Podcast appearances and mentions of Phil Goff

Three prizes for three good calls this week by the Government. 1) Financial literacy coming to a school near you in 2027, and not a day too soon. In many respects it's the more valuable end of the education spectrum. It's education you can actually use. 2) Nicola Willis and her cutting of the operating allowance from $2.4b to $1.3b. The $2.4b number already had headlines for being skinny, or unrealistic. $1.3b is rabbit out of a hat material. I assume she is telling the truth when she says she has found billions in savings, because you can't run a country on thin air. 3) David Seymour, with more reality check reminders that we have too much Government. In his speech he alerted us to just how much - 82 portfolios, 41 departments and 28 ministers. If ever you wanted an example of bloat, there it is. The portfolio joke is about appeasing people. There isn't an issue or pressure group you can't appease by inventing a label. The real issue is ministers. The good news currently, as Audrey Young in the Herald pointed out this week in her famous marking of ministers annual outing, is most of them are getting good scores and most of them are decent operators. But it is not always the case and too often, with the last Government being your classic example, portfolios are used and/or invented to reward loyalty and/or give people pay rises. Whether you can do the job is secondary. Good governments are run by a handful of talent. In David Lange's day it was the Prime Minister, Roger Douglas, Richard Prebble and David Caygill. With Helen Clark it was the Prime Minister, Michael Cullen, Phil Goff and Annette King. With John Key it was Key, Bill English and Steven Joyce. This time its Christopher Luxon, Chris Bishop, Nicola Willis and Simeon Brown - multiple portfolios at the heavyweight end of the index. Unlike the real world, you will note Cabinet and Government never downsize. The public service can be downsized, but the Government never is. Sadly for Seymour, unlike the other two ideas this week, his isn't real. Financial literacy will materially improve our kids' future. Willis and her austerity will materially improve our economy. If Seymour somehow trims a single minister or ministry, it won't be an idea - it will be a miracle. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alright it's time for Friday confessional. With the Pope passing away, all this focus on Catholicism's got me feeling repentant. There are two things I predicted would happen last December as I was signing for Christmas here at Newstalk ZB. One of those things hasn't happened and the other one is about to not happen. Poilievre winning the Canadian election and Albo losing Australia's. We all know who's to blame. You know who – the wildcard, the kamikaze, the outlaw, it was the Trump Bump that did it for both of these guys. Carney, while he's won, will have a very tough term in office given the whole rally round the flag effect in support of Canadian sovereignty will fizzle out as quickly as Jacinda's Covid election high – the underlying problems Canadians felt before this month-long love-in will remain. This will surely be his high tide mark. But that's no excuse. I got it wrong. Fair cop. And as for Dutton, who's been looking behind every couch and under every rock for something relevant to say, he's now beating up on the return to country. Which during a cost of living crisis people want sorted, is akin to Judith Collins' attack on fat people at the ill-fated 2020 election. Remember that? If you want to lose weight, then eat less. Actually, not an unreasonable thing to say for most but it's the timing, isn't it? It's the focus on that when it should be on bigger things. And that brings us to the elephant in the White House: Donald Trump. While I predicted he'd win last November, I think most of us underestimated just what “America first” meant for the rest of the world. When somebody comes first, somebody loses. And both Albo and Carney have been beneficiaries of that. His power of course has swung global political pendulums before. Remember the rise and international star power of Jacinda Ardern was born out of an anti-Trump backlash. The liberal young female prime minister banning assault rifles in a country post mass-shooting became the darling of global left – just the tonic for those who not just dislike, but despise Trump and his band of merry MAGA supporters. So the political lesson is don't underestimate the Trump Bump and Dump on any foreign election. The question is, what does it mean for our election next year? We're less affected by his tariffs, unless China implodes. We're not yet being threatened with invasion. Unlike the Aussies and Canadians, our incumbents are bent to the right. So the risk of a Trump Bump getting Chippy over the line here if he starts singing from Phil Goff's songbook is perhaps more limited – but not non-existent. When Washington coughs, somebody gets a cold. How Luxon and Winston et al. navigate the next 18 months will determine whether it's them that catches it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm starting to wonder who isn't running for mayor in Wellington. Former Labour leader Andrew Little is the latest one joining the race to oust current mayor Tory Whanau. And, just in case you think so, I'm not endorsing Andrew Little in any way, shape, or form. But I do think having former MPs on local councils is a very good thing. Because whether we like it or not, local councils cannot operate in isolation and knowing how things in Wellington work is invaluable. Andrew Little isn't the first ex-MP wanting to get into local government. Former National MP Nick Smith is the mayor of Nelson. Phil Goff was mayor of Auckland. In Christchurch, former Labour politician Lianne Dalziel was elected mayor three times. Maurice Williamson —who was a National MP and minister— is on Auckland Council these days. John Banks. The list goes on. And they don't admit it at the time, but when these ex-MPs stand for their local councils, it's not just their political experience they're banking on. They also know full well that they're making the most of apathetic voters who look for a name they know and end up voting for them. When it comes to name recognition, I reckon an ex-MP has way more chance of being successful in the job than some of the other people you see milking their name recognition to get elected to their local council. People in my game do it. In fact, it seems to me that if media people don't go on to be marriage and funeral celebrants, they go on to be a local councillor. Not that you will ever catch me doing that. Last thing I'd want to do. Sportspeople milk their name recognition too. I'm not in Tauranga and don't know all the ins-and-outs, but I think it's pretty safe to say that the reason Mahe Drysdale is the mayor of Tauranga is because of his brilliant rowing career. He's got none of this so-called “business experience” that some people think is essential for someone to be good at running a town or a city. He's got no prior political experience. He's just a name. Voters obviously thought he was a good Kiwi bloke, he's done well in his sport, so they voted for him. Not that, from what I've seen, it's been all plain sailing for him so far. I've seen a few stories with him getting heat for stuff – and that is where people's lack of political experience shows. And why I think it's a very good thing to have people former MPs on our local councils. They're not perfect —Lianne Dalziel was far from perfect— but they know what they're getting themselves into. They generally don't set the world on fire, but I don't care about that. Because, whether we like it or not, local and central government are intertwined. Local government is way more dependent on central government than it would like to admit. Especially, when they're in the schtuck. When they need to get Wellington on their side. Which is why having people as mayors and councillors who know exactly how to get the government on side —because they've been there and done that— that's why it is so beneficial. And that's why I'll take an ex-politician over an ex-media personality or an ex-sporting hero any day, when it comes to who I want to see on my local council. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is defending his absence from Parliament yesterday as the Treaty Settlement Bill was voted down. He said he doesn't regret not being there as he was preoccupied with trade issues. Senior Political Editor Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the Luxon's absence, Phil Goff's unfiltered comments on Trump, and Winston Peters 80th birthday. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sacked diplomat Phil Goff is revelling in his freedom to denounce the US President telling an Auckland University audience Donald Trump is an abusive bully and that New Zealand is behaving like an enabler. Felix Walton was there.

