Podcasts about public service commissioner

The Public Service Commissioner has been tasked with investigating officials, after it was revealed ministers were misled about a failed technology project. RNZ's Political Editor Jo Moir discusses the latest political news from parliament with John Campbell.

Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche spoke to John Campbell following the government's announcement it plans to cut public sector jobs by thousands.

Public Service Commissioner on cuts, mergers and AI shift; Wellington Lions player on joining NZ Police force; AI consultancy chief on public sector overhaul and AI use; Sir Graeme Dingle on investing in young people's futures; Rotorua operators fear tourists may skip North Island

The Public Service Commissioner says deep cuts to the public service may seem dramatic, but the problem's built up over a long time. The Finance Minister says about 8700 staff will go by mid-2029, and most agencies' operating budgets will progressively reduce in coming years. Sir Brian Roche says cutting staffing down to 55,000 brings it to about one percent of the population. He says cuts and finding efficiencies should be more constant. "We only seem to reform ourselves every 30 or 40 years, we actually need to get much more cotemporary and dynamic in the way we think about organisations." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness is joined by Chris Olson to tell you why he is running for the PSC and what he will do with the job if elected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Public Service Commissioner Tricia Pridemore joined Austin today to once again reiterate our state's regulatory control over utility rates, and how the mismanagement of utility billing in other states SHOULD NOT BE USED to doubt Georgia's evolving policies regarding data centers and their legal responsibility to shoulder their own power costs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The state Public Service Commission on Wednesday voted 4-1 to fast-track Entergy and Meta's application for seven new gas power plants and billions of dollars worth of other investments in infrastructure to power the big data center being built in northeast Louisiana. Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner and the sole dissenter, joins Ian Hoch to explain why he voted against it.

This hour, Ian Hoch speaks with Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner, about why he was the sole dissenter on a 4 to 1 vote to fast-track Entergy and Meta's application for seven new gas power plants and billions of dollars' worth of other investments in infrastructure to power the big data center being built in northeast Louisiana.

On today's show, Ian Hoch speaks with Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner, about why he was the sole dissenter on a 4 to 1 vote to fast-track Entergy and Meta's application for seven new gas power plants and billions of dollars' worth of other investments in infrastructure to power the big data center being built in northeast Louisiana. Then, Steve St John, WWL Production Director, joins the show to talk about his long career in radio, what he's learned and witnessed since joining our ranks in 1984, and what's next in his well-earned retirement. Finally, Bobby McNabb and Kraig Prinz of the USGC Flotilla New Orleans, joins Ian to explain what boaters need to know to keep themselves and their families safe on the water.

In this episode of Taxpayer Talk, Peter Williams sits down with Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, to discuss why he believes the country's public service is "fundamentally broken" and incompatible with implementing good policy.Oliver explains how the 1988 reforms inadvertently created a  state where department heads are more beholden to the Public Service Commissioner than their own ministers, and how the bureaucracy can subvert political will.Drawing on the German model of ministerial accountability, Oliver argues for a system that prioritises deep subject matter expertise over generic management skills to ensure that voters finally get a government with the power to perform its job.Support the show

