Podcasts about Ponsonby

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the news today that Fergus Ewing is leaving the SNP and standing as an independent candidate at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election, bringing to an end an era of constant representation under the SNP banner for the Ewing dynasty since the Scottish Parliament was formed. Also - What is the role of independents in the Scottish Parliament and why do so few succeed? Only 3 have been elected as independents but can you name them?Scottish Disability numbersThe Winter Fuel AllowanceAssisted dying.... and Bernard cutting the podcast a little shorter to get out for a pint in the sun! Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie run the rule over each of the Scottish political party leaders and give them a mark out of ten for how they are performing. Including:John SwinneyAnas SarwarRussell FindlayAlex Cole-HamiltonLorna Slater & Patrick HarvieReform? Who is the Scottish Leader?Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie are joined by Paul Sweeney of Labour and Cllr Thomas Kerr of Reform UK to ask what the result means?Labour GAIN from SNP Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election resultLAB: 31.5% (-2.0) SNP: 29.4% (-16.8) REF: 26.2% (+26.2) CON: 6.0% (-11.5) GRN: 2.6% (+2.6) +/- 2021Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On support for independence in poll: "54% of people supporting independence and 46 supporting the unionist status quo... a record high for Norstat in the last four or five years." — Alex MassieOn Reform UK's rise in poll: "Reform are plus four at 18%. And of course, when you translate all of this into seats, I mean, it is really quite extraordinary." — Bernard PonsonbyOn Labour's struggles: "If Labour are way, way, way behind the SNP... it would be a complete humiliation if they can't come second." — Bernard PonsonbyOn the SNP's longevity: "By the time we go into the election next year the SNP will have been in government for 19 years. I mean, it really is embarrassing from the Labour Party's point of view." — Bernard PonsonbyOn Farage and political consistency: "Farage has just decided, I won't bother about the Tories... he's now going after Labour. But he's doing it not by enunciating what he really has traditionally believed." — Bernard PonsonbyOn Reform's strength: "It is an expression of a sensibility of dissatisfaction with politics as they've been." — Alex MassieOn Labour's disconnect: "The people Labour are really struggling with in Scotland are people who live on the housing estates... reform are now at around one in four in council housing." — Alex MassieOn race politics in the by-election: "Anybody who knows Anas Sarwar will know that he would not prioritise the interests of any community over the other." — Bernard PonsonbyOn Farage's ignorance of Scotland: "I remember... he said, 'the SNP won that famous Falkirk by-election'... they didn't." — Bernard PonsonbyFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Speculation is rife that the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, will be privately pleased that details of her tax reform memo to Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, have been leaked to the Telegraph. Is she on manoeuvres and is she a credible candidate for the top job?AlsoThe SNP has criticised the Prime Minister's EU deal - but aren't these things that the SNP would need to agree to if they were to apply to rejoin the EU in an independent Scotland?And...Where is Labour's camera shy candidate for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by election? He hasn't agreed to go on TV to debate the other candidates. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I just want to be clear, I don't want to start a disagreement between shows here on Newstalk ZB, but I did listen to Mike Hosking this morning talking some smack, and listening to it, I felt, no, I'm gonna have to say something about this just to restore a bit of balance to this debate. In defence of instant coffee, the stuff is great. I love it. I drink it nearly every day, little flat white in the morning, little old school instant in the afternoon. I am, I would like to point out, squarely in the demographic that should be snobby about coffee, right? It should be like fresh beans from Rwanda every day. I grew up on the cafe culture, live in Ponsonby, have some of the best cafes in the country around the corner, but I still write by instinct. Now I don't want to be super unfair on Mike, because obviously he's a legend, but he does some girl math when he wants to. Instant coffee is not more expensive than your ground beans. I mean, if you look at it on the face of what you're paying at the supermarket, yep, sure, your classic Makona at $12 for 100 g does appear to be more expensive than your Havana 5 Star coffee beans at $10.50 for 200 g, cause obviously getting 200 g of the beans as opposed, as opposed to 100 g of the instant. So, you know, you're paying for twice as many beans for roughly the same price. But you and I know that's not how it works. You and I know that you're getting more cups of coffee out of that little Macona jar, cause you're only using one teaspoon at a time. You're using the beans, you're gonna have to fill up that whole double shot filter basket, and so you're gonna whip through that 200 g a whole lot faster. But the thing about it is, obviously, you know, I live in Ponsonby, OK? It's not just about price. I can afford to go and buy myself a nice little flat white. It's about the fact that it tastes good. Instant coffee tastes good in its own special