Trump's tariff backdown proves that Nicola was right and Barbara was wrong. Willis took the cool, calm, collected approach. Take advice, watch closely, don't react with haste, don't spook the horses even more. Trump's already doing that. Barbara Edmonds and Labour were hitting the panic alarm - firing off a press release yesterday saying that this is a crisis and that we need to up spending. Borrow more. Bigger Government will save the day. Which is nuts. Premature and nuts. Barbara came on this show last night and said Willis was sitting on her hands while the world crumbled around her. Earlier in the week, Hipkins said we needed to stand up to Trump a bit more - how's that working out for China? The last thing we need is self-serving politicians, or former politicians in the form of Phil Goff, grandstanding for their bash-the-bully-moment on television. This is the time for quiet diplomacy. It's time for your Winstons' and Rosemary Banks types - she's our Ambassador to Washington - get them out there. The bigger problem for Labour and the way they've reacted so far is that it reminds us why we didn't like them in the first place. When Covid hit they doled out the cash. They couldn't give it away fast enough. Grant spent from the country's purse like a housewife on holiday. And Barb - she wants her time with the Visa. Right when our Government debt is about to hit 46 percent of GDP - remember, it was 20 percent pre-Labour - and right when we're getting closer to at least balancing the Government books. This is a timely reminder from Labour that their fundamentals haven't changed. When a crisis comes, when storm clouds gather, their go-to plan is to make it rain cash. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Treaty Principles Bill voted down in a fiery afternoon in Parliament. MPs from across the political spectrum spoke up, with some strongly condemning, some wish washy in their condemnation and only Act in favour of the bill.Only 12 hours after Trump's tariffs went into affect, he announced a 90 day pause on all but China's tariffs, which were raised to 124% instead. The stock market almost bounces back but the damage has been done in shaking global business confidence.Phil Goff sat down with Q+A to double down on his comments on Trump's incompetence as a diplomat on the global stage, after the infamous Trump, Vance and Zelensky meeting at the White House .=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

The former New Zealand High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Phil Goff was sacked from his job as a diplomat for publicly questioning Donald's Trump understanding of history. The Foreign Minister Winston Peters wasted no time sacking him saying he wasn't paid to "free think." Goff is doubling down on his criticism, likening President Trump to a school yard bully nobody challenges and accusing of him of lying about Russia's war on Ukraine. Phil Goff spoke to Lisa Owen.

New Zealand's former high commissioner to the United Kingdom, the former Labour Party leader Phil Goff, has doubled down on comments that led to his sacking last month. Goff spoke to Corin Dann.

