Podcasts about pollies

There's fresh criticism of Labour's selection process, while the party itself continues to brush off concerns. Police are reviewing whether new Labour candidate Rakesh Naidoo shared any sensitive information with the party while deciding whether to stand. His bid for Parliament was announced on Monday after two months of discussions with Labour, but he only informed his manager last week. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Heather du Plessis-Allan Richard Chambers is responsible for maintaining neutrality. He says the Police Commissioner should have put a plan in place to manage the perception of neutrality but was never given a chance by Labour. But Labour's Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen insists Naidoo followed the correct process. She told du Plessis-Allan it's surprising and unusual for the Commissioner to make public comments before any review's taken place. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour is labelling the Government's overhaul of council voting rights a distraction. A Bill amendment will strip voting rights from unelected members —including iwi and youth representatives— on council committees. It comes after the Far North District Council moved to expand its Māori liaison committee. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Heather du Plessis-Allan the issue is not a priority for New Zealanders. She says people are far more worried about paying their bills and being able to cope everyday. National's Mark Mitchell disagrees, saying that stance shows how out of touch Labour really is. He told du Plessis-Allan that most Kiwis are pretty proud of our democracy, and he doesn't think they want unelected people going onto committees and making decisions. Mitchell says it's always prudent to have unelected people with special skillsets and backgrounds advising, but not voting, and he thinks most Kiwis would agree. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 1 June 2026 House prices across the country flatline, while in Sydney and Melbourne they fell sharply last month. The Aussie dollar pushes back above 72 US cents and is riding high against many global currencies Local politicians told not to have confidential discussions in Chinese made EVs. The use of debit cards is declining A CIA official accused of stealing $303 million worth of gold bars from the organisation We’re running a short survey to hear from you, with the team at Fonto. It only takes a few minutes, and you can be in the running to win a $3,000 Luxury Escapes voucher. Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news, and join our free daily newsletter here And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what are you actually working for? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Find out more: https://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday 1 June 2026 The top five business stories in five minutes, with Sean Aylmer and Michael Thompson. House prices tumble $A at decade high Pollies told to stay mute in Chinese EVs Use of debit cards declines CIA official accused of gold theft Hit follow on the podcast so you don’t miss the latest news Join our free daily newsletter here And don’t miss the latest episode of How Do They Afford That? - what are you actually working for? Get the episode from APPLE, SPOTIFY, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.Support the show: http://fearandgreed.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's debate over housing entitlements after it was revealed National's Louise Upston claims allowances for a home she already owns. MPs needing semi-permanent accommodation in Wellington can access up to $52 thousand a year. National's Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking it is an entitlement, because MPs have to stay in the capital. Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking there's certainly room for a discussion. She says much of this is hard for many Kiwis to stomach when there's a cost of living crisis going on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom is away this week, so we have unlocked a recent favourite bonus episode for Patreon subscribers. We’ll be back with a new episode next week. Emerald and Tom are joined by Tom’s old Tonightly mate, Aussie comedy legend Greg Larsen!Why does life feel crazy these days? Did ASIO hide the truth about Greg Hunt and Chris Pyne getting porno-hacked? Did Geggy’s Patreon get cancelled? How could there be a Michael Jackson movie? And why will no one admit the secret brilliance of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation cartoons?---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only full episode, and unlock our complete library of over NINETY past bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU ----------Greg’s links and tour info and link to new special -https://linktr.ee/greglarsencomedian Tom on tour! -https://comedy.com.au/tour/tom-ballard Please Explain Season 4 Episode 1 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xDLO1SrkKI Tax the 1% -https://www.taxthe1percent.com.au/Produced by Michael Griffinhttps://instagram.com/mikeskillz Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerauSupport the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: DFAT seeking confirmation on the welfare of Aussies on board flotilla reportedly taken by Israel Questions about BOM efficiency after Gold Coast rainfall Australia's 'biggest diphtheria outbreak’ in decades spreads into Qld, SA and WA SA politicians walk out of One Nation leader’s maiden speech Axing carparks in apartments could make them cheaper Deep Dive: A recent social media exchange between American airline JetBlue and a customer has sparked not only a broad conversation about how companies are watching us, but also a lawsuit. We know that our clicks are being tracked when we browse for things online and that data is being collected and used to set prices ... but this could be the first time it’s been openly admitted to. In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by marketing expert Professor Nitika Garg who explains exactly what surveillance pricing is and how it’s being – and could be used - against us. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy start to the week, and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest political stories so far on Politics Wednesday. They discussed Labour's Future Fund policy, which is light on the details, Winston Peters' idea to buy back BNZ, and the Government's cuts to and plans for the public service. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest political stories of the week thus far. They discussed the 24 year political career of Judith Collins, who is resigning from Parliament and taking up a new role with the Law Commission. They also discussed Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's split from Te Pāti Māori to form her own party and what this may mean for Labour and the Māori seats – plus, the former Labour staffer linked to the troll social media account. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Billy Allen and Jay Burgess from Billy Allen + The Pollies for a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like hanging out with musicians who care deeply about feel: the kind of musical quality you can't really quantify. Still, you know immediately when you hear it.We start with a full-circle moment: the band was scheduled to play Smith's Olde Bar in Atlanta the night of our conversation, a venue I know well. That quickly turns into stories about the realities of life as a working band: stairs, load-ins, and the kind of shared touring experiences that musicians everywhere instantly understand.From there, we trace the long arc of how Billy and Jay's collaboration actually came together. Their connection began years earlier when Jay first heard Billy singing in a bar, but it took time for the right musical moment to develop. That theme of timing runs through the entire conversation, how artists grow into themselves, and how patience can be the difference between a short-lived project and something sustainable.One of my favorite parts of the conversation centers on their philosophy about recording. Billy and Jay talk about their love for capturing music as a band in the room, embracing the push and pull of human tempo and the small imperfections that give a track its life. Jay describes himself as a “perfectionist at imperfection,” and we unpack that idea through classic records that breathe, groove as personality, and what “Southern” really means musically, less about technical flash and more about emotional honesty.We close by talking about what's ahead: the creative pressure of follow-up releases, the temptation to chase past successes, and why the healthiest path forward might be to keep writing, recording, and trusting the process.Key TakeawaysFeel whether the foundation of great music — groove and emotion often matters more than technical perfection.Timing matters in creative partnerships — the right collaboration can sometimes take years to develop fully.Touring creates a shared language among musicians — the realities of life on the road shape the band experience.Recording together captures something unique — the push and pull of human tempo can't be replicated digitally.Imperfection can be musical strength — small flaws often give recordings their personality.Southern musical traditions emphasize soul and storytelling — emotional honesty over technical showmanship.Trusting the process is essential — the best songs often reveal themselves when artists give them time.Music from the EpisodeAll of Me - Billy Allen + the PolliesLady Luck - Billy Allen + the PolliesIf You Want Me to Stay - Billy Allen + the PolliesAbout the PodcastThe Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by Brad Williams, featuring conversations with musicians, composers, producers, and creative thinkers about their musical journeys. Each episode explores the stories, influences, and experiences that shape a life in music—one conversation at a time.Connect with the ShowEmail: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

It's Politics Wednesday, and Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell are back to bicker and banter their way through the biggest political stories of the week so far. They discussed the new Horizon poll that showed the majority of Kiwis have little confidence in the Government's ability to handle the fuel crisis and dug into how Andersen says Labour would've mitigated cost of living pressures. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom are joined by Tom’s old Tonightly mate, Aussie comedy legend Greg Larsen!Why does life feel crazy these days? Did ASIO hide the truth about Greg Hunt and Chris Pyne getting porno-hacked? Did Geggy’s Patreon get cancelled? How could there be a Michael Jackson movie? And why will no one admit the secret brilliance of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation cartoons?