Podcasts about nz first

The Prime Minister has responded to Winston Peters' fears over potential asset sales. Chris Luxon has ruled them out this term, but is again suggesting it needs discussion. Meanwhile, the NZ First leader has told RNZ it's a silly argument - and claimed the party will stop the country's assets from being sold. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the discussions further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As one coalition partner speaks against asset sales, another is keen to welcome them with open arms. The Prime Minister reiterates he's ruled them out this term, but is keen to reconsider them in future, saying legitimate conversations should be held. New Zealand First's Winston Peters says he's going to stop the country's assets from being sold. "The reality is, the name of this game is getting an asset and extracting the maximum amount of value out of it for your your workforce, for your wealth, for your economy. Other countries do that, why don't we?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government says it is taking significant steps to improve police oversight after a damning IPCA report on the handling of complaints against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Can Andrew Coster come back from this? The Government is set to roll out roadside drug tests from December. What do we make of this? Is this the right move? Prime Minister Chris Luxon and NZ First leader Winston Peters are clashing over the idea of asset sales ahead of next year's election? What do we think will come from this? US President Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for over $1 billion over their misleading edit of his speech that appeared to encourage the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021. How much trouble is the BBC in? What does this mean for our trust in media? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 November 2025, a new bombshell IPCA report has revealed serious misconduct by senior police leadership in the Jevon McSkimming saga. Herald investigative journalist Jarod Savage speaks to Heather with the latest. Drivers will soon be tested for drugs as well as alcohol in roadside tests - Transport Minister Chris Bishop explains who will be pinged. NZ First leader Winston Peters is firmly rejecting the idea of asset sales in a public clash with Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Former White House Chief Information Officer Theresa Payton tells Heather what scares her about AI and how we need to do to be able to trust it. Plus, the Huddle reacts to the damning IPCA report and when is Craig Renney going to announce he's running for Labour? 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.

In light of Guy Fawkes Day last week, the NZ First Party has launched a member's bill that aims to ban the public sale and use of fireworks in the country.  Party Leader, Winston Peters, in announcing the member's bill, says the reason for this proposed move stems from its possibility to cause fires, and its harm to pets. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about the member's bill, and the impact fireworks season has on animals, both companion and non-companion. They also touched on why we have seen so many member's bills come from the party, in light of an opinion piece by Spinoff journalist Joel MacManus.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about government ministers announcing they are considering banning rough sleeping in Auckland's CBD and the Regulatory Standards Bill passing its second reading. Producer Alex spoke to  Dr Iresh Jayawardena, a lecturer in Architecture and Urban Planning and lead researcher for the Future Cities Research Centre about Earth Science New Zealand's new Flood Risk Map, and what it says about our infrastructure's exposure to climate based harms. And Joel spoke to Marcelo Rodriguez Ferrere, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about NZ First's members bill proposed a ban on the private sale and use of fireworks, touching on why we are seeing so many members bills from the party. Whakarongo mai!