Phil Goff is standing by his comments about US President Donald Trump as he arrives back in New Zealand. The former High Commissioner to the UK was sacked from his role after questioning whether Trump understood history. Goff says Trump's treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prompted the question. He told Mike Hosking the comments weren't made flippantly. Goff says he thought about them seriously and wanted to know why the Trump administration was appeasing Russia. He also acknowledges his comments were risky, but didn't expect to be fired for them. Goff says he thought the comments were close to the line, without crossing it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his first interview since being sacked as New Zealand's High Commissioner to the UK, Phil Goff tells Paula Penfold why he said what he did about US President Donald Trump, and why, even though it cost him his job, he has no regrets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former High Commissioner to the UK, Phil Goff, recently lost his job after commenting on Donald Trump's understanding of war history. The Foreign Minister stepped in to fire Goff over his comments, leaving experts questioning whether he was suited to make the jump from politics to diplomacy. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls many people feel more worried about this second Trump term - and it's important for people to toe the line. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv New Zealand fires UK envoy Phil Goff over Trump comments Sheer panic as child killed by car on Kendal sports pitch Glastonbury 2025 Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and The 1975 to headline Stamp duty What is it, how much is it and how is it changing Assisted dying debate The UKs real problem with palliative care Scientists discover new part of the immune system US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza hostages Worst train companies to be named and shamed European leaders gather for special defence council in Brussels Home buyers race to beat stamp duty rise

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Home buyers race to beat stamp duty rise Glastonbury 2025 Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and The 1975 to headline US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza hostages Stamp duty What is it, how much is it and how is it changing Worst train companies to be named and shamed Sheer panic as child killed by car on Kendal sports pitch Assisted dying debate The UKs real problem with palliative care Scientists discover new part of the immune system New Zealand fires UK envoy Phil Goff over Trump comments European leaders gather for special defence council in Brussels

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza hostages European leaders gather for special defence council in Brussels Home buyers race to beat stamp duty rise Assisted dying debate The UKs real problem with palliative care Worst train companies to be named and shamed Glastonbury 2025 Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and The 1975 to headline New Zealand fires UK envoy Phil Goff over Trump comments Stamp duty What is it, how much is it and how is it changing Sheer panic as child killed by car on Kendal sports pitch Scientists discover new part of the immune system

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation. Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr. "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.' LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Home buyers race to beat stamp duty rise Scientists discover new part of the immune system Worst train companies to be named and shamed New Zealand fires UK envoy Phil Goff over Trump comments Stamp duty What is it, how much is it and how is it changing European leaders gather for special defence council in Brussels Glastonbury 2025 Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX and The 1975 to headline Sheer panic as child killed by car on Kendal sports pitch Assisted dying debate The UKs real problem with palliative care US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza hostages

Every Friday on Matt and Tyler afternoons on ZB we name the New Zealander of the week. It's an honour that we grant on your behalf to someone who has had effect on our great and beautiful nation over the past week. There are three nominees but can only be one winner. Is it Phil Goff, Adrian Orr, or the Warriors? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crikey, I barely stepped away from the microphone yesterday and we had a double whammy news-wise. Phil Goff sacked as High Commissioner to London for an intemperate comment and question, Greg Foran resigning as Air New Zealand CEO. I heard someone on The Huddle with Ryan Bridge last night saying Greg Foran can now become the High Commissioner, Adrian Orr would become Air New Zealand CEO, and Phil Goff will take over as Reserve Bank Governor - all change. Boy, will Phil Goff be kicking himself all the way back to New Zealand, all the way back to the farm at Clevedon. You are on the pig's back when you get a gig like that – it is a sweet deal. And one intemperate comment ... I think he was just trying to be a bit too clever, showing he's done his homework, showing that he was well read, making appointed remark about somebody the world regards as a graceless buffoon (well, members of Phil Goff's world regard as a graceless buffoon), and he loses his gig, and rightly so. He was asking a question of the Finnish Foreign Affairs Minister at a Chatham House event in London. Goff said he'd been rereading a speech by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill after the Munich Agreement. “He turned to Chamberlain, he said ‘You had the choice between war and dishonour. You chose dishonour, yet you will have a war',” Goff then said “President Trump has restored the bust of Churchill to the Oval Office. But do you think he really understands history?” So Phil Goff was making it well researched, clever-dick, pointed remark about the American president. What on Earth did he think was going to happen? He was stripped of his position immediately by Winston Peters. The Foreign Affairs Minister said Phil Goff's comments were deeply disappointing. They did not represent the views of the New Zealand Government and made his position as High Commissioner to London untenable. So a number of comments around that. Phil Goff was sacked by Winston Peters immediately. Winston Peters did not have to consult the Prime Minister before doing so – there was no need for him to consult. He was presented with a problem in his own department, and he dealt with it in the appropriate fashion. That's why you have managers, that's why you have ministers. Everything doesn't filter up to the CEO. Imagine in your own organisation if every single decision in your department had to go to the CEO. Why have a dog and bark yourself? So there was no need to consult. Was he sacked because the Government's sucking up, particularly to Donald Trump in the US? No. As Winston Peters pointed out yesterday, and as numerous foreign affairs experts have concurred, Phil Goff would have been sacked if he had made the comment of any foreign leader. When you're in a diplomatic role, you have to be diplomatic, and that wasn't. And what about the Chatham House rules? Chatham House is an actual place where people congregate to debate, discuss ideas primarily around foreign policy, but also about other things. It's a meeting place for pointy heads where they can float and toss ideas around, and they don't have to worry about it being attributable back to them. The rules say when a meeting or part thereof is held under the Chatham House rules, participants are free to use the information received but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speakers, nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. So Chatham House rules guarantee people can speak freely within the walls. But in this case, the Chatham House rules had not been invoked because it was being live streamed, so you're not going to be able to shield the identity of the speakers because it's being live streamed. So that's why the comments became public, despite the fact they were in Chatham House – oh irony of ironies. The rules have to be invoked. They weren't, and apparently, according to Chatham House, it's not terribly often that they are. So there we go. That's what happened. He stuffed up royally and he's paid the price. And nobody will be more disappointed, I imagine, than Phil Goff except Mrs Goff because that would have been a lovely reward for a long period of time being an uxorious, fabulous support. Being a politician's partner or spouse would not be an easy gig. So you get the cushy number in London, feet up, gorgeous little holidays popping off around Europe. Now back to the farm in Clevedon, tail between the legs. Back on the ride on mower, no gardener for you anymore. He's had his punishment. He's heading home and Winston Peters did exactly the right thing. Ten out of ten for the Foreign Affairs Minister. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Lisa Owen about the resignations of Reserve Bank head Adrian Orr and Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran, as well as the sacking of UK High Commissioner Phil Goff.

