Podcasts about nz first

The Act Party has joined NZ First’s war on “woke” banks with a member’s bill to repeal legislation that requires banks and other financial institutions to submit climate disclosures. Plus, how worried is he about falling livestock numbers - especially sheep - down 6.2 million (21%) to just 23.6 million from a decade ago?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Albo's massive win across the ditch on Saturday, I can see a lot of commentators are tempted to blame it on Trumpism - in the same way they blamed the Canadian election upset on Trumpism. But I'm not convinced they're right - at least not in the way they think they are. What these commentators are saying is that Trump has given Canadians and Australians the ick so badly that they voting against anything that looks like him: Dutton in Australia, Poilievre in Canada or just right-wing-ism in general. I don't think that's what happened here. Look at what's happening in New Zealand at the moment - the two parties in our parliamentary system that would probably share the greatest number of policy positions with Donald Trump are NZ First and ACT - and both are polling much higher than they historically have. But also, those commentators seem to be conveniently forgetting what just happened in the UK on Friday night - which is that the Reform Party absolutely swept the local elections in a shock result. Reform, led by Nigel Farage, is probably the closest thing to Trump in the English-speaking world. So as much as the left would like to believe what happened in Australia and Canada is a Trump ick factor that they can pin on the rest of the right - I don't think it is. I think what's happened is the same thing that happened with Covid: safe voting. I think Trump and his tariff talk - and the possibility of a massive global slowdown - has freaked out voters in a similar way to how Covid freaked out people. And when people freak out, it favours the incumbent, because it's better the devil you know to protect you. That's why the Canadians returned their incumbent Government and that's why the Australians returned their incumbent Government. The same doesn't apply to the UK, because that was a local body election which is about rubbish and roads - not central Government which is about tariffs and healthcare. So I suspect we shouldn't over egg how much voters hate Trump as much as understand how much he might be frightening them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Auckland iwi leader is accusing New Zealand First and ACT of mischief-making over the future management of Auckland's Waitākere Ranges. Political reporter Lillian Hanly has more.

The Deputy Leader of New Zealand First says his party will step in to stop management of the Waitakere Ranges morphing into co-governance. Auckland Council's proposing a board made up of Iwi, the Department of Conservation, and the council. Act Leader David Seymour has also criticised the plan as moving towards co-governance. Shane Jones told Mike Hosking they're not going to stand for it. He says they won't tolerate any slither of the West Auckland heritage land being under that type of arrangement. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First and ACT are opposing an Auckland Council plan for the Waitākere Ranges. The council wants to set up a committee including iwi, the Crown and Auckland Council. NZ First MP Shane Jones says it could easily morph into co-governance and ACT leader David Seymour claims it could let unelected decision-makers close tracks and dictate land use. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says the ball's in National's court on this matter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In his role as regulation Minister, David Seymour is moving to simplify regulations for Early Childhood Education Centres by the end of this year.  This involves a review containing 15 recommendations, which cabinet has accepted. These recommendations concern a vast number of things, from simplifying licensing criteria for pre-schools to lowering qualification requirements for early childhood educators.  Both of these areas have sparked concern within the sector, with some educators concerned the review is simply a cost cutting exercise that will result in tamariki being put at risk.  For our weekly catch up Producer Evie spoke to ACT's Simon Court about the review.  They also spoke about New Zealand First's Members Bill aiming to have the biological definition of a woman and man defined in law.  And finally they discussed a clash between the party and National's Scott Simpson over an ACC plan to reduce injury for Māori and Pasifika workers. 

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 ECPAT 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.

The battle over gender and definitions is building steam in New Zealand. New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that “would ensure the biological definition of a woman and man are defined in law”. It comes after a landmark ruling in the United Kingdom, where Supreme Court judges unanimously ruled a woman is defined “by biological sex under equalities law”. The court sided with a women’s rights campaign group that argued sex-based protections should only apply to “people that were born female”. Judge Lord Hodge said the ruling should not be seen as a triumph of one side over the other, and stressed that the law still gives protection against discrimination to transgender people. But it was largely seen as a victory by campaigners, while trans rights advocates have called the ruling a huge blow to some of the most marginalised people in our society. To discuss this issue, today on The Front Page, we’re joined by University of Waikato professor of sociology and social policy Katrina Roen. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cross-party delegation of MPs recently visited Tonga, Hawai'i and Vanuatu as part of a Pacific trip organised by Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters. Earlier this week, New Zealand First proposed new legislation that would exclude trans communities from the definition of “woman” and “man” in law. Winston Peters defended the bill on RNZ's Morning Report, where he called interviewer Corin Dann a “disgrace” for raising the criticism against the bill that was brought forward by opposition parties. During this interview, Peters threatened to cut RNZ's government funding. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics.

