Podcasts about nz first

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.

A war of words has erupted between the Green Party and NZ First this week. It comes after photos circulated on social from a private Instagram account belonging to Green MP Benjamin Doyle. The account, named ‘biblebeltbussy’, also featured photos of their child, including one with ‘bussy’ in the caption. The term originated as a euphuism for a man’s anus, and can be used colloquially by some in the gay community, but Doyle’s usage of it has sparked accusations of vulgarity and being inappropriate. That was amplified by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, who said on social media that Doyle should answer for the posts and that if “Police want to investigate, they can”. The Green Party has said that Doyle has received death threats as a result and have called for the Prime Minister to intervene. So does this suggest a changing battleground for politics, with family issues and social media activists taking centre stage? Today on The Front Page, we’re joined by Victoria University of Wellington politics professor Lara Greaves to discuss a different type of political scandal. 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 fairytale end to former Black Cap Neil Wagner's career. Wagner's snagged a five-wicket haul as his Northern Districts side lifted domestic cricket's Plunket Shield by virtue of beating Otago by 134 runs on the final day in Dunedin. He joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters gave a “State of the Nation” speech last weekend where he strongly criticised Labour and announced his party was declaring a “war on woke.” The government has announced a new replacement for the Resource Management Act, looking to pass it before the next election. And Labour Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Parker has criticised the government for not condemning Israel in the context of recent military action and the blocking of humanitarian aid in Gaza. For our weekly catch-up with the Labour Party, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Deputy Leader Carmel Sepuloni about all of these topics. 

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 gave his State of the Nation speech this afternoon, featuring a significant group of protesters. He called for the re-evaluation of New Zealand's Paris Climate commitments, and a local focus rather than international. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

