Podcast appearances and mentions of Paul Henry

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/

We opted to go with Act wanting to give teachers the legal power to remove seriously or persistently disruptive students from a classroom. Now in an election year with parties struggling to get airtime and oxygen, you have to wonder how much of this is serious policy, how much they seriously think they can get pushed through in a coalition, how much is just to generate headlines. I'd venture to suggest this falls into that category, the headline grabbing one. The party's new policy would allow teachers to send disruptive students to a supervised space and staff would be protected when using a reasonable and proportionate intervention to prevent harm or destruction of property. Corporal punishment wouldn't be allowed for all of you wanting and advocating a return to six of the best and it never did me any harm and look at me now. That's not what they're going back to. They're just saying that you'd be able to manhandle a child out of the class, shove them into a storage room with some poor underpaid teacher aide and there'd be no legal comeback. Announcing the policy in Auckland yesterday, Paul Henry, the Act candidate, said the law would give teachers clear legal protections and the power to regain order in the classroom. Let's be honest, he said, there are a lot of little shits in classrooms and we need to address that if we're going to lift education standards. Teachers need to know they're respected and they need to know the law is actually on their side. There are two things here. First, Paul Henry knew exactly what he was talking about when he called the kids LS's. No more of this woke wishy washy double speak when you vote for Act. No, no, no. Let's call a spade an effing shovel and a disruptive child a little shit. Teachers know their pupils. What teachers need is support and you know today multiple journalists said to me, but what about this, but what about this, but what about if this child's, you know, autistic or got, teachers know that. Teachers know if this child is just being a little shit and is disturbing the class or if they genuinely can't control themselves. And so what we're doing with this policy is we're giving teachers another tool and we're saying to teachers and this to me is the most important part, we are supporting you in law to manage and control your class. How humiliating must it be for teachers as they stand back and just helplessly watch people totally disturb their class and know that these good students are literally sitting by watching this nightmare happen. What are the messages being sent to those students? Look, I'm sure he's right. There are some LS's in the classroom and it's really frustrating for the children and for parents to watch valuable time and resources being spent on manipulative LS's who play the system, who go on the school trips, cause maximum disruption and then get rewarded by being the first to do the fun stuff because you're trying, the poor teachers are trying to manage the behaviour of these LS's. But the thing is when you have good teachers and principals, they know how to manage them. There were three known LS's at the grandkids' school who are no longer there. Where they've gone, no one's quite sure, but the stuffing of the uniforms and class books and reading books into the toilets, the bullying, the incredibly violent behaviour in the classroom has stopped. Not there anymore and hours and hours of teacher and classroom time has been regained every school year. There are still neurodivergent children in the school. They fit in just fine. Allowances are madefor everybody with quirks and foibles. Quirks and foibles fine, LS's not so much. But the teachers tend to know how to manage them already. And that brings me to the second point, is this something that teachers have asked for? Is Act's policy as articulated by Paul Henry something the teachers actually want? Have they demanded the right to be able to grapple an hysterical violent seven year old out of their classroom without fear of legal repercussion or do they simply want smaller classrooms, more teacher aides, more teacher training, more power to expel a child from their school, special classrooms set up to deal with children with really severe behavioural problems? Big difference across the spectrum, huge difference across the spectrum and some of the LS's I believe are not neurodivergent at all but actually just like being bad. Not many. It's really hard this election campaign given some of the pronouncements that are coming from the different political parties to sort out whether they actually believe this or whether they're doing it in a dog whistling form of electioneering and campaigning. Looking at New Zealand First and now looking at Act. Is this something the education system has been crying out for or is he just looking for headlines? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view ACT's classroom behaviour policy misses the mark. It wants to give teachers more legal power to remove seriously or persistently disruptive students from class and introduce mandatory stand-downs for those who assault teachers or classmates. Parents who repeatedly fail to engage with schools would also face fines. Secondary Principals' Council Chair Steve McCracken told Ryan Bridge teachers can already physically restrain students as a last resort. He says these existing rules are absolutely fine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

The ACT Party's campaigning on a classroom disruption crackdown. If elected it says it will back teachers who reasonably remove disruptive students from the classroom, and force parents to take accountability. That could include fines if parents refuse to meet with schools about their child's behaviour. Candidate Paul Henry joined the Weekend Collective to explain further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters escaped censure yesterday from the Speaker after his little outburst against a Green MP. But Mr Peters is still being judged in the court of public opinion. Carmel Sepuloni was jumping up and down demanding he resign, or be sacked, or just go away, which is not going to happen. China complained to MFAT. You've got to hand it to China – they play a subtle ball. They never mentioned Winston by name, calling him a certain politician, and then their Ambassador gave this little zinger saying: "Sometimes, a statement says more about the person that makes it, than anything or anybody else." All this didn't deter Winston, who doubled down and said he was defending democracy. Which is fine. The Green MP was being very interrupty in the House, but you can do that without sounding like an ignorant grumpy old man. And that's what Winston should be most ashamed of. He didn't have a clue about this MP. It was up there with Paul Henry who asked for a more New Zealand Governor General when the Governor General was born and raised here, and had even been the President of Rugby League. Both men looked at the colour of the face and made a terrible assumption. There's a word for that. And they just should have been better prepped before they opened their big mouth and stuck their foot in it.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

Now it's just over three months till the election. It is a really important election. New Zealand is struggling to get back on its feet economically. A lot of Kiwis are hurting, and they've been hurting for a long, long time. And they have to decide between a party that gives them stuff, “Oh look, we've got free stuff for you," or a party that is promised to fix things, “Hey, we're in charge here," but is still in the process of fixing things and hasn't fixed a great deal yet, “Oh, it takes time.” Or even whether they should give their vote to a shiny new party, “Hi, we're from TOP," utterly unproven, has some interesting takes on taxing the rich, but hey, at least it's not National or Labour, stuff National or Labour. I'll go with that nice girl in that shiny party that may well end up taking your land off you, but hey ho, there we go, at least it's not National or Labour. There is a lot to think about. There's a lot to consider, there's a lot to discuss, there are policies to pick apart, but instead we've spent a week of the 12 weeks we have left until the election fixated on stupid, crass, dumb stuff that politicians and would be politicians say. Should be a new media segment: Dumb Stuff Politicians Say. The media and the public are to blame equally. The media gets clicks on the website and eyes on social media and calls on talkback. Makes it easy, don't even have to work for them. The public can have a knee jerk reaction, “Oh, that's shocking," and an immediate opinion, “What a terrible person," without having to do the hard work of reading through policies and analysis of policies. And as expected, it didn't take Paul Henry long to be at the centre of a row when he was the guest of Radio Hauraki yesterday morning. JEREMY WELLS: Quick game of shoot, shag, marry. Chris Luxon, Chris Hipkins, and Winston Peters. Who are you shooting? Who are you shagging? Who are you marrying? PAUL HENRY: I mean, you know, you've got to shoot Hipkins, haven't you? WELLS: Okay, so Hipkins is no more. MANAIA STEWART: There's your headline. HENRY: Yeah, I'm shagging Winston. WELLS: And you're marrying Luxon. AYESHA VERRALL: That is absolutely inappropriate and these things do have to be called out because we can't just let death threats go in our political conversation. There are nutters out there who feed off these sorts of things and one day, you know, we can be in the situation which the UK is in where members of Parliament lose their lives. Oh, Ayesha Verrall, cool your jets. That was Ayesha on with my colleague Nick Mills in Wellington when she'd learned that Paul Henry had played shoot, shag, marry on Radio Hauraki. Death threats. The righteous indignation from Labour seems a bit OTT given Chris Hipkins participated in a similar game on The Project some years ago, except then as it was called kick, kiss, or marry. In 2023 Chris Hipkins said he would kick David Seymour, kiss Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to get it over and done with quickly, and marry Te Pāti Māori co leader Rawiri Waititi. Kick David Seymour! He's advocating violence! He wants people to hurt the ACT Leader! No, he doesn't. And nor does Paul Henry want to kill Chris Hipkins. They all just participated in a dumb media game and after Albanese got caught up in the shag, marry, date, and Kylie Minogue and all the trouble he got into with that, I'm sure we'll see cross party support from politicians of every hue and every party that they never play that stupid, stupid game in the media ever again. I mean, you heard one of the Hauraki hosts saying, “Oh, there's your headline," and it was. Then you've got the National Party who have got party-wide outrage after Stuart Nash's comments on Katie Nimon and saying, “Oh, she's bloody lazy," inferring she shouldn't have taken so much maternity leave or parental leave. Now, the social media post from every Nat you've never heard of decrying the comments, and deploring them, and the like could be seen as the Nats quite rightly looking after and supporting one of their own, or it could be seen as a party-wide instruction to shriek your outrage across every media outlet because we're polling badly with women and we want to show women that we love them really, it's just that the country can't afford the pay equity legislation that Labour promised the women. We've got Shane Jones and his knee pads comments and for all his purple prose, his grandiloquence, his circumlocution, his sesquipedalian tendencies, he's just as smutty as the next guy, loves a double entendre. But really, the column inches generated and the time wasted by that comment are just grist to his mill. This is what New Zealand First thrives on: agitate and offend people, then leap back decrying them all as “wokesters” and say, “Ugh, New Zealand First is here to man up, hey! You'll be able to knee pad your way around the bloody morning tearoom when New Zealand First is in power! Hey! Don't you worry about that!" I mean, it's just nonsense. Absolute nonsense. There are columns in the newspaper, there are columns online, there are radio programs where you can discuss in detail the policies of the different parties and how they'll impact on New Zealand now and in the future. But people don't read them. We can show you the figures. And that's people. That's the audience. They click on the knee pads, they click on Katie Nimon, they click on Paul Henry and the shoot, shag, marry. They do not click on Treasury's analysis of the Green Party's tax policy – well they do, but not in as nearly the same numbers. So it's on all of us, except not really us because we do talk policy more than your average radio program and you as the audience who make us the number one rating show do read, do absorb, do analyse the policies more than the average member of the public. But honestly, given that this is one of the most important elections we've got coming up, this is what's dominated the headlines for a week. We do get the government we deserve when shoot, shag, marry is the most read column for the week with 12 weeks to go for an election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday Faceoff this week, Nick was joined by Infrastructure NZ CEO Nick Leggett and ex Wellington City Councillor Tim Brown. Given both have experience as elected members of councils in the region, they gave their thoughts on Wellington's amalgamation discussion ahead of next month's submission deadline. They also discussed the scrutiny around politicians Stuart Nash and Paul Henry following comments made during the week, and the revelation the new Tiaki Wai water agency has hired an army of PR staff. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's Politics Thursday and Nick Mills is joined in the studio by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP for Otaki Tim Costley to dive into the political issues from the week. Starting with the resignation of NZ First candidate Stuart Nash after incorrect claims were made about National MP Katie Nimon in a text message. Nash claimed she was the "laziest MP" and made false comments around her parliamentary leave for the birth of her son. Do our politicians think it was an offence worth resignation? Also, ACT candidate Paul Henry comments in a radio interview - was this possibly inciting violence? Then the Golden Bay Cement plant $60 million pay out, and an informative discussion about the mental health system for our youth. Are we too reliant on antidepressants, and what led our kids to need them so regularly? 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.