There's a chance you'll think I sound like I'm contradicting myself with my views on NZ First jumping on the gender identity bandwagon. Politicians love a good bandwagon and that's what NZ First is riding with its members' bill to legally clarify the definitions of man and woman. I say they're riding a bandwagon because it comes on the heels of the Supreme Court in Britain doing pretty much the exact same thing last week. It ruled that it all comes down to a person's biology, and that's NZ First's thinking as well. I'm not so black and white. But first, let me say that, of all the things New Zealand is dealing with at the moment, this plan by NZ First is not a priority. We don't need this. Yes, some people think the transgender community is leading us to hell in a handbasket. That's why NZ First is saying things like its members' bill being all about fighting “cancerous social engineering and woke ideology”. But I think only a minority of people feel as strongly about it as that language suggests. And will it do anything to get the economy sorted? No it won't. Will it get kids out of poverty? No it won't. Will it reduce power prices? Not it won't. Will it get more life-saving drugs for people? Nope. See what I mean? But, aside from thinking that NZ First is barking up the wrong tree or barking at a passing car, and that we don't desperately need this clarification, my overall view is that inclusion is way better than exclusion. What I mean by that is however we might feel about someone being transgender —however comfortable or uncomfortable we are about it— does how we feel really matter? I don't think it does. What does matter is that someone who, for whatever reason, feels so uncomfortable in their own skin —or who feels alien in their own skin, in terms of gender— then why shouldn't they be free to do something about that? Well, they should be free. And, by being free, they should also enjoy the same privileges and freedoms as everybody. That's the inclusion versus exclusion part of it. But, at the same time, there are parts of this freedoms and privileges bit that I really struggle with, and this is where I'm going to start to contradict myself. I'm not saying here that I advocate any sort of antagonism or discrimination or worse towards anyone who lives their life as a transgender person. But I understand why some people aren't as open to the possibility that not everyone wants to be the person they were when they born. And I understand that because I'm not black and white on it myself. Yes, I'll preach inclusion instead of exclusion and I'll tell people who get wound up about drag queens reading stories to kids that they're indulging in unnecessary moral panic. But often, the question people ask me if they disagree with me is how I feel about a transgender person using public facilities provided for people of particular genders. And —I'll be totally honest with you— that is my stumbling block. But, despite that, I don't support what NZ First is doing because it doesn't seek to include, it seeks to exclude. I also don't support it because I don't think people are crying out for it. But what do you think? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a combative exchange on Morning Report on Wednesday morning, Peters took exception to Dann's questioning about the NZ First member's bill to define the term “woman” in law, accusing the broadcaster of running the line of political opponents ending up with Mr Peters making an apparent threat to cut RNZs funding.Tesla's profits fell 71% over the first three months of this year, a company earnings release on Tuesday showed. The decline comes amid worldwide protests against CEO Elon Musk over his role in the Trump administration.Te Pāti Māori was given “one more chance” to speak to the Privileges Committee, but its MPs again refused to attend a hearing regarding their haka during the initial vote for the Treaty Principles Bill.=================================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

