Podcasts about prime minister chris luxon

Greg Foran is back where I suspect he belongs, and likes. The former Air New Zealand boss, if you have missed it, is off to Kroger, which is America's second biggest grocer behind Walmart. I have never met a New Zealander who has worked in America that belongs in America more. It was evident from the first time I met him that he was American. You can spot them in their shirts and ties. They are conservative and yet impeccably pressed. He looked like he had starched himself getting out of bed each morning. The last time he was in here, his farewell interview, we talked off air about where now. He didn't say specifically, but I knew it was America. The bit he never explained, probably because he either couldn't for commercial reasons, or couldn't because he hadn't quite worked it out for himself, was what the hell he was ever doing back in New Zealand. I asked him any number of times in a sort of non-direct way, what on earth was it about a small airline at the bottom of the world that would drag you out of Walmart to come and run it? Possibly given he wasn't running Walmart, it was a job in which he was running something so his CV would show a Kroger in years to come that he was ready to be boss. At Walmart he lived in Arkansas and flew in private jets. In New Zealand he kept having to explain why the Wellington to Taupo plane never took off. The Covid thing must have been the nightmare from hell and it wasn't his fault. But even without it and the myriad of problems he faced, including the inexplicable cluster around engines that no airline anywhere seems to have encountered the way Air New Zealand has, you always got the impression he was either here for a short time, or it had all been a patriotic mistake driven by a laudable desire to return to home base and make some sort of contribution. But I can tell you this, of all the Air New Zealand CEO's I have known - business legend Ralph Norris, marketing genius Rob Fyfe, Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Greg Foran - no one looked less at home and more bewildered than Greg. Some people loved him because he was often at the airport checking their backs in, so work ethic was never the issue. The issue was Air New Zealand wasn't American. I bet you he has never been happier, or more relieved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Foran is back where I suspect he belongs, and likes. The former Air New Zealand boss, if you have missed it, is off to Kroger, which is America's second biggest grocer behind Walmart. I have never met a New Zealander who has worked in America that belongs in America more. It was evident from the first time I met him that he was American. You can spot them in their shirts and ties. They are conservative and yet impeccably pressed. He looked like he had starched himself getting out of bed each morning. The last time he was in here, his farewell interview, we talked off air about where now. He didn't say specifically, but I knew it was America. The bit he never explained, probably because he either couldn't for commercial reasons, or couldn't because he hadn't quite worked it out for himself, was what the hell he was ever doing back in New Zealand. I asked him any number of times in a sort of non-direct way, what on earth was it about a small airline at the bottom of the world that would drag you out of Walmart to come and run it? Possibly given he wasn't running Walmart, it was a job in which he was running something so his CV would show a Kroger in years to come that he was ready to be boss. At Walmart he lived in Arkansas and flew in private jets. In New Zealand he kept having to explain why the Wellington to Taupo plane never took off. The Covid thing must have been the nightmare from hell and it wasn't his fault. But even without it and the myriad of problems he faced, including the inexplicable cluster around engines that no airline anywhere seems to have encountered the way Air New Zealand has, you always got the impression he was either here for a short time, or it had all been a patriotic mistake driven by a laudable desire to return to home base and make some sort of contribution. But I can tell you this, of all the Air New Zealand CEO's I have known - business legend Ralph Norris, marketing genius Rob Fyfe, Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Greg Foran - no one looked less at home and more bewildered than Greg. Some people loved him because he was often at the airport checking their backs in, so work ethic was never the issue. The issue was Air New Zealand wasn't American. I bet you he has never been happier, or more relieved. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Thursday last week, politicians including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and ACT party leader David Seymour addressed the audience during the Waitangi Day events at the Treaty Grounds. The theme this year was Mō tātou, mā tātou, which is for all of us and by all of us. As well, the past week has seen various news updates in environmental legislation including the draft decision to reject consent for seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight, Greenpeace voicing concerns about a ‘kiwi killing clause' in the proposed Natural Environment Bill, and a new Green Party bill calling to recognise the legal personhood of Tohorā — whales. This week, Wire Host Sara spoke to National MP Ryan Hamilton about all of these topics, starting with Waitangi.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon confirmed last week that New Zealand would not be sitting on Donald Trump's newly proposed Board of Peace. The refusal came days after the Government signalled it was considering the offer, and opposing parties have criticised the delayed response. Newstalk ZB political reporter Azaria Howell says the $1 billion seat price was a significant sum for a country of New Zealand's size. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Sunday Panel, Coast Day host Lorna Riley and broadcaster and journalist Wilhelmina O'Keeffe joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki led a group of protestors in a demonstration at Auckland CBD. Were the police right to intervene? Should we be worried about his influence? Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to head to Waitangi this week, but he won't be there for the day itself. What do we make of this? And why are so many politicians cautious about Waitangi Day? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament is set to return from tomorrow for a single-week sitting block, but the big day's already been overshadowed. Last week's extreme weather has made a significant impact, with Prime Minister Chris Luxon skipping Rātana to visit the impacted areas. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says it's likely Parliament will pay tribute to those lost to the extreme weather to start the year off. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rātana has kicked off the year in New Zealand politics, as the country eyes up the November 7 election. MPs spoke at the central North Island pā site, with Labour's Chris Hipkins speaking about the importance of using Te Reo Māori. The Greens launched a Members' Bill at the event to entrench Māori seats, and it was announced the Government would invest 10 million dollars into a new Ringatū Marae complex in the Bay of Plenty. Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths says Prime Minister Chris Luxon was unable to attend the event and spent the day speaking with those who'd been impacted by the extreme weather in the upper North Island. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's not announcing any changes to the team, as parties tee-up political campaigns. The Prime Minister's confirmed a November 7 date for this year's general election - speaking from National's annual caucus retreat in Christchurch. Chris Luxon says any members retiring will announce it themself, and he doesn't feel compelled to reshuffle for the sake of it. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says Luxon will be hoping for the economic recovery to be more noticeable by the time the voting booths open up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 election is due to take place this year, but it's still unclear when the big day will take place. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to announce a date in the coming days, kicking off the official campaign season to determine the next Government. Newstalk ZB reporter Azaria Howell says it's likely the election date will be confirmed at the upcoming caucus retreat - but the details are still unclear. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's keen to raise the retirement age -- but it's not possible in coalition with New Zealand First. The Government is halving its KiwiSaver contribution rate -- and canning if people earning more than 180-thousand dollars. The default rate of worker and business contributions to KiwiSaver will rise over time. Chris Luxon told Kerre Woodham pushing out the retirement age to 67 makes sense. He says Labour doesn't think it's a good idea, and New Zealand First does not want to move that forward. Luxon also spoke about the cuts the government made to make funding available elsewhere. Budget 2025 includes 21 billion dollars of cost-savings - 13 billion of that from the controversial change to pay equity law - raising claim thresholds. Prime Minister Chris Luxon told Kerre Woodham these are difficult choices, but there's no way they could afford that. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectations. Experts have speculated a projected surplus will be pushed back from 2029 by another year, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon tempered expectations earlier today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says 'fiscal discipline' will see New Zealand's economy keep growing in the coming months. "Importantly, I also get to update the Treasury's economic forecasts and that's what shows the picture for more job creation, income growth into the future, and people doing better." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectations. Experts have speculated a projected surplus will be pushed back from 2029 by another year, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon tempered expectations earlier today. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says 'fiscal discipline' will see New Zealand's economy keep growing in the coming months. "Importantly, I also get to update the Treasury's economic forecasts and that's what shows the picture for more job creation, income growth into the future, and people doing better." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The length of New Zealand's summer holiday - isn't as bad for the economy as some may think. Prime Minister Chris Luxon's weighed in on debate - saying after working overseas, he's used to returning to work about January 3 - which he'll probably do again this summer. Infometrics Chief Executive, Brad Olsen, says supermarkets and tourism boom over the period. He says the professional services industry shuts down longer, but that's not the entire economy. Olsen says March quarterly GDP relative to average quarterly GDP - and it's only two percent below the average for the rest of the financial year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Friday the 5th of December with Heather du Plessis-Allan, Mark Mitchell responds to Andrew Coster's allegations and the police are having to do away with thousands of formal warnings because officers haven't followed protocol. Prime Minister Chris Luxon responds to Coster's allegations and the taxpayers expected campaign against the Government. Andrew Saville and Jason Pine take us through Lando Norris winning the F1 Championship, Lawson getting the nod for next year and why Bazball is failing England in the Ashes series. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 24 November 2025, if you're building a new home or doing a biggish renovation you'll soon be forced to buy a building warranty in case of building faults. Building Minister Chris Penk talks to Heather about the details. Koura's Rupert Carlyon says employers should be stopped from decreasing salaries to accommodate higher Kiwisaver contribution rates. The eye-watering amount of food that gets thrown away every year - and the surprising worst offender. Finance Minister Nicola Willis hits back at suggestions that Prime Minister Chris Luxon might get rolled by one of his MPs. Plus, the Huddle debates why we're so fed up with Air New Zealand, its service and especially its prices! 