to come in its broader policy to be announced shortly – and more prisoners will be a consequence of chasing down crime. He says the Government has emptied out prisons by a quarter in the past six years, but crime is up 30 percent, and retail has jumped 40 percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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National's Chris Luxon clarified that New Zealand is a country of 'endless potential' after yesterday's backlash. Luxon commented that the nation had become a "very negative, wet, whiny, inward-looking country" while chatting to farmers in Helensville. He says New Zealand is a well-positioned country with smart, creative, determined people- that isn't realising the endless potential it has. "We're not solving the problems and we're not getting things done. And that's all because this is a Government that over the last six years, is taking New Zealand backwards." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party Leader, Christopher Luxon, is in Christchurch and joined John MacDonald on the show in studio. They discussed Kāinga Ora housing, should residents know when a development is planned? What will he do to avoid a Michael Wood situation in his party, and how will he fix the terrible state of infrastructure in our country should he become Prime Minister? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been hard to keep up with the National Party's ever-changing opinion on bilingual road signs. But after their clarification the party does in fact support the te reo Māori signs, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins is now accusing them of dog whistling. National Party leader Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking to respond to the Prime Minister's comments. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders would get a 'taxpayers' receipt' under National. It wants Inland Revenue to give taxpayers an annual break-down, showing where money has been spent. Treasury would also need to report each year on the performance of major programmes, to show whether they're achieving results. National leader Chris Luxon says a lot of initiatives don't start off with a good cost-benefit analysis. "And then, the problem is that actually there's no evaluations saying- is this initiative working or not? We want to stop stuff that's not working, we want to be able to power up things that are, and move money into places that are getting results." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is ruling out working with Te Pāti Māori following this year's general election. National's leader says the two parties have strongly different policies and visions for New Zealand. Luxon told Mike Hosking Te Pāti Māori wants a separate Parliament and voting rights and doesn't accept Treaty settlements as full and final. "We have strong beliefs around equal citizenship, one person, one vote and no co-governance of public services and those two sets of positions are just not workable or can be put together." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says it will only bring back live animal exports under strict regulations. The opposition wants to reverse the government's recently enacted ban on the practice. National's Christopher Luxon says New Zealand doesn't have the luxury of turning off half a billion dollars in revenue. He says they need safe for the animals, and a select list of countries to which New Zealand can export. "We can reassure ourselves that we've got really good management of those animals in those new countries if we make sure we have a gold standard and set some really high standards on the transportation."  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National has promised to enact a Free Trade Agreement with India, if elected in October. Recent reports say India is poised to overtake Germany and Japan to become the third largest economy in the world by 2030. Leader Chris Luxon says Australia, the UK and the EU have easily been able to close trade deals with India, and New Zealand needs to 'hustle' and build this international relationship. "You've got to grow the economy. And one of the ways you do that is you expand exports. Therefore, doing a deal with India is really important." LISTEN ABOVE    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attention is turning to policy, with the two main parties neck and neck just over six months out from the election. A new Taxpayers' Union Curia Poll puts Labour on 36.9 percent, and National just behind on 36.5 percent. National leader Chris Luxon says the polls will bounce around a bit, but he doesn't get too caught up in that. He says it's about the arc of where they need to get to, and they know what they've got to do, which is be a party which talks to all New Zealanders. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The drama surrounding the husband of former Scottish National Party Leader Nicola Sturgeon has been labelled a gift for the UK Labour party. Peter Murrell has been arrested as part of an investigation into the party's finances, but was released today without charge. Sturgeon says she had "no prior knowledge" of Police Scotland's action or intentions, and Murrell denies any wrongdoing. UK Correspondent Enda Brady told Mike Hosking Labour needs to pick up seats in Scotland if the party is to win power. He says Keir Starmer will be looking to see whether the SNP will implode and which seats they can pick off. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beks and Hamish bumped into the National Party Leader at the South Island Ag Field Days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alistair Grant, political editor of the Scotsman newspaper looks ahead to the announcement