New Zealand First has proposed new legislation to define the term "woman" in law as "an adult human biological female". New Zealand First leader Winston Peters spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand First has introduced a member's bill that would do away with what it calls the "woke ideology" around the subject of womanhood. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Differing opinions on New Zealand First's Members' bill regarding the definition of 'woman'. MP Jenny Marcroft is proposing legally defining a woman as being an adult human biological female. Rainbow Auckland co-chair Sibyl Mandow says it's a political move to be divisive, stir up hate, and generate a narrative to distract from more pressing issues. Mandow says the bill is trying to denounce the existence of trans people – who have no agenda and just want to exist. But Speak Up for Women spokesperson Suzanne Levy told Mike Hosking polling on this issue indicates people don't want trans people to be treated poorly. But she says at the same time, people don't think sex can be changed. Levy says laws need to be definable, as sex has never had any other meaning than biological sex. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 23rd of April, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with Sir Keir Starmer, signing a new weapons deal. NZ First are occupying themselves with gender issues, trying to follow the UK Supreme Courts decision - we talk to Suzanne Levy from Speak up for Women about the bill. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Anderson discuss conscience votes and request a special shoutout on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest topics of the short week so far. They discussed New Zealand First's new Member's Bill calling to legally define gender, conscience votes, and Kieran McAnulty's Easter bill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 22 April 2025, following the death of Pope Francis, Sir David Moxon, tells Heather what the late Pope was like. NZ First leader Winston Peters explains why we need a legal definition of what makes a woman (and a man). Ukraine's ambassador to NZ reacts to news that NZ has committed to training Ukrainian troops until the end of 2026 - but what could end the war before then? A neuroscientist explains what you should do if your phone notifications give you anxiety. Plus, on the Huddle, two Catholics on the Pope's death, why Josie reckons she's a cafe catholic and why Tim wants to baptise Heather's kids. 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.

New Zealand First wants the definition of a woman and a man etched into the law. Britain's Supreme Court has ruled the legal definition should relate to biological sex - excluding transgender women. Leader Winston Peters says the Bill would define a woman as an adult human biological female, and a man as an adult human biological male. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says it's unclear if a Bill of this nature will come to pass. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters says the term 'woman' needs protection - by a bill legally defining it as an adult human biological female. MP Jenny Marcroft's proposed Members bill would legislate gender to biological sex, essentially meaning transgender people could not legally align with their identities. The New Zealand First leader says having to write the law this way is unusual, but it has become 'critical'. "And the fact of the matter is - that this is a case where women, who are deserving protection and support in many other occasions, are simply not getting it in our law." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National President of the Dr Suzanne Manning joins us tonight to talk about the ruling from the Scottish Supreme Court on the definition of woman in UK equality legislation and the apparent desire for Winston Peters to put into law in NZ the same outcome.The Pope passed away over the weekend which has sent 1.4 billion Catholics into mourning and one Prime Minister to suggest that the Pope was an incredible example to the world for his "huge care for people who were vulnerable" and at no point could he see any kind of irony in what he was saying.Winston Peters has again started the campaign to get his "Penis Police" into every public toilet in NZ. We'll have a look at the introduction of NZ First's new legislation and see if there is anything, other than culture wars and headline grabbing, that can come from this desired legislation.=================================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

New Zealand's new bill is finding support from a women's sport advocacy group. The new bill wants to codify sex-based language, defining a woman as an “adult human biological female” and a man as an “adult human biological male”. It comes as Britain's Highest Court ruled that only biological women —not trans women— meet a definition of a woman under equity laws. Save Women's Sport Australasia NZ Spokeswoman Ro Edge told Francesca Rudkin the bill is a protection for the sex-based rights of women. She says all it does is reinforce the urgent need for the likes of Sport New Zealand to prioritise and protect safety and fairness for biological women. Edge says they play sports with their bodies, not their identities. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Easter Monday we are replaying, in full, the episode that we entered in the NZ Radio and Podcast awards that got us nominated for Best Independent Podcast, it features from June last year...Christopher Luxon is still happy with the scrapping Labour's ferry deal and flounders this morning on AM when he was asked as to how the NActNZ Government funded 13 cancer drugs plus an additional 41 to bootOsian Llywelyn, the Deputy Welsh Language Commissioner, joins us to talk about how Wales tries to advance their minority indigenous language. We seek wise counsel as to why a Government might want to make their minority indigenous language lesser than it was before they came to power.Is there cracks in the coalition? New Zealand First has invoked its "agree to disagree" provisions in its coalition cause with National over the inquiry. It means the Government's inquiry will go ahead, however, NZ First is publicly stating it disagrees with elements of it.