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.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Monday the 24th of November, National have their first 2026 election policy of increased Kiwi contributions. Is it a bottom line? And what do their coalition partners think of it? Prime Minister Chris Luxon says whether the coup rumours are real and what to do to boost our dollar. Jason Pine and Andrew Saville talk the All Blacks final game of the season, Liam and the F1 and Mike's workout routine. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and CTU economist Craig Renney joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government says it is taking significant steps to improve police oversight after a damning IPCA report on the handling of complaints against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Can Andrew Coster come back from this? The Government is set to roll out roadside drug tests from December. What do we make of this? Is this the right move? Prime Minister Chris Luxon and NZ First leader Winston Peters are clashing over the idea of asset sales ahead of next year's election? What do we think will come from this? US President Donald Trump is threatening to sue the BBC for over $1 billion over their misleading edit of his speech that appeared to encourage the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021. How much trouble is the BBC in? What does this mean for our trust in media? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 11 November 2025, a new bombshell IPCA report has revealed serious misconduct by senior police leadership in the Jevon McSkimming saga. Herald investigative journalist Jarod Savage speaks to Heather with the latest. Drivers will soon be tested for drugs as well as alcohol in roadside tests - Transport Minister Chris Bishop explains who will be pinged. NZ First leader Winston Peters is firmly rejecting the idea of asset sales in a public clash with Prime Minister Chris Luxon. Former White House Chief Information Officer Theresa Payton tells Heather what scares her about AI and how we need to do to be able to trust it. Plus, the Huddle reacts to the damning IPCA report and when is Craig Renney going to announce he's running for Labour? 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.

Businesses are being encouraged to plan ahead as talks of an India-New Zealand trade deal continue. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says both regions are making progress on a new trade agreement, as Trade Minister Todd McClay holds talks with his Indian counterpart. India New Zealand Business Council chair Edwin Paul says discussions indicate it's likely we'll get an FTA by early 2026. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister seems confused about whether the Government's considering a blanket ban on rough sleeping in CBDs, as claimed by Labour. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has confirmed today they'll consider orders to let police move-on homeless people in city centres, among options. Minister Paul Goldsmith says they're still working on this - but struggled to answer whether a ban's being considered. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dale, Liam and Kathryn discuss recent events in politics including Prime Minister Chris Luxon's meeting with US President Donald Trump. Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Recent polls show Prime Minister Chris Luxon's popularity has taken a nosedive, prompting speculation about his future in the National Party. With the election set to take place next year, there's growing speculation Luxon's leadership role might not last. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this discussion is a self-fulfilling prophecy, but it's likely there could be mood for change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's running its eyes over rules for big events at Eden Park - hoping to attract more money to Auckland. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the Government will investigate changing the rules if they hinder economic growth. Currently, only 12 music events and 25 night-time sports fixtures can be held each year, while conferences can't have more than 2000 people. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's likely the Government will move ahead with these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has voiced concerns about the missing children of Marokopa man Tom Phillips. Phillips was shot dead by police this morning, concluding a four-year manhunt, but two of his children are belived to be unaccompanied in the bush. Luxon hasn't been briefed on any specific locations the police think the children might be. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon's reflected on the concerns the country must be feeling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Questions have been raised over New Zealand's future in the Paris Accord, with National holding steady in support for the agreement. Yesterday, ACT's David Seymour said New Zealand should leave unless the terms are changed, but Prime Minister Chris Luxon said backing out would mean we aren't a trusted partner on trade - and would punish our farmers. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says the Government has no plans to pull out, and they're committed to the emissions targets. "The reality is, is that we're a major export nation. I've just come back from Beijing on Friday, speaking with the Chinese Minister, they're committed to the Paris Agreement." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon recently claimed he wants a constant flow of events to draw in international guests in order to stimulate the economy. This follows big names in the tourism sector, like Sudima Hotels, calling for further investment into major events. Eccles Entertainment founder Brent Eccles says the nation's major events fund has only covered sporting events, not concerts. "It's quite a long lead time to access the fund - and with contemporary music, you don't have that lead time, it's pretty hard and fast. So we'll never quite be able to qualify." Steve Armitage Hospitality NZ chief executive agrees extra funding is needed to bring more events to New Zealand. "There are a lot of other artists I think it'll be great to bring here - Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles... first class, international entertainment works well in a stadium." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! New data shows older police officers are concerned about the skills demonstrated by the younger graduates - is this a case of older cops projecting on young people or are their concerns valid? Housing Minister Chris Bishop recently said it was a good thing that house prices were dropping - what do we make of this? Prime Minister Chris Luxon recently claimed he would have liked the Reserve Bank to cut the OCR more. Was this out of line? Do we go on holidays with our friends? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is defending saying Israel's leader has 'lost the plot' in the face of pushback. The Prime Minister criticised Benjamin Netanyahu over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where people are starving. Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister responded that Luxon can't comprehend the challenges of facing Hamas. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan says Luxon's put his own views out there - in a change of pace from factoring in Winston Peters and David Seymour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What silly thing made you cry? Bree's looking for a sponsor. Prime Minister Chris Luxon took our advice! The first edition of Claud's Fish News. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and former Labour minister Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Government is banning retailers from charging credit card surcharges - but banks are still allowed to charge the retailers. What do we make of this? Is this unfair for retailers? Prime Minister Chris Luxon got booed at the ANZ Premiership grand final yesterday. Is this a bad sign? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, former Labour Minister Stuart Nash and Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! David Seymour's rebuttal letter to the UN has ended in an awkward walkback after Prime Minister Chris Luxon told him off. What do we make of this? Australia is debating whether or not to put cancer warnings on alcoholic drinks. Do we need to follow their lead? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's criticism of Treaty requirements for school boards. Education Minister Erica Stanford says a section in the Education and Training Amendment Bill requiring school boards to reflect tikanga Māori in policies and plans wasn't added by her. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says many education regulations mention Treaty obligations - which isn't Stanford's focus. NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A promise the Government's focusing on delivery this quarter, as it gives itself a shorter list. The Prime Minister has released his Q3 action plan - laying out goals of repealing the oil and gas ban, banning prisoner voting, as well as passing changes to the RMA and looking into supermarket competition. This plan has 28 key points,10 less than the last one. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks the list further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is talking up our economic prospects - in challenging global times. He's just returned from meeting leaders in China and Europe, as mid-east tensions reached boiling point. Chris Luxon says we are throwing everything at boosting trade links so we can continue to grow. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan discussed further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has expressed interest in scrapping regional councils as part of the new RMA reforms - and it's sparked debate among experts. NZ First's Shane Jones has expressed similar sentiments, having recently told a local Government forum he doesn't see a compelling reason for maintaining regional Government. Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Daran Ponter says there's a need to amalgamate local authorities. "Local Government's been up for that issue for quite a while for quite a number of years now - it's nearly 36 years since local Government reform gave us the current structure that we've got." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert has warned China has lost trust in New Zealand as a trading partner - and it could impact the current FTA. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is leading a trade delegation to China, with a meeting with China's President Xi Jinping set to take place this coming Friday. Mahon China Investment Management CEO David Mahon says Luxon's sending over a modest delegation over a short timeframe - and it's sending the wrong message to China. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon claimed today that changes were coming to existing sick leave terms. In 2021, Labour and the Greens doubled statutory sick leave from 5 to 10 days as part of their response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Christopher Luxon said Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden is working on new changes - but it prompted concerns from some. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says his upcoming trip to China is about more than bolstering trade links. Chris Luxon will be meeting with President Xi Jinping and other key members of the Chinese Government while in Beijing next week. After meetings wrap up in Shanghai, Luxon will be heading to the NATO summit in Europe. NZ Herald political editor Thomas Coughlan explained why Luxon's carrying out these trips - and what they could mean for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Hoskings and Prime Minister Chris Luxon sat down in the studio this morning for a discussion on electricity and gas in New Zealand. “The oil and gas ban was one of the dumbest, most insanest moves I've seen happen.” said the PM this morning. According to Luxon, New Zealand must steer back away from coal in favour of gas as a source of energy. “We're the only country I'm aware of in the world that's actually transitioning from gas to coal.” Which Luxon said is “twice as bad as gas.” The PM says his plan for future-proofing New Zealand's energy grid is essential for supporting planned datacenters and other high-energy usage projects. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 Budget is due out this week - and the Finance Minister's feeling hopeful despite the concerns around Te Pāti Māori's antics. Prime Minister Chris Luxon made it clear earlier today that National will not make any concessions on the Privileges Committee's recommendation to suspend three Te Pāti Māori MPs from Parliament. Nicola Willis says this week is all about the Budget - which aims to address concerns Kiwis have about the cost of living. "We just need to focus on the things that will make a difference to people. We can't control Te Pāti Māori, they will do what they want to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour's denying the Coalition's back in choppy waters over National's proposed social media ban. Education Minister Erica Stanford is looking into ways to restrict access for under-16s. Prime Minister Chris Luxon claimed Seymour's on the same page, despite the ACT leader calling it unworkable. Seymour says he still has questions about how it's possible. He says within days of the Bill coming out, Luxon admitted more work was needed - which proves his point. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Encouraging investment is a top priority in this month's upcoming Budget, according to new reports. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says it'll come from a small number of measures, including more funding for a R&D tax credit. BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says New Zealand is currently one of the hardest OECD countries to invest in. She says the new agency, Invest New Zealand, is one positive measure. "Much more like a concierge sort of treatment for investors - and they will have the door flung open and the welcome mat put out." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed that New Zealand will be extending its military assistance in support of Ukraine's self-defence until December 2026. Luxon says this announcement signals New Zealand's ongoing commitment to Ukraine in the fact of Russia's aggression. Vasyl Myroshnychenko, the Ukrainian ambassador to New Zealand and Australia says Russia won't be giving up any time soon - and support is still needed. "Russia is belligerent, Russia is authoritarian, and Russia is not giving up on Ukraine, so we do still need to have a strong army - and New Zealand's Government is making a very significant contribution to improve on our military capabilities, for which we are extremely thankful." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today was day two of the South Island Field Days event at Kirwee - and thousands of Kiwis turned up for the event. Today, the event was swarming with politicians - including Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Labour's Chris Hipkins. The Country's Jamie Mackay explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another poll is showing a clear drop in support for the coalition Government - and some are wondering if it's cause for concern. The newest Taxpayers Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent, and National on 33.6 percent - and Hipkins in the lead for preferred Prime Minister. ACT has fallen 2.3 points to 7.7, and New Zealand First is just above the threshold on 5.1 percent. Jordan Williams from the Taxpayers' Union says the Government should be concerned about losing favour with voters. "We are now only 18 months away from Christopher Luxon having to go to the public to ask that fundamental question - do you feel better off than three years ago? Right now, that answer is no." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new deal will put New Zealand at the top of Vietnam's diplomatic relationships list. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has signed the comprehensive strategic partnership in Ha Noi. Just 10 other countries have signed such a deal with Vietnam. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the details of the arrangement are still coming to light, but it could potentially mean extra security for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does New Zealand have the capacity to send troops to Ukraine? Prime Minister Chris Luxon has said he's open to the idea, after a meeting of EU leaders in Paris. He's also outlined his ambition to bring our defence spending close to two percent of GDP. Former Defence Minister Ron Mark says the call to send Kiwi troops would depend on what role, function, and number they'd be deployed in. "We know from the many deployments we have around the world that some deployments might just be one or two officers, maybe a dozen in different locales." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls to evaluate Destiny Church's charitable status and tax treatment after their actions last weekend. Followers of Destiny Church - the religious movement spearheaded by Hannah and Brian Tamaki - stormed an Auckland library on Saturday to protest a drag king reading to children. Followers of the church then disrupted Auckland's rainbow parade - actions Auckland's mayor calls thuggery. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they intimidated public officials - and the Government will be investigating their status, and tax treatment in due course. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Destiny Church acted disgracefully, and a review needs to take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has unveiled its first quarterly action plan for 2025, with a focus on growth and expanding the economy. A two-day international investment summit next month is one of 40 actions in the plan, with Luxon saying he wants to encourage more investment in New Zealand. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains what projects might draw potential investors into this country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show - 0.00 - Blair Vining GC Award 4.57 - Ruining Christmas 13.59 - Eyes For Xmas 16.56 - Christmas Cracker - How Old Are We? 20.49 - Jon Toogood - Shihad 30.47 - Go Hard For Shihad 35.25 - Fouled Up In A Forklift 40.44 - Prime Minister Chris Luxon 50.44 - Great Kiwi Beer Fest 53.15 - Christmas Cracker