Podcasts about prime minister christopher luxon

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sue Kedgley and Dean Hall. First up, a social housing shake up was on today's pre-budget menu. Chris Bishop announced reforms that'll save the government 387 million dollars over a twelve month period. It's about to get harder to qualify for a social house, and tenancy durations will be shortened. Then, last year, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that he was 'deeply supportive' of banning social media for under 16s. But over the weekend the government scrambled to pause a member's bill from National backbencher Catherine Wedd which would see parliament vote on the social media ban. Why the cold feet?

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

The government has confirmed major changes to New Zealand's secondary school qualification system, officially replacing NCEA with a new subject-based model. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the shift in Orewa, saying the current NCEA system is too complex and doesn't clearly show how well students have mastered their subjects. From 2029, Year 12 students will begin the New Zealand Certificate of Education, followed by the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education for Year 13 in 2030. Level 1 will be removed in 2028. Under the new structure, students will take at least five subjects, and must pass a minimum of three to earn the qualification. Every subject will include internal assessments and an exam, and results will be reported using a six-point grading scale from A+ to E. Certificates will list each subject and the grade achieved, with endorsement awards for top performers. Year 11 students will face new compulsory subjects — science, English or te reo rangatira, and mathematics — and all students will need to pass the new literacy and numeracy Foundational Award. The curriculum will also expand to include new subjects such as Civics, Politics and Philosophy, Advanced Mathematics, and Journalism and Media, alongside industry-developed subjects like building and construction and primary industries. Stanford says the changes are designed to move students away from “credit crunching” and toward genuine learning progress. Current Year 9 students will be the first full cohort to move through the new system. So all the statistics point to NCEA failing but like all tools it's because of the people who used the system not exclusively because of the system A common reaction amongst older New Zealander is how tis resembles the School C, UE system we grew up with so it was less of a revolution and more of a return to basics that were well understood The easy criticism for older folk was the marking system. For some reason parents and employers did not understand the Excellence, Merit and Acheived rankings when obviously Excellence means an A, Merit a b and Acheived a C. The A to E system is one that parents grew up with but in the cold light of day is just as abstract as the NCEA rankings. The real problem lay in the rorting of the credits with students choosing easy to pass subjects and avoiding anything that seemed challenging. But the real responsibility for the credit crunching surely lies with the parents as well And the strength of NCEA was recognising that there is not one education for all. That some people don't cope with maths or English or Science and the system recognised what talents they had. My youngest and I had a big to do over his Year 13 subject choice. He detested maths and wanted to study photography. I said you have to have maths. he argued that he had as much maths as any average student would need for real life. He won. And now he is a successful photographer doing his own taxes and playing Sharesies particularly well. So he was right. But I'm just lucky he's such a rounded individual But while the new system re-emphasises 3 basic pillars of knowledge in English Maths and Science a lot of those BS credit crunching subjects remain. Other arguments are amongst those who say exams are artificial and how do you sit an exam on Food Technology which is the new fangled name for cooking. Or photography which still exists. The question exists is this a brave new world or will the old problems still remain. Luxon also used the event to comment on global instability, national security, and recent speculation about a potential National–Labour coalition, dismissing the idea outright. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 13 May, 2026, a warning from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that there'll be no treats in this month's Budget - we ask senior correspondent Katie Bradford how much is going on the credit card. Sociologist Paul Spoonley on why there's not really a brain drain. We talk to Retail New Zealand chief executive Carolyn Young on why Kiwi shoppers are loyal to local when they could get cheaper foreign goods. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Phil O'Reilly on whether the All Blacks should travel business class - but premium economy if they lose. 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.