At the halfway mark, can we suggest things are starting to turn for the Government? This week we have seen the Prime Minister at Ruakura with a multi-billion dollar investment that sells the Māori economy and showcases large amounts of foreign money, as well as the potential for huge productivity gains and economic growth. On Monday there was more money for tourism. Tourism is coming back, it's too slow, but the tourist spend is up to post-Covid levels. On Tuesday, Education Minister Erica Stanford was pumping more money into classrooms with savings made from the bespoke design nonsense and waste that the Labour Party trainwreck was in charge of. Then the Prime Minister is back with the police and Justice Ministers, spruiking very good-looking numbers around victims of crime. This comes on the back of three polls all of which show the Government being returned to office if an election was held today. Slowly but surely specific bits are starting to fall into place. Things like the fact we had good GDP in the last growth stats. Clearly from Tuesday's numbers, crime, which was as big an issue last election, is looking very much in a box. The gang patch laws are working with even the critics saying they're working. Surveys say people feel safer on the streets and the victim numbers look very good indeed. Health remains an issue and there seems a determination among the unions especially to keep it on the front page. But the key bits that sink or support Governments —the economy, education, crime and justice— look solid. If they can get health under control they will be rolling. Obviously, the economic side is fragile and open to a lot of stuff that is beyond our control, so counting chickens is pointless. On that note, you then come to this idea that's gaining traction that the Trump fiasco could well be the making of our Prime Minister. A bloke who has struggled to connect might well have settled nicely into his wheelhouse with an economic mess that could see the best of him shine when it's needed most. If the polls play okay for them they way they do now, with glimmers of light, by the time we get to the end of the year momentum might well be theirs and an election may well be theirs to lose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 15 April 2025, Police Minister Mark Mitchell tells Heather how the Government's managed to hit its target to reduce the number of violent crime victims four years early. Should a Minister really have to tell the health department to use the term "pregnant women" rather than "pregnant person"? A crackdown is coming for bad dog owners who chain up their dogs for too long - but Heather thinks the Government needs to go much further and crack down on dangerous dogs. Plus, on the Huddle, Stuart Nash's biggest clue yet that he might be looking to become a NZ First candidate. 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.