Phil Goff remaining as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom has been labelled "untenable" by the Foreign Minister, after comments criticising Donald Trump. Political reporter Russell Palmer has more.

Winston Peters has sacked Phil Goff from his post as High Commissioner to the UK, after comments he made about US President Donald Trump at a Chatham House event in London. University of Waikato Professor of Law Al Gillespie spoke to Corin Dann.

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has accused the Government of being "super-sensitive to the Trump administration", following Phil Goff's sacking. RNZ political editor Jo Moir spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A former High Commissioner to the UK says while they feel bad for Phil Goff, Winston Peters was right to sack him. The Foreign Minister stepped in to fire Goff over comments made questioning Donald Trump's understanding of history at a public event. Sir Lockwood Smith was in the role from 2013 to 2017 and told Mike Hosking those kinds of comments aren't acceptable. He says the High Commissioner acts as the voice of the New Zealand Government and so needs to be very careful. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday 7th of March, Phil Goff has lost his job as the High Commissioner to the UK – was it warranted? The Black Caps are preparing to clash against India for the Champions Trophy final and Tom Latham joined to break down the campaign to date. And Kate Hawkesby and Tim Wilson discussed the ventures of nepo babies and the raft of resignations and job losses 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.

Am I joining too many dots? I wonder aloud whether the Government and the Prime Minister, having had by any measure a very good week, has at last got the message that some action, as opposed to yak, might be what the punter wants a bit more of? There's been several solid health changes; more doctors already here to be parked at GP's, more nurses and scripts via tech when we want them. I mean, the idea that getting a script on the net at an hour that suits you really shouldn't be a thing, but it does show you how backward we have become. They are all practical, sensible, and politically beneficial. The exam concerns from principals that wanted less hard work and more free credits? That was dismissed as the minister hammers home the concept of hard work and not giving up. The big one was Adrian Orr gone. It was a sacking without a sacking and a result the Government wanted and needed. Then there was Phil Goff gone. Was it thinly veiled? Maybe. It was a stupid comment, if you didn't catch up on it, and a Commissioner's job is to represent the Government, and never more so than when you are dealing with a new, unpredictable America and walking a tight rope in the Pacific between China and the US. A couple of other minor ones - the Prime Minister's marmite sandwich line on this show. It was a nod to middle New Zealand who are fed up with elite moaners and elite media and their pile on over an issue that, in a convulsing world, is really embarrassing now. Secondly, and more importantly, health again with bowel cancer. The screening age has been has been dropped from 60-years-old to 58-years old. The money comes from the segregated Māori bowel screening programme. The message is this is one country, with one rule for everyone. Bowel cancer is not a race issue, it's a health issue. So by the time you put all that together on a Friday morning you have collected up a fairly substantial seven days, and the vast majority of it is positive, on the right side of the voter and gives the very clear indication that a week's worth of actual “doing” is vastly more appealing and productive than a week worth of announcing, or defending, or scrapping, or time wasting. Keep it up and the polls will show it's what the majority of people actually voted for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists with Scott Campbell + Sarah Perriam-Lampp. They discuss Phil Goff's sacking and potential tariffs on New Zealand agricultural exports to the US. Plus they debate whether New Zealand should host the next America's Cup.

Some commentators have called it an excuse to cut Goff from the post of UK high commissioner, but analyst Geoffrey Miller says diplomats simply can't have political opinions.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog's David Farrar and former Labour minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Foreign Minister Winston Peters made the decision to sack Phil Goff as High Commissioner to the UK after he questioned President Donald Trump's understanding of history. Was this the right call? The Government has revealed it plans to lower the age of eligibility for free bowel cancer screenings to 58. However, it's using funding set aside from the last Government's plan to lower screening for Māori and Pasifika to 50. What do we make of this? Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran has officially resigned - and will step down from the role this October. How will he be remembered? Did he make the right call? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 6 March 2025, Ryan Bridge talks to Jessica Walker - Head of research at Consumer NZ about calling for an outright ban on card payment surcharges. Health Minister Simeon Brown discusses the Government's announcement on lowering the age for free bowel cancer testing. Winston Peters has given Phil Goff the flick as the High Commissioner to the UK - was he wrong to comment on Trump? Plus, the Huddle discusses yet another significant resignation with Greg Foran standing down as Air NZ CEO. 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.

