Podcasts about prime minister chris luxon

Prime Minister Chris Luxon's trip to China looks to be successful so far as it reaches its conclusion today. Chris Luxon is due to meet President Xi Jinping this afternoon after 871 million dollars of commercial agreements have been signed so far between Kiwi businesses and our Chinese counterparts. New Zealand China Council executive director Alistair Crozier told Andrew Dickens that today's meeting between leaders will be more than pleasantries. He says there is a lot to discuss, and it will come down to a respectful exchange of views. LISTEN ABOVE See 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 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 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.

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.

The Prime Minister departs today for the United Kingdom, before travelling to Gallipoli in time for ANZAC Day. Trade, security and the current geopolitical climate are on the agenda, when Chris Luxon meets with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Luxon says he'll discuss what more the pair can do to support the rules-based trading system, a chat coming off the back of phone calls to world leaders amid Donald Trump's tariffs. NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor says the pair will likely discuss how to strengthen their trade partnership. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former members of the 2x2 church speak out. Mike and Abbi Prussack, former 2x2 church members and runners of a support group for ex members share their thoughts on the church that Hamish Campbell is a part of and if it is something the people of NZ should be concerned about or not.Defence Minister Judith Collins was on Q&A over the weekend being challenged as to where the money, for her departments plans, was coming from, even Mike Hosking asked Prime Minister Chris Luxon about the "magic" he was needing to perform to find $9b for the injection in defence spendingBernie Sanders speaks in front of 125,000 screaming Gen Y and Z music fans and was received as a rock star, meanwhile the US Education Secretary tried to talk about AI which she continually referenced as A1...because she's a moron=================================Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠=================================Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebookwww.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter.@patbrittenden @Chewie_NZFollow us on BlueskyPat @patbrittenden.bsky.socialChewie @chewienz.bsky.socialEmily @iamprettyawesome.bsky.socialMagenta @xkaosmagex.bsky.sociall

Auckland Council has officially endorsed an upgraded Eden Park as the city's main stadium - but they've made it clear they won't pay for it. Prime Minister Chris Luxon and ACT leader David Seymour have also poured cold water on the idea, claiming the Government books are already too tight. ACC head Mike Lane joined Piney to discuss the 'boring non-debate'. 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.

It's been a big week for ACT's David Seymour - who's been in and out of the news after a series of scandals. Last Sunday, it was revealed Seymour wrote a letter to police in support of Philip Polkinghorne during the investigation of the death of the former surgeon's wife. Later, Seymour found himself in trouble after he drove a Land Rover up Parliament's steps - and had to stop after authorities claimed he was breaking the rules. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says this isn't a good look for Prime Minister Chris Luxon. 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.