I'm liking the sound of Education Minister Erica Stanford's approach to sex education. But it won't be plain sailing, and she knows that. But there's a glaring gap in this new framework she's put out for consultation, with ideas of what kids might be taught and when from year 1 to year 13. I'll come back to the glaring gap. But Erica Stanford is going into this with her eyes wide open, knowing how fraught this can be – with some parents thinking that it's not a school's job to teacher their kids about sex and relationships. I'm the complete opposite. I think there is a role for parents in sex education, but it's in the area of values. Because a curriculum can't teach values – that's the sort of stuff kids learn from parents and caregivers. So let the kids get a consistent sex education at school and let the parents discuss how what they're being taught fits with their personal and family values. I've had a read-through of the draft guidelines which are all about making sure kids up and down the country —from the time they start school at age 5 to whenever they finish school— are taught the same stuff at the same time about sex and relationships. The Education Minister has been at pains to say that NZ First hasn't had its hands on the drafting of the framework, but it may as well have. Because I've read through the document and, from what I can see, the word “gender” is mentioned only once. And it's not used in a way that means kids being confused about their gender identity. There's pretty much nothing in there about gender identity, but there should be. Because, whether we like it or not, there are kids crying out for this. But that is something NZ First has been big on. With its demand —as part of its coalition deal with National— that the Government remove and replace the previous gender, sexuality, and relationship-based education guidelines. And as a result of that, we have these new guidelines which are out for consultation. But nothing in there about gender identity, which I think is a major shortcoming. Because, surely, our sex and relationship education needs to reflect the real-world, not one particular view of the world. And, surely, kids who are struggling with this can only benefit from what they're experiencing being acknowledged in the education they and their mates get. I'm not expecting you to get that if you haven't necessarily been through the experience of having a child with gender issues. I haven't, but I know people who have. And I reckon that, unless we've been through that experience, we have no real idea about the need for this to be included in the curriculum. I'm talking about the need for our sex education programme to be honest and realistic and to include some of the things that some of us would rather ignore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics is rarely quiet in New Zealand, but we’ve seen plenty of upheaval in the last few weeks. Notably, after over a year of protests and thousands of submissions against it, the Treaty Principles Bill has finally been killed off, after being voted down in its second reading in the House yesterday. But things are looking up for the Coalition, with two recent polls firming up support for National, Act and NZ First – even if it remains a tight race between the right and left blocs. Now that trade wars and tariffs have shaken up the global economy, what is the Government going to focus on to keep their re-election hopes alive? And can Labour thrive despite controversies hitting its partners? Today on The Front Page, to talk through the latest in politics, we’re joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsSound Engineer: Richard MartinProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour and Te Pāti Māori lose ground in recent polls, with ACT up 2.3% and NZ first, 7.5% The Greens rose by one percent to 11%. It comes as Greens member See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy PM, Foreign Minister and Leader of NZ First comments on Liberation Day, saying it’s a good result for NZ. He’s also been on the warpath with the Greens this week. Plus, he reluctantly comments on becoming an octogenarian next Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As exercised as some have been this week about social media, the Greens and their behaviour, the bigger issue is not the Greens, but Labour and all who might support them into Government. As much as we may froth and hyperventilate about any given issue of the day or small firestorm, who runs the country and how is what we all ultimately should be focused on. We will not be going back to a single large party ever again, for two reasons. One is because Covid is not repeating and, even if it did, I doubt we would panic again electorally the way we did. Two is given when Labour was left to their own devices, they literally destroyed the place, most of us, for good or bad, have come to the conclusion that a mix of parties under this MMP system we seem to have voted for an accepted is here to stay. So National need at least one player, probably two, and the same applies to Labour. For now, National seem to have got lucky and/or well organised. Whether you support it or not, broadly speaking National, Act, and NZ First get along fine. The media try to stir bits of trouble around minor matters periodically and we are yet to see a full-blown campaign post a first term, where the gloves are off a bit and a few punches might get thrown. But overall, things are cordial and well managed. Labour on the other hand need certainly the Greens and possibly the Māori Party. Both are increasingly ropey. Both are increasingly belligerent, both are increasingly fringe and both are an electoral nightmare for a so-called mainstream, left-wing party. The Greens of James Shaw, Rod Donald, and Jeanette Fitzsimons are long gone. The Māori Party of Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia are long gone Both the current Greens and the Māori Party are anti-establishment disruptors who revel in a type of anarchy, almost as though they are outside the system. All of that is fine if you like that and want to vote for it. But it is completely incompatible to running a country, even for a Labour Party that has become increasingly left-leaning and socialist. If you don't need, or want, to be in power, and I don't think half the Greens or the Māori Party actually do, you can say what you want. But Labour do want power, and their problem is they are going to end up having to answer for an increasingly unhinged rabble or at least try to dress it up as something they can handle. That's their problem. I don't think they have the wherewithal to even come close to pulling that trick off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition is showing unity on the Cook Strait ferry deal. Rail Minister Winston Peters has announced two road and rail-enabled ferry and port infrastructure to be delivered by 2029. Finance Minister Nicola Willis had a plan, but it wasn't confirmed whether those were rail-enabled or not. Peters told Mike Hosking the fact that a new plan is on the table, isn't being critical of her. He said that when they brought a new option to the table, Willis had enough wisdom to say they should see if it's possible. Peters is standing firm in his criticism of Green MP Benjamin Doyle's historical Instagram posts. The Greens says they're screening an immense volume of abuse, including death threats towards Doyle, over Doyle's old social media posts with sexually suggestive captions. The party is accusing Peters of "fanning the flames of hatred". Peters told Mike Hosking that's not true. He says thousands and thousands of people from the rainbow community are supporting what he's saying. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Local Government NZ is warning against putting a cap on council rates, worried this will have a negative impact on its interest payments. But should we accept councils just ramping up rates that exceed inflation by multiples every year? Winston Peters delivered his State of the Nation speech this weekend. He mentioned Labour more often than NZ First. What's his game plan here? Auckland councillors will this week vote on the city's preferred stadium. But a significant number of them have admitted to having been entertained at Eden Park recently. Is this a problem? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Nothing is going to stop us now." That's how New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters wrapped up his State of the Nation speech in Christchurch on Sunday, despite facing seven interruptions from hecklers. Peters spoke to Corin Dann.

Winston Peters will deliver his State of the Nation speech this afternoon - off the back of high level talks in the United States last week. Similar speeches have come over the past months from the Prime Minister, the Opposition leader, ACT and the Greens - and today it's New Zealand First's turn. The address comes days after Winston Peters returned from Washington DC, where he met with senior players in the Trump Administration. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan speculated what the focus of the address could be. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As previously discussed, New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, has proposed a new member's bill to be placed in the ballot, aiming to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, targets in the public sector. This bill would amend the Public Service Act, which Peters, and NZ First, voted for when in a coalition government with the Labour Party in 2020. DEI refers to frameworks that aim to equitably represent certain individuals and communities not represented as much as other demographics in the country. The reception for this bill varies between the parties. Senior National MP, Chris Bishop, says if the bill were to be pulled out of the ballot, that the party would consider the bill, as they believe in “meritocracy,” however, would want a “public service that is reflective of modern New Zealand”. Opposition Leader from the Labour Party, Chris Hipkins, says he would want a public sector that represents all New Zealanders. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to the National Secretary of the Public Service Association, Fleur Fitzsimons, about Peter's members bill, and how she believes this will impact the public sector. They started off by asking how DEI targets work regarding the public sector.