watery mud way. Do you know what I mean? It's got its place in life. I don't think we need to discount it. It's kind of like you can enjoy yourself a craft beer, but then you can also want a dirty old Corona from time to time. Or you can make a virtue out of eating your Vogels and getting all that fiber going through your gut. But then sometimes you just want a nice white slice with your snag. You know what I mean? Sometimes you just want to get down in the gutter with that little instant coffee. Not everyone wants to drink an espresso at 3 in the afternoon and be pinging at 11 at night. Still, that's the place of the instant coffee. You have that at 3, it's got a little light little buzz until 7.Sleep like a baby after that. And finally, just the final point on this is. It turns out more of us actually drink the instant than the espresso. This may shock you, because we're the land of the flat white, but we are also the land that invented the instant coffee in Southland. And the last survey I saw said 44% of us drink the instant, and only 34% of us drink the espresso. And as Mike likes to say, numbers don't lie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernard and Alex discuss the danger for Labour of dancing to the right-wing's tune on immigration. What does it mean? What (if anything) does Keir Starmer stand for? What does Labour now stand for?Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ponsonby plant theif Employee won $30K for comment from co-worker Top 6 Reasons the goat tried to sabotage the cyclist New reality show billion dollar playground Vaughan's rain chat Women are loving Daddy TV SLP - Do you enjoy travelling with your parents? Were you late to the gay? Hayley's mini Magnums Bet I can guess your Mums name Is kissing on the lips cheating? Fact of the Day What word do you hate?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SummaryIn this episode of the Ponsonby and Massie podcast, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the recent program for government announced by John Swinney, analyzing its implications and the political landscape in Scotland. They explore the limited legislative agenda, the scrapping of peak fares, the promise of more GP appointments, and the shifting dynamics within the SNP. The conversation highlights the importance of engaging with the business community and the challenges faced by the government in addressing public needs while managing fiscal responsibilities. The conversation delves into the dynamics of Scottish politics, focusing on the importance of personal relationships in political negotiations, current polling trends, The implications of the rise of Reform UK. It also discusses the role of the Liberal Democrats as a refuge for discontented voters, draws historical parallels with the SDP Liberal Alliance, and addresses the contentious issue of gender recognition legislation. The economic outlook and its potential impact on political fortunes are also explored, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the Labour Party and the Conservative government.The program for government lacks substantial legislative content.John Swinney's leadership style emphasizes stability and pragmatism.The scrapping of peak fares is seen as a political strategy.Public transport funding raises questions about taxpayer burden.The promise of more GP appointments may not significantly impact healthcare access.Swinney's first year is viewed positively compared to his predecessors.Engagement with the business community is crucial for government success.The SNP's funding structure benefits from the Barnett formula.Political dynamics in Scotland are shifting under Swinney's leadership.The government faces challenges in prioritizing public spending effectively. Personal relationships in politics can significantly influence outcomes.Current polling shows a decline in support for the SNP and Tories.Reform UK's popularity may not sustain under scrutiny during elections.Voter sentiment often outweighs detailed policy platforms.The Liberal Democrats serve as an alternative for voters dissatisfied with major parties.Historical parallels exist between Reform UK and the SDP Liberal Alliance.Gender recognition issues are contentious and politically charged.Economic factors will play a crucial role in upcoming elections.Labour's challenges are compounded by internal dissatisfaction.The political landscape is fluid, with potential shifts in voter allegiance.Scottish government, John Swinney, legislative agenda, public transport, GP appointments, political strategy, SNP, Scotland, healthcare, business community, politics, polling, Reform UK, Liberal Democrats, gender recognition, economic outlook, Scottish elections, political relationships, public sentiment, electoral trendsFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a week that saw Reform UK make seismic advances in the English Local Elections and the Runcorn & Helsby Parliamentary By Election, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie deep dive into the current state of the parties in Scotland - one year from the 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections. What does the rise of Reform UK mean in Scotland, what are the implications of the coming Scottish Parliament By Election in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse and has Keir Starmer ultimately dug "Anas Sarwar's electoral grave"? Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The woman living in the country's most valuable state house says it should be sold, as Kāinga Ora plans to put hundreds of homes on the market. Amy Williams has the story.