---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only full episode, and unlock our complete library of over NINETY past bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU ----------Greg’s links -https://linktr.ee/greglarsencomedian Greg’s forbidden Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/greglarsen His new special -https://youtu.be/cd5yYmuLocI See his show live! -https://www.comedyrepublic.com.au/greg-larsen-australian-tour/ Please Explain Season 4 Episode 1 -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xDLO1SrkKI Tax the 1% -https://www.taxthe1percent.com.au/ Serious Danger live in Brisbane on Sat May 9th with Max Chandler-Mather 2pm at GoodChat -https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1985493899702?aff=oddtdtcreator Produced by Michael Griffinhttps://instagram.com/mikeskillz Follow us on https://twitter.com/SeriousDangerAU https://www.instagram.com/seriousdangerau https://www.tiktok.com/@seriousdangerauSupport the show: http://patreon.com/seriousdangerauSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Politics Wednesday and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into some of the biggest political stories of the week to date. They discussed the Maiki Sherman situation, the amount of drinking that goes on at Parliament and whether it's appropriate, and whether Labour mislead ratings agency Fitch on the details of its Capital Gains Tax. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians are unimpressed with Shane Jones' suggestion the India Free Trade Agreement would lead to a "butter chicken tsunami" of Indian migrants coming to New Zealand. Christopher Luxon says the New Zealand First deputy leader's comments were "alarmist" and "scaremongering". Labour's Ginny Andersen told Mike Hosking the Prime Minister should go further and call the comments out as racist. National's Mark Mitchell says Jones does have a unique way of communicating, but he should clearly choose his words more carefully. He told Hosking Jones got this one wrong, and needs to be more careful in the future. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into the biggest political stories of the week so far. Cyclone Vaianu hit New Zealand over the weekend, sending multiple regions into a State of Emergency. But was the build-up to the storm and the response overblown? And Labour has yet to announce any major policy for the election – why? 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. They discussed the UN and their mandate of a rules-based order in relation to Donald Trump and the US' actions in the Middle East, Kahurangi Carter's Copyright (Parody and Satire) Amendment Bill, and the BSA. LISTEN ABOVESee 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. They discussed the Government watering down the Auckland housing intensification plan again, Labour's concerns with the India Free Trade Agreement, and the bill going before Parliament today that could revamp holiday alcohol trading laws. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mike Hosking was joined by Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen to delve into the biggest stories of the week thus far. They discussed political ‘cash for access' fundraising events and the Government's newly-announced fuel relief package for lower and middle income working families. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from across the spectrum are steering clear of discussing claims made by Chris Hipkins' ex. The Labour leaders' denied allegations made by his ex-wife in a now deleted private Facebook post. None indicate unlawful conduct. Labour's Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's sad, and as a mother her first thoughts are with the children. National's Mark Mitchell says he understands the public interest, but he's staying right out of it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday saw the release of the results of the second phase of the Inquiry into New Zealand's Covid-19 response. Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the inquiry's findings – the mistakes, the lockdowns, and the lack of communication. Plus, Mike is fascinated by Mark's house in Bali. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen delve into the situation in the Middle East - what are the next steps for Kiwis stuck there? And Ginny explains Labour's firm stance on the illegality of the US and Israel's actions in Iran. Plus, they discuss the Government's books and Labour's pledge to restore the pay equity scheme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, it's a verbal brawl between Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen over the new move on orders for rough sleepers and beggars. They discussed how effective such measures would be, whether or not they have anywhere else to go, and whether the wider public agrees with the orders. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to discuss the biggest stories of the week so far. They discussed the details Labour's seeking from the India Free Trade Agreement, the National Infrastructure Plan and the possibility of tolling the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the latest political polls. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political tensions are flaring over the fate of the Government's retail crime advisory group. The Government's scrapping its Ministerial Advisory Group several months early after three members resigned last month, leaving just two. Labour's Ginny Anderson told Mike Hosking it's been a disaster since day one with zero outcomes, lead by the group chair Sunny Kaushal. She says he was a political appointment that backfired. But National's Mark Mitchell says they wanted to make sure New Zealand's small and medium businesses had a strong voice, which Kaushal has been. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 11th of February, Trade Minister Todd McClay puts to bed once and for all what rights Indian students will have as part of the FTA. Zoi Sadowski-Synnott discusses the success New Zealand is having at this year's Winter Olympics, and her Big Air silver medal. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen talk the success, or not, of the Retail Advisory Group, the LNG facility and whether it's a fee or levy, and the latest in the House 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.