Podcast appearances and mentions of Paul Henry

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 11th of September 2026 - Protest and interjections at political meetings after a fracas at an event with ACT's Paul Henry. Then our Afternoons duo talked Memories of 9/11. Plus the New Zealander Of The Week and Dai Henwood on the Wahs. Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosetta and Milly catch up with Lara to chat about the latest with The Labour Party, Paul Henry's comments about The Greens, and NZ First's proposition to make superanuation exclusive to New Zealand citizens. Whakarongo mai nei!

Here is a full episode of Free to Disagree, our new weekly show with Oliver Hartwich and Damien Grant. Paul Henry is standing for ACT and Taine Randell for New Zealand First. Oliver and Damien ask whether celebrity candidates actually win votes, and why New Zealand tends to produce the reverse, politicians who become famous through politics. They then unpack deadweight loss and why higher taxes change behaviour in ways revenue forecasts often ignore. And finally, they turn to MBIE's failed biometric project and whether New Zealand has created a permanent bureaucratic class too insulated from ministers and too weakly accountable when things go wrong. Free to Disagree is a weekly conversation about New Zealand politics and economics with Oliver Hartwich and Damien Grant. Two friends on broadly the same side of politics who find plenty to disagree about anyway. Each week they discuss three big issues, leading up to the election. Free to Disagree lives on its own feed where you will find every episode. So if you are enjoying it, follow the show directly. Search Free to Disagree in your podcast app and follow it there. Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/free…ee/id6800933200 Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/03465zUGiOtfO38Yg0wVip Produced by The New Zealand Initiative.

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams is joined by broadcaster-turned-ACT candidate Paul Henry for a lively, wide-ranging conversation on the campaign, the state of the centre-right, and why he thinks this election is too important to sit out.From ACT's push for smaller government and lower taxes to superannuation reform, Treaty politics, immigration, and the future of taxpayer-funded media, Henry makes the case for a sharper, braver government - and explains why he wants to be part of it.Support the show

A few weeks ago, ACT candidate Paul Henry kicked off a debate about kids' behaviour in schools .. he argued that teachers should have more power to remove disruptive students from classrooms. At the time we spoke to a former teacher about what children are like in the classroom and whether behaviour is getting worse. We're going to talk about the issue again today because Sir Ian Taylor has written an opinion piece saying that we're getting distracted from much bigger questions about our education system. The founder and managing director of Animation Research chats to Jesse. [picture id="4JLIADN_Image_jfif" crop="16x10" layout="full"]

You've got to ask yourself: what on earth was the Migrant Association thinking? This comes after its stunt of guillotining an effigy of Winston Peters because it believes he's racist. It obviously disregarded the fact that many supporters of Peters believe unmitigated immigration allows undesirable migrants to flood the country, the type who think nothing of guillotining a politician or anybody else they disagree with. All it does is reinforce the stereotype of the violent migrant coming to replace the existing population. This is what Peters is railing against. And it's happening at the same time as the case of Ann Widdecombe that rocked the UK, a politician who was bludgeoned to death with a hammer for the crime of being a politician. Now, this was the same example used by people who found Paul Henry's statement about shooting Chris Hipkins distasteful, albeit a joke prompted by some radio jocks. So, if the Migrant Association thought this stunt would strengthen support for its position, then it has clearly failed. I think it should apologise. But that doesn't seem likely because, so far, it has defended the stunt as satire, which it wasn't. As Paul Henry discovered, there is nothing funny about suggesting the assassination of a politician. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martin "Bomber" Bradbury has written an article stating, "The Daily Blog has secretly been taken to Court and I'm facing 6months in prison: We can't tell you who, how, why or what" and while there is a lot that obviously cannot be said, we'll catch up with Bomber LIVE tonight at pm to see what he can tell us about the situation.We'll review the weekend's Big Hairy Debate, highs and lows, making the papers today for all the wrong reasons and explore some of the questions Pat had lined up but didn't get too due to time restraints.ACT wants to give teachers the legal power to remove "seriously or persistently disruptive" "little shits" from a classroom. Announcing the policy in Auckland on Sunday, ACT candidate Paul Henry said the law would give teachers clear legal protections and the power to regain "order" in the classroom.And we're sure there will be more news broken today which we may pick up on as well++++++++++++++++++++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/

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Monday the 3rd of August 2026, NZ First's wants to give parents money to have more children, parenting expert Nathan Wallis tells Ryan if it's enough of an incentive. Paul Henry's unveiled his first Act Party policy, giving teachers the legal power to remove naughty students from the classroom, Secondary Principals Council Chair Steve McCracken tells Ryan if this is the power teachers need. UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on a search and rescue operation is underway after two Firefighting helicopters collided while tackling wildfires in a region West of Athens and the European Union to hold emergency talks tomorrow to discuss the migration crisis in Ceuta after tense exchanges between Spain and other member states. Plus, Business Correspondent Vicky Pryce has the latest on the economic impact of the wild forest fires across Europe, inflation up in Europe and bond markets expecting higher inflation and pushing bond yields up globally. 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.

