Podcasts about nz herald

The head of NZME says the company has delivered a positive half year result, returning to profit. The media firm, owner of outlets including Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald, has posted a net-profit after tax of $6.6 million dollars. Net debt reduced by nearly $14 million - to $19.4 million dollars. Chief executive Michael Boggs says it's still a volatile environment. "The market indicators still say that - well, consumer confidence is increasing, business confidence is increasing. Everyone's doing it tough." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A drawn-out employment legal dispute, the sale of one of the country’s top media companies, fears AI could take newsroom jobs, and RNZ planning to cut roles. The Kamahl Santamaria saga continues as the former broadcaster and TVNZ head to court next week. Meanwhile, do the Aussies have what it takes to shake up our media landscape? And will AI take over our newsrooms? All this while RNZ prepares to cut up to 30 roles as part of a major cost-cutting move. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald’s Media Insider and editor-at-large Shayne Currie joins us to talk about the changing tides and what the future looks like. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National MP Chris Penk's been dumped from Cabinet and his ministerial portfolios, after instigating today's failed coup. Prime Minister Chris Luxon managed to fight off the challenge for his leadership - at a three-hour caucus meeting in Wellington today. He says Penk's role is now untenable. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Penk was likely running the numbers - for Erica Stanford or Chris Bishop to contest the leadership. "I think there was a classic stalking horse or sometimes they're called kamikazes - they launched the attacks and destabilised...so that it triggered the confidence vote." Paul Goldsmith will pick up the Defence, Veterans, Space, GCSB, and NZSIS portfolios. Simon Watts will become Minister for Building and Construction. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is staying in the top job. He's emerged from another confidence vote with the support of his caucus. National MPs were summoned to Wellington for an urgent meeting this morning - after speculation about a potential coup. The meeting ran for three hours. But, questions remain... What happened behind closed doors? What will happen to the detractors? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joins us from Wellington to break it all down. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's silence from some National MPs as the Prime Minister faces a potential leadership showdown. Chris Luxon's called an urgent Caucus meeting in Wellington tomorrow morning, after rumours emerged he doesn't have his party's full support. He's touched down in Wellington, batting off questions and saying he'll talk to media tomorrow. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says MPs like Simeon Brown - who've previously stood behind Luxon - aren't returning texts. "Usually, when there's a bit of speculation it's very easy, it takes two seconds to say - yes, I back the Prime Minister, and they do that all the time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow morning, the All Blacks are set to take on the Sharks in the second match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour. After an error-filled clash against the Stormers, they will want to show some better form with the first test against the Springboks looming next Sunday morning. Gregor Paul is a New Zealand Herald rugby writer currently in South Africa, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has categorically ruled out working with New Zealand First if elected in November, unfortunately for Labour and Mr Hipkins the response from the media and many voters is "why did this take so long?"Simeon Brown faced off against Jack Tame on Q&A over the weekend where he struggled to firmly back leader Christopher Luxon and couldn't explain why one of the targets for the health service is to increase staffChristopher Luxon was on RNZ this morning where he had to explain Nicola Willis' "no new tax on working people" when they are going to reverse the discount to fuel excise tax etcMight check out poll of polls in NZ Herald, and check out how St John Ambulance is overworked like never before++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

It feels like Auckland is entering its big city era. New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project ever, the City Rail Link will open to passengers on September 13. It’s being touted as being truly transformative for the country’s biggest city ... a city that is rapidly growing. And that’s partly thanks to the Fast-Track scheme – which has meant developers don’t need to jump through as many hoops to get things moving. But, at what cost? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald property editor Anne Gibson is with us to unpack what this all means for Auckland’s future. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greatest Rivalry in sport is back. The All Blacks kick off their tour of South Africa tomorrow, taking on the Stormers. Coach Dave Rennie says that every player will get a chance to impress in the opening matches, and potentially get a spot in the Springbok test teams. NZ Herald Rugby Correspondent Liam Napier told Ryan Bridge they're expecting to see a comfortable victory. He says the All Blacks a running out a second string team, but the Stormers are six weeks out from their domestic competition, and are missing nine Springbok players. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Friday the 7th of August 2026, Christopher Luxon floats the idea of a referendum on MMP, Liam Heir Political commentator shares his thoughts on Luxon's bold statement. The All Blacks kick off their tour of South Africa Saturday when they take on the Stormers, NZ Herald rugby correspondent Liam Napier tells Ryan what we can expect. Labour wants to scrap National's investment boost scheme and replace it with a $1.56 billion package; Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson shares her thoughts on if the policy is better for small businesses. Plus, UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney has the latest on UEFA doubling down on its threat to boycott Fifa-run competitions and the sister of Meredith Kercher criticising a solo comedy show by Amanda Knox, who was convicted and later acquitted of murdering the British student in Italy in 2007. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon says he supports having another referendum on the MMP voting system if he's re-elected as he encourages greater support for National so the party can avoid working with “some yahoo and numpty” in Cabinet. Act leader David Seymour says he's not opposed to another referendum but suggests Luxon “may not have thought through what he's saying” regarding ministers from other parties, noting the number of National ministers who had been dismissed this term. Speaking on Newstalk ZB this morning, Luxon made the statement in response to a listener who had texted in asking whether the PM would address the power held by minor parties in governing arrangements. Luxon initially pointed to the Government working towards a referendum on whether to extend government terms from three years to four, before saying he was “open” to asking voters whether they were “still supportive of MMP”. Asked if he would do so if he were Prime Minister next year, Luxon replied: “Yeah, I think I would.” He added: “I think I would because I actually think, you know, that it is quite right to check in constitutionally and say, is this the system, New Zealand, you still want? “You know, you voted for this in the 90s, we've had a check-in in the [20]10s, 20 years down the road or whatever it has been, is it still where you want to be?” Luxon went on to talk about his 20-person Cabinet, currently made up of ministers from National, Act and New Zealand First. He argued the best way to provide a “strong and stable government” was to have as many National ministers in Cabinet as possible. “When you have to form coalition governments, you don't have the same values, you don't have the same policies, you're not talking to the same people. “You try and find the common ground and I feel like I have done the best I can in two and a half years to find common ground on the economy, law and order, education and health. “I think you've got to ask the question, I feel like I've got responsible, sensible ministers delivering: Mark Mitchell, Todd McCay, Erica Stanford Nicola Willis, Simeon Brown, Chris Bishop, you know, I've got amazing people doing incredible work who take it very seriously. “The question is, I keep saying, I don't need some yahoo or numpty from some other party around that table, I can do a lot more to get the centre-right agenda, centre being the operative word, done and out the door so think about your vote, November 7, it's important.” Asked if his current coalition partners were yahoos and numpties, Luxon replied: “No, I'm just saying I can do better with National Party ministers, I think New Zealand's better served by that.” Asked by ZB host Kerre Woodham if he'd prefer Mitchell around the Cabinet table over former National MP and current NZ First candidate Michael Laws, Luxon replied: “You said it.” Act leader David Seymour defended the work of his ministers. Photo / Mark Mitchell Speaking to the Herald, Seymour said he wasn't certain whether Luxon was calling his ministers yahoos and numpties. “Who knows, I suspect that he's being a bit free-wheeling and may not have thought through what he's saying there.” Seymour noted how several National ministers had been dismissed during this term before pointing to work achieved by Act ministers, including on school attendance and reforms concerning the Holidays Act, Arms Act and the Resource Management Act. “I'm not here to start bagging other parties' ministers but I think anyone who's an objective observer would say that Act ministers have been pretty effective.” On a referendum, Seymour said he wasn't opposed but said any change would be unlikely to be implemented until the 2032 or 2035 elections and there were “more urgent problems” to address. In a statement on social media, Peters commended MMP for having “broke the stranglehold” of Labour and National on “running roughshod over our economy without social licence”. “Now that the two old parties are losing their grip on power, they want to change the electoral system to favour their falling fortunes.” Referencing the previous referendums in 1993 and 2011, Peters said people wanted different representation in Parliament than what Labour