Podcasts about senior political correspondent

Vassy Kapelos checks in with Mike LeCouteur, a Senior Political Correspondent with CTV National News, as rumblings of an agreement start to surface between North America's biggest neighbours. On today's show: Lana Payne, the National President for UNIFOR, reacts to the latest trade negotiations with the United States and preaches short-term caution. Cathryn Naiker, the host of 'The Pick Up: A WNBA Podcast', reacts to superstar Caitlin Clark's first visit to Toronto and explains why one of Clark's Indiana teammates is making the most off-court noise right now. The Explainer with Canadian economist Moshe Lander: How the Canadian dollar's value is gauged compared to USD. The Daily Debrief Panel - featuring Laura D'Angelo, Jeff Rutledge, and Graham Richardson. Matina Stevis-Gridneff, the New York Times' Canada Bureau Chief, on the American perspective to the ongoing trade negotiations and the potential deal in front of us.

There's suggestions heads will roll over Chris Luxon's latest leadership challenge, but not straight away. The Prime Minister's survived a confidence vote of his caucus - the second in four months. Luxon called an urgent meeting to address recent reports of discontent among National MPs, and he confirmed today that he had full backing from the party. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's clear Bishop and Stanford were angling for the top job - but they couldn't strike a deal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Chris Luxon's now faced with the knowledge there's several detractors in his caucus. The Prime Minister's survived a second vote of confidence in a matter of months, following an urgent caucus meeting which lasted close to three hours. He says the Prime Minister has to avoid wreaking havoc on the party and not immediately penalise those who plotted against him. "He's got to live with that, that's the nature of politics. Between now and the election, at least - after the election, all bets are off." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is refusing to say if he has caucus support before an urgent meeting tomorrow morning. Chris Luxon has summoned National MPs to the capital, after renewed speculation about his leadership. He says division and disunity need to be resolved quickly. Luxon had no answer for journalists when he touched down in Wellington this afternoon, but senior MPs Nicola Willis and Mark Mitchell have both expressed confidence in the PM. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says potential leadership challengers would go into the meeting believing they have the numbers. "People are too afraid to say - no, I wouldn't support them, because what happens when they become leader?" LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a fork in the road of the National Party, as speculation looms around the Prime Minister's leadership. Christopher Luxon's called an urgent in-person caucus meeting tomorrow morning to resolve the issue quickly. In a post online, Luxon says it's a major distraction 90 days out from an election - and unfair to the New Zealand people and National's supporters. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says a change at the top could increase the public's perception of disunity. "And if you're a disunified party, then rarely will the public say - we want to vote for you. So it's a big play, whichever way you look at it." Parliament's in recess this week - meaning MPs will travel from around the country. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's definitively ruled out a coalition deal with New Zealand First post-election. Leader Chris Hipkins says his MPs have unanimously decided they won't work with Winston Peters' party, after comments made by Peters and Deputy Shane Jones were labelled 'racist'. Hipkins says a pattern of behaviour's escalated and he won't put up with the overt racism NZ First indulges in. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says new polling data shows the left-leaning parties are seeing a drop in the polls and the coalition is in a good position to get a second term. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll shows Labour's ratings fall, whilst Opportunity crosses the 5% threshold needed to make it in to Parliament. The latest Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll shows Labour dropping to 27.7%, whilst Opportunity has risen to 6.1%. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that now that Opportunity has crossed the line, it's policies will come under more scrutiny. 'It's always nice to see a party rising in the polls, but they've got to stand or fall on their policies.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters believes the Prime Minister's suggesting an MMP referendum will backfire. Chris Luxon says if re-elected, he'll support revisiting that, and discussing a four-year Parliamentary term. Peters has suggested Luxon's poor polling is what's making him want another look at MMP. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the reactions to Luxon's statements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Katina Curtis, Senior Political Correspondent for Capital Brief, who has been covering federal politics for over a decade. 

