Podcasts about nz herald

One major theme has emerged for this year’s election... money. Two parties at the weekend launched ideas to get the country’s finances in order and future-proof our economy for generations to come. National held its annual party conference in high spirits, despite a polling support slide since the last election. They announced policy that would make KiwiSaver compulsory, raise minimum contributions, and require employers pay for staff over 65. On the other hand, the Greens are focusing on taxing the rich, imposing a levy on the four big banks, and taxing offshore profits earned by tech giants. NZ Herald chief political reporter Jamie Ensor is with us to break it all down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Jones’ controversial fisheries reform has been abandoned – for now. The Oceans and Fisheries Minister told a select committee today that his “much-loved bill” would not be progressed in this term of government. The Fisheries Amendment Bill had caused division within the coalition... changes to minimum legal-size limits for commercial fishing operators had to be walked back. Other changes included plans to block the public from obtaining footage of fish dumping under the OIA. Meanwhile, Jones has revealed that two orca were found dead as bycatch – the first recorded deaths of orcas in set nets in New Zealand. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us. 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.

Our economy was well on the way to recovery, driven by a resurgence in manufacturing, before the fuel crisis hit. Stats NZ data out today shows GDP rose 0.8% in both the quarter and year to March. Equipment manufacturing, food production, accounting and businesses services, wholesale trade, and agriculture were all doing well. But mining had a big drop, as well as residential and non-residential construction. NZ Herald Business Editor Liam Dann joined Kerre Woodham to unpack the figure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our economy was well on the way to recovery, driven by a resurgence in manufacturing, before the fuel crisis hit. Stats NZ data out today shows GDP rose 0.8% in both the quarter and year to March. Equipment manufacturing, food production, accounting and businesses services, wholesale trade, and agriculture were all doing well. But mining had a big drop, as well as residential and non-residential construction. NZ Herald Business Editor Liam Dann joined Kerre Woodham to unpack the figure. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis fronted a press conference on Sunday, complete with a black dossier labelled Labour's Hidden Bill, accusing the opposition of leaving an $18 billion funding gap in its plans. Since then, independent economists have also questioned Labour’s figures around their recently announced fare cap policy, saying the numbers don’t quite stack up. Labour says the attack is a distraction while National says voters deserve answers. But beyond the numbers themselves, does this tell us something about how both major parties plan to fight the election campaign? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford joins us to unpack the battle over Labour's alleged hidden costs and what it reveals about the state of Election 2026. 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. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley feels their Football World Cup opener proves they're capable of achieving their goal of getting our of their group. 82nd-ranked New Zealand have drawn 2-all with world number 23 Iran in Los Angeles. Michael Burgess is a senior sport journalist with the New Zealand Herald who was on the ground in LA, and he joined Nick to recap the action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An investigation's probing officials' integrity, over a now-axed $32-million-dollar project. A report's found multiple failings in the advice from Immigration New Zealand - a branch of MBIE - on plans to upgrade border biometric capacity. Minister Erica Stanford says staffers who raised concerns were moved off the project, and she was misled and creative accounting used to avoid scrutiny. NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Afternoons team to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For just the third time in history, New Zealand is heading to football's biggest stage. The FIFA World Cup is ready for kick off and the All Whites are returning to the tournament for the first time since that memorable campaign in South Africa in 2010. Back then, New Zealand achieved something no other team did – leaving the tournament undefeated. Fast forward to 2026 and the World Cup is bigger, the game is faster – the competition has changed, and the All Whites have changed too. With a deeper squad, and captain Chris Wood coming off the best season of his career, do we dare let our hopes go beyond being “just happy to be there”? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald sports reporter Chris Reive joins us to discuss New Zealand's chances and the stories set to shape the world's biggest sporting tournament. 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. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee 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.

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.