and National could provide. “The old parties' weak and inept attitude to economic sovereignty, immigration, and woke nonsense has seen people move to a party that is offering common sense, patriotism, and old-fashioned Kiwi values. “Shutting down and taking away true democratic representation from the people of New Zealand should be seen for what it is – a power grab and an ignorance for what it means to be a democracy.” Adam Pearse is the deputy political editor and part of the NZ Herald's press gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington. He has worked for NZME since 2018, reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has commissioned an investigation into workplace conduct and culture at the Financial Markets Authority. The ministry, which is tasked with monitoring the financial market regulator, has appointed Kirsty McDonald KC to lead the investigation. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment has risen again – and it’s worse than everyone expected. Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate increased to 5.6 percent in the June quarter. That's up from 5.4 percent in the March quarter and it's slighter higher than most economists were predicting. So, what does that mean? Should we panic? Or is this just part and parcel of an economy in recovery? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to break down the numbers and what it means for our future. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has commissioned an investigation into workplace conduct and culture at the Financial Markets Authority. The ministry, which is tasked with monitoring the financial market regulator, has appointed Kirsty McDonald KC to lead the investigation. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment's reached the highest level in 11 years. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in the March quarter. Of the 166 thousand unemployed in this year's second quarter, almost a-fifth had been without work for more than a year. Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham some economists think the rate won't fall again any time soon. He says some predict it'll increase to 5.7% and hang around at high levels into next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment's reached the highest level in 11 years. Stats NZ data shows the rate reached 5.6% in the June quarter, up from 5.3% in the March quarter. Of the 166 thousand unemployed in this year's second quarter, almost a-fifth had been without work for more than a year. Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham some economists think the rate won't fall again any time soon. He says some predict it'll increase to 5.7% and hang around at high levels into next year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It had to happen, didn't it? The NZR sabbatical policy chooks have come home to roost. The excellent Gregor Paul, NZ Herald rugby scribe, penned a wonderful piece around the madness of the union's veteran player edict, designed to help tourniquet the bleeding of experienced players to big moneyed clubs around the globe. It didn't stop the flow; it just temporarily rerouted it. In their haste to stop senior All Blacks departing to wealthier climes, the dreaded sabbatical clause was triggered – a way for players to cash in on their All Blacks success without fleeing for the money on a permanent basis. This concept helped NZR avoid having to pick players from overseas; the last bastion of AB player central control. On the face of it, the clause appeared to be a pragmatic way to ensure the continued access to 70+ test veterans and stop the increasing pressure of income accelerated player loss. As I've often pointed out, the wording of the clause is more than problematic, it's just plain wrong. A sabbatical is a rest or break from work; an extended period of time intentionally spent on something that's not your routine job. So, most players aren't on a mental and physical break from the rigours of the game, they're just on a sanctioned cash grab. Ardie Savea has made the most of this opportunity, opting to chase the money as opposed to hitting pause. As a result, he's rooted. The best way to counter that exhaustion is to... give him more time off, to make up for all of the time he's already taken off. Instead of travelling with HIS team to the republic for the biggest tour in living memory, he's having a bit of a lie down. Weird. If anything positive arises from this nonsense saga, it will be a serious reworking of that easily abused clause, which in rugby parlance, is no longer fit for purpose. And in case you think this is an Ardie beat up, it's not. He was presented with an opportunity and took it. I'd do the same. The issue is with NZR, but the huge swathe of changes made within the halls of power will hopefully usher in a new way of thinking and acting, leaving dramas like this back in the past. Where they belong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACC's outgoing chief executive Megan Main has defended her record at the helm of the troubled Government insurer and insisted that a new progress report shows the agency is effecting a turnaround. Main's last day at the helm is Friday, and her five-year contract runs to November. NZ Herald Wellington business editor explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACC's outgoing chief executive Megan Main has