A think tank's warning the way we appoint public agency leaders is hindering the Government from governing. The New Zealand Initiative says consecutive governments struggling to fulfil their promises is due to elected ministers being unable to choose a department's chief executive. Executive Director Oliver Hartwich says the Public Service Commissioner makes the appointment, which can happen before a minister is elected. He told Ryan Bridge that ministers may be forced to work with department heads appointed during the previous government's term, who may not be happy with you and vice versa, and that doesn't work well to implement the Government's agenda. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legal battle is looming over primary teacher pay deals. The NZEI's taking action over the Government letting non-union teachers accept individual pay offers. The Public Service Commissioner yesterday confirmed boards can directly approach about 10,000 teachers, after the union's rejected three recent pay deals. Lead negotiator Liam Rutherford says they're frustrated and angry about the timing. "This is a break from decades of tradition, where we settled the collective agreement and then teachers that aren't members of the union get that passed on through an IEA." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner says giving about 10,000 non-union primary teachers the option to accept pay offers has been a long time coming. Sir Brian Roche today confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Education Minister Erica Stanford says they can get pay rises of up to 4.7 percent within 12 months. Roche says in a normal course of events, he'd carry on NZEI bargaining as usual. "We are still keeping going with them, but I got to the point where I could no longer justify withholding an offer." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I think we can quite accurately use the word 'brilliant' to describe the latest move from the Government's man in the primary teachers' pay negotiations. Brian Roche, the Public Service Commissioner, has gone around the union and offered a 4.7 percent pay increase to primary teachers who are not in the union. If they agree to it, the first chunk of the pay rise will kick in 19 days from now and the next chunk will take effect in January next year. This is clever because it undermines the union - which still hasn't settled, has it? For the past nine months, they've refused to finalise their pay agreement until the Treaty is recognised in teachers' contracts and until the Government pays teachers more for their overnight camp allowance, for God's sake. Based on the text traffic we get to this show, there must be huge numbers of teachers growing increasingly frustrated with their union for getting hung up on ideology over pay, while they lose up to $76 a week in income they're not receiving because negotiations are still dragging on. So the pressure is now on the NZEI big time. Feasibly, union members can now do what 10,000 of their colleagues have already done: either avoid joining the union or leave it altogether and get their pay rise faster without the union than with it. Personally, I love that this is happening. It became obvious to me 20 years ago, as a junior reporter at TVNZ, that unions weren't much use to me even then. And what's happened since is much worse because unions are now actively holding up pay negotiations for really stupid reasons. So - brilliant move from the Public Service Commissioner. I can't wait to see whether this forces the union to finally wrap up the pay talks to save themselves from an exodus of clever teachers. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 11 March, 2026, we talk to the Public Service Commissioner on why he's given a pay increase to non-union primary school teachers. Heinz Wattie's is shutting factories affecting about 350 jobs - an employers advocate warns there'll be more to come. An academic's call for sick leave to be accrued - and taken from job to job. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and Maurice Williamson debate whether we really do need more cash machines. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Auckland Councillor Maurice Williamson 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 Public Service Commissioner raised a few eyebrows when he confirmed boards can make individual employment offers to non-NZEI teachers from today, after the union rejected three recent deals. Do we think this was the right move? There's growing calls to reform sick leave laws after the recent Covid wave led to more deaths and hospitalisations. Do we think changes are really needed here? Do we really need more cash machines? Who still uses cash? Do we think the Reserve Bank was out of line? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than six decades, LARC has quietly served one of the most important missions in Acadiana—supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and helping them live meaningful, independent lives. On this episode of Discover Lafayette, we sit down with Nicole Harrison, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of LARC, along with Karon Davis, Marketing Director, to learn how this remarkable nonprofit touches hundreds of lives every day. Founded over 60 years ago by parents who wanted better opportunities for their children with disabilities, LARC has grown into a multifaceted organization providing day programs, residential services, community support, and employment opportunities. Today, more than 150 individuals participate in LARC's day program on any given day, building life skills, forming friendships, and engaging in activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives. Nicole Harrison's own journey with LARC began 13 years ago when she started as a Direct Support Worker, working directly with individuals in their homes. A Lafayette native and graduate of Comeaux High School, Nicole says the organization's mission is deeply personal. “LARC is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to live a meaningful, independent and fulfilling life.” Participants attend weekday programs where they choose activities that match their interests and abilities. The campus features ten different classrooms and activity spaces, including a movie room, music room, recreation room, computer lab, and two bingo rooms—because as Nicole notes, “Everyone loves bingo. So we actually had to convert one of our other rooms into a bingo room. So now we have two bingo rooms.” The day begins with transportation provided by