There's support for the Foreign Affairs Minister sacking Phil Goff as High Commissioner to the UK. Goff questioned President Donald Trump's understanding of history at a public Chatham House event. Winston Peters says that's ultimately made his position as High Commissioner untenable. Former New Zealand Consul-General to LA, Maurice Williamson, says diplomats are clearly warned not to convey personal views. "It wouldn't matter if you were talking about Japan or China or anything - that's the role of a diplomat, you're there to represent the Government's views." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sacked Phil Goff as British High Commissioner. The Foreign Minister acted after Goff - a former Labour leader and Cabinet Minister in Clark's Government - questioned Donald Trump's understanding of history. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump needs to be handled with care, as the US President could retaliate and impact New Zealand's 'bread and butter'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clint Smith joins us to discuss this governments dysfunctional leadership, after Winston takes it upon himself to fire Phil Goff who was the High Commissioner to London.Simeon makes the news for two high profile stories:Money that was allocated to a free bowel cancer screening programme targeting Māori and Pacific peoples was scrapped in favour of "equality" instead dropping the eligibility by only 2 years.Simeon ignored advice to not appoint a gas lobbyist to the energy savings board, who didn't even meet the requirements during the interview stage. =================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

A former Foreign Minister says Winston Peters was right to fire Phil Goff. Goff made comments at a public event questioning US President Donald Trump's understanding of history. The remarks have cost him his job as High Commissioner to the UK. Foreign Affairs was one of a number of portfolios held by Sir Don McKinnon under National. He told Kerre Woodham it's unacceptable for a diplomat to say such things. McKinnon says there's a line that ambassadors and High Commissioners should not cross. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FIRST WITH YESTERDAY'S NEWS (highlights from Thursday on Newstalk ZB) Some Jobs Are Just Really Hard, I Guess/Then You Can Even Stuff Up the Easy Ones/Are These Black Caps the Best Ever?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's with all these sackings and surprise resignations this week... Phil Goff yesterday, Adrian Orr the day before. Richard Prebble did a runner from the gravy train of the Waitangi Tribunal Greg Foran Calls it a day at Air New Zealand after 5 years... One of these guys had change forced on them, the other three just packed up and left with varying degrees of notice. Some are angry. some are relieved. And they all have one thing in common They're over 60. You don't screw with successful over 60s, which they all are. They have discovered a superpower. They don't give a flying fig. They're financially settled. They know their own mind. They can afford to stand on their principles, Phil Goff won't mind being held to account for what he said because he believes it. He may be regretful that his entertaining job in London has gone but he'll just come back to the farm in Clevedon and start making some real money in consultancy and cashing in both his Prime Ministerial and Mayoral superannuation. When things start getting all hot and sticky in their jobs for these over 60s, they can instantly switch to whoever needs this crap and walk. And then they brood. In their Bach. Or on a cruise ship. With a nice dinner reservation and maybe treat themselves to a new car. And if you think the over 60s have a superpower it's nothing compared to the over 70s whose superpower is the absolute certainty in what they believe and the total commitment to making sure that everyone knows it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil Goff has paid the price for stepping out of his lane and commenting on US President Donald Trump. The comments questioning Trump's understanding of war history yesterday has cost the High Commissioner to the UK his job. Otago University's international relations expert James Headley told Andrew Dickens in other circumstances, a diplomat wouldn't be fired after making such comments. But he says our Government is aware that Trump is very sensitive to criticism. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters had no option when it came to sacking Phil Goff from his job as High Commissioner in London, but that doesn't mean I'm happy with it. I think he's done the right thing. But he's done the wrong thing, as well. Because it just shows how scaredy-cat the world is of Donald Trump. But we better get used to it – this is how it's going to be for the next four years. That's why I accept that it needed to be done, but it's still pretty cruddy that we are running scared of him like this. What Goff did was he let the political nerd in him come out when he was at an event at Chatham House, in London, earlier this week. And it looked like it was some sort of Q&A session involving Finland's Foreign Affairs Minister. The significance of Finland, of course, is that it shares a border with Russia. So Phil Goff had the roving microphone, and he asked Elina Valtonen whether she thought Donald Trump understood the history of the second world war. That's because people are likening what Trump is doing with Ukraine to what happened in 1938, when Nazi Germany was allowed to get its hands on land in Czechoslovakia in a bid to avoid war. It was a deal signed in 1938, but, as we know, a year later Germany still went to war. Phil Goff isn't the first person to say it. And on the face of it, it doesn't seem that outrageous, but in diplomatic circles, it was probably enough to have them spilling their G&Ts. And it was certainly enough for Foreign Minister Winston Peters to tell his people in London to give Phil Goff the flick. Winston Peters says the reason he did it was because Goff's comments “do not represent the views of the New Zealand government and make his position as High Commissioner to London untenable.” And former High Commissioner Sir Lockwood Smith agrees. He's in no doubt that Winston Peters has done the right thing to minimise any damage. Phil Goff was due to finish his posting later this year, but that could have been extended, of course. But he's over there right now and all the diplomatic crew will be chattering. So it will be very embarrassing for Goff. Not the way he would've wanted to go out. Especially, given that as far as I'm aware, it's the first time New Zealand has sacked a High Commissioner. Yes, he was being a bit of a smart-alec, something you're not supposed to be when you move around in diplomatic circles. Which is a tension that Sir Lockwood talked about when he was on Newstalk ZB this morning. He was saying that when you've been a politician, it can sometimes be difficult to take your political hat off. But he reckons that his time as speaker before being a High Commissioner helped prepare him for that. Maybe that's why we're not hearing about former speaker Trevor Mallard putting his foot in it over in Ireland, where he's High Commissioner. But perhaps Phil Goff can take some comfort from Dr Stephen Winter, who is an international relations expert at Auckland University. He's says if things weren't so on edge around the world, Goff might have got away with it. He says: "Goff can take comfort from the fact that he is right, even though he was not diplomatic.” But things are on edge, and Goff is off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's talk politics, specifically the latest Taxpayers Union Curia poll. It showed a firming up of support for the Coalition Government and the parties that make that up, but Labour leader Chris Hipkins has lost support as preferred Prime Minister and the party is languishing. The party vote changes were all within the margin of error in this latest poll, but the preferred prime minister stakes saw Chris Hipkins dropping 6.1 percentage points.   When you compare the previous Taxpayers Union Curia poll, which was in July, two months prior, so comparing apples with apples, National was up 1.4% to 39. Labour was 25.9%, that was up 0.8, but 25.9% is nothing to crow about. The Greens finally saw some downward movement after all their goings on, they seemed to be absolutely Teflon coated, but finally saw some movement down 1.5 on 11%. ACT, 8.8% around about what they got on election night, NZ First, 6.8%. Te Pati Māori 5%, up 1.5.   Now parties do have a hard time after a trouncing in a general election and they generally look to the to the leader as the sacrificial lamb. Get rid of the leader, sacrifice them to the political gods, we can start afresh and we haven't got the bad juju from the previous election. Look at National – they had five leaders in five years before settling on Christopher Luxon. Labour after the Helen Clark years saw Phil Goff, David Shearer, David Cunliffe, Andrew Little, then finally Jacinda Ardern. Andrew Little made the call to resign just seven weeks out from the 2017 election, and history will reflect that Little's call was one of New Zealand political leadership's gutsiest. Cunliffe, Shearer and Little all went when the polls fell too low for comfort, and that was around the 24 to 25% mark.   So here we've got Labour sitting on 26%, that is dangerously close to the knives being sharpened. Again, I think the only thing that's saving him is what saved previous political leaders from both parties: the fact that there is no obvious choice to replace him. When the party's been decimated and all the pretenders to the throne have been turfed out of office, your options are few. Chris Hipkins, when I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago was all Chipper Chippy.    “So you will be leader leading Labour into the next election against Christopher Luxon?” “Absolutely.”  Yep, absolutely. He was confident on-air. He was confident off-air. Looking forward to it. Had a big think, have I got in in me? Yes I have. Didn't really get a chance to do what I wanted to do when I took over from Jacinda Ardern.  She said I can't do it, I said, well, I will, and I'll take us up to the election. Not really me, he said. It wasn't really my party. There was a lot of Sergeant Schultz, I see nothing, wasn't me, didn't do it. But he was there all the way through the last Labour administrations regime, he was there front and centre. So, he might not have been Prime Minister, but he certainly was a key figure in that administration.   He may be the obvious choice at the moment, but is he ever going to be able to lead Labour back to victory? There is a strong core of electors who don't want a centre right Coalition Government. You know you've got a good block of Greens and Labour and Te Pati Māori, and then you've got the swinging voters, those in the middle, those who voted National last time but could be persuaded. Is Chris Hipkins the man to galvanise those voters or is he yesterday's man? Too much associated with the past, with the Covid years? There were some die hards who say they saved lives, who will think that by being there his reputations enhanced. I think the majority say no. When you look at him you see the Covid years, you see enormous waste of taxpayer money.   When he said, oh yes, we want to borrow more and tax more, I almost fell off my chair. You seriously expect the electorate to trust you with more money? You have got to be kidding. So, 24-25% is when the previous Labour leaders have been goneburger, have been asked to look at other options within the job market, perhaps their talents could be better served elsewhere. Labour's on 26%. Is Chris Hipkins the man to lead Labour into the next election or does he need to make room for new ideas, fresh ideas, a new Labour leader?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By any measure, it's been a volatile start to the new parliamentary term. The new Coalition government's decision to scrap Labour's smokefree policy has proved highly contentious amid a suite of significant policy announcements. Alongside that has been deputy prime minister Winston Peters' allegations that the media was bribed by the former Government's $55 million Public Interest Journalism Fund. These issues overshadowed prime minister Christopher Luxon's first post-cabinet media session yesterday, when he unveiled the government's 100-day plan. We're joined by two political commentators. Brigitte Morten is a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government and is a National Party member. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office, under Phil Goff and David Shearer. Morten and Imam spoke to Corin Dann.