defended her record at the helm of the troubled Government insurer and insisted that a new progress report shows the agency is effecting a turnaround. Main's last day at the helm is Friday, and her five-year contract runs to November. NZ Herald Wellington business editor explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenBrief is a NZ website set up to track New Zealand's significant political news, opinion, podcasts and social media — a curated, transparent set of sources, not the whole internet. With OpenBrief you get to see the data behind the narrative. Tonight we have Martin Buhr, the developer of OpenBrief, joining us to talk about why he thinks NZ needs this resource.For transparency, BHN and OpenBrief are going to be doing some work together over the next 4 months.Chris Hipkins spent time on the NZ Herald and TVNZ this morning talking about if Labour would work with Opportunity and responding to the National party's apparent, off the cuff, exclusion of Opportunity from the podium yesterday.Winston Peters was shocked yesterday that Tova Obrien uttered the words "opal sex" when referencing Shane Hones' "kneepads" comments from their conference last weekend and the two sparred over what is, and isn't, appropriate in an interview question.The Free Speech Union has made their final death knell of irrelevance where they have some out against a journalist using their free speech to ask questions, and defended a government appointee with, what some think, is a chequered past, but we have seen this from astroturf lobby groups in the past++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

This week on The Big League Podcast, Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and the NZ Herald's Michael Burgess unpack the Warriors' disappointing defeat to the Bulldogs. With missed tackles, handling errors, and a lacklustre kicking game leaving Andrew Webster scratching his head – where did it all go wrong? Should Luke Metcalf be brought back into the side? The boys tackle the big talking points, preview the Warriors' next clash, and ask one simple question: are you ready for Wahs World? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster has been blindsided by an 18-6 NRL defeat to the Bulldogs in Sydney. The visiting outfit were shutout in the first half, and scored their only try through Chanel Harris-Tavita as a consolation in the 74th minute. NZ Herald sports journalist Michael Burgess joined Piney to discuss the loss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NZME’s head of business content previews an excellent 28-page Agribusiness lift-out in the NZ Herald, where subjects as wide-ranging as global trade, AI, ag emissions, weight loss drugs and politics are covered. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Borrowers' pockets may feel the most impact from more regular inflation reports. From next July, Stats NZ will phase in monthly Consumer Price Index reporting on top the current quarterly reports. Statistics Minister Scott Simpson says it'll keep businesses, households, and decision-makers, like the Reserve Bank, better-informed. The Herald's Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham it will also mean interest rates can be more up-to-date. He says the Reserve Bank currently decide rates on a three-month lag. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data has unveiled a silver lining in the latest June-quarter inflation figures. Rents rose at their slowest rate, annually, in 25 years, according to Stats NZ. The country's stock of rents rose by 0.5 percent between the June 2025 and 2026 quarters, continuing the trend of softening increases that began towards the end of 2024. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The edifice of netball's ANZ Premiership has crumbled further. Administration staff at the three Netball New Zealand-run franchises —the Stars, Magic, and Tactix— have been told their contracts will not be renewed. Players at the affected clubs were left out of the communication chain. NZ Herald's Nathan Limm told Ryan Bridge that Netball NZ has remained tight-lipped on the subject. He says it's something they saw from the organisation's previous leadership, and he's unsure when they're going to realise that saying nothing is not a good PR strategy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data has unveiled a silver lining in the latest June-quarter inflation figures. Rents rose at their slowest rate, annually, in 25 years, according to Stats NZ. The country's stock of rents rose by 0.5 percent between the June 2025 and 2026 quarters, continuing the trend of softening increases that began towards the end of 2024. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fast-track Approvals Act has been in force since December 2024, and it was sold as a simpler, faster way to get projects moving. Since then, it’s been tied to everything from new homes to aquaculture, farming projects, roads and public transport, but it’s also drawn plenty of criticism along the way. NZ First is still pushing for Ministers to have the final say on what gets approved, despite that idea facing strong pushback through the select committee process. And now we’re seeing some of the real-world fallout, with projects like a controversial 1200-home development in Ōrewa raising questions about infrastructure, cost, and who ultimately pays. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford is with us to unpack it. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has hit 4.1% - the highest level in more than two years. Economists had expected it surge to somewhere between 3.9 and 4.1 percent. However, the end result is well below some previous forecasts, which reached 4.9%. If we ignored the surging fuel prices, Westpac economists reckon inflation would be about 2.8 percent. So what does this actually mean for the cost of living, for interest rates, and for the story of the New Zealand economy in 2026? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann is with us to unpack how we got to 4.1%, what’s really driving the numbers, and what comes next for households, businesses, and the path back to stable prices. 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 DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks have started their bumper 2026 year strongly having gone 3 for 3 in the opening home test matches in the Nations Championship, topped by a dominant 40-21 win over Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday night. How are we rating this All Blacks side with the squad naming for the monster tour of South Africa less then a week away? NZ Herald Rugby writer Gregor Paul joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain have beaten Argentina to win the Fifa World Cup for the second time in history. It caps off a tournament that delivered drama on the pitch – and a long list of controversies off it. From sky‑high ticket prices and visa headaches, to political grandstanding and fresh questions over Fifa’s priorities, many fans are wondering whether this World Cup was still about the football – or about power and money. So what does the tournament tell us about where the global game is heading – and where to from here for the world’s biggest sporting event? Today on The Front Page, we speak to NZ Herald sports journalists, Michael Burgess and Nathan Limm to unpack Spain’s triumph, the controversies that overshadowed 2026, and the future of the World Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Big League Podcast, Newstalk ZB's Nathan Limm and the NZ Herald's Michael Burgess break down the Warriors' gritty but far-from-convincing 20-12 victory over the Dragons. The boys debate whether sitting atop the NRL ladder earns teams a little extra favour from the referees, and hear from rising Warriors star Tanner Stowers-Smith after his side's round 20 triumph. Plus, what the performance tells us about the Warriors' premiership credentials as the finals race heats up. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RNZ political editor Jo Moir, Stuff political editor Jenna Lynch and NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan are joined by RNZ's lowly deputy political editor Craig McCulloch to dissect the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Home owners are being warned their insurance claims could be declined if their local councils deem their properties to be at risk of natural hazards. According to Land Information New Zealand, 25,614 properties have natural hazard risks flagged on their titles. That means 25,614 properties may be at least partially uninsurable. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Associate Agriculture Minister's off to India to talk up Kiwi wool this week. Mark Patterson will meet the Indian Textiles Minister and visit the Bharat Tex conference - the country's largest textile expo. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says NZ First has fired back at this plan and labelled the visit a 'taxpayer funded trip'. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Heather Roy and Mike Williams. First up, new modelling has made it clear just how big the bill will be for fixing bridges, roads and buildings damaged increasingly frequent and severe storms. Then, "it is not the state's responsibility to feed our children" is the view of NZ Herald columnist and former Free Speech Union chief executive Jonathan Ayling, who takes a look at the government's struggling school lunch programme.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Reserve Bank increased the OCR, for the first time in 3 years. Do we think this was the right call? Do we think this is good news for the state of the economy? Both Labour and National have announced new solar-based policies. Do we think these can work? What did we make of the rollout? What did we think of ACT's idea of a minimum three-year sentence for repeat burglars? Will this help? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People are not moving between jobs as seamlessly as they should in a productive economy, thanks to overly restrictive employment contracts. This is the conclusion reached by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), after a major new study spanning 15 countries including New Zealand. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's hopes compulsory KiwiSaver can help New Zealand catch up to Australia's economy. The National Party is campaigning on making KiwiSaver mandatory for all workers, and for gradually raising the matching rate to six percent. NZ Herald Business Editor at Large Liam Dann says he wants to see a bipartisan effort and for the Labour Party to get on board. He says people will need to get used to that six percent figure. "They're at higher levels than that in Australia - it's painful in the short term, but they do cope. And then, you move on and then you forget about it and you just look at that giant figure on your KiwiSaver statement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Monetary Fund is broadly happy with how the Government and Reserve Bank are steering the economy - but it's warned some changes need to take place. The agency says the Government will need to hike taxes, as well as continue cutting spending, to get the country's finances on a more sustainable path forward. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained how this could be implemented. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air New Zealand has outlined some future goals and areas of focus as part of their big investor presentation. The airline says it will focus more on profitable routes and premium customers - as well as improve reliability and punctuality. NZ Herald aviation journalist John Weekes says it's clear Air New Zealand wants to focus on this 'loyal' subsection of their base. "Keep them loyal, keep them flying, just get them in the habit of flying with this airline." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour isn't the only party faced with a funding challenge related to the country's pay equity regime. The three pay equity claims in the works relate to people who work for organisations partially funded by the Government - Plunket, Hospice and Bupa Aged Care. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party has its sights set on tackling inequality and corporate greed. It's set to reveal a raft of election tax changes, it says will rebuild the country and put more money in the pockets of 96 percent of New Zealanders. The changes include new super rich, inheritance and gift taxes, a higher tax rate for big corporations, and a levy on liabilities for the four big banks. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacked the announcement - as well as the leak that saw this information getting out early. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 5000 New Zealand bank accounts have been used by scammers to transfer stolen funds over the past nine months. These 'mule' accounts have been flagged by a new information sharing platform banks are using to detect scams: the Fraud Intelligence Exchange. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and NZ Herald reporter Katie Bradford joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Greens are calling for an independent costings unit and they've voiced this idea to Labour and National. Do we really need this or is this a waste of time and money? What do we think? Is Simon Watts getting it wrong with the Local Government (Systems Improvement) Bill? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security measures and ticket prices for this year's FIFA World Cup may be dampening the spirit of the event. The expanded tournament features 48 teams and is being hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. But the combined paranoia of FIFA and the US Government has resulted in intense security – NZ Herald Sport Journalist Michael Burgess describing it as “way over the top”. The tournament has also been mired by high ticket prices, with resale tickets being sold for thousands of dollars, and tickets for the finals costing over $15 thousand dollars. Burgess told Heather du Plessis-Allan that it will still be a great tournament – the stadiums will be pretty full, and it'll look great on television. But he says what FIFA and the United States have done has taken the heart and soul out of what's normally a celebration of sport, football, and the international community. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court has ordered ASB Bank to pay $6.731 million for breaching anti-money laundering laws. The penalty is the largest ever imposed by a New Zealand court under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act 2009. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained the case further - and whether it sets a precedent. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Higher mortgage rates have given the Reserve Bank a 'bit of breathing space', its chief economist says. Paul Conway, one of the Reserve Bank committee members who voted to keep the OCR on hold last week, said the market is doing some of the work for the central bank. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford and Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Budget 2026 was unveiled today - what did we make of it? Do we think we'll reach surplus by 2028/29? Will debt really come down? Nicola Willis also says we need to have a discussion around superannuation amid ongoing cost concerns. Do we see NZ First siding with this? Will this lead to another battle? What do we make of the new levy on banks? Is it enough? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Finn Caddie joins ACC Head G Lane to discuss the flaming hot take in the NZ Herald this morning about Richie Mo'unga (00:00)...Then, the fellas discuss Auckland FC selling out their Grand Final in minutes (05:55), and the drama in the NZ Stone Skimming Champs in Queenstown (15:15). Plus, they debate the Top 5 Fictional Athletes of all Time (24:10)...Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (28:55)... Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE! Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.