Podcasts about nz first

As part of Fieldays, Federated Farmers have done the most interesting survey. It is a snapshot, like them all. But the numbers for one lot are so stark, alarm bells should be ringing. So, who would a farmer vote for? You would say National and you would be right. Broadly the farming community is conservative, always has been. That, partly, is because they are their own masters, they are hard workers, they are self-reliant, they are at the cutting edge of the economy, and they know how life works. So 54% said they'd vote for National and 19% said ACT. Here is where it gets interesting and/or alarming. 8% said they'd vote for NZ First. They're the only party with farmers at about the same level as they are nationally. Labour is on 3%. How bad is that? Even with a margin of error, even with a massive margin of error, Labour should be shocked at that figure. Every party has their sweet spot, some parties more overtly so, e.g. the Greens and environmentalists, or communists. ACT have some upmarket urban liberals. New Zealand First having a provincial number higher than the city wouldn't surprise me But National and Labour, as major parties should be, by their very nature are broad-based. After all, it is Labour and National, and Labour and National alone, that will lead any given Government on any given day. You have to at least have a half-decent level of support even in your weakest areas. Farming is particularly important, given we are a farming nation, the foreign receipts we get from the land and the value of our free trade deals. To have a major party so out of touch with such a large sector strikes me as being astonishing, if not embarrassing, if not unheard of. My suspicion is the current version of Labour is particularly unpalatable, and this is going to be their major issue next year. For all voters the damage done to the country is still fresh in most of our minds, but no more so than farmers. The climate obsession, special land area designation, Three Waters with Māori overreach, no gas, and more paperwork. Farmers hated it. A lot of us hated it. But in general polls Labour are competitive. On the land they are pariahs. At 3% that is a massive hill for Hipkins and co to climb between now and October next year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recommended suspension for Te Pāti Māori MPs, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi, and Hana Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, over the MP's haka in Parliament during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year. Co-leaders Ngarewa-Packer and Waititi will be suspended from the House for 21-days, with Maipi-Clarke facing a seven day suspension. This is Parliament's harshest sanctions in the country's history. Prior to this, the longest suspension an MP had faced in Parliament was three days. The debate had previously been delayed so that the MPs could participate in the Budget debate — however, both co-leaders were not present at the debate. During the debate MP Tākuta Ferris said that the debate was not about the haka, but at the heart, it was the House continuing to ignore Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori sovereignty, and that the “racism” in the House is hardly being hidden. For our weekly catch-up, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Te Pāti Māori's Takutai Kemp about the suspension, and what's next for the party. They also discussed NZ First Party Leader Winston Peters' comments regarding Waititi's moko, referring to the MPs moko kanohi as “scribbles”. He was asked to apologise by the Speaker, which he did. But first, they discussed the suspension of the MPs.

New Zealand First has had its strongest showing in two recent polls in years - and leader Winston Peters says the support for his party comes down to voters wanting experienced leaders. Peters joined Nick Mills to discuss the first eighteen months of the Parliamentary term, as well as his view of Labour and his relationship with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour was officially sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister - and he's hoping to be a bit different to his predecessors. He takes over from New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters, who just returned to the country after a visit to India, and he'll remain in the position until next year's election. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says this isn't the same situation - as David Seymour's from a different party than Luxon and Peters. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think Winston Peters ruling out ever going into coalition with Chippy after the next election is actually more significant than many people will realize. Because Winnie was actually Chippy's only credible path back to being prime minister again. Without Winnie, Chippy is completely stuffed, because the alternatives are not real options. The alternatives are: One - being in a coalition with a couple of loony parties, which centre voters are absolutely not going to go for. So you can forget about that. The other is that Labour is returned as a majority Government again, which is, after what happened last time, not going to happen for a very long time again. So basically, there is no way back for Chippy. He will not be Prime Minister after 2026, if ever. Now a lot of people would say to me at this juncture - well of course not, National were always going to win the next election anyway, so this is just a completely spurious argument. But I would say to you is - Labour's chances are actually a little bit better than you might think, because what we have right now is hardly a wildly popular Government. These guys were elected, remember, telling us they were going to turn this economy around. 