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 4th of February, Transport Minister Chris Bishop delves into the overhaul of the drivers licensing system. Mike runs through what words he can, can't, and shouldn't say after the BSA's latest swearing report. And Ginny Andersen and Mark Mitchell discuss Peeni Henare's resignation, the messy press conference with Labour and the Greens, and Waitangi 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.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell delve into the biggest political stories of the week so far. They discussed the proceedings at Waitangi, the joint press conference between Labour and the Green Party, and the resignation of Labour MP Peeni Henare. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines: Parliament back today with a split Coalition, Australia's political donors revealed, Trump threatens to sue Grammy host Trevor Noah, millions lost in daytime spending during recent heatwave, and nuggets revealed as the top Aussie canteen food. Deep Dive: Anthony Albanese is weighing an invitation to join a group integral to Donald Trump’s plan to permanently end the war in Gaza - the so-called ‘Board of Peace.’ With major allies declining to take part and accusations that it’s a power grab laden with human rights risks, questions are growing over whether it’s a genuine security solution or simply a Trump vanity project. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Guardian Australia’s Ben Doherty about the Board’s proposed role, its prospects for delivering peace, and how Australia is likely to decide. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Landslide experts say it was a matter of when, not if, the slope overlooking the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park failed. Speculation has swirled online about the slip, where the recovery of the six people missing could still take weeks. Canterbury University's Tom Robinson says the slip was going to happen regardless if trees had been removed from the mountain. Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking misinformation doesn't help the mental health of those impacted by the disaster. He says they have to do an inquiry, but they don't want to force more mental health issues. Labour agrees there's a need to do an inquiry, with Ginny Andersen telling Hosking it's important people are able to get the answers they need. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell is skipping today's National Party caucus retreat in Christchurch to deal with the unfolding weather situation in the upper North Island. Watches and warnings are in place for several parts of the country. Heavy rain is now battering Northland and the Coromandel Peninsula causing flooding in many places and completely cutting off Whitianga from both the north and the south. Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he'll be based in Auckland, so he can travel to where he needs to go. He says he and the Prime Minister have agreed it's best if he stays there, as most of the severe weather is expected to hit the North Island's eastern seaboard. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Heather du Plessis-Allan was joined by Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell to recap the highs and lows of 2025 on the final Politics Wednesday for the year. They also discussed the retail crime numbers, the state of the Government's books, the need for a social media ban, and the situation with Nicola Willis and Ruth Richardson. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss the week thus far. They discussed the newly-announced RMA reforms – how does Labour feel about the new acts? There's been another development in the McSkimming saga, with Andrew Coster claiming he briefed both Chris Hipkins and Mark Mitchell on the situation previously – something neither of them recall. And is the Ministerial Advisory Group for Retail Crime taking the mickey with how much they're charging for their services? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adir gives an incredible deep dive into the business of AI and will OpenAI survive? Netflix bids for Warner and bets the company, Bending Spoons hits $11b, Australia about to kick of world kids first social media ban, Amex devalued points (again) and Annika Wells business class debacle. Thanks for listening! Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-contrarians-with-adam-and-adir-podcast Subscribe on YouTube for all our video content: https://https://www.youtube.com/@ContrariansPodcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contrarianspod Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@contrarianspodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the year nearing its end, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking for the final Politics Wednesday of 2025. They discussed Scrutiny Week, Labour's decision to chase the Māori seats and what's ahead as we enter an election year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Bethany Alvaro talk about the week's cyber security and AI news! Hollingworth and Alvaro get things started with a warning about a rise in AI-driven holiday scams taking advantage of the silly season. The pair also talk about a recent call from CPA Australia for young Australians to embrace AI to drive their entrepreneurial dreams. And then it's on to cyber security, with parliamentarians in Canberra warned to secure their connected devices ahead of a visit by a Chinese official, and worrying research on how the Chinese AI platform DeepSeek can actively insert vulnerabilities into code when certain "political triggers" are detected. And, sadly, the hacking never stops, with cyber extortionists targeting a pair of Aussie organisations. But we end on some good news. Hollingworth and Alvaro cover the newly announced AI Safety Institute, as well as the very welcome news of sanctions targeting a Russian cyber criminal service provider. Enjoy, The Cyber Uncut team