The Prime Minister says a late night meeting was why he recently used a military aircraft, but it's now been revealed it was a National Party fundraiser dinner. That was a flight in July, when Chris Luxon flew from Whanganui. He initially said he had a late night meeting, now his office says former National MP Bill Birch's funeral required a last-minute travel change. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the backlash further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After some weeks on the periphery of British politics, Nigel Farage and Reform UK are back in the spotlight with the debut of 'Operation Fortess' – their plan to deploy the Navy to stop the small boat crossings in the channel. Is it just a headline-grabbing gimmick or will it actually work – and is it even a new idea? To answer the important questions, James Heale is joined by Christian Calgie, Senior Political Correspondent-at-Large at the Daily Mail, to talk over the plans set out this morning.Produced by Natasha Feroze and Henry LloydBecome a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Zealand First has swiftly picked a new candidate for Napier after the resignation of Stuart Nash. Te Kira Lawrence, who was previously announced as the Party's East Cape candidate, will now stand in Nash's place. Stuart Nash resigned from New Zealand First last night, after a text was revealed where he called Napier MP Katie Nimon the laziest MP he'd ever come across, for taking leave after having a baby. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says politics is a 'rough-and-tumble' game, but it's surprising National stepped in over this matter. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party says unions are to thank for workplace rights Kiwis now see as a given. Co-leader Marama Davidson's announced a members bill to make union membership the default, which is also a Party election policy. Membership would still be optional, but workers would need to opt-out, not in. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this proposal feels like a step backwards, given which other countries have compulsory unions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's newest - and best known - political prospect says the party has a perception issue he's hoping to fix. Former broadcaster Paul Henry's announced he's standing as a list candidate this election, and is gunning for portfolios if their campaign is successful. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the reactions to the announcement from both sides of the political aisle. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nightlife News Breakdown with Philip Clark, joined by Katina Curtis, Senior Political Correspondent for Capital Brief, who has been covering federal politics for over a decade.

Former broadcaster Paul Henry recently confirmed he plans to run for the ACT Party this election, and leader David Seymour has expressed confidence in him. Henry has announced he's running as a list-only candidate, and has resigned from TVNZ's board. The famed former broadcaster failed in a National bid for Wairarapa in 1999. He says he wants to be a minister - but won't name a portfolio. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand could soon have its second formal ally, as the Government considers joining Australia and Fiji's defence pact. Anthony Albanese and Sitiveni Rabuka inked the deal on Monday, promising to come to each other's defence in an attack. Prime Minister Chris Luxon's confirmed Cabinet's pondering signing up, and he's spoken to both leaders about it. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what we know so far. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank moved to increase the OCR, prompting concern from some over what it could mean for the economy. The central bank raised the cash rate to 2.5 percent - the first hike in more than three years. Some economists thought inflation could surge as high as 4.8 percent this quarter. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says inflation needs to be brought under control - so this was the right move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's celebrating the new diesel storage tanks opening at Marsden Point. The Northland site will store 93 million litres emergency reserve, ordered at the peak of the fuel crisis, in April. It paid Channel Infrastructure to upgrade its tanks. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's looking to boost up emergency supplies following the uncertainty of the Middle East conflict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's understood to have warned our Government it's planning a nuclear-capable missile test within the next 24 hours in the South Pacific. Newstalk ZB understands China's told the Beehive today of the imminent test - the same day Australia and Fiji inked a new defence pact. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's unknown when exactly this test will take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is due to make his first official visit to New Zealand. His arrival comes amid controversial comments from foreign minister Winston Peters, who says that Indians will be facing unfairly tough immigration laws upon arrival to New Zealand Senior political correspondent Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that you would normally expect the foreign minister to greet an arriving Prime Minister, but Peters is abroad for the visit. 'He arrives back in the country the day after Modi leaves. he's in Japan quite conveniently.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government has made decisions on tightening immigration settings for Indian nationals, but concerns have been raised ahead of a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month. Speculation indicates Modi will visit on July 12, and Winston Peters has accused National of restricting immigration settings for India. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World-class honours have been dished out to select New Zealand restaurants, with hopes they'll lead to a much-needed boost for the industry. Queenstown's Essence has been crowned our only two star Michelin restaurant - alongside 14 others awarded a single star, like Auckland's Tala and Christchurch's Inati. Ninety-five other venues received the Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected accolades. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained how this development will boost tourism. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour claims the Auditor General has credibility issues, after releasing a scathing report into the Healthy School Lunches Programme. Only half of last year's lunches complied with the Ministry of Education's nutrition standards. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the data further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's remaining reticent about accusations against the country's top cop. The Police National Integrity Unit and IPCA are looking into historic sexual allegations from Police Commissioner Richard Chamber's former partner. Chris Luxon says he can't comment on the allegations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper joins Heather du Plessis-Allan to discuss today's news in politics. Allegations have been made against police commissioner Richard Chambers, but police minister Mark Mitchell says Chambers has his support. Chris Bishop delivered bad news to truck drivers. And the inequity gap is growing, most noticeable in the classroom. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters is accusing National of discriminating against Indian citizens in the Indian free trade deal - a shocking about-turn from earlier criticism. The NZ First leader previously claimed the deal would lead to open-slather immigration. But he now says National's abruptly changed course by tightening immigration settings against Indian citizens. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the debate further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Opportunity Party is seeing steady growth and would be a hair's breadth from Parliament on the latest 1News Verian poll numbers. It scored 4.6 percent support, up 1.3 percent from the last poll. The centrist party says it would be willing to work with either the right or left block. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what these results could mean for the party's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's thought the way is becoming increasingly clear for Andy Burnham to become the next British Prime Minister. Sir Keir Starmer has already stepped down as leader of the British Labour Party, outlining his plan to relinquish his position as PM. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Burnham's made a name for himself in UK political circles and he's got the right form. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon is in damage-control mode today, after Campaign Chair Simeon Brown made some strong comments at the Party's annual conference over the weekend. Brown's likened the two minor coalition parties to children, and has warned that voting for them doesn't help National. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says National's at risk of losing votes to ACT and NZ First, according to current polling. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's WHQR luncheon guest was Tamara Keith, Senior Political Correspondent and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Keith spoke about covering the president, the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and her new series, Swing Shift, a long-term project to document the perspectives of voters in swing states. Keith also took questions from our audience and sat down with WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman.

Latest polls show that the Opportunity Party has a 14% chance of securing a seat in parliament. The rising amount of support means that if the Opportunity Party secures six seats, it could oust the current coalition when combined with the other left wing parties (according to current polls). Barry Soper told Heather du Plessis-Allan that, "If You add 6 seats into that, which is a possibility fairly remote of TOP making it past the threshold, then this coalition government would be out of office on these figures." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand's economic recovery had been gaining momentum before the Iran war and fuel crisis hit. Today's figures show GDP rose 0.8 percent in the March quarter. That was driven by manufacturing, business services and wholesale trade, particularly production of equipment and food. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says there's still indicators the economy could rebound - assuming the US-Iran peace deal holds up. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First's leader claims people implicated in an MBIE scandal should be jailed. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says she was misled about ballooning costs for a border biometrics tech upgrade, which was axed with about $33 million dollars lost. The Public Service Commission and MBIE are undertaking reviews. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further, and speculated on the possible consequences for the officials. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister assures the Government won't get ahead of itself at news of a Middle East peace deal. The US says it's reached agreement with Iran, under which military action will end, naval blockades will lift and the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. It's scheduled for signing this week, but there are conflicting messages on what's next. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court is quashing earlier court directions to return gang patches to some members. Open Justice reports two men caught wearing patches in separate incidents were prosecuted, and in each the presiding judge ruled they could get back their insignia. The Solicitor-General appealed those directions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlined the terms of the ruling. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's started unveiling some new policies ahead of the election, and they made a new announcement regarding public transport. It's promising to campaign on a weekly fare cap - $20 for Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch - and $10 elsewhere. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper questions whether this is an affordable move. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended using a generous publicly funded private superannuation scheme to pay off the mortgage of his family holiday home. Hipkins confirmed he pays the maximum contribution, but he also contributes to KiwiSaver, meaning the full amount of contribution will not be paid towards the super scheme that owns his home. MPs are allowed to direct these savings into private superannuation funds, which Hipkins has done. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's a view it's been an overall successful trip for the Prime Minister across the Tasman. Christopher Luxon returned from Queensland after meeting with his counterpart Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. Luxon has been making the pitch for New Zealand to be involved in building infrastructure for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says both nations are allies, and it's important for Luxon to keep the working relationship going. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roy Morgan's newest poll shows the National-led Government is still leading among prospective voters. Support for National increased 5 percent to 30.5 percent, support for NZ First dropped 0.5 percent to 11 percent and support for ACT dropped 0.5 percent to 10 percent. Meanwhile, support for Labour dropped to 26.5 percent, and support for the Greens increased 1.5 percent to 12.5 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this was a big drop for some parties, but it's still too early to tell how things will play out. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister is standing by New Zealand's planned defence spending, after Pete Hegseth's accused New Zealand of freeloading off the American military. The US Secretary of War has used a global security summit in Singapore, to call on US allies to lift defence spending to 3.5 percent of GDP. He says New Zealand's goal to bring defence spending to 2 percent of GDP within the next eight years doesn't go far enough. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says New Zealand's economy isn't big enough to invest that kind of money into defence spending. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Budget was delivered by Finance Minister Nicola Willis today, and it aimed to be more 'careful' amid the ongoing economic turmoil and international conflicts. Healthcare, education, and infrastructure were the key priorities - and the Government's claimed the books will return to surplus in the 2028/29 financial year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Winston Peters has lucked out, as he's secured an extra financial boost in terms of foreign aid. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank Governor acknowledges many Kiwis are doing it very tough right now. Anna Breman used her casting vote today, to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25 percent. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee was evenly split on hiking or holding the rate. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MPs are set to receive a pay rise from July of about 2 percent. The base salary for the MPs will increase to $181,200, while Cabinet ministers will get $327,100, and the Prime Minister's salary will jump to $520,500. Newstalk ZB senior correspondent Barry Soper says this increase is on the lighter side, compared to other political pay bumps. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new initiative will make up to $1.2 billion of bank loans available for businesses, to enable them to reduce or eliminate their dependence on gas. $48 million dollars is set aside in this week's Budget to cover potential losses from the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this stands to benefit many Kiwi businesses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Minister says she's disappointed by revelations MFAT is exempt from cutting spending this year. It's been confirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade won't be given a reduced baseline budget. Most agencies face two percent cuts - but MFAT will be subject to the same five percent reduction for most agencies next year, and the year after. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has admitted key details about its Future Fund, including the cost to the Crown and which state assets will be rolled into it, will not be released until after voters have gone to the polls. Labour's finance spokeswoman Barbara Edmonds admitted the party doesn't itself know which public assets will go in the fund, and won't know until it gets advice from officials after the election. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has dismissed this as 'rubbish' - and questions what this means for Labour's capabilities. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A $131 million education boost aiming to lift maths results and teachers' confidence teaching it has been revealed. Funding's going to new workbooks and digital tools, as well as a Year Two literacy check and Year Five maths check. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Erica Stanford's responding to the needs of teachers, and ideally they'll support these changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll has National stuck in the high 20s, with Labour seven points ahead. National's on 29 percent in the Talbot Mills poll, with Labour on 36. Both parties haven't moved since last month's poll. NZ First is down one to 14 percent, and ACT down one on seven percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what these results mean for the coalition's odds. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Bethany sits down with Senior Political Correspondent at Jewish Insider, Lahav Harkov, talking about what it's like to be a mother in Israel amid yet another war. With her husband serving in the military reserves, Lahav is juggling parenting 3.75 children while also reporting on the war that's sending her to […]