It was big news yesterday that New Zealand Rugby managed to secure the signature of attacking coach maestro Tony Brown from the Springboks for two years post the Rugby World Cup. However, it marks a shift in the mindset of NZR, as typically it is the head coach who selects their coaching group. Is the call to bring on Tony Brown so early the right move? Gregor Paul is a rugby writer for the New Zealand Herald, he joined D'Arcy to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland is supposed to be moving again. The City Rail Link is almost here, the CBD is looking better, and there’s been a lot of talk about the economy finally turning a corner. But for many Aucklanders, it still doesn’t feel like a recovery. New figures show the value of building work in Auckland has fallen sharply, with non-residential construction taking a major hit. And when construction slows down, it doesn’t just affect developers. It affects jobs, confidence, businesses, the city centre, and the wider economy. So, is Auckland’s construction slump one reason the country’s biggest city still feels stuck? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald business editor-at-large Liam Dann joins us to explain what’s happening, why it matters, and whether there’s any sign of momentum returning. 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. Editor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics. NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act MP Laura McClure joined Green MP Ricardo Menendes March on the NZ Herald this morning and accidently said the quiet part out loud confirming the only "minority" that ACT is ever focused on is Māori, which we've always known, but fascinating to hear the list MP publicly state it.Chris Penk joined Keiran McAnulty on Breakfast this morning where Penk spent a lot of time explain what he meant when he spoke of a conversation around NZ's nuclear free status and both members of parliament traded thoughts on the ongoing controversary between Fonterra and the PM's office.The country's political reporters are in a stand-off with the Speaker Gerry Brownlee over his contemplation of a temporary ban of Stuff Digital from Parliament. Brownlee is set to make a ruling on Stuff's access to the Parliamentary precinct after raising concerns about some of its reporting last month.++++++++++++++++++++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/

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.

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.

This week on The Big League Podcast, Nathan Limm from Newstalk ZB and Cameron McMillan from the NZ Herald. break down the Warriors' heart-stopping loss to the Penrith Panthers. Warriors lock Erin Clark joins us fresh from the sheds to run through what clicked, what didn't, and where it all slipped away. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure and health are the big priorities in this year's Budget, as banks face a new levy, and cuts take shape. There are no specific cost-of-living payments or Budget sugar hits - but Finance Minister Nicola Willis promises spending initiatives will create thousands of jobs. And our books are set to return to surplus earlier than expected. But, Opposition parties are saying the Government doesn’t live in the same reality as struggling Kiwis. So, what does it actually mean for households, for the economy, and for the political landscape? Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald chief political reporter, Jamie Ensor, is with us to break down the numbers, the politics, and what it all means for you. 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.

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.

Accountants are hopeful the Government will use the Budget to do something about the secret little wealth tax those with offshore investments are currently paying. As it stands, most people with more than $50,000 directly invested in assets offshore, including shares in companies listed on stock exchanges, need to pay tax on a portion of the value of their investments, regardless of if they receive income from those investments. Those who invest in shares in New Zealand companies or New Zealand-domiciled funds only need to pay tax on the income they receive from their investments. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accountants are hopeful the Government will use the Budget to do something about the secret little wealth tax those with offshore investments are currently paying. As it stands, most people with more than $50,000 directly invested in assets offshore, including shares in companies listed on stock exchanges, need to pay tax on a portion of the value of their investments, regardless of if they receive income from those investments. Those who invest in shares in New Zealand companies or New Zealand-domiciled funds only need to pay tax on the income they receive from their investments. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just weeks out from the end of greyhound racing in New Zealand, a secretive charter flight plan is raising eyebrows. It’s understood a number of dogs are being prepped for a trip across the ditch before the sport’s banned here. But, why now? What about the welfare of these animals? And is this just a last ditch effort to make some cash before it’s lights out for the industry. Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior investigative reporter Michael Morrah is with us to unpack what he’s uncovered, and what it says about the final days of greyhound racing in New Zealand. 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.