After the damage the cyclone has caused, it's clear something needs to be done about our infrastructure. But despite the incoming repair bill of cyclone damages, National are still set on tax cuts. Questions have been asked as to how will we repair and recover if the Government has less revenue coming in. National Party leader Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the damage the cyclone has caused, it's clear something needs to be done about our infrastructure. But despite the incoming repair bill of cyclone damages, National are still set on tax cuts. Questions have been asked as to how will we repair and recover if the Government has less revenue coming in, National Party leader Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's Chris Luxon has come under fire for the language used during his speech in Waitangi yesterday. During his parliamentary Powhiri speech, Luxon called the Treaty a "little experiment", as he hoped to finalise all historic iwi settlements by 2030. Luxon said these comments weren't meant to belittle the significance of the Treaty, as every country started as an experiment. Chris Luxon today clarified that formation of the Treaty 183 years ago was a brave decision made by all sides, and that unity gave New Zealand a foundation of tolerance and open-mindedness.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National leader Chris Luxon used his appearance at Rātana to reaffirm his party's stance against co-governance. During his speech, Luxon said the co-governance debate has been an increasing poor discussion and he blamed the current Government for not being "upfront or transparent" on the subject. Chris Luxon says that today's Rātana event was an appropriate opportunity to talk about the co-governance debate. "Frankly it's been an issue that's been in conversation now for a year, I tried to talk about it last April along similar lines. And with the new Prime Minister, as he said, he's looking at it and he's potentially looking at Three Waters and other things. I thought it was entirely appropriate to come out and say where things were." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings John was joined for the first time in 2023 by National Party Leader, Christopher Luxon. John asked about his speech yesterday at Ratana, and his statements on co-governance. Why is National against it? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour caucus is set to meet in Parliament at 1pm to formally confirm Chris Hipkins as Jacinda Ardern's successor for the title of Prime Minister. Chris Hipkins was the sole nominee for the role following Jacinda Ardern's resignation announcement on Thursday. National leader Chris Luxon says that a change in leadership isn't going to impact Labour's chances in the upcoming election and that Kiwi voters will still feel that Labour has failed to deliver while in office. "It doesn't matter whether you look at education, whether you look at crime, whether you look at housing, whether you look at health or our economy, New Zealanders are going backwards. From my point of view, nothing really changes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party leader is talking up his front bench heading into this election year. Polls are leaning towards National, with a recent Taxpayers Union Curia poll finding the party slightly favoured as economic managers over Labour. Chris Luxon says the current Government has been too reliant on working groups and, if elected, his ministers would have real world expertise in their portfolios. Luxon says his health spokesperson in particular has a background in the field. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party Leader has a fire in his belly about the agriculture sector, its people, the opportunities and what he thinks is an incredibly bright future. We chewed the fat about the year 2022 has been, his dedication to changing opinions and mindsets towards the sector and what he's looking forward to next year See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show Chris Luxon joins us and makes a promise around Gumboot Friday and mental health support. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party leader Chris Luxon is calling for Jacinda Ardern to show leadership and sack Nanaia Mahuta. Luxon says Nanaia Mahuta's gone against the Cabinet Manual by personally endorsing an anti-privatisation entrenchment clause in the Three Waters legislation and allowing it to be included in the proposed law. "She's clearly breached the Cabinet Manual, she's clearly not in support of something that she had Cabinet collective responsibility for, and clearly the Prime Minister's lost control of her and her Cabinet." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Walsh told Tom Elliott the parties served two different purposes and the National Party remains committed to regional areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon's defending a Party policy announced today, to send repeat youth offenders to boot camp - and monitor kids with ankle bracelets. National met anger from across the House today - for plans to put 15-to-17-year old serious offenders in military academies, for disciplining and rehabilitation. They'd subject children as young as 10 to electronic monitoring or intensive supervision. Luxon says New Zealand has a major problem and maintains this is the solution. He says it's really important young offenders go to military bases across the country to keep to a schedule and learn lots of life skills. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon has said he takes no issue with the new telehealth service that has been rolled out nationwide - and will issue no change under a National government. Luxon also spoke on the proposed tax cuts which has received criticism for only pocketing most Kiwis close to $2.00 a week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's new plan to make farmers pay an emissions tax isn't being well-received so far.  In the interest of maintaining a positive reputation with the farming community, National Party Leader Chris Luxon says that National will repeal this tax scheme if elected in 2023. Chris Luxon went on to state that this tax plan is bad for the state of the farming industry, jobs, and rural communities.  "We're talking about one fifth of our sheep and beef industry being decimated by 2030, just in seven years time. That's a big problem for us economically. This is an industry that generates basically $9,000 dollars for every man, woman, and child in the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition Christoper Luxon joins Dom after the fallout from the Governments announcement surrounding Farmers paying for emissions by 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More fallout from the Governments announcement surrounding Farmers paying for emissions by 2025: National Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition Christoper Luxon and Groundswell NZ Co-Founder Bryce McKenzie join Dom for their reaction to the polarising news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon is going with the ''trust me'' approach when it comes to the Uffindell report. He had already said he wasn't going to release it to the public but he also won't release it to National Party MP's because he says "they trust me to represent the findings". National Party leader Christopher Luxon joins me now. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He told Carly Flynn once they received the report, they did their best to turn it around as soon as possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, John MacDonald spoke to National leader Christopher Luxon. They discussed the safety of politicians off the back of Grant Robertson's concerns whilst visiting Northland recently. They also talked about the report into Sam Uffindell and if it should be released publicly, and how did Luxon react to the Christchurch City Council pushback on housing intensification? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern continues to refuse requests from Today FM to discuss Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's pleas for more support from New Zealand. Ardern turned down the opportunity to visit Zelensky during her European tour last month but an open invitation remains. Speaking to Today FM, National Party leader Christopher Luxon revealed he would have accepted the invitation and done all he could to make a meeting happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party Leader talks about abortion, Matariki, recession and a clean-out at the top of the National Party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Leader Christopher Luxon is making his position on abortion crystal clear.In the wake of the removal of a constitutional right to an abortion in the US, Luxon's pro-life stance has been brought into question.He's vowing there will be no revisiting of our laws under a future National Government.Luxon told Mike Hosking he has a personal pro-life view, but no politician's role is to force their beliefs on others.He says that's because they serve the common cause of all New Zealanders, which means you don't get captured by one group or one interest, but represent everybody.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon joined Canterbury Mornings and spoke about violence in NZ, he thinks it starts at home. Charlotte Bellis receives and apology, but National believe all New Zealanders affected by the MIQ lottery of misery should be apologised to, dangerous Canterbury roads and Waka Kotahi's lack of response on roading safety.Luxon also discussed his views on New Zealand leaving the Commonwealth, saying he's comfortable with the current arrangement but it may be something he sees happen in his lifetime.LISTEN ABOVE 