LARC, bringing participants to campus where they check into their “homeroom” before exploring the activities they enjoy most. A hot meal is available through the St. Ann's cafeteria, where individuals can choose among several lunch options before continuing with afternoon activities or relaxing outdoors under the gazebo, often dancing to music and enjoying time with friends. LARC serves individuals across the full spectrum of intellectual disability, from mild to profound, and staff members work with each participant to promote independence through personalized goals. Even small achievements can represent powerful milestones. “Once they complete it at 100%, that’s like a huge milestone for them… it’s a satisfaction for them.” Beyond the day program, LARC also provides community support services, helping individuals who live independently or with family members by assisting with transportation, appointments, and daily living needs. The organization operates ten group homes, including four in Lafayette and six in the Zachary area, where staff provide 24-hour care and support. “We have individuals with mild intellectual disabilities that may hold a job in the community… and others who may need assistance with activities of daily living,” Nicole explained. One of the most visible parts of LARC's mission is its employment programs. The organization partners with local businesses to provide supported jobs for participants. In addition, LARC operates Mardi Gras Beads-N-More, where donated parade beads are sorted and resold. providing both employment and income for the program. “When the parade goers donate their beads back, it provides our individuals with the opportunity for employment. It gives them employment and empowerment and independence because they can earn their own paycheck.” Visitors often encounter LARC's work at Acadian Village, the historic cultural site owned and operated by the organization. The village serves as a major fundraising arm for LARC and hosts weddings, events, tours, and the beloved Noel Acadien au Village Christmas celebration, which draws more than 50,000 visitors each year. Karon Davis explains that Acadian Village exists thanks to community generosity. The land was donated by a local couple raising a niece with special needs, while historic homes were moved to the site to preserve Acadiana's heritage. “At the core of this are parents that back over 60 years ago; the only option they had was to institutionalize their child. They got together, formed a group.” The village now serves as both a cultural destination and a critical source of support for LARC's programs. LARC's Acadian Village offers New Hope Chapel as a wedding venue to help create a magical moment. The New Hope Chapel is a non-denominational facility and a stunning replica of an 1850s Acadian-style church, with seating for up to 95 guests. The Bridal Suite at Acadian Village offers the perfect private space for the bride and her bridal party to relax, laugh, sip champagne, and get dolled up before walking down the aisle. Contact kim@acadianvillage.org or 337-981-2364 opt. 8 to learn more. Pictured: the LeBlanc House One of the popular homes to visit onsite at Acadian Village is the LeBlanc House, built between 1821 and 1856 near Youngsville. The LeBlanc house is the birthplace of Sen. Dudley J. LeBlanc. Cajun politician and entrepreneur. “Couzan Dud” LeBlanc was born on August 16, 1894. In 1924, LeBlanc was elected a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Public Service Commissioner, and served as State Senator from 1940 to 1944, 1948 to 1952, and in 1964. In 1945 he established the Happy Day Company, which manufactured the popular Hadacol brand health tonic; with 12 percent alcohol, it guaranteed to cure all ills. LeBlanc promoted Hadacol extensively, sometimes using major entertainers as spokespersons. An active Cajun culture preservationist, LeBlanc served as president of the Association of Louisiana Acadians, and in the late 1960s helped to establish CODOFIL (Council for the Development of French in Louisiana). He authored three books: The True Story of the Acadians (1927); The Improved Version (1932); and The Acadian Miracle (1966, a revised and expanded version of his first book). LeBlanc appealed to political supporters via radio in Cajun French, at a time when Cajun French was rarely heard on radio. He died on October 22, 1971, and was buried in Abbeville. The LeBlanc exhibit contains memorabilia from the life and times of “Couzan Dud.” Throughout the conversation, Nicole and Karon emphasize that the organization is sustained not only by staff but also by volunteers, donors, and the broader community. LARC welcomes donations of art supplies, office materials, clothing, and even cardboard for creative classroom projects. Volunteers also help with gardening, events, and special activities for participants. Nicole says the most rewarding part of her work is advocating for the people LARC serves. “The most fulfilling part of what I do is being an advocate for them, because when they can't speak or defend themselves, I can.” Karon Davis echoes the deep sense of purpose that motivates everyone involved with the organization: “As a parent, I think I would I would like to know that my children would be taken care of. And I think that’s the most important part of our mission, caring for people that can’t take care of themselves, but also giving those parents peace of mind that they’re going to be okay. And we love them. I mean, they would they give us is much more than we give them. But they’re well taken care of and they’re well loved.” And perhaps the most powerful lesson LARC teaches is about love, community, and human connection. “Everything is beautiful to them. It's truly unconditional love. They just don't care what you look like.” From employment programs to residential care, from the bead shop to Acadian Village's Christmas lights, LARC continues to demonstrate what happens when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. As Karon puts it simply: “There's no other place like it.” Learn more about LARC:Noel Acadien au Village is family-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. LARC's Acadian Village is located at 200 Greenleaf Drive in Lafayette. Visit www.lafayettelarc.org for ticket information and more details.Facebook: LARC Lafayette | Acadian Village | Noel Acadien au Village LARC welcomes volunteers, donations, and community engagement. Businesses and organizations interested in tours, partnerships, or service projects are encouraged to reach out.