This week on The Big League Podcast, NZ Herald's Nathan Limm and Newstalk ZB's Nick Bewley break down the Warriors' messy win over the Dragons, look ahead to a blockbuster top-of-the-table showdown with the Panthers this Sunday, and unpack some breaking ANZAC Day news for 2027. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to go public - allowing people to trade shares in the firm on the stock market. The initial public offering (IPO) on the US stock market will likely be one of the largest in Wall Street history. NZ Herald senior business writer Chris Keall says this will likely come close to making Elon Musk a trillionaire. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major overhaul of social housing will see costs for renters going up. From next April, 30 percent state tenants' income will go into rent - up from 25 percent, about $31 dollars more a week. That'll be re-invested into increasing the Accommodation Supplement. Housing Minister Chris Bishop says the Government wants to reduce social housing costs, saying it's not getting bang for buck on what it spends. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It started with a young Māori man trying to help a stranger on the street. He ended up being pinned to the ground, handcuffed, locked in a cell, and a four-year court battle. Jamie Lawry ended up being found not guilty, but the case raises harder questions about racism and systemic bias in the north. Many Māori parents up north have to have what is called “the talk” - where they have to teach their kids how to act around police in order to be safe. Today on The Front Page, Green MP Hūhana Lyndon – who is based in Te Tai Tokerau – tells us about what “the talk” means in her whanau and in communities across the region – and why so many Māori families have no choice but to have these conversations. But first, NZ Herald senior writer David Fisher is with us to take us through what happened to Lawry. 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.

Elon Musk's SpaceX is set to go public - allowing people to trade shares in the firm on the stock market. The initial public offering (IPO) on the US stock market will likely be one of the largest in Wall Street history. NZ Herald senior business writer Chris Keall says this will likely come close to making Elon Musk a trillionaire. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins doesn't think the public much cares about which companies would be in the party's Future Fund. It won't be revealing key details - including the cost to the Crown and which state assets would go into it - until after voters go to the polls. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the reactions to this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins doesn't think the public much cares about which companies would be in the party's Future Fund. It won't be revealing key details - including the cost to the Crown and which state assets would go into it - until after voters go to the polls. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny unpacked the reactions to this announcement. 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.

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! Nicola Willis has confirmed more cuts will be made to the public service sector. Do we think changes are needed here? Ae we worried about the job losses? A former contractor at property coaching company Wealth Mentor has released a video appearing to show the company's chief executive slapping her in the face during a studio filming session. Is this out of line? What do we make of this? A religious sect has ordered its members to get rid of their pets after after a young family member of leader Bruce Hales was attacked by a dog. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday, Pharmac announced it has added semaglutide, better known by its brand name Wegovy, to its list of medicines suitable for future funding. It's on the Options For Investment list which is for medications that Pharmac would like to fund if it has the budget to do so. Hopefully this will come about sooner than later. I'm not talking about funding it for every Tom, Dick and Harry who wants to lose a few kgs, but for the seriously obese who are dealing with all the risks and diseases that come with it - such as diabetes, renal failure, cardiovascular disease and impacts on joints. At this stage the criteria for funding the drug states it would be available for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 50 and also to those with a BMI of more than 35 and at least two co-morbidities. Last week, an article in the NZ Herald caught my attention and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. The title of the article was: Leading causes of death by age in New Zealand. I know, it's a cheery number. Now, while the when and where of our deaths is largely unknown to many of us, the data explains how we're likely to die depending on how old we are. In our 20s, external injuries are the leading cause of death. These are classified as intentional - suicide, self-harm or assault - or unintentional, including falls, burns, vehicle crashes, dog bites and drownings. As we move into our 30s ‘all cancers' become the leading cause of death, but in our 40s a trend emergences that stays with us until our 80s and beyond. The ‘all cancer' group remains the leading cause of death but heart disease moves into second. As we age, suicide reduces, and the chance of dying from respiratory diseases, diabetes, or strokes also increases. Not hugely surprising, right? But when clearly defined by the data and in graphs, it's a little confronting. It's a simple way to look at how to prioritise health care, and as I found an effective motivator to encourage people to do what they can to beat the odds. So yes, let's fund Wegovy. Think of the impact it could have on our over-burdened health care system, and the country's productivity. This drug could be a game changer for young people and their mental health, for those unable to work due to weight related issues, and those who could potentially end up needed a heart transplant. But it's also worth starting slow. When it comes to criteria for funding the drug, we need to start with those most at risk, and who will benefit the most from it. With one in three New Zealand adults regarded as obese - being labelled obese shouldn't be enough to qualify. Like all drugs, there are side effects and risks and more research is needed to determine long term effects. But hey, when you're got a tool as powerful as this, we should be making the most of it in the most equitable manner possible. In the meantime, I shall be doing what I can to look after myself. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has warned less cash would be thrown around in this year's upcoming Budget amid ongoing economic turmoil. Luxon told the audience at the pre-Budget BusinessNZ event that it's important for the Government to stay on track with their fiscal strategy as the election looms. NZ Herald senior correspondent Katie Bradford says Luxon's speech is meant to signal to voters that his Government values stability and social cohesion. "This is a very clear message he's trying to get out there - about how National is the party of sensible, stable planned approach going in here." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Izaak Selesele joins ACC Head G Lane to discuss the breaking news about Sir Graham Henry returning to the All Blacks as a selector (00:00)...Next, the fellas get into Shane van Gisbergen winning ANOTHER Nascar race and his Rugby Punt celebration (10:00), before breaking down the NZ Herald's Top 50 Kiwis of the NRL era (12:15). Plus, with rumours flying about the Warriors resigning Tanah Boyd long-term, what does that mean for Luke Metclaf (15:30)? Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (24:15)... Have you joined our Facebook Group 'The Caravan' yet? - JOIN HERE Brought to you by Export Ultra - The Beer For Here! Listen & Follow The Agenda Podcast on iHeartradio or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an investigation of all New Zealand private schools the NZ Herald found that more colleges than ever are charging $30,000-plus in tuition fees with an average 4.2% tuition rise this year, the smallest increase in three years. Independent Schools of New Zealand CEO Guy Pascoe told Mike Hosking the jump in fees can be attributed to rising cost of living, but that hasn't impacted tuition numbers. "We still see pretty strong demand across our schools," he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's concerns about what the Government's latest pre-Budget announcement means for students. Winston Peters told Newstalk ZB on Friday that they'd get rid of the final free year of tertiary education, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed it. She says they will have more to say on it in due course. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says it's likely the Government isn't thrilled with Peters leaking these details - and it wasn't pre-authorised by Willis or anyone else. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new test case for the standards of political neutrality expected in the public service. Craig Stobo has resigned as chair of the Financial Markets Authority, after an investigation found he'd voiced too many political views for someone in an apolitical public sector role. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The All Blacks and Wallabies are poised to meet in an Anzac Day test match next year. The New Zealand Herald reports it is now almost certain that the All Blacks will travel to Australia —likely Perth— for the Bledisloe Cup test in April. It would form part of a three-game series in 2027, while the sides will also square off in pool play at the World Cup next year. NZ Herald's Gregor Paul told Piney that for the coaching team, the match would provide a short window during Super Rugby to effectively test out where they will be playing in the World Cup ahead of time. However, he said, it does put a lot of pressure on the players to train over the summer so they're ready for Super Rugby, and then maintain their form right through to November. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast for 2nd May 2026, is an Anzac Day test on the cards for the All Blacks and Wallabies? NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul joins the show to discuss what it means if it does go ahead. The Hurricanes have fended off the Crusaders, claiming a hard-fought victory. Brayden Iose recaps the team's win. And there's drama in the Crucible at the World Snooker Championship. Get the Weekend Sport with Jason Pine Full Show Podcast every Saturday and Sunday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent burst of bad weather and growing concerns about inflation have prompted Kiwis to worry about their insurance premiums going up. Insurance premiums have dropped back down and more buffers have been built since Cyclone Gabrielle, but concerns have been raised. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is still mulling whether to back the India free-trade agreement, despite it being set to be signed on Monday. Speaking to the Herald after Labour's caucus met on Tuesday, leader Chris Hipkins couldn't say how close the party was to finalising its position on the agreement, but said it was continuing to talk to the Government “in good faith”. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he'll comment no more on speculation about his leadership - calling it a media soap-opera - after saying his job's safe. Chris Luxon delivered a prepared statement to media, revealing he's backed by his Caucus, saying it passed a formal motion of confidence at today's three-hour meeting. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacked the 'unusual' circumstances behind this release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiwi company Allbirds has announced a new direction and it's drawn questions from experts. After years of losses, the former sustainable shoe company is transitioning to AI after selling all its assets this month. It's revised its moniker to NewBirds AI - seeing share values surging up to 700 percent. NZ Herald senior business writer Chris Keall says the tech and business-based press has raised concerns about what this could do for the company. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inland Revenue has claimed New Zealand needs higher taxes, building off earlier arguments made by Treasury. It sees scope to increase the goods and services tax (GST) rate - offering a cash transfer to low-income earners - and tax more capital gains. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Matt Heath joins Finn Caddie to share survival stories from the storm in Auckland and ask the question: How does the NZ Herald keep getting away with this (00:00)?WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE!Then the fellas give a live and now out-of-date Masters update (05:30), and then get into the Warriors smashing the Storm in Melbourne just like we said they would (07:40)... Plus, they touch on Carlos Ulberg winning the Light Heavyweight belt on one leg (14:20), recap the latest round of Super Rugby (21:40) and breakdown the playoff picture for AFC and the Phoenix (24:25)!Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (33:20)... 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.