The Prime Minister's revealed he'll be spending this year's Waitangi Day in the South Island. Chris Luxon is not visiting the Treaty Grounds this week - he's instead sending a Ministerial delegation including Erica Stanford, Tama Potaka, Paul Goldsmith and Mark Mitchell. Luxon's office has this morning revealed he'll celebrate the public holiday with Ngāi Tahu, at Banks Peninsula's Onuku Marae. Luxon's previously said not all Prime Ministers commemorate the day at the Waitangi grounds - and he plans to go to different marae across the country over the course of his tenure in office. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it would be a better look if Luxon fronted up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Josie Pagani from Child Fund joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Palmerston North City Council is looking to ban fizzy drinks from eight venues - including sports stadiums. They claim it's to 'promote healthier lifestyle choices for residents and visitors'. Do we think this is a good idea - or is it overreach? Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to be spending Waitangi Day in the South Island - almost as far from Waitangi as it gets. Is this a good call - or a cowardly move? The Grammys took place today, and the ceremony wasn't without controversy. Kanye West and his girlfriend Bianca Censori were escorted out of the Grammys after she showed up nearly fully naked. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon had to do some damage control after some controversial remarks were made by members of NZ First. This week, NZ First's Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' - and Winston Peters told Green MPs they'd come with ideas 'foreign to our country' and suggested they show some gratitude to New Zealand. The Mexican ambassador has since raised concerns with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Peters says he looks forward to discussing it with him at Waitangi next week. NZ Herald political reporter Jamie Ensor says Luxon has to strike a difficult balance by condemning these comments but not explicitly criticising members of the coalition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party has been quick to criticise their political rivals over recent objectionable comments in the House. NZ First's Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' during a debate - and has since refused to apologise - while Winston Peters has also copped some backlash for claiming foreign-born MPs were trying to impose foreign ideas upon Parliament. Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March says Prime Minister Chris Luxon needs to hold these MPs to account and ensure similar incidents don't happen again. "When politicians and people in positions of power make these comments, it emboldens those people outside of Parliament to hurl racist vitriol and abuse to migrant communities." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says he hasn't spoken to two Cabinet ministers over recent remarks that were labelled racist and xenophobic. In the House, Shane Jones yelled 'send the Mexicans home' and Winston Peters told Green MPs they'd come with ideas 'foreign to our country' and suggested they show New Zealand some gratitude. Green Party MP Ricardo Menendez-March, who is Mexican, says the Prime Minister should call out such language. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Prime Minister Luxon claimed the comments 'weren't what he would say'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, Newstalk ZB host Roman Travers and editor and journalist Jo McCarroll joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon took aim at New Zealand's 'culture of saying no' as part of last week's State of the Nation address? Does he have a point? Meanwhile in the US, Donald Trump has returned to the White House and signed a slew of executive actions in his first few days in office. What do we make of the last few days? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast for Sunday 26th January 2025, Kiwi actress Luciana Buchanan talks about her international success off the back of the new season of Netflix's The Night Agent. National Explainer editor Felicity Lewis explored life's biggest and curliest questions in her new book Why Do People Queue for Brunch?, and she's opening up about her discoveries. Skipping meals is a popular weight-loss trend - but is it really good for you? Wellness expert Erin O'Hara joined Francesca to discuss. Plus, the Sunday Panel debates if Prime Minister Chris Luxon is right about New Zealand's 'culture of saying no'. Get the Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin Full Show Podcast every Sunday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon laid out his vision for growing the economy as part of today's State of the Nation address - and pointed the finger at the country. Luxon pushed the need for more jobs, investment and innovation, and criticised New Zealand's 'culture of saying no' that was holding back new developments. NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trade Minister says he wants deals through the door this year - with a Government goal of tempting overseas funding. A new agency called Invest New Zealand will roll out the red carpet out to foreigners with money to put into infrastructure and key sectors. Todd McClay says he doesn't want reports, he wants deals with investors. "They certainly don't invest in a country when Government agencies tell them not to - and I think that's very much been the case in New Zealand, it's harder to invest here than it should be." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister isn't concerned opening up to more mining could harm New Zealand's reputation. More mining and drilling is on the cards under a new Government focus on economic growth, outlined today. Chris Luxon explained we need critical minerals to build more roads and he wants quarries closer to where those roads are being built. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon's committed to the development of more EVs and solar panels - and those resources need to come from somewhere. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's sending a strong message about its goals for 2025 - to grow the economy. The party's holding its annual caucus retreat today, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon earlier addressed media with his goal for growth. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Government is looking to get back to basics with their latest plans. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National's upcoming caucus retreat is set to take place tomorrow - as the Party recovers from Sunday's surprise Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Chris Luxon raised a few eyebrows following his ministerial shakeup, with multiple MPs being moved down the rankings and losing their portfolios. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon cares about generating results, and he's not above chopping and changing to move forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts are wondering about the future of New Zealand's health sector after the Prime Minister made some changes in Cabinet. Chris Luxon stripped Shane Reti of his Health Minister portfolio and handed the role over to Simeon Brown instead. Meanwhile, Nicola Willis is picking up a new Economic Growth role, and Chris Bishop became the Minister for Transport. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan unpacks what this could mean for the health system. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Sunday Panel, commentator, journalist and producer Irene Gardiner and partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, Liam Hehir, joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the week - and more! Prime Minister Chris Luxon's announced a surprise Cabinet reshuffle for this afternoon - and speculation indicates Shane Reti will lose his health portfolio. Are we surprised by this? With Donald Trump's inauguration day taking place next week, we're looking back on Joe Biden's political legacy. How will he be remembered as a President? What were his best moments - and low points? Sail GP is taking place in Auckland this weekend - what do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Shane Reti is expected to be demoted in today's surprise Cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to reveal some new changes to personnel and portfolios later this afternoon - and it's believed Shane Reti will be the first casualty of the new year. Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls says Luxon had not planned to do a reshuffle this early in the year, and it's unclear what inspired this change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's revealed he will not be at the historic Treaty grounds for Waitangi Day celebrations next year. Chris Luxon says he'll instead take part in celebrations elsewhere around the country. It's understood Luxon will be sending Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and a couple of other Ministers to the Treaty Grounds to represent the Government. Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper is unsurprised by this development, given the contentious Treaty Principles Bill. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Northland Maori leader says Waitangi Day could be more volatile than ever. Prime Minister Chris Luxon's decided against attending celebrations at the Treaty Grounds. He says he'll join events in other parts of the country - and is expected to send ministers in his place. Luxon and the coalition have faced mounting pressure over ACT's Treaty Principles Bill. Waitangi National Trust chair Pita Tipene says he's wondering where else Luxon could rather be. "Any Waitangi Day is a cauldron - let alone what's going to happen next year, given the Treaty Principles Bill and everything else that's going on." 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