The National Party Leader talks gangs, Three Waters, He Waka Eke Noa, Roy Morgan and we ask him who he'd rather have as Police Minister. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Party Leader talks about the cost of living crisis and what to do about the supermarket duopoly?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National party leader Christopher Luxon says the major factor in the party's revival is the cost of living, which he calls a "crisis". Last night's Newshub Reid-Research poll had National on 40.5 percent, and Labour on 38.2. It's the first time Labour's polled in the 30s since Jacinda Ardern became prime minister. Luxon told Morning Report the cost of living is on everyone's mind. [audio_play] Luxon is the preferred prime minister of 24 percent of those polled, the highest of any National Party Leader since Bill English. 

"It's the combination of what's going in inside those motels, coupled with rising crime, that makes the tourism proposition on Rotorua much weaker than it ever has been."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings John MacDonald asked National Party leader Christopher Luxon about David Parker's Tax Bill and his reaction.MacDonald further asked Luxon why he and his party feel the Government is 'soft on crime.' LISTEN ABOVE

National Party Leader joined Tova on Tuesday morning following an interview with a former youth leader at Arise church and was asked about mega-church tax status in New Zealand. In reference to the allegations circulating around Arise church and the interview between a former youth leader at the Church and Tova earlier on Tuesday morning, Tova O'Brien asked Luxon if there is a role for the government in auditing these mega-churches that pay no tax. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, John MacDonald was joined by National Party Leader Christopher Luxon. John questioned the opposition leader about the situation in Christchurch with asbestos in the water, and if it would change this views on repealing Three Waters if National came into power. They also discussed National's stance on the Māori Health Authority, and the calls from various health organisations for them to reconsider. LISTEN ABOVE 

Christopher Luxon thinks National's responded well after Labour politicians in Christchurch were harassed online.  Two Young Nats have resigned from the National party as a result. The move followed misogynistic and personal attacks were targeted at three women. They were Cabinet Minister and Wigram MP Megan Woods, Ilam MP Sarah Pallett and Christchurch City Council member Sara Templeton. Christopher Luxon told Kate Hawkesby the pair reflected on the party's new code of conduct, and quit.  He says they've implemented the code, as the comments were vile and utterly unacceptable. LISTEN ABOVE 

We ask the National Party Leader (in Levin) what he would have done differently if it was him standing at the Pulpit of Truth yesterday? Plus, we look at cost of living crisis and with Simon Bridges gone, are the liberals taking over the Nats? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National wants Covid restrictions to loosen immediately and to fully do away with it by mid-April when the border reopens to Australia.They want scanning and vaccine passes dropped for all but large indoor events and reduce the Covid isolation periods to five days.By mid-April, the party wants to scrap the Traffic Light System altogether.National Party leader Chris Luxon joined Andrew Dickens.LISTEN ABOVE

Christopher Luxon says he'd be making deals for Rapid Antigen Tests this morning if he was running the country. From midnight tonight, the country heads into Phase Two, meaning shorter self-isolation periods for cases and contacts. The Government says rapid tests will also be used more widely. The National Party leader told Mike Hosking he'd approve the same 60 suppliers Australia has for RATs and ask three of his friends in the commercial world to procure them. “If you don't have Rapid Antigen Tests and it's not available to everyone, you can't test to work and we're going to end up with very long isolation periods and people not actually going to get tested because the disincentive will be high.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Newstalk ZB Canterbury Mornings, John MacDonald was joined for his weekly interview with National Party leader, Christopher Luxon. Luxon was questioned about his debate in the house yesterday, and comments he made about New Zealand's housing situation. He also spoke about his views on Tiwai Point smelter, ECan and Ngāi Tahu representation and the current protest happening outside of Parliament in Wellington. LISTEN ABOVE 

Today on the show - we wanted to know what useless stuff you have that you think will be worth something one day, which lead to us finding out Rog has something that could be worth a little (key word, little) bit of cash. National Party Leader, Chris Luxon, came into the studio and Rog is still smiling. And we wanted to know if you're the family Black Sheep. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of Canterbury Mornings' regular catch up with National Party Leader, Christopher Luxon, John MacDonald asked about his view on the Charlotte Bellis situation and if National would've handled things differently. Luxon also discussed the recent National Party retreat in Queenstown, and talked about key objectives going forward for the party and how they used the time to come together as a team with guest speakers including Steve Hansen. LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Luxon says greater access to quicker Covid-19 tests and medicines that can treat the virus will be key to keeping goods flowing around the country.Supply chain issues are thought to be inevitable because around 350,000 workers may be isolating at one time.But the National Party leader says the Government needs to bring in more drugs that are effective against Covid-19.He told Roman Travers officials need to chase down more rapid antigen and saliva tests.“If I had a Rolls-Royce engine crisis at Air New Zealand or when the fuel pipeline got dug up and we're trying to run the airline with 30 per cent of the fuel, you are on these issues like literally every six hours.”LISTEN ABOVE

Continuing with well wishes from the country's political leaders, here is National's Christopher Luxon.

