Podcasts about senior political correspondent

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.

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.

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.

One of Newstalk ZB's most familiar voices has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, two decades after first being sounded out. Barry Soper's been named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to journalism, recognising 43 years in the parliamentary press gallery. He says he considered the honour 20 years ago while serving as political editor, on the advice of senior colleagues. "And asked their opinion on whether it would be seen, or I could be seen as politically biased - and I think the conclusion was: that was a possibility. So I didn't want to compromise my independence." 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.

Budget 2026 has been unveiled, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed this is a 'careful' Budget with an eye to the future. Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are the top priorities, and the Government's forecasting an earlier than expected return to surplus. There's also a new levy on banks and other financial market participants from mid-2027. Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen says it illustrates a targeted approach. "There is a much greater focus on user pays, so instead of just general taxes paying for stuff, if you're using a service, if you're getting a benefit - you're paying for a whole lot more as well." Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's been waiting to see how much money's in the kete - before announcing its election policies. He says there's clearly not much. "I think this Government's resisted, probably against a number of odds, of maybe offering a few tantalising pieces, to go towards the election." 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.

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.

A promise of more public sector cost-savings, as Budget Day nears. The Prime Minister told business leaders today that the Government's cutting another $300 million dollars from the Budget operating allowance - to $2.1 billion dollars. Chris Luxon says responsible economic management and fiscal discipline are more important than ever. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this development was largely expected. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new poll has the coalition returning to power - despite a drop in support for the minor Government parties. The latest Taxpayers' Union Curia poll has National up slightly to 30 percent and Labour down to 31.9 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the minor parties have taken a hit, with ACT and NZ First looking less solid than they did in earlier polls. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The coalition appears to have good odds of winning the next election, largely thanks to New Zealand First. The NZ Herald - Motu Research Poll of Polls suggests there is an 88.3 percent probability the coalition will win a second term. The model shows it's extended its lead over the opposition by two points in the last 12 months. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained how this data is calculated - and whether voters can take it seriously. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's claims new legislation brings the most significant reform of conservation law in nearly 40 years. A Government bill's been lodged, to allow reinvestment of international visitor fees into conservation, with estimates it'll raise $60 million a year. The reform will also speed up DOC decision making, with claims it will add consistency to processes for applying Treaty obligations. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says tourism on conservation land brings in billions every year, and it helps create jobs for Kiwis. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broadcasting Standards Authority is being binned, and the Government's moving to let media companies regulate themselves. The Authority was established in 1989 - but the Government says the media landscape's changed beyond its control. Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says print media already regulates itself through the Media Council, which broadcasters can join. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this move reflects the changing media market, and it'll save the taxpayers' money in the long run too. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RMA Reform Minister says simplifying our councils is a crucial part of changes to Resource Management. The Government's today announced a fast-track amalgamation process - asking councils to submit proposals for merging with neighbours to form unitary authorities. They have three months to submit a rough plan. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained what this could mean going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A first of its kind agreement to secure New Zealand fuel. Prime Minister Chris Luxon and other ministers are in Singapore, for the signing of a fuel and food security Memorandum of Understanding. Singapore will supply us fuel in times of crisis - and New Zealand's will supply food - in a mutually beneficial deal. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the significance of this deal. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TVNZ's Maiki Sherman's had her access to Parliament suspended for five days, after an altercation with an MP. The decision comes after National complained to TVNZ, alleging Sherman aggressively banged on party whip Stuart Smith's office door for several minutes. TVNZ says it has a different view of events. Newstalk ZB's senior political correspondent Barry Soper the issue could lead to tighter rules for all reporters. "I think what you'll find as a result of all this is that Speaker Gerry Brownlee, he'll be tightening the rules yet again and just explaining to the journalists that you don't chase MPs around Parliament." The suspension's unrelated to claims Sherman lobbed a homophobic slur at another journalist at drinks in Nicola Willis' office last year. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicola Willis has taken aim at Shane Jones' 'butter chicken tsunami' comments today, following the Government signing the NZ-India trade deal. NZ First has criticised the free trade agreement, with Winston Peters claiming both National and Labour have signed the country's future away. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the gloves were off in Parliament today, as we get closer to the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The suspect of the shooting outside the White House Correspondents' Dinner, has been charged with the attempted assassination of the US President. 31-year-old California teacher Cole Allen was allegedly armed with multiple guns and knives, and written documents suggested he'd planned to target Trump officials. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper addressed the fallout from this incident - and the conspiracies. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's pulled out of his weekly TVNZ Breakfast interview - as a row escalates between the broadcaster and the National Party. TVNZ says Chris Luxon's office informed them he'll no longer appear every Monday, and consider interviews case-by-case. Luxon will continue to appear on Newstalk ZB and RNZ. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the party's also laid out a complaint against TVNZ over the 'aggressive' conduct of the journalists. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's agreed to support the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, but isn't speaking highly of the negotiations with the Government. National needed Labour's support to pass the FTA into law, because it was opposed by coalition partner New Zealand First. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained why the agreement is better for New Zealand's future. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barry Soper is a staple of New Zealand's political landscape. After joining the Parliamentary Press Gallery in 1980, he's spent nearly five decades as a political reporter, questioning the country's leaders. And now he's diving into the details, revealing some of the untold stories of the twelve Prime Ministers that have spanned his career in ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister'. While some things have changed throughout Soper's time, something that hasn't is politicians' perception of the Press Gallery. “Being in the Press Gallery, you're always labelled ... every time the Press Gallery does a story, they're labelled as hunting in a pack, and going off on tangents that are inexplicable,” he told Mike Hosking. “I think the only thing that's really changed from the time I was in the Press Gallery, started there in 1980, to today is the age of the journalists that are there.” In Soper's time, the demographic skewed older and more male – the gallery seen as a ‘creme de la creme' job that political reports aspired to. “Now it's transposed, there are more women than men and they're young, generally younger.” But although the journalists reporting the stories change, the stories they report can echo the past. “There are so many stories around Parliament, as you can imagine, all politicians talk, and the latest is a good example of when you get onto a good story,” Soper explained. “I've been involved in so many stories when it relates to people being rolled in politics,” he told Hosking – Bill English springing to mind. “I'd done the numbers and knew his time was up,” Soper said, which was something he'd revealed in an interview with one of Hosking's processors, Paul Holmes. “Holmes said to me at the end of the interview, he said, “Baz, is this man a dead man walking?” and I said, “Holmesy, more like a twitching corpse.”” English of course, was not well pleased with Soper's analysis, calling him up after the interview to tell him he had the numbers. “And I said, “No you haven't Bill, you'll see. See you by lunchtime.” And of course he was gone.” Twelve Prime Ministers have come and gone over the course of his career so far, but Soper has his top six, and funnily enough, Bill English doesn't make the cut. From Muldoon to Luxon, Soper delves into the details of New Zealand's Prime Ministers in ‘One Last Question, Prime Minister', releasing on the 28th of April. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Party senior whip Stuart Smith is continuing to deny he attempted to contact party leader Christopher Luxon over concerns his support was dropping. Smith faced the media today and reiterated his claim he had not tried to highlight concerns about caucus support for Luxon. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Luxon has survived a confidence vote he initiated among his Caucus today, after speculation there's been dissatisfaction. National MPs aren't revealing details of the vote - or how many supported Luxon. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isolated and rural schools are next in line for help with the fuel shock. Education Minister Erica Stanford's announced they'll put $37 million dollars into speeding up diesel boiler replacements at up to 70 schools. They'll also more than double mileage reimbursement for relief teachers temporarily and hike funding for about 5000 students' school commute, by 30 percent. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon also seemed confident at the stand-up, despite growing concerns about his leadership. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National says Labour's sending mixed messages on tax. Yesterday, lobby group Tax Justice Aotearoa called for a comprehensive capital gains tax and wealth taxes. Labour's revenue spokesperson Deborah Russell says the group has 'really good suggestions', and refuses to say whether Labour's current capital gains tax policy goes far enough. Meanwhile, leader Chris Hipkins says the party won't be taking any new tax policy to the election. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Hipkins already broke his word on the proposed capital gains tax - and this creates additional confusion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell will stand as a New Zealand First candidate at this year's election. He's reportedly set to contest the Tukituki seat, currently held by National's Catherine Wedd. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains why this is big news for NZ First. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pope Leo says he'll keep speaking out against war, following criticism from Donald Trump. The US President attacked Leo yesterday, after the pontiff's previous criticism of the war on Iran and Trump's immigration policies. Trump's accused him of being terrible for foreign policy and weak on crime. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained the ongoing controversy further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wall Street Journal reports Donald Trump is considering resuming strikes on Iran, with no deal reached in Pakistan yesterday. The US President's announced his navy will blockade the Strait of Hormuz from 2am NZT. Iran says any military vessel approaching the Strait will be dealt with severely. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon has confirmed New Zealand hasn't been approached about any possible foreign alliances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump says all US forces in the Middle East are staying in place and loading up until a 'real agreement' is reached. The two-week ceasefire announced yesterday appears fragile - and Iran's keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed in response to Israel's continued deadly attacks on Lebanon. Negotiations on a longer-term peace agreement are expected in Pakistan this week. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has criticised the ten-point plan - and concerns have been raised. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some mixed messaging on a ceasefire being worked through by Iran and the US, that quickly sent global oil prices below $100USD a barrel. Both countries have accepted Pakistan's proposal to pause fighting two weeks and the US President's backtracked on threats to obliterate Iran. Iran's put forward a 10-point plan, which includes letting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, with Donald Trump saying the US will help with the traffic buildup. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked today's announcement further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran has less than 24 hours to make a deal, before Donald Trump's threats of total obliteration could take effect. Trump's rhetoric is growing increasingly violent - threatening to decimate Iran's bridges and power beyond repair, after tomorrow's deadline passes. But Tehran's rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal, saying it wants a definitive end to the war. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says it's another Trump deadline that's set to pass, and it's unclear what Trump's terms are. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump is claiming regime change is close in Iran. He says the US is nearing completion with all its objectives in the Middle East and the job will be done 'very shortly'. Trump says discussions with Iran are ongoing - after earlier claiming Iran's leaders have asked for a ceasefire - which Iran's foreign ministry is calling false and baseless. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped the speech. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, the fuel supply update shows the amount of jet fuel in the country sat at 22.1 days of supply as of Sunday, down from 25.3 recorded last Wednesday. Diesel's about the same at 21.6 days - meanwhile petrol was up on Sunday, at 29.3 days of supply. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says we'll find out about the Government's new plans for the crisis tommorow. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court's quashed David Tamihere's double murder convictions, 37 years after two Swedish tourists disappeared. Open Justice reports Tamihere was found guilty in 1990 of killing Urban Hoglin and Heidi Paakkonen. He was released on parole in 2010, and granted the Royal Prerogative of Mercy in 2020, after a trial witness was found guilty of lying. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked the implications of this Supreme Court verdict. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government wants to keep more fuel in New Zealand as the Middle East conflict threatens supply chains. Fuel stock levels have risen as of last Wednesday, with over 50 days worth of petrol, diesel and jet fuel remaining or en route. The Government's exploring ways to increase fuel stocks above minimum obligations to guard against supply disruptions. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are heading to the election, with a policy to reverse the Government's reintroduction of interest deductibility. It also wants to scrap no-cause evictions, and introduce a new register of landlords and property managers. The Greens say they want to cap rent-hikes at two-percent per year and introduce a new rental warrant of fitness. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has raised concerns over the impacts of this plan. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Minister's blaming human error, after using her official email to promote a National Party video to schools. Erica Stanford sent principals guidance on a new assessment system, but included a link to a Party YouTube video in which she explains the tool. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's Ginny Andersen has voiced concerns over this - which sparked further debate in the House. 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 […]

Lahav Harkov is the Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider, formerly of the Jerusalem Post, and most importantly - a repeat offender on AAJ. She's here to answer all our current affairs questions, and some of our stupid questions too. We cover the potential of a war with Iran, an upcoming election in Israel (If you think American politics are crazy…), and the notorious Blue Square Superbowl ad that will save us all from antisemitism.