One sexist text to a podcasting politico had National gnashing their teeth, but it wasn't the only political dignity deficit in the news this week. Also: are podcasts popular enough for people to pay enough for the makers to make a living here? Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:00:54 Coverage of Nash's text going public - and other political dignity deficits10:54 Midweek Mediawatch trail: golf vs football, sport obscures more war13:30 Paul Henry quizzed on levelling up news media and big tech16:49 Craig T Robertson on the global rise of podcasts - and start-ups upstaging big players.22:45 Local podcaster Eugene Bingham on making a living from it and new service Long Story Short.Follow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Before they were getting Paul Henry to send "Death Threats" to Chris Hipkins and talking about shaggin Winnie, Jerry & Manaia chatted to Great NZer Ryan Fox just a couple of days after his win at The Open!Here's the full chat from the Hauraki Breakfast, including what it was like standing over that final putt on the 18th, the whirlwind of emotions since the win and what's next for Foxy...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.

Our political correspondent talks about the controversies surrounding Stuart Nash, Shane Jones and Paul Henry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has completely lost the plot over Paul Henry playing a classic radio game on Hauraki. Calling a joke a genuine death threat is bloody ridiculous, especially when Chris Hipkins has played the exact same game himself. Plus, Stuart Nash gets dumped by NZ First before election day, and we break down a mad week in Kiwi politics with Maurice Williamson and Ashley Church. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the Show, the guys rehash the Paul Henry Situation.... (0:48:00) Plus, we chat to Dai Henwood ahead of the Wahs game! (0:40:00) Follow The Hauraki Breakfast Show on Instagram Subscribe to the podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Featuring Jeremy Wells and Manaia Stewart, "The Hauraki Breakfast" a radio show like no other weekdays from 6am on Radio Hauraki. Guaranteed to teach you bad new habits, raise your eyebrows, and make you smirk on a regular basis. News, sport & music that rocks! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday has arrived, which means it's time for Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson to Wrap the Week that Was with Mike Hosking. They discussed the Commonwealth Games, which have officially gotten underway, Stuart Nash and the comments that lead to him resigning from NZ First, and Labour's response to Paul Henry's answer in a game of ‘shoot, shad, marry' on Radio Hauraki. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under normal circumstances, if I was a Prime Minister, I'd avoid the dumb brigade. In general terms they preside in music radio and/or on podcast platforms. It is the arena of numbnut behaviour, it's always a trap. Anthony Albanese found this out a few weeks ago when he was offered an option of who to shag or marry and ended up bumbling through an answer that suggested he would shag Kylie Minogue and that the Rabbitohs were an aphrodisiac. He almost immediately apologised, as he should have. Paul Henry suggesting he would shoot Chris Hipkins is our new version as of yesterday. This came off the back of the Stuart Nash mess (for the record, a completely different set of circumstances) and what appears to be a newfound desire to be “outraged”. Labour is “outraged”. My fear this election campaign is there is more where this came from. Nash is an idiot with form and his comments weren't funny, or even in the entertainment realm. Henry, who also has form but in the “this could be funny, or could be a bridge too far” category, gets away with it this time because of the setting i.e. a music radio station looking for giggles, and also because Labour need to be careful with their “outrage” habit. Henry also gets away with it because he currently is merely a citizen. It will be different, potentially, if he is an MP and even more different if he is a Cabinet minister. Albanese didn't get away with it because he isn't funny at the best of times, just looked like a dirty old man and, more importantly, because he is a Prime Minister and Prime Ministers need to be beyond reproach. Citizens can do what they like but MPs need to be one rung up from that. Cabinet ministers need to be pretty squeaky clean and Prime Ministers need to be saint-like, artificially so, hence we don't attract normal people to represent us anymore. Labour need a sense of humour and the ability to manufacture their outrage at opportune times, not anytime. It is still only July and I'm over this election and it hasn't even started. Henry will be back for more of this, I wouldn't rule Michael Laws out of saying something random, Shane Jones is building a head of steam, and my bet is that before November 7th someone we haven't even thought of will end up doing something weird, creepy, or mental. All I can say is, be patient. It's only just begun. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 24th of July, NZ's Chef de Mission Nigel Avery speaks on the Commonwealth Games from Glasgow. Netball NZ Chair Alastair Carruthers discusses the sad state of the organisation's finances and poor viewing numbers – so what is the future of the sport? Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson talk the Commonwealth Games, emojis telling you to slow down, Stuart Nash, and Paul Henry as they Wrap the Week. 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.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 23 July, 2026, we ask New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones if Stuart Nash's criticism of a rival taking maternity leave really was a resignation-level offence. We talk to the brother of builder Michael McGrath, murdered by his childhood friend David Benbow in 2017, about the no body, no parole bill. One Year Out author Charlotte Bell tells us about her story of getting sober. And on The Huddle, Oscar Kightley and David Farrar on whether too much has been made of ACT candidate Paul Henry's "shoot, shag or marry" radio gag. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog writer and Curia pollster David Farrar and artist and local Government politician Oscar Kightley joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paul Henry has copped some backlash from Labour after saying he'd shoot Chris Hipkins as part of a risqué radio game. Does this really count as a death threat - or is Labour making a big deal about an innocuous comment? Stuart Nash has resigned following his controversial comments about Katie Nimon's parental leave. Was this the right call? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Show, Jerry has returned from his holiday! Where did he go? The guys were also joined by Ryan Fox! (0:27:59) And Paul Henry (00:44:30) Plus, Manaia really wants to buy a shark! (0:55:51) Follow The Hauraki Breakfast Show on Instagram Subscribe to the podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! Featuring Jeremy Wells and Manaia Stewart, "The Hauraki Breakfast" a radio show like no other weekdays from 6am on Radio Hauraki. Guaranteed to teach you bad new habits, raise your eyebrows, and make you smirk on a regular basis. News, sport & music that rocks!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lara dials in for a chat with Rosetta and Milly about the latest NZ First conference, proposed changes to sick leave, and Paul Henry joining the ACT Party. Whakarongo mai nei!