The Public Service Commissioner is bewildered as pay talks with primary teachers drag on. Their union —the NZEI— has turned to the Employment Relations Authority after three days of talks failed to resolve disputes over cost-of-living increases and recognition for major curriculum changes. The union's rejected three offers, with teachers missing out on around $50 extra per week since January. Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking it's disappointing teachers don't know the details of each offer. He says the last time teachers were asked was in December, and he doesn't know what the percentage of the vote was. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'd be getting seriously brassed off if I was a primary school teacher, especially if I was a non-union primary school teacher. The NZEI has been in protracted negotiations with the Public Service Commissioner and the Government over pay and conditions. Every other teaching union has negotiated its own deal for its teachers, its principals, and its support staff, but not the NZEI. The Treaty of Waitangi was a big sticking point for them for a while, but according to Sir Brian Roche, who was on with Mike Hosking this morning, that's no longer the major roadblock it has been. At the moment, primary teachers are teaching the new curriculum, and it's amazing. I've seen the homework books. If you've got little ones in your house, primary school students in your house, you will have seen them too. It's your building block stuff. The kids are responding to it because the teachers are presenting it well. They're doing the job already. They're presenting the curriculum, and in my case, I can see that they're doing it well. The children are engaged, they're excited. The older siblings are like, “why didn't we get these books? Why didn't we have these?" They feel like they've missed out, and to a certain extent they have. A whole generation of kids has missed out. So they're doing a great job, but they're not getting paid for it because the NZEI is holding out. They're refusing to budge on the pay and conditions negotiations. They chose not to present the latest offer to its members, so the primary teachers couldn't even decide for themselves whether this was a deal they could accept or not. Sir Brian Roche, the Public Service Commissioner, sounds increasingly brassed off. He told Mike Hosking this morning that there is no question that the union works hard for its members, but he does wonder whether the union's acting in the best interests of teachers by failing to even inform its members of the conditions of the latest offer. “They work very hard for their union members. There's no question about that and provide a range of services. But on this particular issue, I find it deeply frustrating that our offers are not being put directly to their members.” Why would you not? Members of the union have now rejected three proposed settlements. An offer agreed in December was comparable to what secondary teachers accepted last year, but ultimately, when the union took it back to its members, they didn't ratify it. Teachers know there are no lump sums or back pay available in this bargaining round, according to Sir Brian, so every week without settlement is money the teachers aren't receiving – between $50 and $76 per week. What exactly is it? What is it that the unions find so repugnant that they cannot bring themselves to even bring it to their members? And if you are a union member, do you accept that your delegates are qualified to make the decisions on your behalf? Do you trust that they will do right by you? Surely, you'd want to see what was being offered, wouldn't you? Or is that what you pay your union dues for? Sir Brian says that he's looking at a way to present the pay and conditions offer to non-union teachers. We've been trying to find how many non-union teachers there are. Apparently that's secret squirrel stuff and it's buried deep – not even AI has the answer to how many non union members of NZEI there are. We're trying to find out. So if you're a non union member, you'd be getting even more frustrated. Apparently, he's bound by confidentiality agreements where he can't present to the non-union members what he's presenting to the union. But he says he's looking for workarounds on that to allow the non-union members to get on and get that extra money in their pockets right now for the work they're doing right now, and many of them are doing really well right now. Presumably primary teachers are in the classroom teaching, doing what they do best, so they can't respond. Maybe there's a few home with, you know, head colds or what have you for whatever reason. But I would love to hear your view on whether your union is doing right by you, whether you're like, “Absolutely, hold fast, stay firm, don't give in to the government overlords on this one." But if you are a union member, do you feel that your delegates do right by you? Are you getting value for money from the dues that are deducted from your pay every month or every two weeks? When you look at this, it just seems so old fashioned. And I totally get that unions are there for people who don't have a voice, who can't speak up for themselves, who haven't got the bargaining power. But surely articulate, intelligent, capable, self-possessed teachers would be able to bargain their own pay and conditions. Why would you need a union? Why would you need a union delegate to do it for you? And I guess the same goes for, I don't even know who's the big unions anymore. I think you've got the ones for the cleaners, home help. They do a great job because a lot of those people wouldn't be in the position to throw their weight around and demand better pay and conditions. So good if you're doing it on their behalf. But seriously, unions are going to negotiate themselves out of existence soon. They're halfway there already. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a new chapter for Peter Hubbard, one of two Democrats elected to Georgia’s Public Service Commission, flipping long-held Republican seats. A longtime clean-energy advocate, Hubbard told “Closer Look” host Rose Scott he’s committed to working across political lines. He’s also closely watching the rapid growth of data centers in Georgia, questioning their true economic benefits, workforce impact, and tax incentives. He then raised concerns about their strain on energy infrastructure, noise pollution, e-waste, and the higher costs often passed on to residential customers. For weeks, immigration agents with the Department of Homeland Security have confronted communities in Minnesota - resulting in arrests, school closures, injuries, and the killing of Minneapolis resident Renee Good. The State of Minnesota, along with the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis recently announced a lawsuit against DHS for its actions. On today’s “Closer Look,” Anthony Michael Kreis, associate professor of law at Georgia State University, provides his legal analysis about what hurdles the lawsuit might face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says Andrew Coster's resignation from his high paying government job was the right thing to do. The former Police Commissioner has quit as head of the social investment agency. It follows a highly critical investigation into the police response to allegations of sexual offending against a woman by former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche spoke to Lisa Owen. 