Slightly ironic, don't you think, that on the day people up and down the country are turning up at work and school wearing their gumboots for Gumboot Friday, we've got Lifeline saying it can't keep running on the smell of an oily rag and has to cut back on services. Which means no one answering the phone or replying to text messages between midnight and 7am. Call them then and you'll get a message saying you've reached them out of hours and to call back later. Which is not how Lifeline has done things for the past 60-odd years. It's become known, hasn't it, as a 24/7 option for people needing help on the mental health front night and day. And you've got to say that if a service has lasted more than 60 years and gets the number of calls for help that it gets and genuinely helps the number of people that it helps, then they know what they're doing and what they're doing is valuable and needed. Needed not just 17 hours a day, but needed 24 hours a day. And the numbers show it. In the year to June, Lifeline responded to more than 40,000 calls, 182,000 text messages, and created 4736 safety plans for people in need. Break that down and that's about 110 phone calls every day, 365 days a year. About 500 text messages every day, 365 days a year. And, on average, that's 12 safety plans written for people every day of the year. It's the 12 safety plans every day that shows why Lifeline is such gold. Because, when someone is at the point of needing a safety plan, they are really desperate aren't they? Shaun Greaves is chief executive of Presbyterian Support Northern, which runs Lifeline. He's saying today: “Lifeline saves lives every week and remains a critical frontline service New Zealand's suicide prevention network. “Without immediate government support, Lifeline's ability to deliver the critical service New Zealand desperately needs is a serious concern.” So, let's say the Government did come to Lifeline's rescue – how much would the taxpayer be up for? Two million dollars a year. That's the funding gap that is forcing Lifeline to cut back on services and ditch its overnight operation. This is at the same time as the Government, through Tourism NZ, is spending $6 million getting the Michelin Star people to come over here to eat at our fancy restaurants and see if they're worthy of being ranked up there with the best restaurants in the world. The Government spending $6 million on restaurant reviewers and not spending $2 million on Lifeline is nothing short of moral bankruptcy. Part of the problem is NZ First and its non-negotiables, because it said before the last election that it would fund Mike King's Gumboot Friday. That's why Winston Peters was crowing after last year's Budget when Gumboot Friday was given $24 million in funding. Which really must stick in Lifeline's craw when you consider the difference $2 million would make to its service, let alone the difference it would make to the people who need Lifeline. Especially the people who need it between midnight and 7am, but whose calls and messages won't be responded to. “You've reached us out of hours” is the last thing Lifeline wants to be saying to people. And it's the last thing desperate people need to hear. But, unless the Government does something, that's what's going to happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZ First leader is at his combative and argumentative best when it comes to the Alliance and Fonterra farmer votes. We also debate unemployment rates, Te Pāti Māori, an FTA with India, the Pike River movie, and whether he was interviewed for Jacinda’s unauthorised biography.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Labour party has launched its first new policy this term - and it hasn't taken long for its opponents to start taking swipes at it. Today opposition leader Chris Hipkins announced a future fund which would invest in New Zealand infrastructure and businesses only. It is being welcomed by Infrastructure NZ and supporters of small-business but the government and its coalition partners have been quick to pile in - with the NZ First leader calling it a cheap knock off of its own policy and a National MP calling it a "total joke". Lillian Hanly reports.

David Seymour is welcoming New Zealand First's changes to his Regulatory Standards Bill as a 'win-win'. Political reporter Russell Palmer reports.

Do you want another example of Labour's ideology over pragmatism? I really, really hope that the previous Labour ministers have learned from their previous terms in government that thought bubbles and bright ideas do not sound policy make. Remember Fees Free? The policy was introduced in 2018 and was a key part of Labour's election campaign. The first year of tertiary study would be free for students. It would progressively roll out to cover three years, which never eventuated. We, the taxpayer, provided up to $12,000 in tuition fee payments for the first year of provider-based study or the first two years of work-based learning. The idea behind the objective was sound and worthy. The Labour Government, Jacinda Ardern, Chris Hipkins, et al, billed it as improving equity and opening the doors to higher learning for disadvantaged people for whom the doors would otherwise be closed. Labour expected to see a first-in-family effect. There would be students who would be the first in their families to attend higher education, now a significant cost barrier would be removed. Did that happen? Thank you for asking, no, it didn't. Over the years 2017 to 2022, European, Māori, Pacific, and Asian participation rates stayed relatively steady. The failure to shift the dial, the New Zealand Herald reports, was so evident that in 2020, Labour shifted the policy's purpose to reducing student debt levels. All right, well we can't get disadvantaged kids to university, we can't get first in family. Oh, I know, we'll use the taxpayer money to reduce student debt level. The failed objectives were to increase participation in tertiary study, expand access by reducing financial barriers, and support lifelong learning. Nope. First year fees-free was limited to learners with little to no prior study, limiting lifelong learning support, the analysis said from the Ministry of Education. It described the scheme as a lot of money for little behavioural change, or as they put it, a high deadweight cost. From this year, the Coalition Government has changed the scheme so it applies to the final year of study, with payment following the completion of studies. The policy has three objectives: to incentivize learners, particularly disadvantaged learners, to finish their studies, to reward learners who complete their program of study, to reduce the overall cost of study. The Ministry of Education officials say this is going to fail too. Particularly for degree level study, once a learner reaches their final year, they are already far more likely to complete than those first entering study. So basically, they said it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. By the time you reach your third year, you're going to finish whether the taxpayer is paying for your final year of fees or not. You're motivated enough to stay. They say the second goal is essentially meaningless. Of course there's going to be a completion of qualifications. And the third objective, will most likely succeed, to reduce the overall cost of study. And it will at least help the government's books, the trade-off being an estimated $230 million a year in student debt or more debt repayments than would otherwise occur. So thought bubbles don't make sound policy. The thing that really concerned me in the early years of Labour was that they were ideas I'd think of – ‘Oh, I know, let's do this'. Which is great, but you have to think it through, and you have to listen to your advisors, and you have to listen when people say, "Mm, I'm not entirely sure that we're going to be able to build 100,000 houses." "Yeah, yeah, yeah, but what about if we do this?" And we just throw as much money as we possibly can at it. And on the face of it, taking away that first year of paying your fees – "Hey, gang, I've got an idea. Let's take away that first year of fees so that disadvantaged kids will see university as a great option." I mean, it doesn't take much scratching beyond the surface to see that's not going to work. And we all said that at the time, didn't we? We discussed it. And now it looks like according to the analysis that fees-free final year won't work either. At least not for getting disadvantaged kids through degrees. For those who are highly motivated and have families that go to university, it's like, "Hooray!" Excellent. We'll take the $12,000 off our student debt, thanks very much, and good. If it helps motivated kids get through their study with less of a financial burden around their neck, it makes it easier for them to move onto the next phase of their life, buying a home, starting a family, this is all good. You know, but in terms of the objectives, it's going to fail. But they have to keep it because of the coalition agreement with both NZ First and ACT. So they might have to do what Labour did and just rewrite the objectives. Our objective is that we reward kids who were going to go to university anyway, who are motivated, who are successful, who we want to keep in New Zealand. We'll take $12,000 off their overall student debt, so they'll stay here, buy a house, and have a family. And on the face of it, that's not a bad objective. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First has started to voice concerns over the proposed Gene Technology Bill, breaking away from fellow coalition partners. NZ First claimed it wouldn't support the current bill - unless National agreed to some significant changes. The Country's Hamish McKay explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First has said major changes need to be made to the government's Gene Tech bill. Acting political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