This week on the Monday Wire...  For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, News Director Castor spoke to MP Simon Court about newly announced ACT candidate Paul Henry, default union membership, and scrutiny over the ban on puberty blockers. They also spoke to Children's Commissioner Claire Achmad about problems with the proposed move-on orders bill and particularly how it can impact young people in Aotearoa.  Wednesday Wire producer Theo spoke to University of Canterbury Associate Professor Tim Chambers about the impacts of nitrate levels on pre-term births.  And Monday Wire producer spoke with Dr Terryann Clark, the Cure Kids Professorial Chair in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Auckland, about banning social media for under 16-year-olds in Aotearoa.

Last week, the ACT Party announced that former broadcaster Paul Henry will be running as a candidate in this year's election. Henry has been subject to some controversy in the past, with derogatory comments made towards multiple public figures during his time as a breakfast show host.  Also last week, the Green Party announced a policy of default union membership, meaning that a person will be automatically signed up for the appropriate union when they start a new job. The ACT Party says this policy impedes on personal freedoms, though the Greens have reiterated that people can still leave unions.  Lastly, the government's ban on puberty blockers has been under scrutiny following a court case from the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa. The association has put forward multiple critiques, primarily that the ban appears to be based in ideology rather than medical evidence.  For this week's catch-up with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about each of these issues, beginning with Paul Henry's appointment as a candidate.

Paul Henry has worked in broadcasting for more than forty years, becoming one of the most recognisable names in New Zealand television from his time as a presenter, and more recently serving as a board member for TVNZ. On Tuesday he announced his candidacy for the ACT Party list. He says while the decision came together quickly, he wants to be in parliament to create a better future for his ten grandchildren. He joins Jack Tame to discuss what that future might look like. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper joined Francesca Rudkin to discuss the big political news of the week. Paul Henry debuts his political career, the new ferries receive names, NZ First's convention makes headlines, and the Green Party calls for union membership as default setting for new employees. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's unveiling of Paul Henry triggered a media frenzy - and claims the shock jock might shirk the work it takes to make it in politics. Also: how Sam Neill's shock death stopped the news & Stuff's new digital bid to hook local news readers. Read more about this episode of Mediawatch on the RNZ websiteIn this episode:1:19 Sam Neill's death shocked the media, but his depth and range were duly honoured.13:46 The stage-managed Paul Henry announcement prompted a full-on media frenzy, followed by scepticism about his commitment.25:48 Hosking misses the mark on political poll.27:47 Stuff rejigs Neighbourly to push back at platforms.30:00 Stuff's masthead chief Joanna Norris on the NeighbourlyNews.co.nz planFollow Mediawatch and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any podcast app to make sure you never miss an episode.Find more RNZ Podcasts at the new section of the RNZ website at rnz.co.nz/podcastsGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