The Reserve Bank says it's still unclear what today's Iran ceasefire announcement - and resulting dramatic fall in oil prices - mean for New Zealand. The central bank's held the Official Cash Rate unchanged, at 2.25 percent. It's working off the assumption inflation will surge to 4.2 percent this quarter. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For what it's worth, let me have a crack at the latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll. Firstly, officially, I pay no attention to them other than a broad theme i.e. a collection of polls and an overarching trend. The trend continues in this latest poll with the Government being re-elected by a fairly heavy margin, 65 seats to 55. Small point: is it me or do there seem to be a lot of polls? Is it because of election year? It's not cheap to do a poll so someone is either fascinated, or flush. Then of course we get to the now well accepted truth that getting people to participate isn't easy. In fact, it's getting harder and the age-old concept of 1000 random people is well and truly gone as they hand out food vouchers and rewards to take part. The next problem with this poll is the NZ First figure of 13.6%, which is up four points. That isn't real. That's about a 30%-ish increase. No one grows or loses their support at that pace. You also see a shift fairly dramatically to the Government. National is up, NZ First is up, and ACT is up. The Government are on fire according to this. Are they? But despite all that moderately interesting analysis, all the NZ Herald could do yesterday was focus on the fact National had failed to get 30%, even though it was 29.8%. And you always round up, so it was 30%. Why we fixate on large parties in an MMP environment I still don't know. MMP is about parties and deals. This election is about two choices – the current lot, or the other lot. On this poll, in fact virtually in all polls, the current lot win. If you want to fixate on National then, yes, if these numbers were real, they would lose some seats. But that's because they did well last time and why did they do well last time? Ardern, Hipkins, Robertson, and Covid. Case closed. Parties that ride high in one election tend to shrink in the next. It's not fun if you are in the middle of it but it's political reality nevertheless. In an environment where the vote is so widely split, having 30%+ parties will get more and more rare. It's not a bad thing, but the media having decided they hate Luxon can't look past it. Maybe for them it's more fun than the reality of the overall poll, which is of course their preferred option. The left is getting spanked. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, just made waves with his triumphant return to social media on his 32nd birthday. Parade reports he posted a single Instagram photo of himself smiling over a heart-shaped chocolate cake topped with strawberries and candles, captioned simply "32." This came after he wiped his account clean last month, deleting all posts and unfollowing everyone following his Super Bowl halftime show—no official reason given, but fans speculate it was a reset amid political buzz or prep for new music. The post exploded with over 7 million likes and 100,000 comments in hours, from celebs like Lala Anthony shouting "Happy Birthday Benito!!!" to HBO Max's "Feliz Cumpleaños."On the charts, Billboard Breakdown's March 11 episode notes one of his tracks, "Vaart Papa Rico," just dropped off the Hot 100 after a short run, chalked up to fading album bomb momentum amid Bruno Mars dominating. Fans aren't slowing down though—YouTube's buzzing with "Bad Bunny Greatest Hits Full Album 2026" compilations racking up views, blending his top Latin trap and reggaeton anthems. A fresh track, "La Playa Donde Te Perdí A Ti," dropped as emotional Latin trap about lost love and memories, already trending in Spanish music circles.Big news too: NZ Herald confirms Bad Bunny as headliner for Super Bowl LX halftime show in 2026, announced by Roc Nation, NFL, and Apple Music during a Cowboys-Packers game—his follow-up to this year's performance has listeners hyped for a massive spectacle.Thanks for tuning in, listeners—come back next week for more. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for me, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Regular commentator and Business Editor at Large for the NZ Herald, Liam Dann joins us to discuss the latest signs of economic recovery, whether we can outperform Australia and alternative ways to manage inflation.