In case you missed it, here's another one of Dom's highlights form the week - NZ First's Shane Jones talking about the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan, among other things. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There's an old saying in advertising - to be successful you don't sell the sausage, you sell the sizzle. Christopher Luxon may have a great sausage, but he's not selling its sizzle. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll released yesterday afternoon had National up 1.7 points to 33.6%, but Labour had moved past it, jumping nearly three points to 34.1%. The Greens fell to 10%, down 3.2 points. ACT went down 2.3 points and Te Pati Māori rose 2.1 points to 6.5%. NZ First went down 1.3 points to 5.1%. So when we translate this number soup into seats in the house, both Labour and National are up three each to 42. The Greens are down four to 12, ACT is down two to 10, NZ First down to to six, Te Pati Māori up two to eight. That would mean the centre left block of Labour, the Greens and Te Pati Māori would have 62 seats to the centre-right's 58 and thus could form a centre-left government. Now, before anyone starts booking a one-way flight to Australia, the only poll that counts is the one on Election Day. And these opinion polls, midway through a government's term, generally show a disgruntlement with the current lot that's in, rather than an overwhelming desire to see the other lot take over. But this is the third poll, in a row, that puts the opposition ahead. And you might know, and I might know that the government's doing a good job of trying to re-establish some semblance of fiscal propriety, that they're redrawing boundaries about what is and what isn't acceptable behaviour within a decent society, and they've taken the first steps towards restoring a world class education system. But you and I also know that we live in a democracy and every vote counts. The lady who called in and wanted taxpayers to buy everyone a house and a car because that would give them a sense of belonging —she wasn't quite sure how to pay for it, but she thought it would be cheaper in the long run than jail terms— her vote counts the same as yours. There is no denying that the three-headed coalition beast makes it difficult to govern. The Treaty Principles Bill has been a divisive distraction, the bloody school lunches are yet another Labour well-intentioned, misguided initiative that has become this government's problem. People still aren't feeling better off, and they're still waiting a long time for a hip replacement. Dissatisfaction, disgruntlement, disengagement, that's all part of the midterm blues. Speaking to the Herald, Christopher Luxon said New Zealanders are going to have an opportunity in 2026, which is not that far away, to make a decision around Chris Hipkins or myself, he said, and our respective governments. My job is to make sure New Zealanders see that they're better off under my Government, we've come through a very tough time, there are some green shoots that we're really encouraged about on the economy ultimately, he said, New Zealanders are going to judge me at the election in 2026 as to whether we've delivered for them on rebuilding the economy, restoring law and order, delivering better health and education. So do you agree that this is the government not being able to sell its sizzle. The sausage is there, but without the sizzle there will be no successful selling story. I could understand why some within National could feel brassed off. We've got the policies, the building bricks, the foundations, to get New Zealand cracking again and that will better everybody. But if people don't believe that, if they don't believe the message, then they go to vote Labour and we're going to get a centre-left government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is looking to build stronger ties with India. The Prime Minister 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 New Zealand Business Council Chair Bharat Chawla told Andrew Dickens he has confidence in this trip. He says it's a perfect opportunity as a lot of work has been done over the last 24 months to make it happen. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Prime Minister has made his expectations clear to David Seymour, about the repeated short comings related to the school lunches programme. The scheme's come under immense pressure, with questions being raised over the quality of the food, the timeliness of the deliveries and the variety of the meals. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan says many impacted parents feel that these 'teething issues' demonstrate a lack of care on the Government's part. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Say what you like about Cam Slater, but the boy can write. He's had his ups and downs and paid for some bad behaviour on his website, but he has a good flow in his writing. He's also had a good contact book but whether those contacts are still talking to him is anybody's guess. On his website, now called good oil, he's written a think piece called the coming National coup. He reckons Christopher Luxon's continued bad numbers mean the National Party is now seriously talking about replacing him as leader. He claims sources inside caucus say that Luxon has three months to turn around his numbers. He claims Women don't like him. People who believe in anything don't like him because nobody knows what he believes. His Coalition partners know what they believe. Free marketers can go with Act. Nationalists can go with New Zealand First. He says the opposition can smell blood and then lumps the media into the opposition camp. Even though ironically, he is the media as well and getting stuck into Christopher Luxon. Slowly Christopher Luxon seems to be losing the support of the centre right. Not that he had much in the first place. He was not given a honeymoon period because I think the electorate could see the performative nature of his politics. But these are easy editorials to write. Everyone can point out the flaws and the problems with anything. Only the truly talented can provide a solution. So, if the problem is Luxon. What is the answer? Willis? Bishop? Stanford? or Simeon? They're the next four. If you want to go deeper. Would Mitchell, Goldsmith, Collins be any better? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More debate over calling New Zealand Aotearoa in the House, taking up 10 minutes during Question Time. Yesterday, Winston Peters objected to Mexican immigrant Ricardo Menendez-March using the name. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Aotearoa is perfectly acceptable to use in the house - despite Peters' obstinance on the subject. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon caught lying in the house, Chris Bishop tries to cover his boss's arse and it doesn't end wellThe Government has missed its targets for reducing child poverty which is bad, but what is worse is that in the middle of last year they watered down the results they would see as successful...and they still missed themWinston Peters is causing some raised eyebrows around parliament at the moment voting with Labour and the Greens at different times today. Is this just NZ First being honest actors and if the idea is good they'll support...or a message to the PM to watch himself once Seymour becomes his deputy=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

The 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.