With Paul Henry standing for ACT, one thing is guaranteed: people will pay attention. Love him or loathe him, Henry knows how to command an audience, and in modern politics that's no small advantage. New Zealanders likes to think we vote on policy, and we should, but personality has always mattered. John Key's easy-going style, Jacinda Ardern's empathy, and Winston Peters' theatre are contrasting examples of how politicians communicate being just as important as what they say. I was fortunate enough to sit on TVNZ's Breakfast TV couch with Paul Henry a couple of times a week for a few years, and saw his strengths up close. He's articulate, quick-thinking, intelligent, confident, fun and fearless in front of a microphone. Those are valuable political skills. As we've seen in the short space of time since he announced his intention to stand as a list candidate for ACT, Henry attracts the kind of media coverage ACT can't buy, brings fresh attention to the party, and will probably reach voters who wouldn't normally tune into politics. If he made it into Cabinet his communication skills could make him a persuasive minister. But there's a risk. This is the man who told me I was the size of a whale live on TV when I was pregnant. Twice. Big personalities can suck the oxygen out of a campaign. David Seymour has spent years carefully building ACT into a significant political force based on consistent messaging and disciplined policy. If every interview becomes about Paul Henry rather than ACT the party, it risks becoming a personality show instead of a political movement. That's a difficult balance for any leader to manage. Henry will also be a tough character to reign in. It's a little like dealing with an adolescent - Seymour will need to set some strong boundaries. If he manages this, then Henry will probably help ACT more than he will hurt it. If Henry accepts that Seymour is the leader and not the supporting act, the two could successfully complement each other - Seymour providing the policy depth, Henry bringing the attention. As for Labour, National and the other parties, they'd be wise not to focus on Paul Henry. Taking personal shots only feeds the publicity machine - and they're unlikely to come out on top. Henry has spent decades handling criticism and often thrives on confrontation. If they do need to respond to the Henry machine, the smarter move will be to challenge his policies, question his experience, and let voters decide whether media success automatically translates into political ability. Ultimately, celebrity may get you elected, but it won't keep you there. New Zealanders enjoy a colourful character, but we also expect substance. Paul Henry will 100% make this general election campaign more entertaining. Whether he can convert attention into effective public service is still up in the air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. ACT: 8/10 A lot has yet to unfold but the Paul Henry move, so far, looks like a stroke of political genius. NZ Inc: 7/10 An encouraging week with manufacturing, services, and confidence all up. Slowly but surely. The World Cup: 8/10 There isn't an economically associated story I have seen that hasn't been glowing and/or upbeat about it. It's a massive success. Brendon McCullum: 6/10 On balance, he's been a net gain for England cricket, and he has kept 66% of the jobs. Keir Starmer: 4/10 To hear him leave was an exercise in self-important gibberish. He lasted five minutes and cocked it up to the point they knifed him. Give the man the Legion of Honour... LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 17th of July, Social Development Minister Louise Upston discusses the new benefit numbers, and there's good news —potentially— about power prices. All Blacks Assistant Coach Neil Barnes discusses the team's plan to defend the Fortress against Ireland this weekend. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discuss Paul Henry going into politics, Kate's degree, and life in America as they Wrap the Week. 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.

It's Friday, which means Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson are back with Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that Was. They discussed Paul Henry's shift into politics, Kate's degree and whether working while studying makes you do better, and life in America. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for our weekly politics catch-up with political scientist, writer, and former deputy leader of The Opportunities Party, or TOP as it was known then, Natalia Albert. Tonight: How much impact will Paul Henry have on Act's electoral fortunes, the politics behind NZ First's attempt to limit voting to citizens and why Labour is still missing in action.