Bernard and Alex discuss:Religion's relevance today: They explore how religion is now more comfortably discussed by Scottish politicians compared to 20–30 years ago. There's a nuanced conversation about Scotland's move from a heavily religious society to a secular one, and a new resurgence of faith among younger Scots.The gender recognition legal ruling: They analyse the fallout from the UK Supreme Court ruling and how politicians like John Swinney and Keir Starmer have been caught between public opinion and previous statements on gender identity.Swinney's summit on extremism: They critique John Swinney's call for political unity against the far-right, warning that mislabelling politicians like Nigel Farage as "fascist" risks backfiring and emboldening populism.Reform UK's rise in Scotland: They suggest Reform's growing support could fragment the anti-SNP vote, paradoxically helping the SNP win the upcoming by-election and Scottish Parliament election with even a modest share of the voteFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard and Alex consider today's ruling from the Supreme Court in which Lord Hodge said "The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex." ​"Successive SNP-led Scottish Governments have championed gender reform and opined on the definition of a woman - as did other parties in the Scottish Parliament. Where does this leave them, and do they need to revisit previous policies?"PLUS HAMILTON, LARKHALL AND STONEHOUSEThe By Election date has been set. What challenges will the parties face. It's a real test for Labour before the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election. Will Reform UK perform well? GRANGEMOUTHIt's a political football but is it even feasible for Governments to privatise the business?Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard and Alex explain and analyse the significance of Donald Trump's international trade tariffs and how it might affect you personally in everything from the cost of goods to your pension. Donald Trump's sweeping global tariff offensive has triggered market turmoil and reignited fears of a full-blown trade war, with the FTSE 100 plummeting and central banks scrambling to respond. Trump's protectionist policies — including steep tariffs on key trading partners such as the EU, UK, China, and Vietnam — are driving up consumer prices, fuelling inflation, and risking a global recession. Despite claims of “economic patriotism”, experts argue these tariffs amount to a form of self-inflicted economic harm, unravelling decades of free trade orthodoxy. Retaliatory tariffs, rising import costs, and disrupted supply chains are hitting exporters hard, with industries from Scotch whisky to fighter jet components feeling the sting. Critics warn this tit-for-tat tariff spiral could destabilise the world economy, weaken Western alliances, and hand geopolitical leverage to China — all in pursuit of a misguided vision of industrial revival. With headlines dominated by market shocks, IMF warnings, and international backlash, Trump's trade war may be remembered as a high-stakes gamble with devastating global consequences.PLUS Scottish Conservatives keep resigning - but for contradictory reasons. Some think the party is too far to the left, others think it is too far to the right. Which is it?Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Patrick Harvie, is set to step down after 17 years. Has he been effective as a politician?Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another famed Kiwi restaurant has been forced to close its doors amid the ongoing economic downturn. Sid and Chand Sahrawat are shuttering Ponsonby's KOL, citing challenging trading conditions. Chand Sahrawat says they're tried a number of solutions set to fix the concept - but they're hoping to take on a new challenge. "I think there is some other concept out there - we've got some ideas of what we would do with the space...but we want to see if there's a better idea out there than what we have for the space and hopefully mentor someone." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another famed Kiwi restaurant has been forced to close its doors amid the ongoing economic downturn. Sid and Chand Sahrawat are shuttering Ponsonby's KOL, citing challenging trading conditions. Chand Sahrawat says they're tried a number of solutions set to fix the concept - but they're hoping to take on a new challenge. "I think there is some other concept out there - we've got some ideas of what we would do with the space...but we want to see if there's a better idea out there than what we have for the space and hopefully mentor someone." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PART 2 of the Ponsonby and Massie Podcast interview with the First Minister, John Swinney In his most in-depth and revealing interview since becoming Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney joins Bernard Ponsoby and Alex Massie:FEAR FOR SURVIVAL OF THE SNP* On Humza Yousaf resigning after the collapse of the Bute House agreement "If I go back to that period, which was really, really difficult, I feared for the stability of the government, I feared actually for the survival of the SNP, to be honest. I thought things were in such a bad place." COLLEAGUE CRIED WHEN HE SAID HE'D STAND* Recalling a colleague who shared his concerns "I said, well, I'm thinking about it [standing for First Minister] and they burst into tears". CREDITS BLAIR GOVERNMENT ON CHILD POVERTY * Swinney gives credit to Labour on Child Poverty "the achievements of the Blair Brown government, the first decade of this century really made an impact on eroding levels of child poverty in our society".DEFINES HIS RELIGIOUS FAITH* In a discussion about faith, the First Minister was asked "what does Jesus Christ mean to you personally?". He answered "the love of others, the love and service of others. That's what my Christian faith means to me..... I'd be perfectly happy to talk about that. I don't opt to go on to a podium to do so."MAKES NO APOLOGIES ON FAMILY JOINING OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS* On taking his family to official events "sometimes there's a bit of a hullabaloo about taking members of your family to particular occasions. I make no apology for it because if I didn't do that, I'd hardly see them." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may be Valentine's Day but not everything in love is chocolates and roses. Romance scams are affecting an increasing number of Kiwis, fraudsters crafting elaborate fake relationships and emotional connections in order to convince their victims to send money. Last week the Herald reported on a woman who wasted two years and more than $375,000 on what turned out to be a romance scam with an impersonation of actor Martin Henderson. ANZ's Head of Customer Protection Alan Thomsen told Kerre Woodham that there's a misconception that those who fall victim to romance scams are all over the age of 60, but a third of their victims are under the age of 45. He says that many victims are in a vulnerable state, and it's important for people to stop and pause before committing to anything. ANZ is also making an effort to educate and raise awareness around romance scams, creating a unique rose. The “Scammers Bloom”, is a beautiful long-stemmed rose - the ultimate symbol of love - and while it looks beautiful, once you get closer you realise it smells fishy. The special blooms will be available at their pop-up shop 'Love Stinks' in Ponsonby, Auckland. The bouquets come with a charming collection of Valentine's Day cards which help normalise talking about romance scams, and give people the tips to help look out for and avoid romance scams. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homestyle editor Alice Lines talks with Gerrad Hall about designing a home that would respond to the surrounding villas, in Ponsonby, while adopting an architectural language aligned with contemporary living. Listen now, and visit www.firstwindows.co.nz/narrow-escape to see the story.