The Public Service Commissioner says he believes former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster is genuinely sorry, following his resignation as Social Investment Agency Head. Coster's accepted responsibility for shortcomings highlighted in an IPCA report on the handling of complaints against his then Deputy Jevon McSkimming. His final pay will be near $124 thousand. Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking Coster's always seemed genuine in all his experiences with him. He says Coster's very sincere and has real courage, and is confident what he says he believes, is true. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster resigned from his position as CEO of the Social Investment Agency following an Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report into how police handled complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche said the result was 'appropriate', but shared positive experiences working with Coster. Roche told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "I believe him to be a person of integrity and very values-driven." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has been placed on leave from his role as Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency, with an employment process underway. Sir Brian Roche, Public Service Commissioner spoke to Corin Dann.

The Public Service Commissioner is saying little on the details of Andrew Coster's ongoing employment after his involvement in the Jevon McSkimming scandal. A scathing IPCA report has found the former Police Commissioner was among those in senior police leadership who failed to properly address sex allegations against the then Deputy Police Commissioner. Coster is now head of the Social Investment Agency. His employer, Sir Brian Roche, says an employment process is underway for Coster and can't mention details. But he told Mike Hosking someone can be let go for behaviour at a previous job. Roche says the key issue is whether the information would have been relevant at the time of employment. The Public Service Commissioner says a review into the employment process of Jevon McSkimming was a little unfair to the commission. The independent review has been released into McSkimming's reference and probity checks before his 2023 appointment as Deputy Police Commissioner. Last week he pleaded guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices. Sir Brian Roche says the review raised some valid points for improvements, which the commission is embracing. But he told Hosking it would have detected Jevon McSkimming's behaviour had it been given the right information from the right people. He says the man was living a double life which he was hiding from his family, his employer, and the Commission. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner's again sounding a negative note over New Zealand's major health and education strike tomorrow. About 100,000 union members across various sectors will stop work across the day - expressing frustration over pay and working conditions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is expected to be the biggest strike in New Zealand's history since the 1970s, with many unions expected to take part. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner is suggesting unions are striking to get it out of their system. At least 100,000 workers in health, education and public service are walking off the job tomorrow, protesting pay and conditions. Some picketing's moving indoors and some rallies cancelled in Wellington and Canterbury - with extreme bad weather looming. Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says despite him being willing, unions haven't stepped up to negotiate for the most of the past two weeks. "It just seems to me, based on my engagement with the unions, that they had to do this for reasons that escape me. I think it was all avoidable, it's extremely regrettable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner is questioning whether the PPTA is committed to reaching a deal - saying it's choosing disruption over dialogue. Sir Brian Roche spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On today's show, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss for his weekly interview, the Public Service Commissioner is questioning whether the PPTA is committed to reaching a deal, former Labour leader Andrew Little has been voted Wellington's new mayor by a landslide, and Jacquie Grant looks set to be voted mayor of Westland at the age of 81.