It is the two tear anniversary of the Hamas attack on music festival attendees and we're hosting Marilyn Garson from Alternative Jewish Voices to speak to where we are at today.Winston Peters house was vandalised by a 29 year old protestor who then turned himself into the police while the activist and actor who shared Winston Peters' street address online says she regrets the "oversight" but claims the NZ First leader is now using it as a "diversion tactic".An apparent public rift within Te Pāti Māori seems to be continuing ahead of a promised "reset" of the party later this week.=================================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

Winston Peters supports banning protests outside of people's homes. Submissions close today on a proposed law change, to prohibit disruptive demonstrations outside private residences. Pro-Palestine demonstrators last week protested outside the Foreign Minister's Auckland home after Israeli forces intercepted a flotilla headed to Gaza, including three Kiwis. Peters says this new law aims to provide clarity. "Everyone is entitled to their peace in their neighbourhood, and if you want to protest, there's places for protesting - but it isn't outside of people's homes." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has been quick to confirm his party would recognise Palestine as a state if Labour leads the Government after next year's election. On Saturday, while at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced New Zealand would not recognise the state of Palestine amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. Hipkins says Israel's actions are 'unacceptable' and not recognising Palestine sends Israel a message that New Zealand is okay with the 'unfolding genocide.' "New Zealand cannot stand by and cannot turn our backs on what's unfolding in Palestine. It is unfolding genocide, people are being starved to death." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Swedes do central banking a little different to us, and I reckon it's good news we've got a Swede in charge. Riksbank - their RBNZ equivalent - is really big on this thing called transparency. There's three things to know - this is stuff they do that we don't, currently. 1. They rank amongst best performing on openness and honesty in the world.2. They publish an actual forward forecast for the OCR - we don't.3. They publish alternative scenarios and minutes. In the minutes, you get to see which of these guys voted which way and their justifications for dong so. Currently, we don't even get to know which way the committee members voted, let alone why. And remember, the Fed in the US and the Bank of England do - as does Riksbank. So here's hoping the Swede in charge will help shake things up and that changes will be made and sunlight will be shone. A new dawn, perhaps, for 2 The Terrace, after a dark and cloudy rollercoaster ride of terror under Adrian Orr. Her name is Anna Breman and her CV reads as you'd expect - current 2IC of Riksbank in her home country. And she's held academic jobs and been the Chief Economist at a retail bank. She's moving here with the family. Which is nice - but I don't know how NZ First will feel about us importing another migrant for a Kiwi job. The reality is, most of the heavy lifting will - hopefully - have been done by the time she sits down for her first briefing on December 1st. We've got two more reviews under Hawkesby in October and November. Then he's gone. Not just from the top job, but the bank entirely. And then they shut up shop for Christmas till February. Let's hope as she enjoys what I'm sure will be a welcome sunny Kiwi summer, she brings a bit of that sunshine - the best disinfectant in town - to 2, The Terrace. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New visa residence pathways for skilled workers has caused a rift between the government coalition, New Zealand First invoking the "agree to disagree" provision over "serious concerns". The Economic Growth and Immigration ministers today announced new visa pathways today, hoping to plug workforce shortages. But New Zealand first leader Winston Peters is refusing to back the policy, saying it will mean New Zealand turns into a stepping stone for people wanting to move to Australia. Giles Dexter reports.