Chloe Summerhayes is a visual artist who often explores themes of the subconscious in her work. Her recent works are currently being exhibited at Suite Gallery in Ponsonby alongside those of artist Jeremy Piert. Suite writes that Summerhayes' work ‘often references the romantic and phantasmal history of painting whilst contending with the anxieties of the contemporary world. '[Her] practice reflects the complex nature of mortal existence by finding and straddling the ‘in between' spaces regarding dualities such as reduction/addition, minimalism/excess and abstraction/figuration.' Beth caught up with Chloe about her recent works.

One retailer wants to know why shops are carrying the losses, when they're hit by credit card fraud and not the companies, whose cards are being used for the dodgy transactions. Earlier this month a customer spent about $3000 on gift vouchers and goods, at Cactus Outdoor, a clothing and outdoor equipment shop in Ponsonby, Auckland. He paid with a Visa. CCTV seen by Checkpoint shows the man apparently tapping a credit card on the eftpos machine and entering a pin number; the transaction goes through. But a few days after the sale, the card holders bank, BNZ contacted the store and said it was a "card not present transaction" and the $3000 spend was not inititated or authorised by the cardholder, it took the money back out of the shop's banks account. Cactus Outdoor Managing Director Ben Kepes spoke to Lisa Owen.

Unsuspecting passengers are being caught out by rogue car or cab companies and it's costing them hundreds of dollars to go just a few kilometres up the road. One woman was charged nearly $800 for a 19 kilometres from Auckland's Ponsonby to West Harbour. It seems when there's a big event in town, more people are being preyed on, so are you supposed to tell what is legit and what's not? The Small Passenger Service Association is an industry body for taxis, ride shares and shuttles, its spokesperson Warren Quirke spoke to Lisa Owen.