Austin and Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT on the MYTH that the proposed data center project in Columbia County could somehow cause a "rate increase" for Georgia consumers...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Public Service Commissioner says new protocols for managing sexual harassment and bullying complaints - with a pledge that complainants will be better supported - but whistleblowers question how effective it will be.  

The primary school teachers' union respond to criticism from the Public Service Commssioner Sir Brian Roche. 

The Public Service Commissioner says teachers are putting themselves ahead of students as they again vote to strike. Brian Roche says the pay offer to teachers -which includes a 4.7 percent pay rise over 12 months - was a very good one. PPTA president Chris Abercrombie told Heather du-Plessis Allan that teachers have many sticking points with the latest offer. But he won't say exactly how many teachers supported the strike. He says that's the union's policy - but there was overwhelming support from members to take industrial action. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Heather Roy and Ian Powell. First up, there's a strong warning from the Public Service Commissioner to primary school teachers that they'll hurt students and their families if they go on strike. Then, are the days of the election hoardings over? An NZ Herald editorial says they are outdated. Will you miss them if they go?

Recent pay offers to teachers are seen by the Public Service Commissioner as entirely reasonable. Primary teachers decided to reject its latest offer, while PPTA members are voting on the revised one. It includes increasing the number of days secondary teachers can be called back to work outside of term time. Commissioner Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking they have the ability to call them back for 10 more days a year, which is what's being asked. He says they're getting paid for this and just want teachers to be available for career development when students aren't at school. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Service Commissioner says he doesn't want to see the public service slashed and burnt. Earlier this week, the New Zealand Initiative called for a culling of our 43 Government departments to just 20. Sir Brian Roche says everything's on the table - but the changes need to be measured. "The Initiative is one world view, I think these things have to evolve. I don't look at this being a big bang, we don't want to go through big slash/burn downsizings, those things are debilitating and I don't see those being required at this point." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about ACT MP Todd Stephenson's members bill being re-introduced to develop the End of Life Choice Act, Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche's potential changes to different multiple ministries, and the Select Committee's recommendations regarding four-year parliamentary terms. Producer Alex spoke to Senior Law Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Dr Cassandra Mudgway about the need for AI regulations in regards to protecting women and vulnerable communities from AI-based harms. Joel also spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizens,' following the killings of two Australian police officers, with the alleged perpetrator, Dezi Freeman, having expressed strong support for the movement online. Alex spoke with the Programme Director and Associate Professor in Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden, about Trumps America acting as a “rogue state”. And on Thursday, Intern Zanoor spoke to Andrew Eruiti, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about his new research, showing that certain principles of human rights in the country are ironically being used to restrain Māori governance and tino rangatiratanga. Whakarongo mai.