An economist says New Zealand is different from Europe and our views on immigration aren't the same. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has used a pre-Budget speech in Auckland to promise a "careful" immigration policy that prioritises social cohesion over profit. He says failed immigration policies in Europe and North America have stoked a politics of division. Eric Crampton —the Chief Economist at the New Zealand Initiative business think tank— told Ryan Bridge 2023 MBIE data suggests most New Zealanders view immigration more positively than Europeans. He says Europe is in a very different situation with really "messed up" labour markets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government announced on Tuesday it would amend climate laws to prevent companies from being sued over damage caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The change will prevent findings of liability in torts - a type of civil case where one person or entity claims another has caused them harm.Chris Hipkins was on Breakfast and NZ Herald this morning talking the cancellation of fees free, how NZ should fund infrastructure and the government's latest fuel announcementDespite previously denying any links to a Luxury Marmite Sandwich that ruthlessly takes the mickey out of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Labour leader Chris Hipkins now says it's a former staffer. It comes after Stuff asked questions about how the account could access raw footage shot in the Opposition area of parliament. Why does stuff find the content creator the story here, when last week, with a content creator linked to National, Stuff found the content the focal point, not the creator. We might also have a look at the latest Curia poll as well++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking in studio to discuss two major policy changes announced last week - abolishing fees free study, and raising the age of superannuation. Luxon said that although the changes may not be 'politically popular' they are important, and other party's aren't brave enough to agree. "I think they're being quite dishonest in terms of not facing up to the challenge that we've got and I think just chucking it down the road to the kids and grandkids isn't the right way," he said. "So, I get it's not politically popular, but actually we should have a bigger conversation and a debate about it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon plans to start lifting the pension age if National get back into government after the coming election. Bipartisan support will most likely be needed to make this happen as parties, like NZ First, are staunchly against the reform. "Please do not attack grandmother and grandmother's savings to try and disguise for a brief time your economic incompetence," Winston Peters said to Heather du Plessis-Allan LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report following his return from Singapore.

GP shortage could worsen as student interest declines; Dr Ayesha Verrall discusses calls for health sector changes; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks to Ingrid Hipkiss; Waitomo discusses fuel prices; Unemployment numbers higher for younger Kiwis

The Prime Minister says we have serious work to do on our infrastructure compared to Singapore. He's returned from the country this week, where a deal was formally signed to ensure trade keeps flowing during disruptions – securing fuel for New Zealand and food for Singapore. This comes as the former boss of Auckland's City Rail Link claims the project could have cost 50% less – ballooning to an estimated 5.5 billion dollars. Christopher Luxon told Mike Hosking he agrees with this. He says that we spend money on infrastructure but have a very poor return on it, and we need to get much better and more strategic about our planning. And when it comes to the Government's plans for a citizenship test, the Prime Minister says he could take it or leave it. It's planning to test applicants from late next year, requiring they pass 15 out of 20 multi-choice questions – including questions on New Zealand's laws and political system. Luxon told Hosking it's pretty similar to what the UK and Australia have been doing for years. He says it's probably not a bad thing that new Kiwis are aware of pretty basic stuff around things like women's rights and freedom of speech. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 7th of May, EMA's Alan McDonald discusses the unexpected drop in the unemployment rate, while UVisa Director Tobias Tohill gives his thoughts on what the new citizenship test should look like. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is back from Singapore, discussing infrastructure, the fuel deal, and the results of a poll on the Government's handling of the fuel crisis. Kiwi singer Mel Parsons is back after exactly two years to sing us a song as she announces a NZ tour for her upcoming album. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is heading home with fuel security for New Zealand intact and some of the country's biggest businesses better connected to help weather the economic storm. RNZ political editor Jo Moir spoke to Melissa Chan-Green from Singapore.

Last week, the Green Party's bill to protect overdose emergency callers from legal risks received cross-party support, passing its first reading, keeping it on track to potentially become law. Minor infractions, such as minor possession and paraphernalia, would be overlooked when calling for emergency services to obtain help for someone overdosing.  And an Official Information Request by the Herald into Winston Peter's Foreign Minister's office revealed disagreements between the NZ First Leader and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over the Coalition government's stance on the war with Iran, with the prime minister pushing for greater support for the United States bombings. So for our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party, Host Manny spoke with MP Ricardo Menéndez March about the Green Party's overdose emergency callers bill and the revelations over the US war with Iran.