Continuing with well wishes from the country's political leaders, here is National's Christopher Luxon.

In his capacity as the new National Party leader, Christopher Luxon makes his first appearance on The Country. Today, in our "get to know Christopher" interview, we cover his seven houses, being a Christian, liking country music, his view on farming and farmers, Simon Bridges, Judith Collins, Todd Muller, Barbara Kuriger, Penny Simmonds, and just who are his favourite politicians.

Today for the first time as National Party Leader, Christopher Luxon joined John MacDonald to talk about his vision for the party moving forward. Luxon spoke about what he felt were the key issues facing New Zealanders, including the ability to pay everyday bills without struggling, and how his party would be moving forward to become a strong opposition for the Government.LISTEN ABOVE

National's new leader has revealed when he decided to put his hand up.  Christopher Luxon has just stepped into the top job, with Nicola Willis as his Deputy.  Simon Bridges pulled out of the race today, and threw his support behind the Botany MP.  Luxon told Heather du Plessis-Allan he decided to throw his hat in the ring about when Judith Collins left. He said when forming his decision to run, he had to think about what skills he could bring to the team. Luxon won't say which portfolios he has in mind for Simon Bridges and Judith Collins. He said everyone has a role though. “We've got to use to the experience and the talent and the competence that sits there and get it out of each individual.” LISTEN ABOVE 

Who should take over the leadership of the National Party?In the mix right now: Christopher Luxon, Simon Bridges, Mark Mitchell, Chris Bishop, and Shane Reti.Shane Reti is not an option. He helped Judith Collins commit the murder-suicide on Simon Bridges on Wednesday night so he's too tainted. Chris Bishop is not an option yet. Too many people are still too angry with him for helping in the Muller coup. He's doing great work so he'll recover, but it's too early.Mark Mitchell is probably not a real option. This will be the third time he talks about running and probably the third time he doesn't actually end up running. I suspect this is more of a strategy to get a promotion within the party than an actual leadership bid. That leaves the two real contenders: Luxon and Bridges.Bridges is a really good politician but I think he is too old-National now. He's ended up getting splashed with too much of the dirt of the last few years: Jami-Lee Ross, the angry Covid stuff when he was leader, the Muller coup and now this attack from Collins. He doesn't necessarily deserve it, but he's just become the guy caught up in too much of it.Which leaves Luxon. He is shiny and new. He represents a complete generational change in National. He's got none of the mud sticking to him. He's risky though. Because he's very inexperienced. He's only been there a year. There is the risk that he bombs under pressure like Muller did. But he's also very smart. He's studied politics for years, he's been mentored by Sir John Key and he was working towards this anyway (it just came a bit early). I think Luxon's their guy. He's not a perfect option – none of them are – but he's the best option. Deputy's important too, and that should go to Bridges. Forget worrying about choosing a woman or a liberal to balance his conservativism or a rural MP to balance that he's from Auckland. The biggest problem the Nats have right now is that they're fighting with each other. Putting Bridges in there is showing unity. What's more, as I said earlier, Bridges is a very good politician. His experience will go a long way to keeping Luxon away from the easy mistakes of inexperience.So all things considered, probably a Luxon-Bridges ticket is their best bet. Can they give Labour a run for their money? Well, it feels more likely under Team Luxon than under Team Collins.

The National Party is without a long-term leader, after Judith Collins was booted by the National caucus this morning.  On the way out of Parliament today, Collins said she didn't regret last night's move against Simon Bridges  Meanwhile, Simon bridges is tossing up whether to have another run at the top job. Caucus will vote in a new leader next Tuesday, until then Dr Shane Reti is acting in the role, and he joined Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

That's correct - this is a NZ exclusive; no other media has this interview..a chat with the brand new leader of the National Party!! You do not want to miss this!...or maybe you do.... Also, we have knob twisting chat, Patrick Gower endorsements, and a ripper Thank Fact it's Friday! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Canterbury Mornings, John MacDonald spoke to National Party Leader, Judith Collins. They discussed the latest political polls and the leadership of the National Party, and John asked why she had publicly written off Simon Bridges as a potential leader for the party.  Also, concerns around MP safety, which have been raised after a recent event with Labour's Kieran McAnulty, and Collins gave her view on the three Councils who are seeking legal action around the Three Waters Reform. LISTEN ABOVE   