Kiwis are turning away from high-end fashion when it comes time to refreshing their wardrobes, with op shop chic likely to be a big look this summer. Figures from Stats NZ show retail sale volumes per person have been falling for the last two and a half years, and some clothing retailers are feeling the pinch. New Zealand designer Kate Sylvester will be closing down next year; Juliette Hogan has closed its Ponsonby store; and iconic Auckland retailer Smith and Caughey's has closed its Newmarket story and significantly downsized its CBD operation. At the same time, the appetite for pre-loved more affordable designer clothing is fastly growing. Louise Ternouth reports.

One of our most gifted political writers reflects on the death of Alex Salmond and the current state of Scottish politics. This is engrossing from the very first second. SUBSCRIBE to the Ponsonby and Massie podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ponsonby-and-massie-podcast/id1749779794 SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows2024 6 November: Exeter, Phoenix8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket15 November: Colchester Arts Centre20 November: York, The Crescent21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 2025 29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE2 February: Salford, Lowry4 February: Leeds, City Varieties5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill6 February: Chelmsford Theatre7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre12 February: Bath, Komedia13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre16 February: Cambridge, The Junction20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts23 February: Brighton, Komedoa25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We hear from the the two men who have covered more gossip and policy and politics than anyone else in the story of Scotland. Brian Taylor, formerly of BBC Scotland, and Bernard Ponsonby, formerly of STV News consider Scotland's story of the last 25 years including the pivotal IndyRef of 2014. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the radio show, find out what happens when pigeons are shot in suburban Auckland, and discover what Old English sounded like back in 200 BC!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The submissions are open, you can now have your say on whether Eden Park should be allowed to have 12 concerts a year, which is double what they have at the moment.  And from me, it is absolutely a ‘hell yes'.Give them 12 concerts, it's a great place for a show. I've been to a few shows there now - Pink, Ed Sheeran, Billy Joel... and honestly, because of how good it was as a music venue, I struggle to imagine a time when Eden Park didn't host music. It seemed so natural. But they only had their first concert, Six60, in 2021. In the interests of transparency, I have to say for a couple of those concerts, I was there because Eden Park invited me. And I'm not naïve, I suspect they invited me so I could see what a great venue it was. And it worked, because I was quite impressed with it. Obviously, Eden Park isn't the only venue Auckland City's got, there's a whole bunch of them - and if you want to have a big open-air stadium concert, there's Mt Smart. But I still reckon Eden Park beats it on a couple of fronts. For one, it's much easier to get to and from there than it is for Mt Smart. For a big show, Mt Smart is a pain in the butt to get in and out of. With Eden Park, you can just walk out and you're in a bar in Ponsonby in 2.5ks.Plus, there's capacity. Mt Smart can do about 40,000 people for a live show, Eden Park can apparently hold more than 50,000. Obviously, that means more money for Auckland city, which is what I'm interested in.The hotel occupancy for Pink was apparently 97 percent. That means people are bringing in their money from other places in the country and the region. There'll be even more money flowing in for Coldplay, cause they're only playing three shows in Auckland.So far, Eden Park is doing good things for Auckland's economy - and just to underscore the place, think of the biggest events Auckland's had over the past wee while. We had Harry Styles, we had Pink, we had the FIFA Women's World Cup, and we're going to have Coldplay soon.  Three of those were - or will be - held at Eden Park. After Coldplay, what's on Auckland's calendar for cool things to do? Outside of stuff like the tennis and SailGP, there's nothing.So I'd argue we actually need Eden Park to have more concerts, cause it attracts the big stuff. And who would turn up the money that comes with it? Plus, if we say yes to these extra concerts, maybe in a few years we'll struggle to remember a time when we limited them to only six a year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The halcyon days of sipping champagne and martinis on Ponsonby Rd are over. Instead, hospitality veteran Luke Dallow told Susana Lei'ataua these tough economic times call for swappa crates and country music. Mr Dallow, whose opened up Hard Rock Cafes across the world and a string of well-known New Zealand watering holes, is currently planning a new venture on Ponsonby Rd.