This week on the Tuesday Wire... For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Cushla McGoverin, speaks with us about AI spotting Pancreatic Cancer, Foetal surgery, and Yellowstone. For our weekly catchup with the National Party, I spoke with Ryan Hamilton about the emails between Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon released last week, what they mean for growing tensions and instability within the coalition, and proposed changes to Treaty Obligations that would see the Te Tiriti only need to be ‘taken into account'. For Green World today, Producer Liam spoke with Max Harvey from the University of Otago, who lead a recent research study about the habitat usage of the Hector's dolphin, about the research that they carried out on dolphin populations in Southland, what they discovered and what it tells us about how we can better look after this dolphin species.  Liam also spoke to Professor Sally Gaw from the University of Canterbury, about the government's new rules to reduce the amount of lead in drinking water pipes, what this means for New Zealand and why it was not done sooner.  And Producer Flo spoke to Doctor Lucy Goodman, researcher at the University of Auckland's School of Optometry and Vision Science about her study into accessible eye health and potential government funding of eye care.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Anna Rawhiti-Connell and Mike Yardley. First up, so-called coalition cracks are back in focus after Winston Peters' office released internal emails in an OIA where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon suggested showing "explicit public support" for US strikes on Iran. Political analyst Grant Duncan unpacks the latest. Then, Northland locals are decrying a proposed $4.50 toll for the new expressway. Business group board member Julian Smith explains.