National Party leader Judith Collins announced ahead of the Government announcement, this morning, Labour's plans to go ahead with the Three Waters Reform. Collins stated she felt it was an asset grab, and if National were to be elected they would not proceed with the reform.  She also voiced her concern about the delay in MIQ changes, her feelings on vaccine mandates and her frustration on the Traffic Light System - which was announced last Friday by the Government. LISTEN ABOVE 

During our weekly interview with Judith Collins, John MacDonald asked the National Leader if she thought that the vaccination mandate should be extended to local authorities such as councils to help protect the South.He also discussed the ICU situation with staffing and training, and the recently released Government Statements.LISTEN ABOVE

On today's weekly catch up with National Party leader, Judith Collins, John MacDonald asked what the National Party thought of a gang leader being given and essential worker status to travel between Waikato and Auckland, as part of an effort to increase vaccination rates within the gang.  They also discussed the letter from Pfizer last June, which allegedly saw a six-month delay in vaccination supply to New Zealand, and the proposed mandatory vaccinations for teachers .LISTEN ABOVE

National Party Leader Judith Collins joins Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills to talk about the party's Covid-reopening plan, recent political polls that have seen Collins dip as preferred PM and what she need to do to gain public trust and support. LISTEN ABOVE

During his weekly chat with National Party Leader Judith Collins, John MacDonald quizzed her about an incentive to increase our vaccination rate, the National Party Leadership and staff departures. John also asked one of the most important questions of the week about her trip to a Queenstown Ice Cream shop. LISTEN ABOVE

John MacDonald had his weekly interview with National Party Leader, Judith Collins.They discussed the Māori Party petition to rename New Zealand to Aotearoa, the Covid elimination vs. suppression strategies and Janet Wilson's recent public comments about her time working for the National Party.LISTEN ABOVE 

There's been some strong opposition in response to Parliament being suspended for a week due to Covid-19 restrictions. Select committees will still go ahead online, but that's drawing criticism from the opposite side the House, as most committees are led by Labour MPs. There have also been calls for the Epidemic Response Committee to be reinstated in order to ensure the Government is being held to account. National Party Leader Judith Collins joined Kerre McIvor.LISTEN ABOVE 

Judith Collins says she'll agree to disagree with her party's youth wing on almost everything, including the ban on conversion therapy.A bill that would outlaw the practice has passed its first reading in Parliament.National voted against the bill, despite pleas from the Young Nats for the party to support it at first reading and seek changes at select committee.Collins told Kate Hawkesby  the party won't be dictated by its youth wing.“The National Party caucus if often offside with our youth wing on various issues. They're are far more progressive culturally and socially, than the majority of MPs.”LISTEN ABOVE

Barnaby Joyce has wrestled back the leadership of the National Party, deposing Michael McCormack in the last sitting week before the winter recess.

He's back. Barnaby Joyce.  It's been over three years since Barnaby Joyce lost his place as Deputy PM and National Party Leader, after it was revealed he was having a child with his staffer, Vikki Campion.  The couple have since had another child, and the MP has been angling to get back at the top job of his party in backroom discussions for some time.  How has he managed to come back? What is the appeal of Barnaby Joyce? CREDITS  Host/Producer: Claire Murphy Acting Executive Producer: Melanie Tait  Audio Producer: Ian Camilleri Guests: Karen Middleton is the Chief Political Correspondent at The Saturday Paper.  CONTACT US Got a topic you'd like us to cover? Send us an email at thequicky@mamamia.com.au Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast, Jerry has found someone to be Matt's Valentine now he just needs your suggestions on the date. Abe from Whakamana talks about a new egg-shaped vaginal suppository and Political Editor Corin Dann gives us his predictions for next National Party Leader...