Auckland restauranter Mandy Lusk has penned an open letter calling on people and businesses to help the hospitality sector survive.  It comes after Ponsonby restaurant SPQR's closure last week, and the Vivace owner says she's heard of three other restaurants closing in the next week.  And her restaurant could be heading in the same direction.  Vivace owner Mandy Lusk joined Jack Tame.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first liquidators' report on Auckland's SPQR shows it owes creditors $2.24 million. The Ponsonby eatery was placed into liquidation last Thursday by special resolution of the shareholders and is no longer trading. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann says this is a sign of the times, as several iconic Auckland eateries have yet to recover from Covid and the economic downturn.  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apartments are going up, new residents are arriving and Hamilton's inner-city suburb Frankton is having a moment. Some even go as far as to say Frankton is on its way to be the Ponsonby of Hamilton. Need more great podcasts? Check out Stuff's full catalogue here. GET IN TOUCH Feedback? We're listening! Email us at thelongread@stuff.co.nz  CREDITS Written by Richard Walker Read by Philippa Tolley Produced by Jen Black Audio editing by Connor Scott Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I was very interested in that Auckland Central crime meeting with the Police Minister last night. If it wasn't that the thing was scheduled for 6:30, when this show was still on air, I would've gone along. I actually got Mark Mitchell's flyer in the letterbox inviting me to come along, cause I live in Auckland Central. And because I work in Auckland Central, I care very deeply about the crime in my neighbourhood, and I'm not happy about it - at all.We live within hearing of the Ponsonby shooting which happened a few weeks back, we constantly have unsavoury characters loitering on our street doing god knows what, we've got a couple of guys who've pitched a tent in the local park - they've been there for months - smoking weed flagrantly. I make a conscious decision at night-time to drive distances that I can actually walk simply because I don't think it's safe when it's dark. So as an Auckland Central resident, I want something done, and I want it done fast. And I realise there are some people who came out of that meeting unimpressed and unhappy - but I've actually got a slightly more optimistic take on it.At least Mark Mitchell acknowledges there's a problem. That is a massive change from Ginny Andersen's approach as Labour's Police Minister. She spent amazing amounts of energy and time pretending we didn't have a crime problem. According to her, we just had a better app for reporting crime, which is why the numbers were up. Which is just a load of bollocks.Having Mark Mitchell front up to meetings in his evenings when he is already an MP of his own electorate - plus he's a very busy Cabinet Minister - it's impressive.I think we've got to be a little realistic: this is not going to change overnight. Mark Mitchell is turning around 6 years of neglect of our inner cities, where the previous Government filled them with homeless people and then pretended there wasn't a crime problem. He's only been in the job for 7 months, give him a moment.He knows what the fix is, and that's the important thing. And that's more police on the beat. Already, there are noticeably more. One of my colleagues who lives nearby says he sees them all the time, but there aren't enough. Because I don't see them all the time.So yes, there's room for improvement - and there'd better be improvement - but for now I'm seeing enough good signs. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland police say despite four arrests, the funeral of the Ponsonby shooter Hone Kay-Selwyn was peaceful. Inspector Rakana Cook spoke to Corin Dann.

Auckland councillor Alf Filipaina says the large police presence at the funeral of the Ponsonby shooter was crucial to prevent chaos. Filipaina spoke to Corin Dann.

The victim of Sunday night's fatal shooting in the Auckland suburb of Ponsonby has been described as a hard-working man with a big heart. Felix Walton reports.

Police have confirmed the man wanted in connection with the fatal Ponsonby Road shooting on Sunday evening, Hone Kay- Selwyn, has been found dead.

Ponsonby Road businesses are collectively looking to fund their own security guards following a fatal shooting on the street. Ponsonby Social Club owner Bobby Mukai speaks to Lisa Owen

RNZ understands the man sought after the fatal Ponsonby shooting has been found dead in the Central North Island. Reporter Maia Ingoe spoke to Corin Dann.

A man hunt is underway for an "extremely dangerous man" wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Auckland's Ponsonby last night. Melanie Earley reports.