It's Politics Thursday and Nick is joined by Labour MP Ayesha Verrall and National MP and Cabinet Minister Mike Butterick. Emails between Winston Peters and the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon were released by NZ First through the OIA. They show that Peters talked down Luxon over his initial call to support the US strikes on Iran. There has since been some public beef between the two - Nick asks our politicians who is really in charge with the coalition, and have to gloves truly come off now? Also on the agenda is Luxon cancelling his scheduled media appearances on Breakfast, alcohol in the beehive and the Maiki Sherman event and when will we see some policy from Labour? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EDITORIAL: Overnight, we've learnt that behind closed doors, at the very start of this war in Iran, our own Government wasn't quite on the same page. And as a New Zealander watching all of this unfold, what I wanted—what I think most of us wanted—was a clear, confident line about where we as a country stand. Instead, we've got emails, pushback—and a pretty uncomfortable question about who's actually in charge. Because cast your mind back to that first stand-up. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, fronting media, being pushed hard—simple question: does New Zealand support the strikes? And he couldn't give a straight answer. He said we “acknowledge” them—but wouldn't say support, wouldn't oppose. And at the time, that felt messy and unclear. It felt, frankly, like a bit of a wobble—and that's when the questions around his leadership really started to heat up. But now—now we've got a bit more context. Because the emails released under the Official Information Act show that, behind the scenes, Luxon was at least open to shifting New Zealand's position—looking at aligning more closely with countries like Australia, who explicitly supported the US-led action. And at the very same time, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and his team were saying: absolutely not. The advice was to hold the line. Stay neutral. Don't move toward explicit support—it would be “imprudent” and against New Zealand's national interest. So now you look back at that dress disastrous stand-up and you have to ask: was Luxon unclear because he didn't know what he thought? Or was he being pulled in two different directions at once? Because that's a very different story. Now, here's the interesting part. The position we ended up with—that careful middle ground of acknowledging but not supporting—actually lines up with public sentiment. An Ipsos poll in April showed 87% of Kiwis don't want military involvement, 83% think it would escalate things further, and about three-quarters don't think it's worth higher fuel prices. So the outcome? Probably right. But the process? That's where this gets shaky. Because what we've seen is internal disagreement, emails being released publicly by the Foreign Minister's office, a late-night Beehive meeting—and an admission from Peters that releasing those emails was a mistake. But Winston Peters doesn't make mistakes. That's not a Government speaking with one voice. And I'll say this—Winston Peters is experienced, he's a global operator, and he knows exactly how to play the diplomatic game. But when it starts to feel like he's the one holding the reins, and the Prime Minister is reacting— You've got to ask the question: Who's actually running the country? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Senior National MP Simeon Brown has accused TVNZ news staff of breaching parliamentary rules this week by following National's Stuart Smith into a corridor area and "aggressively banged on" Smith's door for several minutes. Simeon Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "ultimately what we're seeing here is behaviour which I think most New Zealanders would say is unacceptable." This evening Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has pulled out of his weekly TVNZ interview slot, but it isn't clear if these events are connected. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a lengthy and uncertain caucus meeting this morning, RNMZ political editor Jo Moir speaks with Jesse Mulligan on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon surviving a leadership challenge.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 20 April, 2026, we ask the MetService's head of weather news how they got the forecast so wrong with the latest flooding disasters. Education Minister Erica Stanford outlines relief for schools affected by the fuel crisis. We hear about a bus trial where the driver lets you off closer to your destination at night. And on The Huddle, Trish Sherson and Josie Pagani discuss the pressure going on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's leadership. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben, Gareth and Kathryn discuss whether Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has the support of his caucus.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A senior National MP insists the party is focused on governing, despite growing unrest around Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's leadership. Our newsroom understands from three sources that a fortnight ago, Luxon didn't respond to the party's whip Stuart Smith, who tried to raise concerns about his support in caucus. It's understood MPs pushing for change could make a move in the next fortnight, with the Prime Minister likely to be formally presented with concerns. Chris Bishop told Mike Hosking there's no coup, but won't say whether he's aware of other colleagues seeking to replace Luxon. He says many people —including Luxon— want the party to do better. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fuel stocks are down for the second time in a row, and with one small shipment delayed from Singapore the government is warning New Zealanders should expect more of the same. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is offering assurances it's all within normal fluctuations and the country is staying at phase 1 of the fuel plan - at least for now. Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Lisa Owen.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Auckland has signed a landmark deal with the Government promising infrastructure investment, housing, transport and economic development. There is even talk of the bed tax that Mayor Wayne Brown has long been calling for. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Mayor Brown are both calling this a major win that will mean greater co-operation. Joining Jesse with his reaction to the deal is Karl Budge, former Chief Executive of the ASB Classic and newly appointed Chief Executive of the Blues.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Our weekly interview with the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; An update on New Zealand's fuel supply situation; EV dealers reporting dramatic jump in sales; Artemis II breaks record for human space travel

This morning Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced a cabinet reshuffle, which sees MPs Chris Penk and Penny Simmons get promoted, while MP Chris Bishop loses leader of the House and National Party campaign Chair role, but become Attorney-General. Former National Party Staffer and co-host of the 'Gone By Lunchtime' podcast Ben Thomas discusses the changes with Jesse.

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists David Farrar, Sue Bradford, and Luke Malpass. First, a Cabinet reshuffle is due tomorrow - the panellists predict who might take up new portfolios. Then, successive governments have struggled to decide how much fuel storage is appropriate for New Zealand to have. Now that a global fuel crisis is upon us, what's the right answer to that question? Then, they look at the last week in leadership on the government's handling of the fuel crisis, and commentator's claims that Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is MIA. Finally, should MPs be throwing their weight behind people facing the criminal court? That's what one Green Party MP has done.

The Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is confident fuel rationing was not yet needed. but people are already battling surging prices and localised shortages. Energy transition consultant and chair of the Wise Response Society, Nathan Surendran.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Tonight on The Huddle, Thomas Scrimgeour from the Maxim Institute 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! The US has sent over a 15-point peace plan for the Iran conflict. Do we think this is going to work? Do we see the conflict ending soon? It's been revealed the National Party is offering the public a chance to sit next to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon over dinner for $10,000. What do we make of this? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders will learn tomorrow who will be eligible for cost-of-living support in the face of soaring fuel prices. Cabinet ministers have signed off on a relief scheme - which they say will be targetted, timely and temporary - but Prime Minister Christopher Luxon would not be drawn on the details at his post cabinet press conference. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.   

National has slipped further behind Labour in the latest RNZ-Reid Research poll, falling to 30.8 percent support. Labour is the most popular party with 36%. Of the 1000 people surveyed, more than half said the Prime Minister wasn't performing well. And 50 percent of respondents say the country's heading in the wrong direction. Ingrid Hipkiss spoke to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking for their weekly catch up to chat about the fuel crisis, economic management, and the possibility of the public placing blame on the current Government for the current financial struggles. Luxon said, "we will do everything we can to support New Zealanders, but I have to be really straight up and honest and say we cannot support everybody, to the extent they probably want to be supported." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has said he's 'not putting troops' on the ground in Iran and is expecting the war to soon come to an end, whereas Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says there's still months to go. In the meantime, Trump has backed Kevin Warsh for Federal Reserve Chair, but ties to Jeffery Epstein may stand in his way. "It just seems to be one of those things that are being held up again and again, and which Trump has been trying to brush under the under the rug," US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens. And, in brighter news, a 100 year old war veteran has become the world's oldest organ donor. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has sharpened its language around the war in the Middle East, warning that things here might get worse before they get better. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the coalition is preparing for the worst-case scenario with officials keenly focused on the next eight to 12 weeks.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon joined Mike Hosking for their weekly catch up to chat fuel security, his visit to the Pacific, and Trump's calls for aid in the Strait of Hormuz. Luxon told Hosking he is 'confident' in New Zealand's fuel imports as most of our supply comes from South Korea and Singapore. "We've got very good cover and stocks," he said. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend saw the United States and Israel airstriking Iran, with Iran retaliating with strikes on Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The New Zealand government put out a press release soon after, condemning Iran for the strikes and for protest crackdown earlier this year.  While the press release and later communications from the government have called for all parties to follow international law, the government has offered little in criticism of the United States and Israel's bombings. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, when asked if the strikes were legal, said it would be up to each country to provide a justification.  This past week also saw a new policy from the government that would look to reclaim ACC payments from those already receiving welfare payments. ACC claimants usually receive funding to support their inability to work, however those on the benefit will already be receiving such funds regardless. While there is cross-party support for a change that would remove this “double dipping”, the policy would also charge back some of those who have already benefited from this loophole.  The move has been criticised by opposition MPs, who say creating debt for already marginalised or vulnerable groups is unfair and morally questionable. For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party's Simon Court, News Director Castor asked about the New Zealand government's stance on conflict in the Middle East and issues with this new ACC policy change, beginning on the Middle East.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon discusses his latest polling; Winston Peters on the latest developments in the Middle East and their possible implications; International relations expert Robert Patman warns that the rising death toll in the conflict could potentially strengthen the position of Iran's regime; Epidemiologist Michael Baker explains the impacts of New Zealand's ninth wave of COVID-19; Jill Rodgers discusses increased police recruitment efforts in Auckland aimed at boosting frontline staffing.

The Taxpayers'-Union Curia poll revealed this morning that Christopher Luxon's National Party has sunk to its lowest result in the poll since 2021. National is sitting on 28.4%, down 2.9 points from February's poll. The result sparked conversation around whether Luxon should step down. Luxon joined Heather du Plessis-Allan to defend his position and says he is 'absolutely not' stepping down. LISTEN ABOVE OR WATCH BELOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Morning Report.

The National Iwi Chairs Forum has unanimously backed a High Court challenge from Hauraki iwi Ngāti Manuhiri against the Governments Marine and Coastal Area Act passed last year. The Act makes it harder for Māori groups to win customary title; a move the government says restores the legislation to its "original intent". The forum is meeting at Waitangi this week and will tomorrow meet with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Māori News journalist Pokere Paewai spoke to Lisa Owen from Waitangi.