The Deputy PM and NZ First leader deviates from scripted questions and laments the loss of politicians being able to think and speak on their feet and off the cuff. He also sticks with his long-held view that NZ should pull out of the Paris Climate Accord. Plus, he has no time for Chippy's attempts to woo him for 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's looking more likely that NZ First is on board with the new rules for foreign investors - including a shake-up for overseas buyers of property. New reports claim NZ First is set to agree to allow wealthy people to purchase homes over a certain threshold - it's rumoured to be $5 million. BusinessDesk's Pattrick Smellie explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rabobank chief executive on the bank's role in supporting National Lamb Day, NZ First getting stuck into "woke banks", and how things are looking up for farmers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZ First's Winston Peters is determined to give Kiwis the right to choose as part of a new bill. The Party has introduced a member's bill that aims to repeal a 2021 fluoridation law - requiring councils to hold a referendum. It would look into the law giving the Director-General of Health authority to mandate having fluoride in local water supplies. Peters says people have had a right to vote on these matters for decades - and he hopes to re-instate that right. "We're saying - give people back the democracy they enjoyed all those decades and let them decide. They're the ones who have a right in regards to what they want, not some over-inflated bureaucrats in Wellington." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Resource Minister is pushing back on criticism of his party's bill, which aims to stop 'woke', environmentally informed bank service withdrawals. A Massey University banking expert says the bill doesn't account for the commercial risks of lending to groups such as mining companies. Resource Minister Shane Jones told Mike Hosking banks have to assess credit worthiness, but the current situation is problematic. He asks when it became the banks' job to ascertain the emissions problem of each cow, and how often businesses should be shut down by these luxury beliefs. Jones says Massey University banking experts are disciples of woke-ism. NZ First has faith they have the backing to support their bill if it gets pulled from the biscuit tin. Jones says they have the support in two ways. Firstly, through his ability to gut the energy settings for New Zealand's power sector, and secondly through his belief Labour has realised they went too far when it comes to climate hysteria. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is cautiously optimistic a new poll might spell trouble for the coalition. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll earlier today showed it could not form a Government - pushed by drops in support to ACT and NZ First. Leader Chris Hipkins says it shows the country's heading in the wrong direction. "We know we've got a lot of work to do - we've still got a year and a half to go, so polls at this point are interesting. And it's nice to be doing well in them and we've still got a fair amount of water to flow under the bridge." Chris Luxon's taken a hit - down 3.8 points in preferred Prime Minister rankings to 20.7 percent - while the Labour's Hipkins rose 2.3 points to 17.6 percent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

"A circus". That is how NZ First's Shane Jones described the powhiri for parliamentarians at Waitangi yesterday. However, the minister has now found himself in hot water after threatening to pull the Waitangi National Trust's funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First MP Shane Jones is threatening to withhold Waitangi funding, over recent actions at the commemorations. Protesters turned their backs on ACT leader David Seymour as he addressed the crowd, with some displaying messages around honouring Te Tiriti. Some took his microphone off him, and others sang as he spoke. Jones has since asked what the point of funding the Trust is - if it has not made Waitangi a more hospitable place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's been debate about misbehaviour on the Waitangi grounds every year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon had to do some damage control after some controversial remarks were made by members of NZ First. This week, NZ First's Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' - and Winston Peters told Green MPs they'd come with ideas 'foreign to our country' and suggested they show some gratitude to New Zealand. The Mexican ambassador has since raised concerns with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Peters says he looks forward to discussing it with him at Waitangi next week. NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor says Luxon has to strike a difficult balance by condemning these comments but not explicitly criticising members of the coalition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party has been quick to criticise their political rivals over recent objectionable comments in the House. NZ First's Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' during a debate - and has since refused to apologise - while Winston Peters has also copped some backlash for claiming foreign-born MPs were trying to impose foreign ideas upon Parliament. Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March says Prime Minister Chris Luxon needs to hold these MPs to account and ensure similar incidents don't happen again. "When politicians and people in positions of power make these comments, it emboldens those people outside of Parliament to hurl racist vitriol and abuse to migrant communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he hasn't spoken to two Cabinet ministers over recent remarks that were labelled racist and xenophobic. In the House, Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' and Winston Peters told Green MPs they'd come with ideas 'foreign to our country' and suggested they show New Zealand some gratitude. Green Party MP Ricardo Menendez-March, who is Mexican, says the Prime Minister should call out such language. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Prime Minister Luxon claimed the comments 'weren't what he would say'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ageless NZ First leader talks about aging politicians, Trump, tariffs, world peace, polls, and passing the Deputy PM baton to his nemesis David Seymour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 18th of December, the Government books are in a shocking state, so Heather du Plessis-Allan asked Nicola Willis how much is on the last Government, and how much is on her. Did you hear the one about the judge, the doctor, and NZ First at the Northern Club? Trust us, it's a doozy. For the final time this year Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the books, political scandals, and what they're getting each other for Christmas 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.