It is with real enthusiasm that I see the Public Service Commissioner potentially doing what the main Government should have done two years ago. What the Government did two years ago was say they were going to rectify the absurd size of the public service. It had blown out to gargantuan proportions under the Labour Government, who knew no bounds in terms of fiscal largesse based on debt. What the new Government actually did with the public service, sadly, was tinker. It peaked at a bit over 65,000 and it sits at over 63,000. In fact in the ensuing period, it's gone up again. So rough math will tell you they got rid of about 2,000 jobs. As a raw number it's a lot of jobs. A percentage it's tiny. As an effective exercise in efficiency and savings, it's a joke. The shame of it was the new Government of the day had licence. Yes, it was controversial. Yes, the unions bleated and moaned. Yes, the media went to town on a Tory slash-and-burn exercise. But the trick was always simple – if you're going to dish out the bad news go hard, DOGE it, blow it up, do it once and do it properly. The fall out, headlines, and anger will be exactly the same whether you trim a couple of thousand for no effect or 6,500 and make a difference. So they blew it. They took the heat but got few, if any, results. In an odd way it's symbolic of the weaker parts of this Government; the ideas, rhetoric, and execution are never quite aligning. But now the Commissioner Brian Roache looks to be having another crack by merging departments. The Ministries of Women, Pacific peoples, disabled peoples, and Māori Development could all be in for an upending. I'd go further. The never-ending series of commissioners and their offices that have no actual power and really only write reports would not be missed. But ministries for ministries sake is what holds this country back. They all fill a space to meet their budget and so-called mandate. If this is on, and I pray it is, wait for the bleating. Every one of them will tell you the critical nature of their existence but I defy anyone of you to list me the profound and productive change they have made to all our lives. Given you can't they then fall into the category as largesse, waste and tokenism. Do it once and do it right. That's how change should happen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's another hit of the most insightful and sharp 30 minutes in political analysis. Tonight Wallace is joined by RNZ's Mihingarangi Forbes, Stuff's national editor Andrea Vance and former national minister Wayne Mapp. The Whip panel looks at economic growth minister Nicola Willis's announcement about fast tracking new supermarket developments. Followed by Mihi's reporting on how the Public Service Commissioner is considering absorbing a number of smaller ministries into larger agencies: say goodbye ministries for Women and Pacific Peoples. Then a quick check on New Zealand's stance on statehood for Palestine: is the government moving fast enough now the UN has decleared a famine in Gaza City? Then, four year parliamentary terms are possibly back on the menu: what do the panel think? And finally, they take a look at the upcoming Tamaki Makaurau by-election - who is likely to win?

The future of at least two government Ministries looks uncertain with the Public Service Commissioner refusing to rule out major changes for the Ministries for Women and Pacific Peoples. Mata presenter Mihingarangi Forbes spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Eric Skrmetta is currently a Public Service Commissioner in Louisiana.  He is bringing his experience, knowledge of the Constitution, and his passion for community and business to this Senate race for the good of Louisiana and our Nation.  Hear it in this episode.

The Public Service Commissioner says there's signs of optimism and room for improvement in this year's survey of public servants. The poll of 40 thousand workers found 80 percent think there's a staff shortage and workloads are too high. Commissioner Brian Roche says AI, not more staff, could be the answer. He says he's not making much of the finding - a third of public servants thought they were underpaid. "I've never been in a workplace where there's an element of people who don't think they should get paid more." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the grid keep up with AI, data centers, and soaring energy demand? FERC and state leaders break it down live at EPSA's Competitive Power Summit. Catch this conversation recorded live from EPSA's Competitive Power Summit on April 2, 2025 with FERC Commissioner David Rosner and Georgia PSC Commissioner Tricia Pridemore. They explore how rising demand from AI and data centers is reshaping the electric grid — and why market innovation, infrastructure investment, and strong state-federal collaboration are essential to meet the moment.Liked this episode? Share it on X @EPSANews or LinkedIn at Electric Power Supply Association. Want more competitive power updates? Sign up for our monthly Power Moves newsletter.