18 months later, they have not turned this economy around. 18 months later, we are still in the economic doldrums. We are yet to see a vision, economically, from the coalition Government, the right track, wrong track indicator that comes out in multiple polls now is heavily negative for this Government. Thousands of people are voting with their feet and leaving the country altogether. People vote with their hip pocket, right? Forget about everything else. If you just look at the economy, that is your greatest determiner of what happens at the election. People vote with their hip pocket - and right now, the hip pocket is suffering, it is not looking good for the economy. But also, there should be a target right now on Chippy's back in Labour, because Winnie's problem is not with Labour. Winnie's problem is with Chris Hipkins, which means a different leader and Winston Peters is back in the game as a possibility for Labour. Now that requires Labour to roll Chris Hipkins and then their chances are good again. However, that requires Labour actually realizing that they need Winston Peters to form a coalition Government after 2026 - and that requires them also realizing there is no way they can coalesce with the Māori Party because most voters are allergic to the shenanigans that that party get up to. But I don't think Labour is smart enough to realize that yet, do you? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Labour MP Stuart Nash has suggested the party needs to have some conversations about its future. NZ First leader Winston Peters has ruled out working with Labour after the 2026 election if Chris Hipkins is still in charge. Nash says this doesn't necessarily mean Peters has ruled out working with Labour - and the party will need to make some big decisions. "You go into politics to be in Government - so it is a really interesting dilemma. Now it may be that the situation doesn't arise, but I can see a situation where the Labour caucus has to make a very important decision." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's leader thinks talk of potential coalitions is premature. New Zealand First leader and veteran politician Winston Peters has ruled out working with Labour post next election if Chris Hipkins is still in charge. Peters has described a potential trio of Labour, the Greens, and Te Pati Māori as a 'woke circus'. Chris Hipkins says Labour will set out bottom lines before the election. He's taken the chance to take a swipe at the Coalition. "We're not just going to allow the smaller parties to call all the shots in the way that Christopher Luxon and the National Party currently are doing." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins says it's too early to say who he'd be willing to work with after next year's election. New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters says he'll never work with Labour again while Hipkins is leader. This means, based on recent polling, Labour would need the Greens and Te Pāti Māori to have any chance of forming a Government. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined the Afternoons team to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long awaited handover of the role of Deputy Prime Minister happens this week, with NZ First leader Winston Peters handing the job to Act leader David Seymour. What can we expect from the pair of them in new positions? Also, the Greens claim there is a nearly billion-dollar hole in the government's budget. Are they right? Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls joined Nick Mills for the Beehive Buzz. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is suggested Peter Dutton in Australia lost the election because of his nuclear issue and work from home policies. I personally think he lost because they ran a hopeless campaign. But it is more than possible that he floated a couple of ideas that the voter simply could not stomach. I am wondering if Chris Luxon is heading in a similar direction here with superannuation. Nuclear makes sense. Working from home hinders productivity. But the voter is always right and being a voter beats logic. Will the voter be right here on superannuation? Are there enough New Zealanders who have landed on the simple truth that 65-years-old, as a pension age, is no longer sensible, nor affordable? $28 billion is the bill each year, and growing. That seems worse now because we are broke. But even in good times it's a stunning amount of money. National will take it to the vote next year. They may be saved from themselves by NZ First, if they are still in the mix, because it will be a bottom line. But we reach the interesting point where logic and emotion collide. For many, superannuation is untouchable. It's a lifetime's worth of work. "i paid my taxes" they say, even though that line isn't actually real because we spent your taxes years ago and then borrowed a bit more to keep the lights on. 65-years-old is the new 50-years-old and, post-Covid, older workers have never been in more demand. The days of being out to pasture are increasingly gone. 65-years-old is not old. Imagine a day where you enter the workforce knowing you need to take care of yourself. Yes, if you strike trouble the pension is a welfare payment, not an entitlement. But we either have to change the narrative and mindset from entitlement to welfare, or we need to up the age. In upping the age over time, even giving years worth of notice, it's still a very big call. It underlines our desire for free stuff, or perceived free stuff. Once you set a precedent with money it is fantastically hard to undo. But Luxon, apparently, is keen to give it a crack. He calls it a no brainer. First clue - there aren't many who think it's a no brainer. Labour learnt the hard way over the capital gains tax. Luxon may be about to learn something similar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Deputy Prime Minister swap is on the cards this week. NZ First leader Winston Peters and ACT Party leader David Seymour are sharing the role as part of the Government's coalition agreement. Peters serves as the Deputy until Saturday this week. Seymour says he's already filled in the role before. "It doesn't actually change my job day-to-day, it means I'll spend a bit more time covering for Chris if he's out of Wellington or out of the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Budget has been unveiled and it's been met with divided responses across Parliament. Cost-cutting measures have pulled back $4.8 billion per year - a large portion from the recent rushed overhaul of pay equity claims. Savings have also come from halving its KiwiSaver contribution, slashing family Best Start payments and restricting 18 and 19 year olds' access to welfare - moving the load to parents. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says ACT and NZ First have voiced support - but the Greens and Te Pati Māori aren't happy with it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hints the foreign buyer ban could be lifted, but not yet. OneRoof reports rumours have been swirling with some agents telling them politicians had told them a decision to reverse the 2018 Labour policy was imminent. Act leader David Seymour and New Zealand First MP Andy Foster were mentioned, but both deny any confirmed changes. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters told Mike Hosking it will not be in tomorrow's budget, but it won't be too long before there's an announcement. When it comes to the man who interrupted a rail announcement, Peters doesn't care if he loses his job. He and Chris Bishop faced multiple hecklers at Wellington's train station yesterday while unveiling Government funding of rail. The end of the media stand-up was derailed by an employee from the environmental and engineering consultancy Tonkin and Taylor. The man was reportedly wearing a company lanyard at the time. Peters told Mike Hosking it's now an employment matter. He says the behaviour is disgraceful, and he won't put up with it inside or outside of Parliament. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OneRoof had a story over the weekend about an apartment in Auckland that is for sale for $17 million. It was for sale for $16 million, so they have put the price up despite the fact it has been for sale for several years. They are looking to the international market where $17 million is not a lot of money. The article also featured information about a Knight Frank Wealth report that ranked the priorities of those with money and real estate investment was right up there, as well as, for the super wealthy, the ability to have a super yacht park featured highly as well. The point being, in Auckland your $17 million penthouse can be a few hundred metres away from your super yacht. Yet, in this country foreigners can't do that because they aren't allowed to buy a house. What they are allowed to do is get a golden visa and the new rules have proved popular. There is good inquiry. For $5-10 million you invest in a business, you employ, you grow, you help us out and, yet, you still can't buy a house. The fact the apartment has been on the market for years clearly shows no locals want it, or can afford it. So the fear, as proffered by some, that foreigners take houses off New Zealanders at this level clearly isn't true. The Government, or parts of it, want to fix this anomaly and yet they can't, or don't, because NZ First refuses. Rumours a while back suggested a compromise had been reached. National had an election policy of $2 million as a protection on lower priced houses. The rumour was a figure of $5-6 million had been reached with NZ First but it never came to fruition. So in Budget week, when yet again the dire state of our finances is laid bare and a commentary around growth will be pushed hard, one of the answers of the wealthy having money to invest, has not been fully enacted because one part in this Government is xenophobic. This battle to regain our economic mojo is hard enough as it is without ankle-tapping ourselves by refusing to enact blatantly obvious ideas. If we can't pull every lever possible we have no one to blame but ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says his Government is calling out bureaucrats falling foul of the government's expectations. It comes off the back of Winston Peters expressing his criticism of Māori targeted hires, after a government job was advertised as a “tikanga lead” to promote Māori customs, principles and values in the Māori policing unit. Luxon discusses whether the reason NZ First is seeking changes to the regulatory standards bill is because they have problems internally. The Government is officially announcing its budget on Thursday, after a series of pre-budgets announcements have been made, including multi-million-dollar funding to the film industry and urgent care facilities across the country. Mike Hosking questions where the money's coming from. Prime Minster Christopher Luxon and Mike Hosking talk all this and more. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.