New Zealand First is slamming the Government's latest immigration move - allowing more migrant workers to get a fast-tracked residency. The Government's announced two new pathways, one for skilled work experience and another for trades and technicians. NZ First has invoked the agree to disagree clause - voicing concerns that those who gain residency will become citizens and then leave for Australia. Deputy Leader Shane Jones claims New Zealand's had unfocused immigration policies for some time. He says the Government's focused on 'pumping up the tyres' of employers instead of training up Kiwis to fill the jobs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston's back, banging the trusty old immigration drum. Election next year, so no surprises there. Nor should there be any surprise that National's keen to keep skilled workers in the country. It's what business wants. And, generally speaking, what business wants - with a Government right-of-centre - it gets. So before we go barking mad on migration, let's look at the facts. Is this an Oprah car competition, carte blanche residency lolly scramble? No. The numbers? Somewhere between 3,500 and 9,000 people. Which barely touches the sides of our 4.3 million working-age population. Will they flood in from all corners of the earth? No. They're already here. You have to be working here in order to qualify and proven yourself. You have to be well-paid - at least $36 an hour - and qualified. This is not a low-rent crowd. Is this a back door into Australia? Well, it can be. But to get through that door, you first have to become a citizen of New Zealand. Let's call that a 10 year process, plus the Minister reckons a further four across the ditch before you're a citizen there. So if you're willing to spend 14 years gaming the system to become a citizen of Australia, you probably deserve it in my book. Is this, as Winston's press release claimed, another example of our proud wee country being fleeced by take-all-give-nothing migrants? We train them up and look after them, then they ditch us across the ditch? No. These people are already trained and experienced and they will pay taxes like the rest of us. Does he have a point on the wider problem we have with educating and training people who are actually born here? Yes. But as even he points out, Governments of all stripes have been trying to fix that problem for decades and the fix remains elusive. But in the meantime, why punish decent Kiwi businesses who've managed to find themselves a decent, skilled worker? Welcome to globalisation. We sell stuff to the world, using, in part, a global workforce to do it. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, lawyer Brigitte Morten and AUT chancellor Rob Campbell joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! We're all waiting on Winston Peters to reveal if New Zealand will recognise a Palestinian state. Which way do we think this will go? NZ First invokes the agree-to-disagree clause over the Government's new residency pathways. Are NZ First right to do this? And are they trying to make immigration a big election issue next year? The Government's made some new changes to the Holidays Act - will this be good for businesses and employees alike? US President Donald Trump has linked paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. Should we take this seriously? Sir Don McKinnon's idea to kickstart New Zealand is for us to host the Commonwealth Games. Is that really the best way forward? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced two new pathways to residence for skilled migrants.  

It's another hit of the most insightful and sharp 30 minutes in political analysis. Panellists Heather Roy, Maria Slade and Corin Dann debate the big political stories of the day. Including the latest political poll results; the series of major job losses: what does it mean for the governemnt?; Shane Jones is NZ First deputy, offically now: could he be leader one day? and capital gains tax never dies: most NZers think it'll be in place before 2050.