Sam Neill's shock death jolted our media - but they admirably honoured his depth and range. Paul Henry and Count Binface candidacies captivates media, court news in podcast form. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Toby Manhire, Phil Goff and Fran O'Sullivan. They debate the latest poll results, National has slumped to its lowest level of support since Christopher Luxon became leader. So would a change in leader help? The poll suggests not. Meanwhile, the fledgling Opportunity Party has surged to within a whisker of Parliament. Plus, The Whip discusses yet another familiar face making his way into politics...what they make of Paul Henry's ACT announcement.

ACT's newest - and best known - political prospect says the party has a perception issue he's hoping to fix. Former broadcaster Paul Henry's announced he's standing as a list candidate this election, and is gunning for portfolios if their campaign is successful. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the reactions to the announcement from both sides of the political aisle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The uncomfortable truth National MPs won't say out loud is that nothing is moving the dial. With eight consecutive polls putting the party under 30%, Christopher Luxon has a massive messenger problem. Plus, the man himself, Paul Henry, joins the podcast. He reveals why he's trading his runway for a run at Parliament with Act, and whether he can actually survive the mundane reality of Wellington. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 15 July, 2026, we talk to Poultry Industry Association executive director Fiona MacMillan about how well we're prepared for the first case of bird flu. Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty explains what punishment he wants for councillors who behave badly. We hear why a treatment centre's now been set up to deal with cellphone and screen addiction. And on The Huddle, we ask Tim Wilson and Mike Munro if ACT's new candidate, Paul Henry, will be a problem for Christopher Luxon. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and former Labour Chief of Staff Mike Munro joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Wellington deputy mayor Ben McNulty is calling for tougher regulations on misbehaving councillors, including docking pay, banning people from meetings - or even recall elections. Do we think these changes are needed, or is this anti-democratic? We got our first case of bird flu in New Zealand today - should we be worried? What could this mean for our poultry sector? Paul Henry recently gave an interview about why Prime Minister Chris Luxon isn't clicking with voters after he announced his bid to run for ACT. Does he have a point here? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ACT Party's newest candidate seems certain to shake up the coming election. Broadcaster Paul Henry resigned overnight from TVNZ's board to take a spot on the party's list. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

Today on Politics Wednesday Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest stories of the week thus far. ACT has announced Paul Henry as a candidate in this year's election – do they have any advice for the former broadcaster? And the Opportunity Party's popularity has been growing – do they have a shot at making it into government this year? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Henry's promising his desire to instigate change is genuine, and he won't be wasting any time if he makes it into Parliament. The former broadcaster's running as a list MP for the ACT party this election and has expressed his desire to become a minister. Henry told Mike Hosking he knows the work is hard, and not always fun. The 65-year-old says maybe he should have thought more about it, but he has considered the commitment overall. Paul Henry says he'd like to give at least six years to his political career. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 15th of July, have global fuel worries spiked —again— amid the latest flip-flopping from the US? Paul Henry is the highest-profile name to announce his political run —joining ACT— so Mike puts an old friend through his paces. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the celeb power in politics and the Opportunity Party's chances 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.