The Public Service Commission voted to remove vice chairman Davante Lewis after he called Governor Landry an "A-hole" on social media. It's part of a larger pattern of punishing public figures for speaking out against Trump and Governor Landry. What happened to the free speech warriors? Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner, joins Ian Hoch to explain the situation.

This hour, Ian Hoch drops the 2 o'clock News Bomb then speaks with Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner, about why he called Governor Jeff Landry an "a-hole" on social media.

On today's show, guest host Ian Hoch speaks with Dr. Donna Williams, Associate Dean for Public Health Practice & Community Engagement at LSU Health New Orleans, about the rise of colon cancer in young people. Then, Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner, joins the show to explain why he called Governor Jeff Landry an "a-hole" on social media. Finally, Vittoria Elliot, Platforms and Power reporter at WIRED Magazine, also joins to help clarify who the people that work for DOGE are.

The Public Service Commissioner says he doesn't know whether personal Census and Covid-19 information collected at Manurewa Marae ahead of the 2023 election was misused but it was possible. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A push for government agencies to raise the bar when handling public data. The Public Service Commission's revealed multiple failures by Stats New Zealand, Health New Zealand, and the Ministry of Health, with regard to safeguarding data. It comes after allegations surfaced last June about a potential misuse of Census and Covid vaccine data by providers at Manurewa Marae. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche told Mike Hosking that there's a broader issue. He says the model that's been used is very good and the people who work in it are amazing, but the model is no longer fit for purpose. "We live in a world that's changing dramatically, we've got the adoption of technology and all of those things, and we need to sort of face into that and get ahead of the curve.” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most Louisianans are waiting in anticipation for the elections on Nov. 5, Gov. Landry is focused on the following day, when lawmakers will convene for a special session on taxes. The Times Picayune/The Advocate's editorial director and columnist Stephanie Grace tells us about Landry's goals for the session as well as his other proposals.Halloween may bring thoughts of ghouls and goblins, but the day after, All Saints Day, is about rituals to honor the departed. Those rituals are brought to light in the Gallier House's latest exhibit on Creole death and mourning traditions in the 19th century. Curator Katie Burlison joins us for more. In the District 2 race for Public Service Commissioner, the lone Democrat in the race, Nick Laborde, has pledged not to accept campaign donations from any utility companies he might have to regulate – unlike the Republican candidates. For more on campaign finance laws in Louisiana, Capitol Access reporter Brooke Thorington speaks with LSU Political Science professor Dr. Robert Hogan.—Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We receive production and technical support from Garrett Pittman, Adam Vos and our assistant producer, Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, Google Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Have you ever wondered why clean energy is not only surviving, but thriving in RED states here in the USA? Despite the common perception that Republicans are against clean energy, states like Georgia (and AL, SC, and FL, not to mention TX!) are seeing significant solar growth. Republican Tim Echols, Vice Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, discusses Georgia's journey to becoming the 7th largest state for utility-scale solar (with 6GW!) and how they are gearing up to meet the increasing energy demands of expanding data centers. GA is expected to be a clean energy stronghold for years to come…what's behind that growth and sustained interest?Expect to learn:How Georgia structured its solar policies to make financial sense for constituentsThe future of the IRA if Trump is electedEchols's perspective on nuclear energy's role in meeting future power demandsThe outlook for EV adoption following pandemic slow-down and factory build-out delays from Rivian (and others)Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of Georgia's true clean energy champions (who just happens to be a Republican!)If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 650 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickalus