Podcasts about senior political correspondent

In the wake of this week's General Election, Aaron and Mike unpack the implications of Zoran Mamdani, an openly socialist and anti-Israel candidate, winning the mayoral race in New York City. The result points to something deeper than mere partisan politics: With 75 percent of voters under 30 backing Mamdani, Christians and conservatives need to understand the cultural and worldview battles shaping the next generation. Mamdani's election has to serve as a wake-up call that now is the time for Christians to reengage in the fight for truth in schools, churches, and society. After the discussion, Lahav Harkov, senior political correspondent for Jewish Insider, joins Aaron and David to share her first-hand account from Israel of the impact of President Trump’s peace deal. She also offers insider perspectives on: The future of Gaza, The status of Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s political future, and Charlie’s Kirk’s advice for keeping US support of Israel strong. Lahav’s insights are timely reminders of Israel’s unique challenges—and how worldview defines both American and global politics. Listen wherever you get your podcasts! More about Lahav Harkov Lahav Harkov is the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, covering Israel’s domestic and international politics. She was previously Senior Contributing Editor, Diplomatic Reporter, and Knesset Reporter for The Jerusalem Post. Lahav was recognized for her social media reporting by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, which named her the 5th-most influential person on “Jewish Twitter,” and is one of Nefesh B’Nefesh’s “Millennial Olim (Immigrants) Who Are Making Their Mark On Israel.” She has a degree in Political Science and Communications from Bar-Ilan University, and lives in central Israel with her husband and three children.

Ex-top cop Jevon McSkimming's admitted to having child exploitation and bestiality images on work devices. The former Deputy Police Commissioner's pleaded guilty to three representative charges of possessing objectionable material in Wellington District Court this afternoon. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Significant progress is being made on New Zealand's Free Trade Agreement with India. India's Trade Minister is in the country - discussing our trade relationship over the next few days with Minister Todd McClay and the Prime Minister. India has announced it's looking towards an early conclusion of the FTA. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained that these discussions were why Luxon missed Question Time - prompting criticism from Labour. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abby Phillip anchors NewsNight with Abby Phillip, airing weeknights at 10 p.m. ET on CNN. Abby deftly moderates one of the most dynamic and exciting conversation shows on television. Each night, Abby brings together a diverse group of perspective to debate the day's biggest stories, driven by honesty, the facts, and the pursuit of common understanding. With her award-winning background in dogged Washington reporting, Abby brings unique context to the complexity of current affairs. Abby keeps the powerful honest in hard-hitting interviews and hosts interesting conversations with a variety of perspectives. Abby joined CNN in 2017 and has served in many roles, including as a White House Correspondent, Senior Political Correspondent and Anchor of Inside Politics Sunday. In January 2020, she moderated CNN's Democratic Presidential Debate in Iowa. She also anchored special coverage of Election Night in America surrounding the 2020 election. Abby has been an essential player in CNN's Special Coverage of a range of political events, including election nights, State of the Union Addresses and the January 6th Committee hearings. Abby joined CNN from The Washington Post, she previously worked at ABC News and Politico. Throughout her career she has covered multiple presidents, campaign finance, lobbying, and several presidential campaigns. Abby was named to the Time 100 Next list in 2021 and she was the recipient of the National Urban League's Women of Power award. She was nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy Award for her coverage of black maternal health on "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper - Homebirth: Saving Black Moms." And she serves on the board of the News Literacy Project and the Senior Advisory Committee of the Harvard Institute of Politics. Abby was raised in Bowie, Md. and is a graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Government. When not on television, she spends time with her husband, daughter and their pup Booker T.ABOUT HER BOOK A DREAM DEFERREDJesse Jackson, the civil rights leader, activist, raconteur, and political candidate, finally gets a book worthy of his stature courtesy of CNN anchor Abby Phillip. Focusing on his presidential runs in 1984 and, especially, 1988, Phillip highlights how Jackson built an unlikely coalition that showed how Black political power could be consolidated. His experience working under Martin Luther King; his organizing the SLCC's Operation Breadbasket in Chicago and beyond; and his roots in the deep South combined into two astonishingly impactful presidential campaigns. Appealing to the working people of urban enclaves like that of Chicago, young people on college campuses, and Black people across the South, he created the modern Democratic coalition-one that has been used by all major Democrats seeking national success from With her expert reporting, natural storytelling skills, and a story so full of humanity, politics, and hope, Abby Phillip has written a rousing popular history that sheds new light on an American icon. "Jesse Jackson's presidential campaigns showed America that leadership could look different, that power could be shared, and that more voices deserved to be heard," said Phillip. "His movement laid the foundation for the coalitions that define our democracy today. This book is my effort to capture the urgency, the messiness, and the possibility of that era, and what it still has to teach us now." At a time when questions of representation, democracy, and belonging are once again at the forefront of American life, A Dream Deferred offers urgent lessons from a leader who pioneered modern coalition politics. The battles Jesse Jackson fought in the 1980s, over voter access, multiracial coalition-building, and the visibility of Black political leadership, mirror the very debates shaping our politics today. By revisiting Jackson's story, Phillip not only restores him to his rightful place in history, but also reminds us that the struggles of the past are inseparable from the challenges of the present.Get the book:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250806314/adreamdeferred/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.Thank you for tuning in to I Am Refocused Radio. For more inspiring conversations, visit IAmRefocusedRadio.com and stay connected with our community.Don't miss new episodes—subscribe now at YouTube.com/@RefocusedRadio

Te Pāti Māori has confirmed they're not ruling out triggering two separate byelections by expelling controversial MPs. Co-leaders Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer aren't backing down from the party's actions as it defers to Te Pāti Māori's national council. This comes as deliberations to oust Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Te Tai Tonga MP Tākuta Ferris continue to take place. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi says she isn't going anywhere. Te Pāti Māori's President, John Tamihere, has suggested she and Te Tai Tonga MP, Takuta Ferris, should resign from the Party. That's his response to a petition launched by 'Te Tai Tonga Executive' - calling for his resignation. He's accusing the two MPs of avarice and entitlement, referencing Hone Harawira's split from the Party in 2011 - and telling them to do the "honourable thing'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recaps the ongoing saga. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Bayly, the MP for Port Waikato, stood down as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister after allegations of unprofessional behaviour. While speaking to Newstalk ZB yesterday Bayly said he was told the allegations made against him had been corroborated by three other people - he now has evidence it was not. Speaking from Korea overnight Luxon reiterated he would have fired Bayly had he not resigned. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Bayly is fighting to clear his name and claims he was misled about the allegations against him before he resigned as a Cabinet Minister. Bayly, the MP for Port Waikato, stood down as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister after he “placed a hand” on a staff member's arm during what he described as an “animated discussion” in February. Bayley says the fact that no complaint had been made against him was contrary to what he was led to believe at the time - and he's determined to set the record straight. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper confirmed Bayly's now taken legal advice. "There was never a formal complaint laid against Andrew Bayly, but he was led to believe that there was some serious complaints made against him." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has appeared to correct the Prime Minister for taking credit on a trade deal. Chris Luxon has confirmed New Zealand is one of a handful of nations that now has a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN - and posted that he made a deal with Southeast Asian nations. In a since-deleted tweet, Peters corrected Luxon with one word - 'we'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper speculated on why Peters deleted the comment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More MPs and longer parliamentary terms have been deemed key to modernising a decades old electoral system. Fresh New Zealand Initiative research found 30 years on from the introduction of MMP, our parliament is in the need of a four year term and 50 more members. That would take the Parliament to 170. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper joined the Afternoons team to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour was forced to reveal its tax policy early, after details were leaked to media over the long weekend. The party's proposed a 28 percent capital gains tax on all residential and commercial property - but not the family home. It's promising to use the revenue to fund three free GP visits for all Kiwis. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Hipkins has voiced frustration with this leak and confirmed whoever leaked the policy will get booted from the party. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pāti Māori's behaviour is once again a topic of discussion following bill burning and allegations of over-spending this week. Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Te Pāti Māori 'shouldn't be anywhere near Government'. Soper identified a possible link between the ongoing party controversies and it's culture of nepotism. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Memories were shared of Jim Bolger as a devout Catholic, masterful farmer, family man and exceptional leader. Colleagues and family shared remembrances of the former Prime Minister, as he was laid to rest in Kapiti today. Former Prime Ministers, Governor-Generals, iwi leaders and the Māori Queen attended the funeral at Bolger's local parish. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped all the tributes. LISTEN ABOVESee 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.

An unexpected Labour policy announcement was a bit of a shock for leader Chris Hipkins today. Health spokesperson, Ayesha Verrall revealed the policy in an op-ed for New Zealand Doctor magazine. It proposes to create an independent body to estimate and allocate GP funding increases, rather than the Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour 'botched up' the rollout of this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent data shows inflation reached three percent in the year to September, and it's prompted concerns about the economy. Stats NZ figures out today show the rate rose from 2.7 percent annually to June - hitting the top end of the Reserve Bank's target band. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is higher than what the Government was hoping for, and it's unclear what this could mean for the Reserve Bank. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown was met with booing at the senior doctors' annual conference before accusing doctors of "crossing an ethical line" and threatening compulsory arbitration. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters fired off some threats of his own suggesting regulation for Fonterra if the Lactalis sale proceeds. ACT leader David Seymour hit back at Peter's threats saying the decision is for the farmers, not the Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says 'politicking' tiffs like Peters and Seymour's will become more common as elections approach next year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A flurry of tributes from current and former politicians for former Prime Minister, Jim Bolger, who died yesterday. The 90-year-old died peacefully, surrounded by family. He served as Prime Minister between 1990 and 1997. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper looked back on some memories with the former leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Parliament's Speaker will meet MPs across the House today, as he cracks down on behaviour. Gerry Brownlee's spoken about Te Pati Māori's newest MP, Oriini Kaipara, going over-time in her maiden speech on Thursday, and joining a haka that started in the public gallery. He now says he'll convene Parliament's Business Committee to discuss dress standards, attendance records, leave, and the allocation of questions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says last week's rule-breaking from Oriini Kaipara was the straw that broke the camel's back. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erica Stanford believes mandated structured literacy is turning reading and writing skills around. The Education Minister's revealed new data showing 58 percent of students are at or above phonics expectations after 20 weeks at school - up from 36 percent in Term One. The number exceeding expectations is more than double Term One's figure. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this data shows the Government's education plan is working. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kiwis on board the humanitarian aid flotilla set for Gaza have returned to New Zealand. Three people arrived in Auckland airport, describing the poor conditions they were kept in and said they received little support from the NZ government. Senior political respondent Barry Soper says that this contradicts what the government has said about the situation. 'I remember Winston said that our MFAT people would have been working to ensure that these people would receive safe passage out of Israel.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oriini Kaipara is promising to use te Reo Māori as much as possible, as she launches her political life. The newly sworn-in Te Pati Māori MP presented her maiden speech to Parliament today, followed by a number of waiata in the House. Parliament was temporarily suspended when people in the public gallery broke out in a haka - met with dismay by Speaker Gerry Brownlee. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the day's events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, despite acknowledging inflation is still above where they'd like it. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they've factored in broader economic conditions. She says the central bank clearly thinks any fluctuation in inflation will be constrained by spare capacity in the economy. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this will come as good news as more people are set to roll into lower mortgage rates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent, despite acknowledging inflation is still above where they'd like it. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says they've factored in broader economic conditions. She says the central bank clearly thinks any fluctuation in inflation will be constrained by spare capacity in the economy. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this will come as good news as more people are set to roll into lower mortgage rates. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's reiterated his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza on the second anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel. Winston Peters addressed Parliament this afternoon, also calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, and for Israel to allow aid into Gaza unimpeded. Newstalk ZB political correspondent Barry Soper says Peters went on to defend the Government's call to not recognise a Palestinian state amid ongoing backlash from the opposition. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says the Government's resetting expectations for under-25s to not rely on the unemployment benefit. A $1,000 bonus is being introduced for certain young people who stay off the benefit for a year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this announcement isn't anything new, but something needs to be done to encourage young people into work. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Change is afoot at Te Pāti Māori - as a prominent activist group has severed ties with the party. Toitū Te Tiriti spokesperson Eru Kapa-Kingi claims the Party has a dictatorship decision-making model. His mother, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi, was recently demoted as the Party whip. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the saga further - and what the loss means for Te Pāti Māori's political future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Government cash for the three Crown-controlled gentailers. That's the biggest change to come from today's energy announcement - alongside plans for a new LNG import facility. Energy Minister Simon Watts says a report concluded sector players weren't confident they could ask the Government for money to fund new generation projects. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Sopers says the Government rejected plenty of other ideas on the table. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's pressure on Hamas to agree to a US-led Gaza peace plan. The proposed deal includes ending the war, returning hostages, and pulling out Israeli troops. An interim Palestinian Government would be led by Donald Trump and include experts like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. A number of western and gulf state leaders have welcomed the deal. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced support for the plan - but he questioned what would happen if Hamas didn't agree. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says New Zealand remains committed to the peace process in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has told the UN our Government won't be recognising a Palestinian state. Chris Luxon says we can't acknowledge a state whose de facto Government is the designated terror group, Hamas. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Peters delivered a 'well-argued and well-positioned speech' and New Zealand has always had its own foreign policy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is expected to make a major announcement on the energy sector next week. This announcement comes as more and more Kiwis are calling for reform. Senior political correspondent Azaria Howell told Ryan Bridge that, according to a survey on energy reform, 62% of respondents support the government underwriting the cost of new electricity generation. 49% of respondents also said that they would be in favour of separating electricity generation and retail. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former finance minister Roger Douglas has called for current finance minister Nicola Willis to resign. He says that the decrease in the country's GDP is not in line with the global economic downturn and that Willis should be held accountable. Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather duPlessis-Allan that a resignation is unlikely. 'You'd have to go back then to the 1930s to find a finance minister who has stood aside from the portfolio.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's on the defensive, after the latest sharp drop in GDP. The economy's contracted 0.9 percent in the June quarter - far more than anyone was expecting. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper weighed in on the latest data - and speculated about when things could improve. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New GDP figures are set to be unveiled tomorrow, and there's concerns from experts that the economy is struggling. The upcoming GDP data is projected to show an economy under pressure, as earlier forecasts of an incoming rebound look less and less likely. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Finance Minister is trying to soften the blow and put things in perspective. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders will no longer be able to look to adopt children from overseas and bring them home from this week. The Government's Adoption Amendment Bill's been introduced under urgency, and will suspend recognition of unsafe international adoptions to prevent harm. It also restricts the Family Court from granting adoptions where the adoptive parent or child are overseas. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the bill - and reveals why the changes are the way to go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

The Pacific Islands Forum wraps up in Honiara - and the standoff with the Cook Islands remains unresolved. Barry Soper told Heather duPlessis-Allan that the block between Mark Brown and Christopher Luxon is still present, despite the two leaders acting 'cordially' to one another. 'interestingly, we saw Chris Luxon with Mark Brown, and they seem to be getting on quite well, but the standoff remains.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pati Māori's co-leaders are silent during widespread criticism of one of their MPs social media posts, labelled 'racist' by some. Tākuta Ferris posted a video, saying it's unacceptable for other ethnicities to campaign to take a Maori seat from Maori. The party apologised in the past for a previous social media post with a similar sentiment. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has labelled these comments 'painful' and 'infuriating'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The four-year long manhunt for Phillips and his three children ended early yesterday morning - when police shot and killed him in rural Waikato. One of his children was found with him, and the other two were located at a campsite in dense bush. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper said Police Commissioner Richard Chambers weighed in on the case during a 'sombre' press conference. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Green MP Benjamin Doyle has resigned from parliament – citing threats against them and their family as the reason behind this decision. They served as New Zealand's first non-binary member of parliament and will give their final valedictory on September 18th. The fallout from a controversial social media post followed Doyle through their time as an MP, and senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the controversy was more impactful than Doyle's time in parliament. ‘The only thing they've done is be the first non-binary person that's entered the corridors of power in parliament, and that's about it.' LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence Minister Judith Collins has just returned from visiting Ukraine - and says she's seen first-hand the heartbreaking human cost of war to its people. She says Russia's illegal invasion's brought misery and destruction to the Ukrainian people for three and a half long years. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the trip further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's showed off its newest weapons in a major military parade in Beijing marking the end of World War Two. President Xi Jinping oversaw the event in Tiananmen Square, with Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin by his side. Former Prime Ministers Sir John Key and Helen Clark were in attendance. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper discussed the event. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's been plenty of debate about New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement, following some comments made by David Seymour. The ACT leader wants New Zealand to pull out of the global climate agreement, unless the targets are realistic. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon won't withdraw from the agreement - at least not until the 2026 election is over. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition's confident allowing certain wealthy foreign buyers to buy a home won't drive up house prices. It's agreed to pass changes, allowing people on an Active Investor Plus visa to buy or build one home in New Zealand - worth a minimum of $5 million. The visa requires an additional investment of at least $5 million, on top of the price of the home. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes make sense for investors. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's new reforms are being welcomed by the alcohol industry body. The Government's proposing making businesses have further zero and low alcohol products on sale, to meet growing demand. It's also allowing businesses to respond to objections on licensing, and permitting wineries and breweries to have both an on and off license. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why many are welcoming these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government hopes more progress on competing with the supermarket duopoly will bring down prices. It's announced what it calls an express lane, allowing for new supermarkets to open in New Zealand. If a supermarket will boost either regional or national competition, it will be considered to be fast-tracked. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says these changes are set to be pushed through quite quickly. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand film and television producer John Barnett died on Sunday night, according to new reports. Barnett's known for working on some of the country's highest grossing films - including Footrot Flats, Whale Rider and Sione's Wedding. He ran South Pacific Pictures, the country's largest production company, from 1992 to 2015, and was made companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film and television in 2019. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recalled his experience working with John Barnett. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geri Scott, Senior Political Correspondent, The Times of London