Podcast appearances and mentions of Wayne Brown

ABOUT THIS MESSAGE:  Your authority unlocks access. This Sunday, we were reminded that when we know who we are in Christ and walk in obedience, our voice carries weight and we can confidently speak to situations. Unlocking and maintaining our God-given authority is one of our greatest weapons against the enemy.    ABOUT UNION CHURCH:  We exist for one thing: to help unite people with purpose. At Union Church, we believe heaven can be experienced on earth when people live intentional and purposeful lives submitted to God's Word. We help people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are one church in multiple locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Find a location near you: theunionchurch.com/findalocation    GIVING  www.theunionchurch.com/give    FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA  Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareunionchurch  Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch  Website: https://theunionchurch.com

There are a lot of people who think the media are a left-wing lobby group. And they think Stuff is one of the leftiest of them all. So, explain to me why Stuff has just appointed Mathew Hooton as their new editor, apparently after he was shoulder tapped by Sinead Boucher. Yesterday the Post reported this about their new editor. "Hooton's CV includes being a Young Nat, a press secretary in the Bolger Government, a strategist for National during the Don Brash years ... an adviser for ACT, a strategic consultant for iwi, banks, most corporate sectors, government departments, and the ultra-rich - and a short-lived stint as Wayne Brown's adviser." Totally socialist. Not. But if you read Matthew and if you meet Matthew, you'll know he has one of the clearest understandings of how power works in this country both left and right politically. And at a corporate level. And in Te Ao Māori. People in this country are far too quick to generalise. They don't understand the difference between left and right, often confusing them between conservative and liberal and the difference between demand side and supply side economics. I've grown frustrated at hearing supposedly rightist people demanding government intervention and not realising they're straying out of their lane. So, Matthew I think is a genius move - so let the ructions begin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says if the Government introduces a Bed Tax, it wants to ensure it does it the right way. An Auckland regional deal, signed by the council and the Government, includes a promise to look into a tax next year. Mayor Wayne Brown has been campaigning for the bed night levy on visitors - arguing it would help fund destination marketing and events. Christopher Luxon says there are a lot of conversations to be had. He says it's a question of whether it should be a national tax, as travellers may be frustrated with different levies in different regions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you done the sums yet to work out how much more you're going to have to pay, how much more you're going to have to find to pay the rates bill? We were talking before the show, for some of my colleagues it's an extra $45 per fortnight, they're in an apartment out of the main city. I can't even imagine how much the increase will be for people living in the leafy suburbs. Auckland Council has locked in a 7.9% rates rise, according to Wayne Brown it's to fund the City Rail Link. They've managed to keep everything else, they've managed to cut costs and reduce spending and keep everything level, this is purely to fund the City Rail Link. He's unapologetic. He said we've got this railway, if we don't pay for it this year, then we're just going to have to pay for it next year. And that's quite true, you can't just keep deferring essential spending. And that's what a lot of councils are finding around the country, that they might have deferred spending, put off investing in the vital infrastructure that needs to be spent, Moa Point anybody, and now they're going to have to, now they're going to have to do it. It's this lot of ratepayers that is going to have to pay because previous years' ratepayers didn't want to. Councillors didn't want to because they might get voted out, ratepayers didn't want to because they said we've got nothing extra in our pockets. Well now we're just going to have to find it. In effect, the rates increase is only an average, but pity the people of Waitaki, councillors there were looking at rates increases of up to 45%. Eventually they opted for a 22% rates rise because they've got to fund their three water scheme. Now that's been put off, put off, put off, they can't put it off any longer and now the people of Oamaru and the surrounding districts are going to have to find the money and pay for it. Many, many people are doing what the councils around the country are doing and what the Government is doing. They're looking at the bills, they're slashing what is not essential, trying not to slash everything that's not essential because you need something that's a bit of a morale booster. But when you've got a finite amount of money coming in, it has to cover so many, many increases. Fuel, insurance, rates. When there's two of you working, it's tough enough, if you're on a fixed income with very little in the way of other money coming in, you've already pared down the spending to the bone, it's even harder. Is this the time you look at selling the house if you have one? You're told when you go into retirement that you have to have a house, that this is one way that you'll be able to ensure a comfortable retirement, you have your own home, you have a roof over your head. But how do you make economies to cover the rates bill to pay for the house when you're already stretched so very thin? If your rates bill has come in, have you crunched the numbers, where are you at? I mean Auckland like Rotorua, and number of other councils around the country, even the Far North, they're trying to keep it into single digits, just skimming the 10%, but other councils, they're having to pay for that work that they deferred for so long and those rates increases are going to hurt. An earlier version of this article stated that “many Aucklanders will face an effective rate rise of between 12% and 15%”. Auckland Council estimates the vast majority of unchanged residential properties (around 94%) will receive a rates increase within 1% of the 7.9% average.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this brand new episode of the podcast we have my friend of many years Wayne Brown aka WayneBreezie as a special guest with Camille and Tylisa joining us, CHECK US OUT!!!

Auckland's mayor says says residents shouldn't be complaining, with the council set to deliver its biggest-ever rates hike. Councillors voted to back Wayne Brown's 7.9 percent increase - 15 votes to 7, with one abstention. A last-ditch amendment hoping to reduce it to 5.9 percent was voted down. Brown says this is the responsible thing to do to achieve their budget. "This is basically zero rate rise, plus the cost of Auckland City Rail Link - which has been coming for a long, long time." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 26 May, 2026, PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons on MPs about to get a 2 percent pay rise when so many New Zealanders are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown tries to justify a 7.9 percent rates rise. An Auckland university law expert tells us how do-it-yourself AI-generated legal defences are clogging up the system. And on The Huddle, Tim Wilson and Carmen Parahi debate whether a father should have been punished for firing paintballs at boy racers. 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.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown has taken a swing at the Government's $70 million major events fund - while seemingly revealing its spend on bringing Robbie Williams here this year. Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner says he can't confirm that figure and Wayne Brown's comments are disappointing. "The mayor - part of his role is to advocate for our city. Now, I'm not privy to the investment level. What I am privy to is the fact that the Government took a leadership position on getting major events back into the country." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's a question for you: how badly did we get ripped off if it's true we paid $3 million to get Robbie Williams here? Now, we don't know for sure that's the amount the Government paid out of the Major Events Fund, but that is what Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has revealed in a fit of pique at the Government. And so far, nobody's publicly denied it - not even Louise Upston, who's the minister in charge of the money. Privately, we at the show have had at least one, what I would call, soft confirmation that the amount is correct. Now, if that's true, $3 million for - as Wayne Brown calls him - a “tattooed Pom” is too much money. We're wasting taxpayer money here, for a start. As excited as I personally am to be going to Robbie's concert in November, I don't think a 1990s pop star is what we imagined the Major Events Fund would be used for when it was set up after we missed out on Taylor Swift, Oasis and Lady Gaga. I mean, two in that list are proper A-list stars and one is a massively overdue reunion - a completely different league to Robbie. An offshore promoter thought $3 million is way too much to pay for Robbie. Singapore - this will put it in perspective for you - reportedly paid $3 million for six Taylor Swift concerts two years ago. Now, if $3 million buys you six Tay-Tays, how did we end up blowing $3 million on only one Robbie? We've been ripped off, good and proper. And the proof is in the fact that the tickets are apparently not selling very well. But then again - and bear this in mind - maybe this is just what we need to get used to and stop fighting. Robbie and Linkin Park may well be the best New Zealand can do now. Big stars like Lady Gaga, Oasis, Tay-Tay and Harry Styles are going to go to Australia, not here, and they're going to expect us to come to them - and we will. I'm flying to Harry Styles. I flew to Oasis. Heaps of people flew to Tay-Tay. That's how it works now. And if we want a former boy band member who peaked in the '90s to come to New Zealand, we are simply going to have to pay a lot of money for him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Gals talk about the PM's Singapore trip, immigration, local government amalgamation and email-gate.   Yass Queen to the Singaporean PM for an emotional speech, Beehave Mate to David Seymour and Wayne Brown's childish squabble.   Question Time: How do petitions become laws?

Government moves to bin the BSA, Voyager awards bin sponsor, Jack Tame's empty chair & Wayne Brown says 'don't go there' Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

The Broadcasting Standards Authority is set to be scrapped, less than a year after Sean Plunket lost a case with the BSA for breaching the standards. What does this mean for the integrity of media standards going forward?Wayne Brown joined Jack Tame on Q+A over the weekend, addressing his latest controversy, jabs at the current govt, and an insight to the challenges Auckland council are facing.The unemployment has dropped a measly 0.1% and remains at a 10-year high of 5.3%, while job hunters and recruiters struggle with AI in mixing into the recruitment process.++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Wayne Brown: NZ being run 'like a wrecking yard' Running on a strident anti-Wellington platform, Auckland mayor Wayne Brown was re-elected to a second term in 2025 by a more than 100,000-vote majority. In April of this year, he signed New Zealand's first-ever city deal with central government, an agreement which contains no new funding arrangements for Auckland, and kicks one of Brown's biggest campaigns - a bed tax - into discussions for 2027. He joins Jack Tame to discuss Auckland's City Deal, Auckland Transport, and his pitch for a grand coalition between National and Labour in 2026 - a path he describes as the only way to reverse the long-term decline of New Zealand. Behind the scenes of Auckland's $5.5 billion rail project When Auckland's City Rail Link opens for business in the second half of 2026, the city will boast New Zealand's longest escalator, three brand-new stations, and a whole suite of costly but essential improvements to existing infrastructure. The price tag sits at $5.5 billion, split between central government and Auckland Council - with the Super City's largest-ever rates increase, 7.9 percent, mooted to cover the ongoing costs. Is a longer life always better? Dr Ezekiel Emanuel is an oncologist and bioethicist in Washington DC and the author of 'Eat Your Ice Cream: Six simple rules for a long and healthy life'. In New Zealand for the NIB Health Innovation Summit, he joins Jack Tame to discuss how NZ stacks up internationally when it comes to health outcomes, what our Pharmac model gets right, and why he says he will refuse medical intervention after he turns 75. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

SailGP won't be going ahead in the city of sails next year as the Government has pulled funding. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston wrote in a letter to mayor Wayne Brown that the event did not meet funding criteria, which requires a specific net economic benefit. It's been met with disappointment, as funding continues for larger events such as Robbie Williams and Linkin Park, of which some argue could have sold out on their own, without Government funding. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABOUT THIS MESSAGE What if the reason you feel stuck isn't because there's nothing more, but because you've been avoiding the very thing meant to grow you? In this message, we explore what it looks like to move from just surviving to truly thriving in your walk with Christ. So often, we return to what's familiar instead of embracing what's necessary for growth, but avoiding the test only delays the transformation. This message will challenge you to step out of old cycles, embrace discomfort, and trust that what God is doing in you is preparing you for more. What you've been avoiding might be exactly what God wants to use to transform you. ABOUT UNION CHURCH We exist for one thing: to help unite people with purpose. At Union Church, we believe heaven can be experienced on earth when people live intentional and purposeful lives submitted to God's Word. We help people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are one church in multiple locations throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Charlotte, North Carolina. Find a location near you: theunionchurch.com/findalocation GIVING www.theunionchurch.com/give FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareunionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephenrchandler Website: https://theunionchurch.com

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says transport companies wanting to keep fuel costs down should be moving goods overnight when there's no traffic on the roads. But the New Zealand Trucking Association says it's not that simple, with many warehouses and businesses unable to open at those hours. Trucking Association chief executive Dave Boyce spoke to Lisa Owen.

Mainfreight has approached AT asking to open bus lanes to couriers and trucks. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown responds.

Tourism Minister Louise Upston is getting advice from officials on a bed tax. Christopher Luxon told us that last week. They're not being explicit about it yet, but the idea is a no-brainer and will eventually happen. In the Auckland deal Luxon did with Wayne Brown last week, they promised to investigate one. Wayne took this to mean the thing would be introduced by 2027, though we have an election before then obviously. We've just had new visitor numbers drop, we're back to 92% of pre-Covid numbers. 3.5 million internationals a year. Great. But the roads and housing and pipes can't take much more. The Government's goal is almost 5 million a year. In Queenstown, for every single ratepayer funding local infrastructure, you've got 30 to 34 international tourists hiking, skiing, and smashing a Ferg burger. The ratio is 1:30! In Auckland, it's 1:1. Tourist hotspots with small resident populations struggle to fund what's required. Roads, amenities, and housing suffer as a result. And the Government has so far been turning around and saying no to a bed tax for them. They want 5%. They're doing this because they don't like the word tax and made promises, but as I've said before, they'll U-turn on this position because it makes no sense. You can't rely on a 1:30 ratio. Rod Drury lives down that way, and he reckon we need a model like Aspen and Colorado, similar mountain towns, where they use tourism revenues to fund core infrastructure, not just marketing. "90% of local lodging tax can be spent on affordable housing, childcare for workers, and capital improvements like trails and community assets, with only 10% required to stay in pure promotion..." It's only a matter of time before we do the same. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deal signed by Christopher Luxon and Wayne Brown was announced today to work together to bolster Auckland. The partnership aims to boost economic growth and improve living standards across New Zealand. Some of the key commitments of the Auckland City Deal include; investing in Eden Park and the Auckland Tennis Centre to support international events, jointly developing a destination and major events strategy, establishing a c30-year transport strategy, and working together on the additional Waitematā Harbour crossing project and more efficient transport network management. Wayne Brown told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "there'll be an end to sort of unexpected bits of legislation which don't work that we haven't been told about, or it'll be an end to unfunded mandates that we haven't been told about." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's Mayor is taking an axe to rate-payer funded catering. Documents show was more than $1M last year and almost $5M over the past four years. Jessica Hopkins reports.

The Housing Minister says Cabinet's agreement to reduce Auckland's minimum housing capacity for a second time puts the issue to bed. The Government announced a revised density plan of 1.6 million homes just last month, and today reduced that to 1.4 million. Wayne Brown says he suspects as it's an election year, this is simply politics at play. Chris Bishop says this is about agreement between Government, Aucklanders and Council. "We achieved consensus as a Cabinet and as a Government, which is what we are always aiming to do." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As far as conditions go ahead of a grand opening, you couldn't do much better than a petrol price spike for the City Rail Link. Construction and testing will be finished within three months. Then it's handed over to operators, who need another three months. So we can use it from September. Trains will depart every four to five minutes under the city. The cost? $5.5 billion. Half of that is funded by the Crown, so Gore — you've pitched in here. What's more, Wayne Brown reckons the operational costs mean what would have been a zero per cent rates increase this year will instead be seven per cent. So it's pretty bloody important — given the scale of the capital and operational spend, and the size of current petrol bills — that this thing happens: 1. As quickly as possible2. As conveniently as possible On the latter point, transport experts — train people — are sounding the alarm bells. That's because AT is talking about a transitional timetable for the first six months, meaning fewer trains than we were promised. On the Western Line, train spacing could mean commuters end up waiting longer for their service than they do currently under the old system. That would be a disaster. This thing needs to sing in full voice from day dot — that's when people will stress‑test it. First impressions are everything. If there's no material difference from day one, people may simply write it off. So the pressure is on to get the CRL up and running sooner — and then operate it faster than the speed of sound. Achieving the goal of transforming drivers into train riders depends on it. And conditions have never been better.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the political panel, Paul Goldsmith and Carmel Sepuloni discuss the week in politics, while Wayne Brown weighs in on a fiery council debate over housing rules. Regional leaders worry over potential Air New Zealand route cuts, retailer Rod Duke says Middle East tensions could lift prices, and David Whyman explains why his supermarket offers seniors a daily discount.

I don't mind paying the train tax in Auckland, even though I won't be using it. Rates are going up 7.9% next year. Which let's be honest, is like Woolworths selling butter for $7.99. It's 8%. Wayne Brown is the 8% man. Mr Fix it is hitting us in the pocket, and it will hurt. An extra $320 for your average ratepayer. The average goes from $4,055 to $4,375. If we didn't have to subside the City Rail Link's operations, it'd be 0%. Now, usually, something like this would get me a bit angry. I'd be tempted to go tag the side of a locomotive in the middle of the night with a cartoon of Wayno saying some like "Let's F Auckland". Just remove the ix from his campaign slogan. I don't generally use public transport because it's not convenient for me to do so. It's a timing and location issue, really. But if we don't subsidise the users, then it won't get used. If it doesn't get used, then roads will stay clogged. If roads stay clogged, that's time and money down the drain. If the thing does what it says on the label —and we haven't actually seen that yet because the bloody thing hasn't opened— it'll be worth the extra $300 a year to me via other gains. This might be naïve or a touch too hopeful, but if this thing works then I don't mind paying the train tax.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor's adamant he won't be drawing up housing maps and plans for the Minister just yet. Housing Minister Chris Bishop's recently backed down on Auckland's housing density plans, cutting the city's theoretical capacity from two million homes to 1.6 million. He's asked Auckland Council to send an updated summary on provisional zoning changes by March 17. But mayor Wayne Brown says they won't invest millions on maps without more clarity, and they don't materialise at the press of a button. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's mayor and the Government are locking horns over reworked housing density rules for the city. A fortnight ago, the government agreed to slash the number of houses Auckland has to plan for from over two million down to 1.6 million. Auckland's Mayor says the government now expects Auckland Council to provide maps of intended zoning changes ahead of law its law changes, that's something Wayne Brown has given a hard no. Mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Lisa Owen.

Join Matt and Wayne as they wrestle with hard questions and seek to ask better ones. 

It's set to be a big week for Auckland with the long-awaited International Convention Centre opening on Wednesday, and Sail GP descending on the waterfront on the weekend. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This morning we spoke to the prime minister, Christopher Luxon, plus the Transport minister Chris Bishop joined us as repairs to roads hit by severe weather continue; It's a big week for Auckland, with the convention centre opening, and the Sail GP foiling its way into town. We spoke to mayor Wayne Brown; We were joined by our reporter Timothy Brown who covered the Christchurch mosque attacks in detail, as the gunman attempts to appeal his convictions; Wellington Water Chief Executive Pat Dougherty says locals may have to stay out of the water for months, he joined us live.

Just two months ago he was mayor Wayne Brown's deputy chief of staff, but now he is publicly criticising his former boss over a proposed 7.9 percent rates rise. Josh Van Veen left his post after the October local body elections and is now a spokesperson for a lobby group that is demanding the mayor front up and answer questions about the rates rise. Jessica Hopkins reports.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown defends his annual $235 million operating cost calculation for the City Rail Link as scepticism arises. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "most of when you pay your rates, is paying things off. They're not free. "It's not free to have a road. It's not free to have a train. It's not free to have a bus." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown revealed his plan for a 7.9% rates increase to pay for City Rail Link running costs of an estimated $235 million annually. This is the largest rate rise since Auckland Council was formed in 2010. Questions have begun arising of the legitimacy of Wayne Browns calculation of City Rail Link's projected running costs. Auckland Ratepayers Alliance spokesperson Jordan Williams told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "you're entitled to your own opinion or your political strategy, but you're not entitled to your own facts. And the facts are Auckland Transport have have called this out as being absolute nonsense." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown talks with Paul Spain about the future of technology in Auckland and New Zealand. The mayor shares his vision for making Auckland a leading tech hub and how he believes the city can better contribute to New Zealand's economy.From his experience leading business delegations to China and India, to his hands-on approach supporting the Auckland Tech Alliance and pushing for digital innovation within local government, Wayne Brown offers his viewpoints on city-to-city connections, global tech opportunities, and the sometimes-bumpy road of digital transformation and adoption.We explore practical challenges around balancing technological innovation with privacy and inclusivity, discuss Auckland's role in supporting the wider country, and hear why Mayor Wayne Brown believes collaboration, progressive development, and a willingness to take risks are key to unlocking Auckland's and New Zealand's potential on the global tech stage.This episode also touches on Council Digitisation, Rocket Lab, Halter, Bengaluru - India, Guangzhou - China, Sao Paulo - Brazil, Startup Week, Auckland Technology Alliance, Transport, Road Cones and more.A big thank you to our show partners One NZ, Spark, Workday, HP, 2degrees and Gorilla Technology.

I had a lovely Saturday morning. Lying in bed, drinking a coffee, reading the weekend Herald and listening to Jack on ZB say that he'll ditch his wallet by next year as everything he needs will be on his phone. I was thinking - keep up, lad. I ditched the wallet during Covid. The phone has become ubiquitous and if not the phone, then a card in a pocket in the phone. It's debatable whether this is a good thing considering how compromised phones are and how reliant they are on cell towers, software and power supply, but hey. Meanwhile, on the front page of the Herald was the legislation meaning that councils could charge congestion taxes in the future. Now this is dodgy. The taxes will be on roads that we already paid taxes to build. And if not taxes then rates, which after all, are also taxes. Talk about double jeopardy - taxes on taxes And then, you have to wonder if the National-led coalition really is the tax cut party. Surely introducing a new tax is still a new tax, which is something they say is what the socialists do. But everyone is doing it - rates are up, water rates are up. And under this coalition, the reality is our taxes are going up. No matter what their semantics suggest. But they have to do it to get some cars off some roads that are so congested that they're costing our productivity. The motivation for taxes has many faces - they're used to punish the rich, they're used to redistribute wealth, they're used to fund health and education systems and they're used to punish or change behaviour. So they're trying to change our behaviour to make more of us drive off peak and less of us on peak. Good luck with that. Good luck with your tax. No wonder Wayne Brown said they're not going to use the new power any time soon, he knows a vote killer when he sees one. But the fact that a young modern city of just over one and a half million people has got itself in a position where a centre-right Government thinks the answer is a congestion tax is a complete and utter failure of civic planning. Sure, I can understand congestion taxes in London, which has had centuries of development. But Auckland? Or Tauranga? Or Wellington? All we had to do was provide alternatives to the car that were affordable and efficient. But everytime public transport options and alternate modes have been suggested, they've been shouted down by people who think they live in rural villages and not modern cities and they should drive from doorstep to doorstep. Thanks for your lack of foresight - it means another tax is coming and our roads will still be chocka. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon covers the Local Government election results, including what appears to be the background to Wayne Brown's big win.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 2 October 2025, three New Zealand citizens have been arrested by the Israeli Defence Force because they were on a protest flotilla headed for Gaza. One of them is 18-year old Samuel Leason, his dad speaks to Heather. The Warehouse chief executive Mark Stirton tells Heather why the company is struggling to turn a corner. What's behind the rise in Tramadol prescriptions? Should we be worried about people getting addicted to pain killers? More drama in the Maori Party with the very public falling out between the party leadership and the leader of Toitu Te Tiriti. Plus, the Huddle gets fiery after Wayne Brown tells an Auckland Ratepayers group to "f off". 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.

Auckland, Northland and the Chatham Islands will be exempt from earthquake prone building rules because of the areas' low seismic risk, under changes announced by the Government yesterday. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Hello and welcome to our final episode for Qtr. 3 of 2025. It's recap time where I'm in the host's seat alone, ready to navigate solo across the world reconnecting one last time with our gracious guests. By now you should be familiar with the approach – we chunk our episodes into 4 groups – i.e. clusters of 3 guests. This quarter however we have a baker's dozen for you – meaning 13 guests and therefore our last group will host 4 guests And thanks as always to the brilliance of our marketing team we're able to incorporate each of the promotional intros to save you listening to my wonderfully crafted radio friendly voice the entire time. Visit the C4C website to gain full access to the transcript, show notes, and guest links. Coaching 4 Companies

Incumbent Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says his priority, if re-elected, is to "fix" Auckland Transport. . Q+A asks him about his record, how effective he's been influencing central government, and why he has been avoiding some mayoral candidate debates. . Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.

Kerrin Leoni: Why I'd be a better Auckland mayor than Wayne Brown by Q+A with Jack Tame

With former Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations Colin Keating, and Auckland mayoral candidates Wayne Brown and Kerrin Leoni.

The Spinoff's Hayden Donnell chats with Emile Donovan on Wayne Brown's election strategy and his unexpected stance on issues you wouldn't usually associate with him - including support for cycle lanes and wetlands.

===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for September 19th Publish Date:  September 19th    Commercial: From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.    Today is Friday, September 19th and Happy Birthday to Duke Snider I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal Acworth marker celebrates 250 years of American independence East Cobb man sentenced to life for neglect that led to wife’s death 'I don’t want to wait': Kennesaw mayor pushes for immediate additional security Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: Ingles Markets 2 STORY 1: Acworth marker celebrates 250 years of American independence  At Patriots Point in Cauble Park, history came alive Wednesday as the Sons of the American Revolution unveiled a granite marker honoring the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The marker reads simply: “Celebrating 250 years of American freedom: 1776-2026.” Dressed in Revolutionary War attire, the Color Guard marched proudly, and Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood reflected on the park’s purpose. Wayne Brown, treasurer of the Capt. John Collins chapter, led the project. For chapter president Jason Shepherd, it’s personal. Students from Brookwood Christian School joined local leaders to witness the moment. “It’s their history to carry forward,” Shepherd said. STORY 2: East Cobb man sentenced to life for neglect that led to wife’s death  An east Cobb man will spend the rest of his life in prison after a jury convicted him of neglecting his bedridden wife, leading to her death, Cobb District Attorney Sonya Allen announced. Gary Williams, 67, was found guilty of felony murder and neglect in under an hour. Judge Kellie Hill sentenced him to life. Addreinne Gordon, 66, was paralyzed and completely dependent on Williams, her sole caretaker. But when she was admitted to Kennestone Hospital in November 2021, her condition was horrifying—severe bedsores, matted hair, untrimmed nails, and a deep wound on her hip. “She was left lying in filth,” Allen said. “This case wasn’t about how she died—it was about how she was forced to live.” STORY 3: 'I don’t want to wait': Kennesaw mayor pushes for immediate additional security   The Kennesaw City Council is adding metal detectors at meetings—effective immediately. The decision came after a tense back-and-forth at this week’s meeting, sparked by Mayor Derek Easterling’s last-minute push for tighter security. The motion passed 4-1, with Councilman Antonio Jones opposing. Jones argued it could discourage attendance and infringe on Second Amendment rights. The debate followed emotional comments about the recent killing of activist Charlie Kirk. Councilman Anthony Gutierrez urged kindness, while Councilman Pat Ferris asked for prayers for Kirk’s family. Easterling, citing “the times we’re living in,” insisted the change couldn’t wait. “It’s not about feeling unsafe—it’s about being prepared,” he said. The meeting ended with the council divided, but the decision made. Metal detectors are in. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We’ll be right back. Break: Ingles Markets 2 STORY 4: PHTA’s 16th Annual Silent Auction & Casino Night is Oct. 11 Mark your calendars: The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Georgia Chapter is hosting its 16th Annual Silent Auction & Casino Night on Oct. 11, from 5 to 10 p.m., at the Governors Gun Club in Kennesaw. This year’s event? It’s all about granting a Georgia child’s wish—a backyard swimming pool for a kid facing a critical illness. Every bid, every casino chip, every dollar raised will help make that dream a reality. Expect a lively night: craps, blackjack, roulette, plus live and silent auctions with one-of-a-kind items and experiences. Add in great food, drinks, and a chance to connect with industry pros and local supporters, and it’s a can’t-miss evening. Proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish, turning backyards into places of joy and healing for kids who need it most. STORY 5: OUT AND ABOUT: 5 things to do this weekend in Cobb County — Sept. 19 - 21 Looking for weekend plans? Here’s what’s happening: Kennesaw Concert Series Depot Park is the place to be this Saturday, 7–10 p.m., with Yacht Rock Schooner bringing the tunes. It’s free, so grab your friends, some comfy chairs, and enjoy. Food and drinks? Available for purchase. Wine Walk at The Battery Wine lovers, rejoice! The Battery Atlanta is hosting a wine walk Saturday, 3–6 p.m. Sip new wines, enjoy live music, and browse local art. Tickets start at $62 (21+ only) and include tastings and a souvenir glass. Improv Night in Marietta The Alley Stage on Anderson Street is keeping the laughs going late this Friday. Improv kicks off at 10:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $18. Drinks, snacks, and unpredictable comedy await. Folklore Haunted House Ready for a scare? Acworth’s Folklore Haunted House opens Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with attractions like Winters Estate and Maze of Madness. Tickets start at $28 for opening night. Epic Farmer’s Market Downtown Mableton’s Epic Farmer’s Market is back this weekend! Saturday (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.–4 p.m.), shop 50+ vendors, enjoy live music, and stock up on fresh produce and artisan goods. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on sweet tooth We’ll have closing comments after this. Break: Ingles Markets 2 Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at mdjonline.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Auckland's transport agency will be stripped of most of its authority with the government today announcing a major shakeup to how the city's transport network is managed. Under the new legislation, expected to pass into law next year, Auckland Council and local boards will take on almost all responsibility for the city's roads. AT will focus on public transport while Auckland's mayor, Wayne Brown, and the 20 councillors will make decisions about major roads and the city centre. The city's 21 local boards, meanwhile, will oversee speed limits, parking, event closures and cycleways on smaller roads. Jessica Hopkins reports.

From Auckland mayor Wayne Brown to chamber of commerce boss Simon Bridges to the chief executive of Air New Zealand Greg Foran - the concern over Auckland's economic slump continues to grow. Music promoter Brent Eccles spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In today's episode, Trade Minister Todd McClay met with senior US officials in Washington last week, pushing for a reduction to the 15 percent tariff on New Zealand exports; From Auckland mayor Wayne Brown to chamber of commerce boss Simon Bridges to the chief executive of Air New Zealand Greg Foran - the concern over Auckland's economic slump continues to grow; We have our weekly sports panel; Kerry-Anne Walsh gives us the latest from Australia; A strawberry low fat yoghurt ice cream has been crowned the supreme champion at this year's ice cream and gelato awards.

The Prime Minister says Auckland won't be getting a bed tax this parliamentary term, despite a renewed call from the city's mayor. Last week Wayne Brown again called for a bed night levy, saying it wouldn't cost the Government anything. He claimed they were cheeky for not putting one in and believed they would eventually cave. Chris Luxon told Mike Hosking that now is not the time to be putting in another tax. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hotel industry is broadly in favour of the bed levy Auckland mayor Wayne Brown wants, but is keen to see it extend beyond the supercity. Sudima Hotels and Hind Management chief operating officer Les Morgan spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Auckland's mayor is renewing his call for a bed tax for the supercity, as it deals with some serious economic troubles. Auckland mayor Wayne Brown spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

After toying with the idea of challenging him for the top job, Auckland's deputy mayor has instead endorsed Wayne Brown in his bid for re-election. In a joint press conference Desley Simpson said she was supporting the mayor's campaign for a second term, despite disagreeing with him on certain issues. If Mr Brown wins the mayoralty and Ms Simpson is re-elected as a councillor, he has agreed to make her his deputy again. Jessica Hopkins reports.