Flower essences might look simple, but behind them is a deep connection to nature and healing. Jodi Linder from First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand explains how 185 different essences—from flowers, ferns, trees, seeds, and plants—support emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. She walks us through how they're used, why a 28-day cycle is often recommended, and the subtle ways people notice changes in their lives. Jodi also shares stories of how essences have helped with grief, anxiety, and creating a sense of balance.   Episode Highlights: 03:26 - Origins and founder's story 05:56 - Overview of different essence types 13:22 - How a simple blend of nature eased deep grief 16:38 - Jodie's journey with flower essences 19:48 - Uses and benefits of essences 25:55 - How to use and blend essences 31:00 - Duration of use and noticing effects 34:24 - How to use menopause sprays for premenopause support 36:34 - Resources for learning about essences 38:49 - Unique aspects of New Zealand plants 42:27 - Getting started with essences as a practitioner   About my Guests: Jodi Linder is a conscious business leader, qualified flower essence therapist, and General Manager of First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand® - a global pioneer and market leader in vibrational medicine for holistic healing and personal transformation.   With 20 years of experience working with the holistic healing power and intelligence of New Zealand's native plants for herself and with others, she is now dedicated to making these transformational flower essences accessible to people and communities worldwide.   All original formulations and metaphysical correspondences developed by Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber, founder and creator of First Light Flower Essences of New Zealand®.   Find out more about Jodi Website: https://firstlightfloweressences.co.nz/   If you would like to support the Homeopathy Hangout Podcast, please consider making a donation by visiting www.EugenieKruger.com and click the DONATE button at the top of the site. Every donation about $10 will receive a shout-out on a future episode.   Join my Homeopathy Hangout Podcast Facebook community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelloHomies   Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/eugeniekrugerhomeopathy/   Here is the link to my free 30-minute Homeopathy@Home online course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqBUpxO4pZQ&t=438s   Upon completion of the course - and if you live in Australia - you can join my Facebook group for free acute advice (you'll need to answer a couple of questions about the course upon request to join): www.facebook.com/groups/eughom

The NZ First leader, Foreign Minister, and former Deputy Prime Minister talks 9/11, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, KiwiSaver, National Super, ditching Paris, and Stuart Nash. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Labour Cabinet Minister turned NZ First supporter, Stuart Nash, has quit his job after a comment about women. RNZ reports Nash has resigned from recruitment firm Robert Walters, after a remark about womens' bodies on the Platform. The agency launched a formal review over the comments, which it said were made in a personal capacity, and were deeply inappropriate and didn't reflect the values or standards of the business. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Nash's comments are likely to negatively effect his chances within NZ First, given leader Winston Peters isn't a fan of bad language. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Infrastructure NZ chief executive Nick Leggett and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Right-wing activist and speaker Charlie Kirk was fatally shot and killed in Utah earlier today. Are we worried about what this means for the future of political discourse? Stuart Nash has resigned following his infamous comments about what makes a woman - did he have choice in the matter? And what could this mean for his chances in NZ First? Should non-elected council members be allowed to vote? ACT is looking to change that - do we agree with this? Dame Noeline Taurua was stood down as Silver Ferns coach - do we think this is fair or another case of Gen Z being too fragile? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another hit of the most insightful and sharp 30 minutes in political analysis. Tonight Wallace is joined by NZME'S Jonathan Milne, government relations consultant Holly Bennett and RNZ's Guyon Espiner. They discuss: first timer Orini Kaipara's victory over established Labour MP Peeni Henare in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election; former Labour MP Stuart Nash's appearance at the NZ First conference and his subsequent comments about women; former PM Geoffery Palmer's interview where he stated democracy is in a fragile position and "Pav-gate", the 44 thousand dollars spent to send Christopher Luxon and Anthony Albanese to the top of a mountain to eat pavlova.

Towards the end of last week, the government announced a number of measures aimed at expanding the available support services for rough sleepers. One of the five immediate actions, announced by housing minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka, included expanding the Housing First programme to fund up to 300 additional social homes for people already engaged with Housing First but still sleeping rough, however, both the Green Party and a number of city missioners have said that this wouldn't be enough to accommodate the total number of people on the social housing waitlist in Aotearoa. Additionally, earlier this week, Green Party MP Benjamin Doyle recently announced their resignation from parliament. Doyle announced that the reason for their resignation was a series of threats and ongoing abuse they'd received in March onwards, spurred by comments NZ First leader Winston Peters made about their social media posts.  And last Thursday, statistics released by Immigration NZ revealed that approximately 20,980 people in New Zealand had overstayed their visa, following a previous study in 2017 estimated the amount of overstayers at around 14,000. In response, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced a series of changes to the immigration act, which included: allowing criminals to be deported for serious crimes even if they have been permanent residents for up to 20 years, triggering deportations for providing false or misleading information, and crimes committed before coming to New Zealand. For our weekly catch up with the Green Party, Wednesday Wire Host Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March to discuss all these issues.

Sacked Labour minister and former MP Stuart Nash has said if he was ever going to stand for parliament again then it would be with New Zealand First. Nash spoke at New Zealand First's Annual conference over the weekend, claiming Labour has strayed from its core values and is acting as an arm of the union. Stuart Nash spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand First is backing major changes to KiwiSaver ahead of the election and it's sparked discussion about what this could mean going forward. The party's announced it will campaign on compulsory employee and employer contributions rising to 10 percent, to be offset with tax cuts. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says this will likely be a significant issue ahead of the election, but she's voiced concerns about the tax cuts. "For context, our tax package that we delivered after the election was $3.7 billion - so that is a heck of a lot of tax cuts. So the question then becomes - how do we fund that?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stuart Nash turning up at the conference over the weekend - that was quite a coup for New Zealand First. Now, clearly what New Zealand First is trying to do is emulate what Reform - Nigel Farage's party - in the UK is doing. If you've been following what they're up to, they have had a huge number of politicians defect to Reform. And every single time it happens, the news media covers it and it makes Reform look like the party with the momentum. That is what New Zealand First is trying to do. That's why you had both Stuart Nash, formerly of Labour, and Harete Hipango, formerly of National, at the conference over the weekend. Now, despite the circumstances of Stuart leaving Parliament, he's actually a really big defection from Labour because he's a very capable politician. He managed to turn Napier into a red seat in 2014, despite the popularity of the Key Government at the time. He was one of the few ministers in the Ardern administration that voters on the right actually had time for. He is, and I think that's because he's a proper centrist in the Labour Party - not crazy left like a lot of them are, a little bit more to the right - which is why he's probably going to find a better home for himself in New Zealand First than the Labour Party of 2025. Now, I don't know if Labour realizes what they've lost with Stuart Nash leaving. I mean, of course, he's really been out of Labour since the moment Chippy fired him, but I don't think they even realized then what they'd lost because they haven't replaced him. And what I mean by that is they haven't gone looking for another true centrist politician. Back in the day, Labour had heaps of them. They had Phil Goff, David Shearer and just going back through time - Richard Prebble, Roger Douglas, Mike Moore - it wasn't that unusual to have a good little centrist or righty sitting in the Labour Party. Now, name one for me. I mean, you might have once been able to say Chippy, but he's allowed himself to be pulled so far to the left, I'm not sure you could call him a centrist anymore. Now, you cannot, as a Labour Party, win over the centre voter if you do not have politicians that the centre voter likes. And Stuart Nash, I think, was probably the last one of them. I would say: total coup for New Zealand First. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An economist has raised concerns over NZ First's proposed reform for KiwiSaver contributions - and claimed they're not feasible. NZ First recently promised to make it compulsory and increase contributions from employers and workers to 10 percent - offset by a tax cut. Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub says he approves of the idea of a compulsory scheme, but warns we can't afford a tax-funded one. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion following the issue of the day - and more! The Tom Phillips saga has been eventful - what did we make of all this? Stuart Nash has switched over to NZ First and Labour lost big to Te Pati Māori in the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. What does this all mean for Labour? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to the former Minister of Forestry about his NZ First candidacy, carbon farming and whether we should ditch the Paris Agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First wants to make KiwiSaver compulsory, and increase contributions to eight, then 10 percent. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

New Zealand First held its annual meeting over the weekend, and with election year ahead, hints of campaign rivalry are beginning to creep into the coalition. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Corin Dann.