The victim in the fatal Ponsonby shooting and the gunman dont appear to know each other, according to police. Detective Inspector Chris Barry spoke with Lisa Owen

A manhunt continues in Auckland Tuesday morning after a fatal shooting on one of the city's most popular and busiest roads. Finn Blackwell reports.

Auckland's Ponsonby Road is closed this morning, with armed police on site, after a man was killed there last night. Reporter Maia Ingoe spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Las "Señoritas de Llangollen", Eleanor Butler y Sarah Ponsonby, fueron dos mujeres irlandesas que, en el siglo XVIII, desafiaron las convenciones sociales de su tiempo al decidir vivir juntas en Llangollen, Gales, lejos de las expectativas tradicionales de matrimonio y vida doméstica prescritas para las mujeres de su estatus. Ambas mujeres se encontraron y formaron un profundo lazo basado en intereses intelectuales compartidos y un deseo mutuo de independencia, vamos, que se enamoraron y querían vivir juntas. A pesar de los intentos de sus familias de casarlas adecuadamente, ambas rechazaron múltiples propuestas matrimoniales y, en 1778, planearon y ejecutaron su famosa fuga a Gales. A menudo descrita como una "amistad romántica", su convivencia desafió las narrativas convencionales sobre las relaciones entre mujeres de su tiempo. La pareja también es considerada un temprano ejemplo de relación queer, viviendo abiertamente juntas en una época en que tales relaciones eran socialmente inaceptables. Las músicas de este episodio las podréis encontrar aquí: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68AbQAGC5XJVItUtKJdWDC?si=4e51163a1b134674

Meet Will Ponsonby who is by trade both an electrical engineer and a former badminton champion in Hobart and the state of Tasmania in Australia. He also runs Off Court Sports (221 Liverpool Street, Hobart) where you can find all the gear for your favourite sports, even if it's not pickleball!Historical markers of the week include Adolph Hitler, JJ Thomson and the electron, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, and a 1975 moment in the Vietnam War.Support the Show.Thanks for listening. Please share the pod with your mates, and feel free to comment right here! Write to Bob on his email -- bobmendo@AOL.comLink to https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078996765315 on Facebook. Bobs Your Uncle features the opinions of Bob Mendelsohn and any of his guests.To financially support the podcast, go to the Patreon site and choose Gold, Silver or Bronze levels. Thanks for that! https://www.patreon.com/BobsYourUncle To read Bob's 1999 autobiography, click this link https://bit.ly/StoryBob To see photos of any of Bob's guests, they are all on an album on his Flickr site click here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobmendo/albums/72177720296857670

On today's episode of the Radio Highlights podcast, discover Amy Adams' choice at a trendy Ponsonby brunch spot, delve into the persona of "The World's Hardest Geezer," and bid farewell to Matt Heath's column in the Herald.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albert Cho burst onto Aotearoa's food scene in 2017 with Eat Lit Food, an Instagram account that dishes out forthright (and often profane) food reviews to an ever-expanding audience. What started as an attempt to redefine a problematic relationship with food quickly grew into a fully fledged career as an influencer, critic and writer. Last year, with the help of David Lee's Namu Group, he opened Tobi on Ponsonby Road to rave reviews. Albert joins us for a candid chat about the origins of Eat Lit Food, and the journey to opening his first restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen as we hear from Theologian and friend Simon Ponsonby on revival in the church.

Listen as we hear from Theologian and friend Simon Ponsonby on revival in the church.

A leading Auckland apartment developer says big money is fuelling the city's sprawl and curbing community creation. Ockham co founder Mark Todd has been part of the apartment scene in Tamaki Makaurau since 2009. His company has completed more than 1100 apartments at various sites in Auckland including including the blocks, Tuatahi in Mt Albert and Aroha in Avondale. The latest is the Greenhouse building in the heart of Ponsonby - where 21 of the 93 apartments are still available. At the recent opening of the high end property Mr Todd took a swipe at developers of sites in Drury - 38 kilometres south of Central Auckland He says urban sprawl contributes to Auckland being a city many can't afford to live in, particularly service workers who are the necessary backbone of the metropolis.