Recently, New Zealand First leader, Winston Peters, proposed a new member's bill to be placed in the ballot, which aims to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion targets in the public sector. This bill would amend the Public Service Act, which Peter, and NZ First, voted for when in a coalition government with the Labour Party in 2020. Peters aims with this bill is to remove what he refers to as "woke left-wing social engineering and diversity targets in the public sector". For our weekly catchup with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about this bill, and what the party thinks of this bill. We also spoke about the recent Infrastructure Investment Summit, as well as three of the original Whānau Ora commissioners losing their contracts. However, I started off by asking her why Peter's has switched up his stances on DEI in the public sector, as he, and NZ First, when in a coalition government with the Labour Party, voted for the Public Service Act in 2020.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catch up with Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to her about the NZ First Leader, Winston Peter's anti-DEI members bill, the Infrastructure Investment Summit, and the recent changes regarding Whānau Ora. For our weekly catch up, Producer Evie spoke to the ACT Party's Simon Court about one of the key school lunch programme providers going into liquidation, NZ First's anti-DEI members bill and the ACT Party's critique of University of Auckland TeTiriti Course. Joel spoke to the National Secretary for the Public Services Association, Fleur Fitzsimons, about Winston Peter's anti-DEI members bill, and how this will affect the public sector. Joel also spoke to the Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation New Zealand, Shaun Robinson, about the government's removal of RSE guidelines in schools without implementing a clear alternative. And Global Innovator, Matt Hart, joins us in studio today to discuss ‘Mobility' and the power that brings to the individual - and the requirement of an economy to support it. Whakarongo mai!

Last week, Libelle, one of the three providers of the school lunch programme went into liquidation. The company provided around 125,000 lunches daily.  Compass Group, one of the other key providers of the programme stepped in on Friday to acquire and take over Libelle's operations.  Despite this save, Compass group has been no stranger to issues since the programme was launched. With repeated incidents of late or no delivery, melted plastic in food, frozen food, food so hot it burnt children and ham being given to halal students - to name a few.  For our weekly catch up with the ACT Party Producer Evie spoke to Simon Court about how the liquidation may affect the already controversial programme.  They also discussed NZ First's Members Bill looking to scrap Diversity, Equity and Inclusion targets… as well as the ACT Party's continued critiques of the University of Auckland's compulsory Te Tiriti o Waitangi course. 

It's been a very busy and important week for the Prime Minister. There was a reason he championed the Investment Summit and made himself available to attendees to a degree unusual for a Prime Minister at events like this. Plain and simple, he desperately needs it to be successful. He has staked his leadership on growing our economy, which includes creating an infrastructure pipeline and attracting the overseas finance to help get things done. It's going to take time to evaluate the summit's success, but the Prime Minister would have been buoyed to hear the Italian tunnelling company behind Auckland's massive Interceptor wastewater project say it will keep workers and machinery in New Zealand now the Government has outlined a proposed pipeline of infrastructure projects. That's an early win. And wins are what the Prime Minister and coalition need. Two polls this week showed support for Labour is higher than National, and Labour leader Chris Hipkins is overtaking Luxon as preferred Prime Minister. It's not just the National Party who will be concerned. The Taxpayers Union Poll saw ACT drop 2.3 to 7.7 percent and NZ First drop 1.3 to 5.1 percent. I know there's a lot of scepticism about polls. It's not as if Labour are presenting an alternative invigorating vision that's dragging voters over. The concern for the Government is they don't seem to need to; there's some wisdom in Labour sitting back and letting the Government lose support all on their own. The declining trend in popularity and the Prime Minister's inability to get traction will irk the hard-working coalition. Especially because they are undoubtedly hard working. But for voters, it only counts if it leads to results. The Prime Minister can't be panicked – he doesn't have time – but the pressure is on. Last night, Christopher Luxon headed off on his first visit to India as Prime Minister in an attempt to deliver another election promise by securing a free trade agreement during his first term in Government. Apparently, the best we can expect is to establish a timeframe for when they begin formal negotiations. Luxon needs to come home with this at a minimum. Next week also sees Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters in the US, discussing New Zealand's relationship with the Trump administration. Peters will meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other US political contacts to discuss a wide range of international issues – including, no doubt, tariffs. Peters is the man for the job, but once again the pressure is on. As the Prime Minister and Government are learning, results take time. But voters are not as patient as they used to be – and their politics are centred on the cost-of-living and making ends meet. While there is no imminent danger to leadership, the polls are a flashing light that without some big wins soon, they may run out of time. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he is open to adopting some of the so-called anti-woke proposals from New Zealand First. Diversity Works New Zealand chief executive Maretha Smit spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Prime Minister has given support to New Zealand First tackling what it describes as a woke agenda within government. Labour leader Chris Hipkins spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Last week, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced a series of changes to Aotearoa's health system following years of delays, understaffing, and overcrowding. Brown particularly highlighted a need for public-private partnerships to reduce wait times.  Also in politics this past week, NZ First leader Winston Peters has been raising complaints about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) measures in Aotearoa. His concerns echo those in the United States, where recently elected president Donald Trump has enacted policies removing DEI measures from federal agencies.  In our weekly catchup with the National Party's Tom Rutherford, Wire Host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with the health sector overhaul.