Paul Henry and I go back a long way. Decades in fact. He used to read news on a show of mine. I can't say I saw politics in his future, but then I can't say I could have ruled it out either. And why not him? He's retired, he could be bored, or he could be driven to make a contribution, if hanging out in Wellington is a contribution you want to make. He is good fun, he is bright, and he is worldly. But I don't think he will fit well into the “system”. He is a free spirit, and those sorts of people don't tend to operate well in teams with instruction. He spoke passionately about his country. It could be age, but I feel exactly the same way. I don't have to live here, I chose to because I love this place. He is in the same sort of position, so why not try to lend a hand? He spoke singularly about our debt and he is indisputably right. He could have stolen the lines and concern from me. Maybe all blokes of 60-ish age worry about our debt and our country. Maybe it's because we are old enough to remember better days and see no reason why we can't re-engineer the place to be like it once was. But politics is about more than debt. The other issue is if you're going to Wellington to save the country you really need to be in a position of power and National has more power than ACT. So this is clearly also a philosophical or ideological decision – he likes the cut of their libertarian gib. In terms of performance the place will be better for him. He's fun and quick. He might want to watch the line between serious and clown, entertaining and nutty, professional and self-indulgent. The big gamechanger for him will be accountability. Once they vote for you, once they pay for you, they own you and, boy, they let you know it. But I like people who don't have to do stuff, doing stuff. They are generally there for the right reasons. David Seymour told me it's just the shot in the arm they need right now. I think he's right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Nalini Baruch and Andie McCombs. First up, we discuss the latest political news with Paul Henry announcing his candidacy for the ACT Party. Plus the RNZ-Reid Research poll has one small centrist party on the rise, so can The Opportunity Party really make it to parliament. Then, a hunting competition over the weekend saw 400 feral cats killed, SPCA gives Wallace their response. And Wellingtonians ready for their Wuthering Heights moment.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) But This Lunatic?/So, We're Doing Polls?/Understanding Power/Too Dark to Get UpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former broadcaster Paul Henry recently confirmed he plans to run for the ACT Party this election, and leader David Seymour has expressed confidence in him. Henry has announced he's running as a list-only candidate, and has resigned from TVNZ's board. The famed former broadcaster failed in a National bid for Wairarapa in 1999. He says he wants to be a minister - but won't name a portfolio. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New ACT candidate Paul Henry says he's not entering politics aspiring to leadership. The former TVNZ Breakfast host is standing on the party list for this year's election. Leader David Seymour says he'll be placed in an electable position. Henry says he doesn't want to lead ACT. As for his hopes on becoming a minister, he says he hasn't thought yet which portfolio he'd want. "If we are successful, ACT - if we get our way, there'll be far less ministers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How good is that Paul Henry announcement, eh? How good is that? ACT sent out a little media advisory last night about 7:30pm, saying there would be a major announcement. It would not be a policy announcement, no exclusive would be offered and there would be no embargoed material. I looked at it and immediately the texts started coming in. Is David Seymour resigning? Has somebody died? Is somebody pregnant? What's going on? I looked at it and thought, that's a lot of hype right there in that little media advisory. This better be good or the chat is going to be about damp squibs. But no, Paul Henry is absolutely worth all that hype. Paul Henry, I think, is the candidate get of the election so far. Don't forget, he was the highest-rated host of breakfast television in this country. He is immensely popular. He probably, I think, will single-handedly lift ACT's vote; at the very least, he will hold it up. Paul brings two things to ACT. The first is his absolute belief in New Zealand. That is authentic. He's been raving about New Zealand being paradise for years now. He's even done a TV show about it. When he says he wants to be in Parliament to sort out New Zealand's prosperity for the sake of his grandkids, I absolutely believe that to be true. The second thing he brings is entertainment. ACT has been struggling to break through on the right. The headlines have largely been hogged by New Zealand First. Paul Henry, I think, can get cut-through with his wit alone. Go and have a look at that press conference. He was very, very funny. Now, this is not to say that Paul Henry is going to go down well with everyone. There is a small group of people out there who absolutely hate his guts, but that is no loss to ACT because those people were most probably going to vote left anyway. My only hope for Paul is that he doesn't come to regret this decision because going into Parliament very rarely ends well for people who already have public profiles and successful careers. Somehow, though, I think if that is how it goes for Paul Henry, he's not going to give a damn anyway, so it probably doesn't matter. Ten out of ten. This announcement is brilliant for ACT's campaign. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 14 July, 2026, ACT candidate Paul Henry tells us he'll think big if elected - but doesn't want to be leader. Delivereasy founder Tim Robinson explains our growing appetite for takeaways, spending more than $1 billion on them in three months. Karangahape Precinct Collective chair William Keung on why he believes the popular Auckland street needs 24-hour policing. And on The Huddle, Maurice Williamson and Mark Sainsbury are at odds on whether the Opportunity Party is on course to get into Parliament. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Paul Henry has confirmed he's standing for the ACT Party ahead of the election - what do we make of this? Will this help ACT's chances? Do we see him making a difference in Parliament? National underperformed in another poll - should we be worried? Does it surprise us that Kiwis spent more than a billion dollars in takeaway deliveries in the first three months of the year? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex and Ben welcome the Kiwi's back, to a brand new game of The Traitors New Zealand - This time, Madeleine takes the reigns from Paul Henry and we already have a shock exit and a surprise third Traitor, but who could it be? They also discuss the 'Turret' and who their favourites are so far in the game! The show would be no fun without your help so comment and find out more here: linktr.ee/faithfulto Also help with the show here: buymeacoffee.com/faithful See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alex and Ben welcome the Kiwi's back, to a brand new game of The Traitors New Zealand - This time, Madeleine takes the reigns from Paul Henry and we already have a shock exit and a surprise third Traitor, but who could it be? They also discuss the 'Turret' and who their favourites are so far in the game! The show would be no fun without your help so comment and find out more here: linktr.ee/faithfulto Also help with the show here: buymeacoffee.com/faithful Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices