Podcast appearances and mentions of Trevor Mallard

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Alaska: 6/10 As an event it didn't look like a lot. But Europe came to Washington and, apparently, a meeting is on. The lights aren't out yet. Trevor Mallard: 8/10 Move of the week from Winston Peters. It took a while, but I still haven't found anyone who disagrees. The Reserve Bank: 2/10 They missed the contraction, and they paused as the country was going backwards. Now we need two more cuts. They got us into trouble but can't get us out? Look up the word "useless" in the dictionary. Helen Mirren: 7/10 James Bond "has to be a guy". You wouldn't have had to say that once. Nowadays it makes headlines. TOP: 4/10 As novel as it is to advertise for a leader, the fact you don't have one probably sums up the prospects for next year - which are none. Balls: 7/10 The balls at the US Open are made of New Zealand wool. My favourite fun fact of the week. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Politics Thursday, Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mike Butterick discuss the new Official Cash Rate, and whether comments by Prime Minister Chris Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis were appropriate. They also looked at the teacher strike, and whether Foreign Minister Winston Peters was right to remove Trevor Mallard as Ambassador to Ireland. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister's defending recalling Trevor Mallard as Ambassador to Ireland now, and not 18 months ago. The previous Government appointed the former Parliament Speaker to the role in 2023. Winston Peters yesterday replaced him, saying Mallard will return home two months early. He says Mallard should have resigned. Peters further explained he didn't bring him home earlier to avoid being accused of being vindictive. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Speaker Trevor Mallard is returning early from Ireland, ending his job as Ambassador. Winston Peters has appointed senior foreign affairs staffer Angela Hassan-Sharp as his replacement, saying his behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should've disqualified him from the role. Peters says only experienced diplomats, not former politicians, should be posted overseas. Former MP and former diplomat Maurice Williamson told Kerre Woodham the idea that politicians should never be appointed as diplomats is too black and white. He says that often those with political weight behind their name have advantages regular diplomats don't, such as with former Trade Minister Tim Grosser, who became the Ambassador to Washington. However, Williamson says, they do need to be diplomats first and foremost and understand how diplomatic processes and channels work. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The carnival's over". Those were the words of Foreign Minister Winston Peters who appeared to be celebrating Trevor Mallard's early exit as ambassador to Ireland. Mallard is being replaced by Angela Hassan-Sharp. Political reporter Russell Palmer spoke to Lisa Owen.   

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Wednesday 20th of August, the Reserve Bank has a call to make today – they're expected to cut the OCR by 25 points, but what comes next? Trade Minister Todd McClay joins us out of Saudi Arabia before his flight to the US in which he'll continue to try lower our tariff rate. Mark Mitchell and Ginny Andersen discuss the Covid Inquiry and Winston Peters' exclusion, and Trevor Mallard's ousting as the Ambassador to Ireland on Politics Wednesday. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Politics Wednesday, the Covid Inquiry is still at the top of mind for many. Chris Hipkins, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Grant Robertson, and Ayesha Verrall have declined to publicly answer questions for the Royal Commission's second Covid Inquiry. Labour's Ginny Andersen and National's Mark Mitchell delved into the situation, as well as touching on Trevor Mallard's ousting from the role of Ambassador to Ireland. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, broadcaster Mark Sainsbury and former Labour MP Stuart Nash joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Winston Peters confirmed Trevor Mallard is coming home from his post as Ambassador to Ireland. He says the appointment was a case of 'jobs for the boys'. Should former politicians ever become ambassadors? What did we make of the scenes from the big White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy? Do we think we're getting closer to a deal being formed? The Cambridge Dictionary added 6000 new words - do we know what 'skibidi', 'tradwife' and 'delulu' mean? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 19 August 2025, Donald Trump's big meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and seven European leaders was a bit of a love fest - but are we actually any closer to peace in Ukraine? Energy Minister Simon Watts gets a grilling from Heather over the Government's plan for our energy security. AI deepfake scams are getting so good - even the people being imitated can't tell the difference. Businessman Gareth Morgan tells Heather the scam that features him is so good even he couldn't tell it was fake. Plus, Trevor Mallard is coming home from Ireland and the Huddle weighs in on the debate about whether former politicians should be appointed to ambassadorships. 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.

So here's a little bit of happy news for anyone still feeling injustice over the petty way that Trevor Mallard turned the sprinklers on the Parliamentary protesters and made everything worse - he is coming home from his plum job in Ireland as the ambassador. As Winston Peters says, quoting The Seekers - the carnival's over. And it's a good job too, because it was always deeply unfair that Mallard could behave like a child and basically torment fellow Kiwis, and then be rewarded by his mates with a job that was funded by Kiwis. Now Winston's trying to spin this like he's bringing Trevor Mallard home early. He's actually not really at all. Trevor's due home in January. It's understood that he's gonna be back in November. Whoop dee doo- two months early in a three-year term is hardly a punishment or a massive recall, isn't it? I mean, if Winston wanted to bring him home early, he could have brought him home at any point in the last two years that he's been the Foreign Minister. But I will agree with Winston on something here, which is that I think we have got to stop appointing politicians to diplomatic jobs. He says full stop - I say as a reward. I still think that there will be some politicians who are exceptional and who deserve these jobs because they would do an excellent job representing us. And I've always thought it was a pity that Helen Clark never got a posting overseas. But often, they're just lousy at it, aren't they? I mean, Phil Goff stuffed up. He had to come back. Jonathan Hunt embarrassed us by wanting to claim the pension in the UK when he was already on a very good wicket from us. Kevin Rudd - the Australian version of all of this - got sent to Washington by the Aussies and then embarrassed them by posting weird stuff about Trump before Trump became President again, then having to go back through his social medias and delete it all. Being a politician doesn't necessarily make these people good diplomats, and Trevor Mallard is absolutely an example of that. He has never been accused of being diplomatic. In my opinion, the only reason that he ever got this gig in Ireland is because his daughter lives in Ireland, and because he was some sort of an avuncular figure to Grant and Jacinda and Chippy, who were in Government when he was appointed. That is not a good reason to send someone to an Ambassador's job. It's not a good reason to get a job that you and I are paying for. So as Winston says, carnival's over - good thing too. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaker Trevor Mallard is returning early from Ireland - ending his job as Ambassador. Winston Peters has appointed senior foreign affairs staffer Angela Hassan-Sharp to replace Mallard. Peters claims Mallard's behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should've disqualified him from the role. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Mallard's behaviour during the anti-mandate occupation at Parliament should have raised concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Is This Still Interesting?/Teacher Buy-In Would Make Things Easier/The War Count/Do We Really Want Him Back?/Our Woolly BallsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former Speaker of the house is being taken to the High Court for musical torture during the 2022 anti-mandate protest. A girl from Northland, who was 11 at the time, says Mallard weaponised songs like Disney's Let it Go - causing mental anguish, humiliation and de-humanisation. Her lawyer, Tudor Clee says blasting someone with music is a military-style torture technique. He says this is the first time this technique has been intentionally used on children. The girl is seeking 40 thousand dollars in damages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here we go again – the America's Cup. How many times have you heard the debates for and against the America's Cup? The Government, as you will have heard, has declined the opportunity to invest in hosting the America's Cup in 2027 and the usual arguments are raging over the wisdom or otherwise of that decision. Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) chief executive Nick Hill said it was with great disappointment that they were confirming that Auckland would no longer be bidding to host the 2027 America's Cup, explaining that Auckland's bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government, and the private sector. MBIE informed TAU that the government is unable to provide the funds required and, on that basis, he said, he bid cannot proceed. He said the situation illustrates the need for a long-term, sustainable funding model in New Zealand to support major events, and there, I would agree. Rather than having it on an ad hoc, piece meal, “hey, what about this guys?” kind of a basis, having some sort of structure to provide funding for major events as they come along would be a very good idea. Viv Beck, from Auckland's Heart of the City, also expressed her disappointment ruing a missed opportunity. “The reason it's so disappointing is it's ripe for the picking. I mean, we've got the infrastructure, the economic benefits would be there and if there had been quicker action on finding alternative funding. I mean we understand that there are other priorities for the government, but growth is also a big opportunity, a big priority and you know the reality is that the GST alone could pay for that money. So I think with some imagination and will and determination it could have been a different result. “We know we don't compete internationally now. Often, we don't, we're a small country, we get that. But I think we do have to have the energy and drive and will to try and find ways to actually grow this, because events are a great way of attracting people here. It's not just a one-time wonder that people come and have a great time. I mean the benefits from trade and jobs, international profile. You look at Barcelona. I mean, imagine if we had that in 2027, something along those lines at a time where we really do need to have something that actually excites people, that we actually are growing and not just full of problems.” Yes, yes, yes. But at risk of stating the obvious, we aren't bloody Barcelona, are we? We're not in the middle of Europe, surrounded by nations who are just a fair wind filling a spinnaker away. We're at the bottom, next stop, Antarctica. The last time New Zealand hosted our economy was left $293 million worse off. That was the 36th America's Cup in 2021, and that was according to an official cost benefit report. Auckland's economy alone was left with a financial deficit of $146 million, with a financial return of 72 cents back for every dollar put in. I am a financial and economic numpty, but even I can see that that does not make sense. To be fair, we were severely hampered by Covid-19, and according to the Trevor Mallard and the Clarke government – they crowed about the 2003 event, they said that generated around half a billion dollars of economic activity into the New Zealand economy which made the investment of around $10 million worthwhile. They said back in 2003, an extra 9360 full-time equivalent jobs were created. And while 85% of the extra economic activity was generated in Auckland, there was still a substantial effect in other regions as international visitors travel to other parts of the country. That was 22 years ago. The world is a vastly, vastly different place. Right now, an America's Cup is a nice to have. It would be lovely, it feels great. I've been in Auckland for a number of Americas Cup's, and they were fantastic, feel-good affairs. They boost morale, and the bars and restaurants do a roaring trade, and everyone with a bit of cash has a jolly good time. It's an absolute jolly. But then I'd like to put a pool in the backyard too, and I think ultimately it would have economic benefits, ultimately it would pay off. I could make the case that if I put in the money now, then I could put in the pool and get the pay off later. Well, except it's a nice to have right now. There are other priorities, and I would say the Government is absolutely damned if it does and damned if it doesn't. This is the price we pay for spending up over the last few years. I'm sure we could find the money. Admittedly, this Government doesn't have Grant Robertson's knack of finding millions down the back of the couch – he always seemed to pop up with $460 million just when it was needed. But what do the optics look like? Cutting the ribbon at a pared down Dunedin hospital while Auckland has a knees up on-board boats and drinking champagne, sure that's going to look fantastic, isn't it? Labour would be bleating away about “unnecessary expense” and “look at the waiting lists”. They're absolutely damned if they do, damned if they don't. We were warned. Wise souls told us on the show, during Labour's hoot's wahay spend up that ultimately, we would have to pay the piper, and this, turning down the opportunity to host an America's Cup is what it feels like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is this mania for the building of stadia when this country has so many already and very, very few of them are economic assets? The decision over whether to upgrade Eden Park in Auckland or to build a brand spanking new stadium on the waterfront is such an old debate. And before I go on, I will say I've been a guest of Eden Park, but it does take more to buy my opinion than a very nice lamb chop and a glass of non-alcoholic rosé, I promise you. The contest for Auckland's main stadium yesterday ended with neither Eden Park nor Te Tōangaroa proving feasible without public funding. Eden Park's upgrade is technically feasible but requires $110 million from the Government. Te Tōangaroa's proposal lacks technical and commercial feasibility. So right there I'd say, “well, I'm gonna stop you there” if I was a councillor. If it lacks technical and commercial feasibility, wouldn't we go, “well, thanks very much, bit of a waste of our time, ka kite anō” to the people behind it? Anyway, they plan to progress land acquisition over 12 months. Now, most of you will be familiar with Eden Park, even if you're from around the country. Te Tōangaroa is more ambitious, includes a 50,000 seat stadium —which is the capacity of Eden Park— that can be scaled down to 20,000 capacity for smaller events. It's the centrepiece for the redevelopment of Quay Park with up to four hotels, hospitality, scope for 2000 apartments, plus commercial offices. Different parties have been trying to build a waterfront stadium for years now. You'll remember Trevor Mallard had a plan to build a stadium in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and that came to naught. Another proposal in 2018 was floated and came crashing down to earth. Developers would build a shiny new waterfront stadium, in exchange, they'd get the land at Eden Park, plus the ability to build apartments on the waterfront land. There's always something in it for the people behind the developments. Of course, there is, otherwise, why would they do what they do? And it ends up being chumps like you and me who pay for it. We have stadia. We have stadia up the Yin Yang, all over the country, all over Auckland that are underutilized and uneconomic. As the chief executive of the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Martin Snedden told Mike Hosking this morning we need to get over ourselves and consolidate into just one stadium. “It's time people really got collaborative, and I know, you know, you may not agree with me here, but the Warriors, Auckland FC, they should be incorporated into the program at Eden Park, so that, you know, that venue is... This is what's happened, you know, places around the world is the multi-use of one venue. "Look at what happened at Eden Park over the weekend, where on Friday they had White Ferns and Black Caps internationals played there, Saturday it was the Crusaders and the Blues, and Monday it was the All Whites qualifying for the World Cup. That's the right use of the stadia, and that's what we need to move towards. We don't need to keep propping up other stadia that are just not fit for purpose, let's just concentrate it all on what we've got.” Absolutely. But why is it too, that every city around the country, every large town, big city, wants its own stadium when they don't make economic sense? There's a great piece in the conversation by Robert Hamlin and he points out, there have been just 30 major events at Forsyth Bar in Dunedin since 2014. He wrote the piece last year, so that's three a year. Te Kaha in Christchurch is being funded mostly by ratepayers —the Crown's put in a bit— and the stadium was solely responsible for a 2% increase in rates last year. We come to Hamilton, and these figures are from 2015 so there might have been a remarkable turnaround – I doubt it, but there might have been. Since Claudelands Event Center opened in 2011, it has run at around a $10 million deficit per year. And who pays for that? Ratepayers. Palmerston North: in the 2021 10 year plan, it showed a budgeted income of $19 million, but expenses of $73 million. Come on. It does have facilities for some indoor sports, but much of the money that's going to be spent is on the main stadium in sport of stock car activities, including $4 million budgeted for new pits and more millions for a new grandstand on the south end. Non-stock car income is negligible because the stadium struggles to attract higher level rugby matches or large concerts because of the car track. Invariably, if you do end up building a bloody stadium, It's not good for something else. So, they're not multi-purpose, they can't be used for other events. You build this stonking great white elephant, and we pay for it, us, and then we're not allowed in it unless we pay a fortune for a ticket to go to something that's on inside the stadium that we built. As a ratepayer, you should get a free ticket to anything that's in there for the rest of your life. I just don't get why we're so obsessed with wanting new shiny stadia. In Auckland, we've got Eden Park, Go Media Stadium (formerly Mount Smart), Western Springs, Spark Arena, North Harbour Stadium. No, we don't need another one. Bowl the others, and everybody can play nicely together in one big stadium. At the moment, it looks like Eden Park's the most likely – there you go, I've paid for my lamb chop. But imagine your family budget at the moment: Oh, wouldn't it be nice if we built a beautiful new swimming pool at the back because the kids are getting a bit older now? Be lovely, with a nice little pool house next to it. Yes, it would be lovely. Can we afford it? No. And that's what the Waterfront Stadium is. Honestly, as Robert Hamlin said, the reason why is that people just get so excited, the decision makers get so excited, with all these reports of the extra economic benefit that's going to come to the city, and it's gonna prosper and it's just gonna be the making of the city. No, it's not. No. Ratepayers end up paying and paying and paying for generations for a white elephant that nobody's allowed to ride unless you pay a bloody fortune to get on its back. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters had no option when it came to sacking Phil Goff from his job as High Commissioner in London, but that doesn't mean I'm happy with it. I think he's done the right thing. But he's done the wrong thing, as well. Because it just shows how scaredy-cat the world is of Donald Trump. But we better get used to it – this is how it's going to be for the next four years. That's why I accept that it needed to be done, but it's still pretty cruddy that we are running scared of him like this. What Goff did was he let the political nerd in him come out when he was at an event at Chatham House, in London, earlier this week. And it looked like it was some sort of Q&A session involving Finland's Foreign Affairs Minister. The significance of Finland, of course, is that it shares a border with Russia. So Phil Goff had the roving microphone, and he asked Elina Valtonen whether she thought Donald Trump understood the history of the second world war. That's because people are likening what Trump is doing with Ukraine to what happened in 1938, when Nazi Germany was allowed to get its hands on land in Czechoslovakia in a bid to avoid war. It was a deal signed in 1938, but, as we know, a year later Germany still went to war. Phil Goff isn't the first person to say it. And on the face of it, it doesn't seem that outrageous, but in diplomatic circles, it was probably enough to have them spilling their G&Ts. And it was certainly enough for Foreign Minister Winston Peters to tell his people in London to give Phil Goff the flick. Winston Peters says the reason he did it was because Goff's comments “do not represent the views of the New Zealand government and make his position as High Commissioner to London untenable.” And former High Commissioner Sir Lockwood Smith agrees. He's in no doubt that Winston Peters has done the right thing to minimise any damage. Phil Goff was due to finish his posting later this year, but that could have been extended, of course. But he's over there right now and all the diplomatic crew will be chattering. So it will be very embarrassing for Goff. Not the way he would've wanted to go out. Especially, given that as far as I'm aware, it's the first time New Zealand has sacked a High Commissioner. Yes, he was being a bit of a smart-alec, something you're not supposed to be when you move around in diplomatic circles. Which is a tension that Sir Lockwood talked about when he was on Newstalk ZB this morning. He was saying that when you've been a politician, it can sometimes be difficult to take your political hat off. But he reckons that his time as speaker before being a High Commissioner helped prepare him for that. Maybe that's why we're not hearing about former speaker Trevor Mallard putting his foot in it over in Ireland, where he's High Commissioner. But perhaps Phil Goff can take some comfort from Dr Stephen Winter, who is an international relations expert at Auckland University. He's says if things weren't so on edge around the world, Goff might have got away with it. He says: "Goff can take comfort from the fact that he is right, even though he was not diplomatic.” But things are on edge, and Goff is off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Jones says Parliament's standards are slipping. The New Zealand First MP and David Seymour have both asked Speaker Gerry Brownlee to consider changes in light of Te Pati Māori's haka in the House last week. Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke was 'named', suspended for a day, and had her pay docked for a day. Jones told Mike Hosking the penalties have historically worked, but we live in a world of Tik Tok now. He says we live in a world where, as a consequence of Jacinda Ardern and Trevor Mallard, the rules have been inverted. “I mean, what the hell's happening to New Zealand?” LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With six episodes left, Ric's got some apologies to make… And Leigh's got the instrumental to match. We recruit Kieran Read to talk us through the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup performance, Marc tells us about his wild America's Cup interactions with Trevor Mallard, and Hamish Kerr tells us about jumping over Steven Adams with Macca on his head. About The Show: Ric Salizzo, Marc Ellis and Leigh Hart catch up to (uniquely) discuss sporting issues of the day, create havoc, welcome in special guests; and find time to look back with insight, and lay blame for moments from the popular Sports Cafe TV show. Follow: Ric Salizzo  Marc Ellis  LeighHart  Sportscafe  iHeartRadio NZ   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The question of whether Auckland needs a waterfront or downtown stadium has always been an easy question for me to answer. No, Auckland doesn't need another stadium. We already have quite a few stadiums with different capacities catering to various our needs. There are a lot of other more important things Auckland needs; less traffic congestion, better public transport, a better waste water system, more schools, more housing, a massive wet and wild Waterslide park - you know, the important stuff. A stadium, in the heart of the city is a nice to have, right? But you know what, how nice would it be to have. Sitting on the glistening shores of the Waitemata Harbour, the CBD should be the pride of Auckland City. Instead, it's too often the subject of complaints about safety, policing and access as Queen St transforms into a shared space. A lot of work has gone into enticing people back into the city centre; the Britomart complex, an upgraded Quay St, the impressive Wynyard Quarter. We know if you create interesting spaces – theatres, stadiums, family friendly open spaces, shopping precincts, entertainment and hospo areas – and make them accessible – the people will come and we'll get a world class, vibrant city with all the economic benefits that go along with that. So for this reason alone, I say bring it on. However, a city-based stadium in Auckland is like a lot of infrastructure projects in New Zealand – spoken about for decades but rarely seen. We thought about it in 2006 when Trevor Mallard thought it would be nice to have one for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, instead of spending money on upgrading Eden Park. In 2017 then Mayor Phil Goff commissioned a $1million feasibility report - which he was then reluctant to release. It turns out stadiums don't turn much of a profit. We've had architects, various consortiums and sports team owners present their visions for a revamped Auckland waterfront. There are probably a few students out there who've created some pretty good-looking Auckland waterfront designs for a school study. So far they've all been pipedreams; a teaser to get the public on side, a push to get politicians to act. Yesterday a new vison for Auckland Quay Park was released to the public by a consortium headed by former Warriors Chief Executive Jim Doyle. It includes not just an impressive looking 50,000-seater stadium with views to Rangitoto (is anyone else concerned about the wind swirling around in there?) but also hotels, bars and restaurants, residential apartments and public spaces and parks. Their vision is impressive – who wouldn't want it over an old railway yard? It's good to see local iwi who own the land on board, and with the majority of the investment coming from the private sector, input from the council and government is thought to be less than what may have to be spent on maintaining Eden Park in the future. It's a compelling case and vision. We will just have to wait and see if anyone is brave enough to commit to it. I hope they do. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TONIGHT: The Leader of ACT David Seymour, National Party MP Chris Penk and fresh from being mates with Trevor Mallard in Ireland, Stuff Columnist and notorious Libertarian, Damien Grant Issue 1: New Roy Morgan Poll Issue 2: OT KFC OTT? – What are we actually doing with teenagers in youth prisons and why shouldn't we be reaching out to gangs to vote? Issue 3: Kiri Allan and Tory Whanau – why don't right wing trolls like strong Māori woman? and Issue 4: How sick is our economy and what do latest debt stats tell us?   The podcast broadcasts live 7.30pm Tuesdays from our purpose built studio bunker ADJACENT to Mediaworks studios on Facebook, YouTube & JuiceTV.live, The Daily Blog and replayed on Channel 200 Freeview and posted up afterwards on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Rova & YouTube See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.   Fair Pay Agreements: 3/10 "The unions look like they are winning."   The Health System: 3/10 "It's an example of one of those crises the Prime Minister should be attending to, rather than being in Antarctica, given the ED mess these past few weeks. I don't know how long Andrew Little can keep saying it's not the full-blown meltdown it so obviously is."   EV Feebate Scheme: 4/10 "There is no, can be no, and has never been a defence for subsidising people who have $75,000 for a car."   Rishi Sunak: 8/10 "Looks the goods and got there in the end."   Joe Biden: 4/10 "He said to judge him on his vigour. I think that's actually the problem. Because they are."   Netball Australia's Sponsorship Saga: 1/10 "A sad, but classic, example of all that is wrong with the modern world. It's a world where your job is less important than the virtue you're currently signalling and where selfishness beats team work. It's a disease that, as they found out, is very material."   Cruises: 7/10 "Back for the summer after far too long. And with it a sense of some normality and cash."   Adrian Rurawhe as Speaker: 7/10 "No, watching Parliament isn't for everyone. But what a sparkling improvement he is over Trevor Mallard."   Report into Kid's Physical Activity: 6/10 "A good example of how the media only goes for headlines these days. The bit about dropping kids wasn't actually the full story. The full story was, in fact, a good story. We are 9th in the world in terms of health and activity. But to know that you had to actually read the full story."   Rugby: 6/10 "Mixed week, the Black Ferns/All Blacks clash is not a good look in a world falling over itself trying to promote equality. But the First XV broadcasting call might be a bit over the top."   LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time, New Zealand's parliament has more women MPs than men. Soraya Peke-Mason was sworn in yesterday, replacing the outgoing speaker Trevor Mallard as a Labour list MP. That makes 60 women MPs, and 59 men. With a by-election up for grabs in Hamilton West in December, the National Party is under pressure to add some diversity to a largely male caucus in parliament. National Party leader Christopher Luxon spoke to Māni Dunlop.

Women will hold the majority of seats in Parliament for the first time ever when Labour MP Soraya Peke-Mason is sworn in today. Peke-Mason's move to Parliament was announced in June, after news that Kris Faafoi would leave politics and Trevor Mallard would move on to a diplomatic posting. Because Gaurav Sharma announced his resignation last week, it means there's currently a 50-50 split between men and women in the House, with Peke-Mason set to tip the balance. She spoke to Corin Dann.

The High Court says Trevor Mallard was unreasonable, irrational, and unjustified in his decision to trespass NZ First leader Winston Peters from Parliament's grounds. Justice Gwyn says the former speaker's trespass order was an unjustified limitation on Peters' right to freedom of movement under the Bill of Rights. It delivered its judgement today, just hours before the former speaker made his final speech in Parliament. He's been in Parliament for 38 years and in that time he's held 13 ministerial portfolios, been part of a dozen Parliaments and represented three electorates. Speaking in the debating chamber, surrounded by MPs' children, Mr Mallard reflected on his first day as an MP. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6314036108112

The "squeezed middle" payment was meant to be a political circuit breaker, but it's left the government on the defensive. Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire speak on what went wrong and the demands for an apology - does the scramble to explain adding GST on KiwiSaver fees just add to a sense that they're not in control of the story? Plus: Slán leat to Trevor Mallard and kia ora to new speaker Adrian Rurawhe, the potential for Brian Tamaki's new Freedom NZ political project, and Marama Davidson gets grief for use of the C-word (chocolate). Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Right Honourable Trevor Mallard resigned as Speaker of the House this week after 35 years as a Member of Parliament. He will soon take up a three-year posting in Dublin as our second resident Ambassador to Ireland.

This week we went inside the Parliament protest, and saw Labour's patience with Dr. Sharma run out. Trevor Mallard said goodbye to the Speaker's chair and Andrew Little & Shane Reti engaged in a philosophical battle over free speech in positions of power. Produced by Adam Simpson Engineered by Brian Holloway A TVNZ Production

The New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the former Speaker of Parliament, Trevor Mallard, should never have been named the next ambassador to Ireland. Peters, a former Deputy Prime Minister, was reacting to an apology issued by the Speaker of the House yesterday for a trespass notice against him during the protest at Parliament in February. It's unclear whether the apology was initiated by Mallard, who vacated the role on Wednesday, or the new speaker Adrian Rurawhe. Peters says Mallard's actions were unreasonable, irrational and an attack on New Zealanders' freedoms. He spoke to Corin Dann.

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all.   Waka Kotahi: 7/10 "For shutting down, hopefully once and for all, the talk of a cycle lane on the harbour bridge."   Spending: 4/10 Down in the June quarter, another nail for those who argue there was no recession.   Baristas: 7/10 $30 an hour is all that's good, and all that's bad, about the mess we are currently in.   Brian Tamaki: 6/10 Say what you want about the bloke but he's active and he's launched a party. He wants to get amongst it. Participants are welcome in this age of complacency   The All Blacks: 8/10 Because we've had a week with no bitching, no back stabbing, just the anticipation of a game. I'll take that any day of the week.   Trevor Mallard: 4/10 Does 35 years count - yes. But in totality, by the time you take the thuggery, the bullying and the defamation that wipes pretty much all of it out. Character beats time served for me.   Those who defend Mallard: 3/10 That goes to their character...   Sanna Marin: 4/10 She worked it out eventually, hence the second apology in a week.   LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent MP Gaurav Sharma hijacked the election of Parliament's new Speaker to level fresh allegations against Trevor Mallard. Allegations the outgoing Speaker rejects. Here's our political reporter, Katie Scotcher.  

It's been the worst kept secret in Parliament - Trevor Mallard heading off to Ireland as ambassador and handing over the reins as Speaker to Adrian Rurawhe. The formalities descended into yet another attack on Labour by estranged MP Gaurav Sharma - causing shock and anger on the government benches. This time his allegations were aimed directly at Mallard - who had taken his new place beside the freshly independent MP up at the back of the chamber. Political editor Jane Patterson was there and filed this report.

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard leaves his job today. He's held the position for five years, coming under fierce criticism from the Opposition and repeatedly called for him to resign. Mallard's departure was signalled back in June. He'll be trading in Wainuiomata for Dublin, taking up the role of Ambassador to Ireland. Probably his biggest controversy blew up in 2019 over his claims there was a rapist in Parliament - that resulted in an apology and a payout costing taxpayers more than $330,000. More recently he's been under fire over his handling of the Parliamentary occupation. Then there was the trespass notice fiasco - notices issued and then withdrawn, involving prominent figures who visited to the occupation - including Winston Peters. Appearing at select committee Mallard took a "no comment" approach. On a lighter note Mallard might also be remembered for holding and feeding babies in the House and making it optional for men to wear ties. He also initiated plans to build a playground outside Parliament, and was one of the first to use the $243,000 slide. Mallard will slide into his new ambassadorial role in January. He'll be the third of the five most recent Speakers to get a diplomatic posting.

The Speaker of the House Trevor Mallard has formally resigned from the role and will officially bow out this afternoon. Mallard will be taking up a diplomatic post in Ireland from January next year. The Governor-General has accepted his resignation, and the current Deputy Speaker Adrian Rurawhe is likely to replace him. Mallard declined to be interviewed. The opposition hasn't been a fan of Mallard's refereeing of political theatre over recent years. In fact, National MP Chris Bishop put out a not-lengthy statement giving his response to the resignation. The full statement reads, quote "Good." Bishop spoke to Corin Dann.

Act leader David Seymour has issued a scathing statement about Trevor Mallard's announcement as the next diplomat in Ireland today, saying it was "an outrage". Mallard announced today that he will resign as Speaker tomorrow, and Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced Mallard would become New Zealand's ambassador to Ireland. Mallard is expected to hand over the Speaker reins to Adrian Rurawhe, and leave Parliament in October ahead of taking up the post in January next year. However, the timing of the widely-anticipated announcement and diplomatic posting after a controversial reign as Speaker infuriated the Opposition parties. Seymour said it was an "an insult to our friends in Ireland". "To send someone with such a lengthy political rap sheet and zero diplomatic ability is an insult to our friends in Ireland." He pointed to the troubles Mallard faced after wrongly accusing a parliamentary staffer of rape, and Mallard's attempts to drive out the protesters at Parliament with bad music on repeat in February. "He took the Office of the Speaker only to have the worst approval rating of any politician in modern history. Now he's being rewarded for his bad behaviour." Seymour said the timing of the announcement just before the 6pm news on a day in which there were other major stories at Parliament was "cynical". "The Prime Minister and her colleagues should have shown leadership and integrity and not given in to Mallard's petty demands for an overseas posting. "The only theory we can come up with is that Jacinda Ardern wanted to get rid of him and at least the Irish have a sense of humour." The election of a new Speaker will also mean Question Time and the General Debate tomorrow are scrapped. Earlier today, the National Party tried to get an additional Question Time and an additional debate scheduled for this week to replace it, but was unsuccessful. That motion could have been big news for newly independent MP Gaurav Sharma who could be given time to speak in the House under privilege, allowing him to attack his former Labour colleagues without fear of defamation. Sharma was expelled from Labour's caucus this morning. When Parliament meets tomorrow, the Government will put forward Deputy Speaker Adrian Rurawhe for the role of Speaker. Under Standing Orders, the rules that govern Parliament, the House will then adjourn for the day. This would mean Question Time on Wednesday and General Debate will be cancelled. National is keen to ensure that does not happen, because it would mean the Prime Minister only being present for one session of Question Time this week - leaders typically skip Thursday sittings in favour of their deputies. Cancelling General Debate would also be significant, given it is an opportunity for MPs to make more free-flowing speeches about any topics they choose. Slots in general debate are allocated to political parties based on their representation in the House, but parties are allowed to give their slots away if they choose. It is understood National had at least considered giving a slot to Sharma, a newly-independent MP. The party had previously given former Labour MP Louisa Wall one of its speaking slots on a debate on suicide after Labour denied Wall the opportunity to speak. MPs speaking in the debating chamber are protected by parliamentary privilege. This means MPs can make defamatory statements without being held liable for what they say. As Parliament finished Question Time on Tuesday, National's shadow leader of the house Chris Bishop sought leave "in light of other events … for the House to hold a General Debate after the dinner break" on Tuesday night, which would follow the format of the usual Wednesday debate. There was objection to this motion, meaning it was not successful. Bishop then sought leave for the House to hold a second Question Time on Thursday, again "in light of other events this week". This Question Time would have replaced Wednesday's lost Question Time. This was also voted down. - Thomas Coughlan, NZ HeraldSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doubts are being raised over whether Trevor Mallard's past behaviour warrants a diplomatic posting. National's Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking he's unsure Mallard's record makes him a good representative of the country. He says there are a lot of people working for MFAT who would make extraordinary ambassadors for New Zealand that have never hit someone or falsely accused an employee of rape. But Labour's Megan Woods says three of the last five Speakers have gone on to diplomatic positions. And she told Hosking Mallard's proven himself to have the credentials. Woods says no one's ever raised any concerns about him having the skillset to host delegations and he's been a Member of Parliament for 35 years, holding 13 ministerial portfolios. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the winners and losers of the new EU free trade agreement, Trevor Mallard shuffles off, and MP Simon O'Connor apologises for '...a good day'. Produced by Adam Simpson Engineered by Brian Holloway A TVNZ Production

Is a plasterboard shortage turning into a political crisis? Annabelle Lee-Mather, Ben Thomas and Toby Manhire unholster the tape measure. Plus: Who were the winners and losers in Tauranga's byelection, Jacinda Ardern heads to Europe to speak at Nato, all the ups, downs and sleights of hand in a “minor” cabinet reshuffle, and the legacy of Trevor Mallard. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trevor Mallard is calling time on his parliamentary career. What's he achieved as Speaker of the House of Representatives?

The Prime Minister has shaken up her Cabinet line-up following the surprise departures of two key team members. Parliament's speaker Trevor Mallard will leave next month - and the Justice Minister Kris Faafoi even sooner. Jacinda Ardern has also taken the opportunity to switch up the Police portfolio, which means goodbye Poto Williams, hello Chris Hipkins. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch has the details, and former MP Peter Dunne speaks to Lisa Owen.

Poto Williams has been axed as Police Minister, but the Opposition has already turned its sights to her replacement, Chris Hipkins. Two other big changes have happened, Trevor Mallard is headed overseas and giving up his role as speaker, and Kris Faafoi is leaving Parliament to spend more time with family. RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Will Grant Robertson pull a cost of living rabbit out of the hat? Toby Manhire, Annabelle Lee-Mather and Ben Thomas talk budget day, the big emissions reduction plan, Te Pāti Māori and an early burst of coalition negotiations. Plus: can Jacinda Ardern forgive Trevor Mallard's trespasses, and what is the speaker playing at? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trevor Mallard is safe in his job as Parliament's Speaker for now - with the Prime Minister continuing to express her support. The Speaker performed a major backdown yesterday - withdrawing five trespass notices sent to former MPs - including the former deputy PM Winston Peters. The Opposition parties say the notices should not have been issued in the first place - and are yet another reason for Mallard to go. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Parliament's Speaker has performed a major about-turn, dropping the trespass orders he'd slapped on Winston Peters and four other former MPs. The former Deputy Prime Minister yesterday revealed he'd received a letter barring him from Parliament for two years due to his attendance at February's protest. He threatened legal action - Trevor Mallard has now backed down. Here's our deputy political editor Craig McCulloch.

Today on RNZ National. The Coroner's Court sets out the scope of its investigation into the Christchurch Mosque attacks. The health sector worries tackling wait lists is like opening Pandora's box Trevor Mallard backs down on his tresspass orders.

A former Speaker of Parliament says issuing trespass notices to former MPs was a "stupid move". Political backlash and the threat of legal action appear to have forced Speaker Trevor Mallard to withdraw five trespass notices, including those issued to Winston Peters and Matt King. Sir David Carter told Morning Report Mallard is meant to be parliament's person but he is too entrenched in Labour. Sir David, a former National MP, says the role should have the respect from both sides of the house. He says he did his best in the job and he encourages Trevor Mallard to change his attitude and do his.

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard has taken a hammering over his trespass order debacle which ended yesterday afternoon with an embarrassing backdown. Having issued the two year bans to Winston Peters and four other former MPs for visiting the anti-vax occupation he was forced to hastily withdraw the notices after a barrage of criticism. Mallard has repeatedly refused to be interviewed. Deputy Polical Editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Susie Ferguson.

Speaker Trevor Mallard has been told to consult other parties over his decision to trespass Winston Peters from the grounds of Parliament for two years. The former Deputy PM is one of several people, including former National MP Matt King, who have been issued the notices after visiting the occupation at Parliament two months ago. Peters says its an unlawful and dictatorial. This afternoon Jacinda Ardern asked the speaker to clarify what's happened. Former United Future MP Peter Dunne says the trespass of Winston Peters from Parliament is "grossly over the top for the expression of political opinion". Former United Future MP Peter Dunne says the trespass of Winston Peters from Parliament is "grossly over the top for the expression of political opinion".  "I've got no truck for Mr Peters or his style of politics," he told Checkpoint. "But I do think in this case he's got a point.  "He wasn't a critical part of the protest, he was there on one particular day grandstanding in front of the cameras, the way he always does, and he ends up being banned from the grounds for two years. I think that's grossly over the top for the expression of a political opinion. "He wasn't one of the keynote organisers. He was just a casual participant, and to suffer this fate I think is really quite extraordinary. And it speaks a lot really for the mentality of the Speaker." Dunne said Mallard is not the right person for the job of Speaker of the House. "He's not suited by temperament. He's got a vindictive political streak... the speaker is supposed to be above party politics. He's been enmeshed in it right from the beginning. He's well outstayed his welcome. In fact, the person that should be trespassed is probably Trevor Mallard."

Parliament's grounds will be closed until further notice following protest action over the past three weeks. In a statement put out last night by the speaker Trevor Mallard said "Due to assessments of the grounds' condition that must take place before that work can begin, and for health, safety, and sanitary reasons, I ask that all members of the public please stay away till advised otherwise". The speaker thanked Police and Parliamentary Security services for keeping everyone at Parliament and the surrounding areas safe. In a tweet last night he said parliament will have to have a wall and gates that can be closed when needed but he wanted to "retain the openess and accesibility of our House and Grounds". Deputy Prime Minister and Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson spoke to Susie Ferguson.

More than 100 police have been holding protestors at bay outside parliament on the second day of a rally against vaccination mandates. Three people have been arrested. The protestors have set up a makeshift camp on the grounds of Parliament and abandoned vehicles - blocking nearby streets. The Speaker, Trevor Mallard's warned they're breaking the rules and an attempt was made to trespass some of the group earlier today. But it appears no one's budging. Our political reporter Charlie Dreaver joins us now from Parliament.

A line of police are holding back protesters who this afternoon tried to make a dash for Parliament, in a second day of demonstrations on the front lawn of the Beehive. Hundreds of police have formed a barricade in front of the steps. Protestors vehicles are still parked on streets, blocking entire roads around the CBD. The group's been given marching orders by Speaker of the House, Trevor Mallard. But the protesters, with tents erected on the lawn, have stayed put. RNZ political reporter Charlie Dreaver has the details.