Political commentators Lamia Imam and Brigitte Morten join Kathryn to talk about the latest political poll, which shows the two main parties neck and neck. How important are the minor parties this year, particularly Te Pati Maori, and does Christopher Luxon ruling out any arrangement open National up to focus on a two-standards of citizenship-style campaign? And the countdown is on to Budget Day, they'll look at the pre-positioning from Grant Robertson and what's already been announced. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff and David Shearer. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government, a National Party member and currently volunteering for the party's deputy leader, Nicola Willis.

Auckland Council's soaring budget hole, storm costs and higher water bills could cost the average household another $560 a year during a painful cost-of-living crisis. But a ratepayer group is calling for the council to sell assets and make large-scale cuts to its costs “rather than reaching into ratepayers' wallets”. Watercare has locked in a $116 rise in the average water bill from July and yesterday's bad news that the council's budget hole and storm-related costs have soared to a combined $375 million could lead to a rates rise of $446 for the average household. The annual water bill is rising by 9.5 per cent from $1224 to $1340 and rates could rise from $3306 to a maximum of about $3750 for the average home. The extra burden on household budgets begins on July 1 - the day after the 25-cents-a-litre fuel tax subsidy ends. It also comes as the looming recession is tipped to be deeper than previously thought, Kiwi families face the prospect of a hard-hitting interest rate crunch as mortgages come up for renewal, and the Reserve Bank forecasts rising unemployment. Auckland households face even bigger rises in council costs than was first thought. Photo / Alex Burton The council's budget hole rose from the $90m-$150m range estimated last year to $295m earlier this year and now to $325m. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown blamed a combination of council debt, higher interest rates and his predecessor Phil Goff using a one-off Three Waters payment of $127m to prop up last year's budget. “Enough is enough. We must get serious about the council's financial position. I did not create this hole, but I am determined that the council fix it, so it doesn't just keep growing,” Brown said. “Unless we can set Auckland Council on a path of financial sustainability and reduce our debt, then this gaping hole will only get bigger in the years to come.” As well as the budget hole, group chief financial officer Peter Gudsell said storm-related costs in the budget had risen from $20m, for things such as higher insurance premiums, to $50m for repairs and maintenance to council assets and setting up a recovery co-ordination office. In theory, rates could rise by 22 per cent to plug the budget hole and pay for storm-related costs, but a rise is limited to 13.5 per cent because that was the highest level set during the budget consultation process. It is now up to councillors to decide on a mix of options to produce a balanced budget by the end of June. The Auckland Council is having to trim costs at its headquarters and other businesses. Photo / Doug Sherring This year's draft budget was already one of the most challenging in the 13 years of the Super City before yesterday's bad news - containing many difficult and unpopular choices to plug a $295m shortfall. In his earlier draft budget, Brown proposed a mix of measures to produce a balanced budget, including cutting unnecessary and inefficient spending, demanding better performance from council organisations, reducing debt servicing costs by selling airport shares, increasing rates and potentially borrowing up to $75m. The council's shares in Auckland Airport are currently valued at $2.2 billion. Among the most contentious proposals are plans to cut regional, community and social services by $20m and regional contestable grants by $3m in the areas of arts, culture and events. It was proposed to cut funding for things such as Music in Parks, CultureFest and Botanic Gardens events, while $2m would go from the Citizens Advice Bureau, and funding for homelessness initiatives would stop. Local boards are also in line for a $16m cut in funding activities. A mayoral spokesman said it was too early to consider what further cuts could be on the table. Brown still planned to keep rate rises as low as possible, “but we can't say at this stage how low we can keep them”. Events such as Sculpture in The Gardens at Auckland Botanic Gardens could have funding cut under budget proposals. Photo / Doug Sherring Until now, the proposal has been for a 7 per cent rates rise but, with rating changes, it equated to a 4.6 per cent rates rise for households. The earlier $20m “storm respond fund” was expected to add 1 per cent to general and household rates. Gudsell said that, like other sectors of the economy, the council's finances had been battered by economic factors over the past six months. “We've seen cost increases reflect inflation levels in a number of areas. These increases are particularly affecting the price of utilities such as electricity, and impacting the cost of asset renewals, meaning a rise in the amount of money we need to set aside for depreciation.” He said the final budget would require trade-offs, including ownership options for the council's airport shares, higher rates and prudent use of debt. “Different trade-offs have different consequences, and this now needs to be considered as part of the process to set the budget.” Auckland Ratepayers' Alliance spokesman Jordan Williams said nothing should be off the table. ”It is no longer enough to go through the budget with a fine tooth comb to pick and choose what pet projects are worth keeping - large-scale cuts are needed for anything that is not a core council function,” Williams said. ”The rising cost of living, mortgage rates rapidly increasing and households under significant pressure from recent weather events means it is time for Auckland Council to show some courage and front up with significant cost cuts and asset sales rather than reaching into ratepayers' wallets.” - Bernard Orsman, NZHSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A right royal mess. The High Commissioner to the UK, Phil Goff, has apologised to the Maori King for not following tikanga at an event in London. The faux pas happened during a gathering of New Zealand's Coronation delegation. The Prime Minister is describing the situation as "regrettable" and a "mistake". Our political reporter Katie Scotcher was there.

New Zealand's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff joined ZB's Mike Hosking ahead of an important week for the nation- King Charles III's coronation and Chris Hipkins' meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak brought the pair together again following their complicated history during Phil Goff's run as mayor of Auckland. Before taking on the role as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Phil Goff also held a number of portfolios; Minister of Justice, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister of Defence. When asked whether he preferred working in the local or international sphere, Phil Goff said he enjoyed both, and acknowledged their challenges. “This is more an extension of what I was doing internationally at the time I was a Minister. But I'm really enjoying just getting out and meeting the New Zealanders- we've got about 70,000 of them across the United Kingdom, some fantastic people. And working with the Brits, I don't think there's any country on Earth that's closer to New Zealand.” The Friday evening before the coronation, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins will meet with his UK equivalent at 10 Downing Street to discuss the New Zealand- UK free trade agreement. The FTA was officially agreed in principle in 2021 and signed a year later, but Hipkins' meeting with Rishi Sunak will ideally nudge its start date forward. Phil Goff explained to Mike Hosking that the free trade agreement presents the chance to build on a market linked to a high-value economy. “This is a great deal for New Zealand with the United Kingdom, but it's a great deal for the United Kingdom as well. We both benefit, we both gain advantage.” Phil Goff is no stranger to King Charles either, having met the new ruler back when he was Prince of Wales in 2014. In future audiences with the King ahead of the coronation, Phil Goff would be just as impressed with Charles' skills as a diplomat and his high opinion of the King is still apparent. “I think he is the United Kingdom's number one diplomat. People said thirty years ago[1]what's this guy talking about with sustainability and environment? What he was talking about thirty years ago is now mainstream in the world. He was ahead of his time, he's a person that wants to make a better world.” Meetings with royalty aside, Phil Goff's week has been full of other obligations, including speaking engagements and advocating for New Zealand's successful future in the eyes of the UK. “This job is about advocacy for your country, it's about engaging with the Kiwis that are here, working with them, it's about getting the best deals that we can for New Zealand.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brigitte and Lamia join Kathryn to look at Labour's continuing slide and the polls and a weekend win for National in Hamilton West. Which portfolios are continuing to give the Government a headache and could a cabinet reshuffle planned for early next year make a difference? Three Waters has passed, but questions remain over the entrenchment clause and has co-governance been put on ice? Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff and David Shearer. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington.

Lamia and Brigitte join Kathryn to talk about Labour's annual conference this weekend, and the extension to the childcare subsidy. The changes kick in from next April - will it ease the squeeze on households...and the polls? The inflation bogeyman remains, while Labour is gunning for National's taxcut package. Meanwhile National's candidate selection is facing scrutiny. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff, David Shearer and David Cunliffe. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington.

After 40 years and 14 election campaigns, Phil Goff is departing politics. He completes his farewell tour in a discussion with Toby Manhire, spanning his early years as a long haired, idealistic activist and being at the controversial cabinet table with David Lange and Roger Douglas and later with Helen Clark. Plus: his time as mayor of Auckland, whether local government needs an overhaul, and what's next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two term Auckland mayor Phil Goff is hanging up the chains this election. The former Labour leader and cabinet minister has spent more than 40 years in local and central politics. Goff led the city through the Covid pandemic and lockdowns, locked horns with fellow councillors over the prospect of a waterfront stadium, fought for and got a regional petrol tax and a targeted rate for climate action. The rumour is he won't be unemployed. Outgoing Mayor Phil Goff talks to Lisa Owen.  

Kathryn, Brigitte and Lamia discuss National holding firm on tax cuts, constant pressure on the Government over social housing and what the latest political poll shows. Brigitte Morten is a director with public and commercial law firm Franks & Ogilvie and a former senior ministerial advisor for the previous National-led government. Lamia Imam worked for two years for the Labour Party in the Leader of the Opposition's office under Phil Goff, David Shearer and David Cunliffe. She also worked for the Ministry of Justice, before gaining a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. She currently works for a large technology company in Wellington.

Aucklanders are heading to the Town Hall to sign a book of condolence for the Queen. Auckland mayor Phil Goff says it's an opportunity for people to express their aroha and sympathy. Katie Todd is at the Auckland Town Hall.