[Ad]  Support our show and yourself by supporting our two great sponsors! Go to https://piavpn.com/OTHERSIDE to get 83% off Private Internet Access with 4 months free!   AND D-I-Y Your Patio, Carport, Deck, Pergola and more with SmartKits at smartkits.com.auThis week on  THE OTHER SIDE...   (Ep 436  w/c Fri 28 November 2025)  -- Small business is in crisis in Australia -- but Big Government and Big Corporate don't care.  Two CEOs of small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) warn that If things don't change soon, the sector responsible for 97% of Australian non-government jobs will collapse.  -- The Relentless 'War on Masculinity' - How much longer can Australian society survive the constant attacks on men and boys?  Women and girls continue to be put first in every area of government and private business. What started as a 'correction' has turned into a disaster for young men - this is a conversation our country desperately needs to have and our guest David Maywald is leading the charge. -- Telstra's backflip on a terrible policy that would have seriously disadvantaged men is welcome news, but as Bettina Arndt explains, the giant telco has other issues it needs to fix. -- Damian's perspective on Pauline Hanson's burqa stunt, scary new laws in the increasingly authoritarian UK, the Green-left Labor government's rejection of calls for an inquiry into the ABC, and the unexpected bravery of one female ABC radio show host. Support us by joining THE EXCLUSIVE SIDE at https://www.othersidetv.com.au/Follow us on X  @OtherSideAUSSubscribe NOW on YouTube @OtherSideAUSSupport us - Support our Sponsors - PIAVPN.com/OtherSide and  smartkits.com.auSupport the showJoin The EXCLUSIVE Side at www.OtherSideTV.com.au and help us revolutionise Aussie media! The Other Side is a regular news/commentary show on YouTube @OtherSideAus and available to watch FREE here: https://www.youtube.com/@OtherSideAus Follow us on X @OtherSideAUS

Friday Headlines: Anger grows in Hong Kong as death toll rises from horror apartment fires, Labor strikes deal with Greens on environment laws, FBI launches terror probe into National Guard shooting, Pollies react to Barnaby Joyce’s Nationals defection and Sydney train station forced to remove AI art Deep Dive: Would you sit on your bed for an hour with no phone, no music, no book - literally nothing to distract you? Well, that’s a trend that’s been sweeping socials called ‘rawdogging boredom,’ where users film themselves doing absolutely nothing for a set amount of time, in the hopes it’ll improve their dwindling attention spans. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Sacha Barbour Gatt give it a go before unpacking the neuroscience behind it with author, podcaster and neuroscience expert, Alexis Fernandez-Preiksa. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen delve into the proposal to scrap regional councils, replacing them with boards made up of local Mayors. They also cover off Labour's seat selections, with MP Greg O'Connor missing out on the selection for a new seat, and former Labour MP Michael Wood's move to re-enter politics. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mike Hosking was joined by Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell to delve into the biggest political stories of the week thus far. They discussed the Hutt Bridge situation, whether Labour backs the Green Party's mining policy, and the anniversary of the Pike River tragedy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A damning report into the handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming reveals interference and cover-ups during the "Commissioner-appointment" process. The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices. A watchdog report finds some of the nation's highest ranking officers ignored a young woman's anonymous complaints against McSkimming and prosecuted her for harassment. Gagging orders were put in place to ostensibly protect the reputation of McSkimming - who was a top candidate to replace outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster. It has been revealed that emails regarding the subject were also sent to the office of Police Minister Mark Mitchell, but he was blocked from seeing them. “They put a protocol in place whereby I was not to have visibility on it, or any of my political staff, and they were going to be handled by PNHQ,” he told Mike Hosking. “So I had no visibility on any emails that I received, you know, that came through my office.” When asked who is the bigger criminal in this case, McSkimming for his behaviour or Costa for covering it up, Mitchell told Hosking they're as bad as each other. "It's atrocious behaviour,” he said. “They have put the rest of our outstanding police officers in an awful position – who turn up every day and quite simply do outstanding work.” The concern for Labour's Ginny Andersen is the impact this situation will have on public trust and confidence in the Police. “New Zealanders should have every confidence that if they take a complaint to the Police, that it is investigated fully,” she told Hosking. “It does erode public trust and confidence that taking a complaint forward will be taken seriously and investigated.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 12th of November, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers responds to the damning IPCA report into the handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming. Did we get anything out of the Arms Act announcement? Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen give their thoughts on the police and their culture and how much damage has been done to their reputation 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.

Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into the biggest political developments thus far. Labour has raised the question of if the Government is planning to ban homelessness in city centres – how would this work? The Te Pāti Māori stoush is getting increasingly ugly, and what's happening with police numbers and fake breath tests? LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into the biggest political stories of the week so far. Slipping parliamentary standards are back at the forefront, with Speaker Gerry Brownlee planning to crack down on behaviour after yet another incident. And Te Pati Māori is seemingly melting down from the inside, with allegations regarding a former party vice-president and budget blowouts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police Minister says officers don't have the laws they need to move protesters from MPs' homes. The Government introduced the legislation to ban protests outside homes in August, and it's now before a select committee. A 29-year-old man's turned himself in and been charged, accused of smashing a window at Foreign Minister Winston Peters' house earlier this week. Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking every single Kiwi would agree the one place they should feel safe is in their own home. Labour's Ginny Andersen agreed, but says the law as proposed is really unclear in terms of detail. She says people have the right to protest but if they're breaking the law, then they should get prosecuted, just as the person who was charged with smashing the window was. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are calling in from airports in Italy and Auckland to delve into the biggest topics of the week so far. Local body elections are looming – how can we raise the involvement rate? Plus, a raft of changes to both the earthquake-prone building system and the energy sector were announced in the last two days. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy start to the week, and Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen are back with Mike Hosking to delve into the political happenings so far. The Government has announced two new residency pathways for skilled migrants, which Winston Peters has raised concerns about. Is he right to be concerned? The Herald's annual Mood of the Boardroom survey has been released – how is the Government faring? And there's a decision on the way about whether New Zealand will officially recognise a Palestinian state. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things have been heating up in the political sphere, so Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen joined Mike Hosking to delve into the latest developments. They discussed the decision to close Auckland's Harbour Bridge for a protest, before the wind changed the plans, free speech and the right to protest, and the latest in the situation with Te Pati Māori and the tricky spot Labour seems to be in. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ministers from both sides of the divide are praising the Police for their handling of the Tom Phillips situation. The four-year manhunt for Phillips ended early on Monday, when he was shot and killed by Police after he shot at an officer in rural Waikato. The children were safely recovered and are in the care of Oranga Tamariki. Former Police Minister Ginny Andersen says authorities have been doing their best, during the four-year search for Phillips. She told Mike Hosking the area is very remote and a difficult part of the country to navigate, so she thinks the police did everything they could. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Hosking the police have been outstanding, and the huge relief is having the children in a safe situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government ministers have received a reminder about the "separation of powers". Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden has been criticised for claiming Employment Relations Authority members believed “money grows on trees”. She's told our newsroom Attorney-General Judith Collins has discussed the matter with her. National's Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking Collins has reminded ministers they can't openly criticise the judiciary. He says the separation of powers is important in a strong western democracy like ours. Labour's Ginny Andersen says the problem is that van Velden seems to have appointed people and expected them to make different decisions. She says her comments demonstrate that they've been appointed on the basis that they'll make certain decisions as opposed to being independent. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 27th of August, we have good economic news: a new Westpac report says our growth is set to outpace Australia over the next few years. Does that stop the brain drain? Erica Stanford has another new visa up for grabs to get entrepreneurs in and spending. Mark Mitchell joins from Queenstown and Ginny Andersen joins from Fiji to discuss four year terms, burner phones, and the Tamaki Makaurau by-election. 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.