The Prime Minister's taking one of the largest ministerial delegations to India. Christopher Luxon is heading to New Delhi and Mumbai on Saturday with a contingent of ministers and business leaders. Prioritising a deal with the fast-growing economic giant was a coalition condition with NZ First. India Business Delegation Lead Dame Therese Walsh told Mike Hosking businesses have a lot to learn about India. She says it's a good chance to get in front of heads of industry and make ourselves visible, ensuring we really understand the opportunities that exist for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Jenni Giblin and Chris Wikaira. They discuss the latest poll results showing Chris Hipkins ahead of Christopher Luxon, a petition against corporate tax cuts, and NZ First introducing a Members Bill to remove DEI regulation from the public service.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Friday, 7 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Winston Peters about NZ First's new members bill to remove 'woke' DEI hires for the public sector. Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the re-creation of the Health NZ Board - what's next for Lester Levy? The Mayor of Byron Bay Sarah Ndiaye gives us a latest on cyclone Alfred as it touches down. Plus, the sports huddle discusswhat's gone wrong with the Fijian Drua and their team bus. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has taken aim at Ricardo Menendez March in parliament again - this time because the Green MP referred to the country as "Aotearoa." Menéndez March's migrant heritage is becoming a frequent attack line for New Zealand First - and he's calling on the Prime Minister to show some leadership. Peters is unrepentant - and has even indicated he wants to update Standing Orders to stop MPs using Aotearoa. Political reporter Giles Dexter spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand First MPs Winston Peters and Shane Jones have made another jab at Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March in Parliament - this time because he referred to the country's name as Aotearoa. Menéndez March spoke to Corin Dann.

As of last week, New Zealand First has introduced a member's bill aimed at preventing banks from refusing their services to businesses based on the ESG or Environmental, Social and Governance Framework. This bill amends the Financial Markets Act 2022, New Zealand First claims this will mean that new decisions will be based on lawful or commercial grounds, rather than on “unelected, globalist, climate radicals.” I spoke to Dr Chanelle Duley, a lecturer in Business at the University of Auckland, about the introduction of a new bill that will aim at preventing banks from refusing their services to businesses.

It's no secret that New Zealand is confronted with numerous and problematic issues. There is a common belief that leadership is a major cause of those problems. And not just political leadership; it is widespread. There is a weakness that can only be confronted by strength of character and a determination that is in short supply. Deputy Leader of NZ First, Shane Jones provides “character” that may not please some, but is worthy of consideration by those who come up short of requirements. And, after the Mailroom with Mrs Producer, we consider a couple of those matters. 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.

A "circus" and a "cheap stunt." That's how NZ First's Shane Jones is labelling an interuption during the powhiri for politicians at Waitangi today. He even went so far as to say funding for the Waitangi National Trust could be reconsidered in future if the Waitangi National Trust doesn't tidy up the tikanga. But Ngapuhi elders are defending the day, and the Trust chair said it ran superbly. Political reporter Lillian Hanly is at Waitangi and filed this report.