New Zealand First held its annual conference over the weekend with compulsory KiwiSaver and a migrant values contract put on the table. Leader Winston Peters spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 8th of September, NZ First leader Winston Peters speaks after his party conference over the weekend. Scott 'Razor' Robertson is on the show on a Monday after an incredible win over the Springboks at Eden Park. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville discuss the All Blacks win, the Warriors loss and buildup to the playoffs and the first "Sunday" football in the NFL. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Zealand First election campaign may have begun, and Winston Peters believes the party is marching forward with practical solutions. MPs and supporters gathered in Palmerston North over the weekend for the party's annual conference. Members discussed 55 remits, which could end up being policy proposals in next year's election campaign. Party Leader Winston Peters told Mike Hosking NZ First is compellingly different from other parties, doing the right thing for Kiwis. He says the party sits in the middle, is pragmatic, and talks about common sense solutions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bulk of New Zealand First's announcements are expected today for the final day of its annual conference. Party members and supporters have gathered in Palmerston North along with surprise guest Stuart Nash, a former Labour Minister. NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse says up to 1000 people are expected for Winston Peters' address this afternoon. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 3 September 2025, we've chosen a shipyard to build our new Interislander ferries - but Ferry Holdings' Chris Mackenzie explains they're not quite ready to reveal who will do the honours. Almost 60,000 Aussies have signed a petition calling for Kiwi born neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell to be deported back to New Zealand. But Australian senator Lidia Thorpe tells Heather deporting one nazi won't get rid of Australia's wider problem. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts tries to explain why we shouldn't quit the Paris Climate Agreement - even though ACT and NZ First are both advocating for it. Plus, the Huddle debates that PR stunt of an announcement from Amazon and how a grandfather might have got himself banned from pick-up duty for life. 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.

ACT believes New Zealand needs to be more realistic when it comes to the Paris Agreement. The party, along with NZ First, have expressed interest in withdrawing from the agreement unless we can negotiate a better deal. Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says that trying to meet our current targets is costing the country too much. He told Mike Hosking that we've got a lot of good stuff going for us, and we shouldn't beat ourselves to death over being some sort of sacrificial guinea pig. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters says he wasn't dragged kicking and screaming into a new foreign investors deal. The Government's approved changes to allow people with an investor residence visa to buy or build one home, starting at $5 million. They're required to invest an extra $5 million into the economy to qualify. Peters told Mike Hosking he supports the changes and wants to make very clear it's not a change to the foreign buyers ban. He says it's a change to investment rules to attract money to the country that we desperately need. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm assuming the instigators of the second Covid Inquiry are deeply disappointed in what is unfolding, in terms of accountability. Inquiry Part 1 was a Labour Government stitch up. It was an exercise in smoke and mirrors. Inquiry Part 2 is a coalition deal driven by ACT and NZ First, and was designed to look into areas not touched on in Part 1: access to vaccines, lock downs, economic damage, and so on. I have argued since the start that we needed an advisorial approach. In other words, we do it like the Brits, who called people to a witness stand and held them accountable. We didn't do that and now we're paying the price. Ardern and Hipkins, along with Robertson, have declined to appear. No kidding. What a surprise. I wonder why? Grant Illingworth KC, who is in charge of the current work, has the power apparently to pull them in. He is choosing not to do so, hence my assumption of disappointment at political party level. The Illingworth justification is the aforementioned operators are cooperating with proceedings. That's not good enough in my book, or indeed anywhere close. Simple question: is there a broad expectation among ordinary, everyday New Zealanders that those who made life-changing calls in a life-changing period of New Zealand owe it to us all to front and be questioned under oath about why they did what they did? Another question: what does it say about the morals and characters of said people, who seek public mandate and public support and approval, that when things get a bit awkward they are nowhere to be seen? Where is the courage of their conviction? Where are their spines and gonads? Can a person like Hipkins, and indeed Verrall, who I also understand is refusing to front, possibly present themselves to the voting public next year with a straight face and ask once again for the power to run the land, having been the same people who in august of the year before ran for the hills when accountability came calling? The rules of engagement were lacking. We were let down. As the head of this with power to do better, Illingworth is letting us down. But nowhere near the level of Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson, and Verrall, who should be ashamed of themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could a triangle of land at the entrance to Whangārei Harbour hold the key to Northland's future prosperity? Peter de Graaf reports.

NZ First's spoken about defunding sporting bodies that support trans inclusion - but its 2023 manifesto also spoke about making people healthier by promoting exercise and sport programmes including 'assisting people into sport that can't be involved' - surely those two sentiments juxtapose each other.

New Zealand First should be stripped of the tobacco and vaping portfolio, according to an advocacy group set up to keep kids off nicotine. The call comes after RNZ published documents alleging close ties between tobacco giant Philip Morris and New Zealand First. Guyon Espiner broke the story, and spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Philip Morris allegedly pitched draft legislation to NZ First as part of a lobbying campaign for its Heated Tobacco Products, according to documents released in litigation against a US vaping company. Guyon Espiner spoke to Corin Dann.

A newly appointed KiwiRail board director is associated with a company which donated to NZ First. Farah Hancock spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.