This week on the Sunday Panel, Director at 818 Chris Henry and partner and Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers Liam Hehir joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The Herald's Claire Trevett has unveiled her top pick for 2024's politician of the year. Who would we choose? Who do we think has done the most for the country? Police presence at large events - one Auckland MP has voiced concern about the amount of time police are spending at large-scale events and wants officers to be paid to attend. What do we make of this? Prime Minister Chris Luxon has revealed he's only taking 10 days off work these holidays - are we taking more or less time? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's helping boost competition in banking by bolstering Kiwibank. The Commerce Commission recently painted the banking landscape as an oligopoly in a review - pointing to the domination by the big four Australian players. Today, Prime Minister Chris Luxon's announced he wants to implement all its 14 recommendations and disrupt the status quo. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this boost won't make Kiwibank an equal to the big four in Australia - but a cash boost is good for consumers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians from all parties are coming together to pay tribute to Nikki Kaye. The former National deputy leader and Auckland Central MP has died, aged 44. Kaye served as an MP from 2008 until 2020 - taking leave from the House in 2016 for breast cancer treatment. John Key, Helen Clarke, Jacinda Ardern and Chloe Swarbrick are among those who have shared tributes, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon says she was held in great respects across the political divide. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper also says she was a hard worker - and will be remembered fondly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's criticising the Prime Minister regarding his knowledge of legislation on bootcamps. The Government is crafting law to allow the use of force for restraining youth offenders at the military-style academies. The Prime Minister has said he wasn't aware there were suggestions force could be used. Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime says that's not okay. "It is deeply concerning that the Prime Minister is not across the details of one of the key National Party election policies, which is boot camps." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! It's Melbourne Cup day - what did we think of the big race? And more importantly, is a $10 office sweepstake too much? Prime Minister Chris Luxon is under fire after apparently failing to look over his brief regarding bootcamp providers and their right to restrain young detainees. What do we make of this? One more sleep to go until US election day - what are our final predictions? Will we even find out tomorrow night? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest thing that isn't a big deal but will have a big deal made of it - because it's the Prime Minister - is that Chris Luxon has called us voters 'customers'. He did it in a sit down interview where he was asked about being seen as out of touch, and he was saying he was because he talks to people all the time. He said -“It's been a belief system of mine, talk to the customer, to the public, to the people and the voters." At which point the interviewer basically told him to ditch the corporate speak. I don't have a problem with this, do you? This is not a big deal. When I was at university studying postgrad politics, we often referred to voters as stakeholders. As in stakeholders in the Government of the day. That's a corporate term, that's not unusual. It's also not unusual to see voters in a transactional relationship with a political party. If anything, it's actually not a bad thing for politicians to see us as customers - customers who will only come back for more from a political party if we get what we want. Policies that we like, promises that are delivered and not broken, and so on. What's the problem for a voter in that? You vote for a party, you get what you want. That is arguably the opposite of what the last Labour Government was doing pretty much the entire time on, for example, crime. We kept saying, as customers - we don't like what we're getting, can you go harder on the gangs? And they kept responding with - you're imagining it, you're wrong, we're going hard on the gangs. They might have had a better showing at the last election if they remembered the mantra- the customer's always right. And many ‘customers' didn't come back for more. Also, Luxon needs to stop apologising for the corporate speak. Bringing a corporate approach is part of some of the best stuff that he's done - and doing. His quarterly targets for the Government, managing the various parts of the coalition, trying to get efficiencies out of the public service...he's a manager, he just needs to lean into it. Yes, sometimes you want less transaction and more principle in politics, but ultimately - Luxon's onto something. He's a guy selling us a product and his product is the National Party. We are the customers and we want what we want out of the National Party. Being seen as customers is not a bad thing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon raised a few eyebrows after he called voters 'customers' in a sit-down interview. Luxon later clarified to RNZ that he didn't need to scrap the corporate speak - and defended the claim that he was out of touch. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says voters should be encouraged to expect things from politicians - and the terminology doesn't matter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says Chris Luxon's description of voters in a recent sit-down interview was a 'slip of the tongue' as part of his corporate background. In a new episode of 30 with Guyon Espiner, the Prime Minister referred to voters as 'customers' - and defended claims that he was out of touch with New Zealanders Nicola Willis says Luxon is focused on delivering results above all, and he knows New Zealanders are New Zealanders. "I reckon New Zealand has bigger challenges than whether or not the Prime Minister describes people as customers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the Government is open to discussing whether to ban language and symbols related to the Nazis. It comes after individuals involved in a Mongrel Mob tangi procession in Lower Hutt on Tuesday openly used the term ‘sieg heil', commonly known as a Nazi chant meaning ‘hail victory'. Sociologist Paul Spoonley isn't sure a full ban would be enforceable. "I think banning doesn't address underlying problems - and I would say the same about swastikas and Nazi salutes as I would about the gang patches." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Chris Luxon has apologised to Samoa's Government, over the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui this month. Chris Luxon and Political Editor Jason Walls is at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa. Luxon says his meeting with the king went well and that he was “very knowledgeable” about several issues. Walls says that the king expressed his love for New Zealand by the amount of knowledge he had for it and that the Prime Minister said that he was “quite charming”. Walls said that Luxon was very clear yesterday that it has not been as bad as he imagined it was or any of the initial estimates in terms of environmental change. As there is verylimitedenvironmental damage, Walls says that people don't seem too overwhelmingly upset. Walls said that Luxon said that he's “chalking that up to a big, a good win and of course the fact that nobody died”. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's checked out the front-line of the HMNZS Manawanui clean-up in Samoa - as he attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Small amounts of oil and debris from the Kiwi Navy ship have littered the waters near Upolu, since it sank more than two weeks ago. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this still isn't a good look for New Zealand. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Kiwiblog contributor and Curia pollster David Farrar and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! According to a new poll, over half of Kiwi voters think Prime Minister Chris Luxon is out of touch. Why do we think this is? Is this a problem? Wellington Council held an emergency meeting to figure out how to address the multi-million dollar hole in its Long Term Plan. The council is set to meet with the Local Government Minister tomorrow - will they be able to avoid an intervention? Donald Trump danced for 40 minutes on stage during a campaign event. What's going on in the US? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gravity Credit Management proudly sponsors the Working Group. For more information on Gravity click the link.  Kia Ora Aotearoa! Welcome to The Working Group, New Zealand's top political podcast not funded by NZ on Air. I'm your host, Martyn Bradbury, editor of The Daily Blog. Joining me tonight: - Damien Grant - libertarian liquidator and Cthulhu of Capitalism. - Simon Wilson - NZ Herald columnist - Matthew Tukaki - New Zealand Māori Council sledgehammer Tonight's Issues: Pre-Treaty Debate preview - we break down next weeks exclusive David Seymour vs Iwi CEO Helmut Modlik Treaty debate  Dunedin Hospital - if it was a pack of cigarettes this Government would have saved it by now  Prime Minister Chris Luxon vs ANZ Bank Boss over capital gains tax - venal self interest or naked self interest? Simeon Brown vs school speed limits - what on earth is going on?   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------TEXT: Working to 3598  Check out the Social Media - https://bento.me/theworkinggroup