Podcast appearances and mentions of Winston Peters

In a sit-down interview with The Hui, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson took aim at the coalition government. She said that while the Greens are "readier than we have ever been" for an election, the current Government is "a pack of bastards".Chris Hipkins has come out swinging today making the observation that maybe NZ First should be called "Labour's Seconds" due to the number of former Labour MPs that were, and are, involved with Winston Peters' partyNicola Willis has fronted the media today about the increase in inflation to 4.1% saying that Trump ‘certainly made things harder' and looking for external excuses for the number, which may be true on some level, but they certainly didn't give Labour the same excuse when external excuses, in the form of a global pandemic, caused inflation to spike in the last term. Labour's finance spokesperson Barb Edmonds joins us live at 9pm to talk about today's announcement++++++++++++++++++++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/

Tonight on The Huddle, Childfund CEO Josie Pagani and Sherson Willis co-founder Trish Sherson joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! The big topic of debate is the latest election policy announcements out of NZ First and Greens both focusing on drastically different approaches to energy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says his latest election promise could lead to the country owning its own energy supply. The Party's promised to develop a national dataset of our offshore oil and gas reserves, using a $1-billion investment to do so. It would create a framework for the country to develop these sites and extract resources. John Carnegie Chief Executive of Energy Resources Aotearoa joined Matt Heath and Tyler Adams and stressed the importance of Governments not flip flopping when it comes to natural resources. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters announced the new Cook Strait ferries are on track and will be named "Kupe" and "Cook. Ferry Holdings Ltd Chairman Chris Mackenzie joins Nick Mills on the show to today to discuss the announcement. He said the major announcement was overshadowed by conversation around the names although Mackenzie says he has only received positive feedback so far. Mackenzie laid out the plan for the introduction of the new ferries and when they are expected, saying although it would be good if they are early the wharves don't yet have the space for them. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First wants to invest in surveying the country's offshore basins for oil and gas supplies to use domestically and export around the world. Winston Peters announced the new policy at the party's annual convention in South Auckland. Political reporter Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira reports.

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Monday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Best In the World Beats Best In Sydney, Every Time/Old Guys Sounding Old/Paying for StarsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First had its own little party on the weekend. It's going to campaign on funding a $1 billion survey of offshore oil and gas reserves that it says would lead to the country owning its own supply and reducing power prices. Hello, 1972! However, it is unclear how many years it would take for Kiwis to feel the benefits, if any, as Winston said it was expected it could take six years just to establish a pathway forward. Party leader Winston Peters announced the policy in his speech to the faithful in Auckland as he launched New Zealand First's 2026 election campaign. Same old, same old election-kind-of bag from Winston. He attacked Labour and the India free trade deal. That's what he does in election years. He's a perfectly capable and competent Foreign Affairs Minister, dealing with all people from all parts of the world until election year. And then it's hoots, wahay, and he's off. He's perfectly capable of forming a coalition government with Labour and, despite the attacks on Labour, still could, but that's what he does in election years. Back to the oil and gas. Can we make money out of oil and gas? If we have it, we can, but proven natural gas reserves within our economic zone have fallen by roughly two-thirds since 2021. Despite nearly $2 billion invested in new well drilling since the 2018 offshore exploration ban, results have been pretty modest. So far, it's all a bit pie in the sky. Does the world still need more oil and gas? If you listen to the Greenies, no. We're all sort of pedalling our way to work on our windmill-powered velocycles, everybody's got solar panels on the roof, and we're living in a utopian paradise where everything's clean, green and renewable. But if you look at the facts and figures, if we can find oil and gas right now — in fact, even in six years — we could sell it. A story trumpeting the decline of fuel consumption in Norway — where EV sales are approaching 100% of total car sales, resulting in a fall in domestic consumption of petrol and diesel — fails to mention that while Norway's consumption of oil and gas has plummeted, it's still flogging it off to the rest of the poor schmucks who have to use oil and gas because they don't have Norway's wealth to subsidise EVs. And Norway has that wealth because it's flogging off oil and gas. They can afford to be clean and green because they're selling the stinky stuff to poorer people, which is just the way it goes for a lot of green households. You have to be really, really rich to be a Greenie, or really, really poor. Middle-class people haven't got a show. The exports haven't fallen off in recent times. And if you look at peak oil predictions, peak oil was forecast back in the 1880s in the US when the Pennsylvania oil fields were exhausted. That's it — no more oil. Well, in fact, there was. Then there was a scientific prediction of peak oil, made in 1956 by a geologist working for Shell who used actual science to predict that US domestic oil production would peak between 1965 and 1970, and that proved remarkably accurate. He then applied the model to global reserves, predicting worldwide peak oil production would occur around the year 2000. However, he wasn't taking into account that methods would change and evolve during that time. The advent of fracking and shale oil has drastically altered the dynamics. Production capacities continue to evolve as new ways of finding oil and gas emerge. And why? Because there is a market for them. I've heard a lot of people dismissing it as pie in the sky, "old man shouts at sky", and all that sort of stuff, and you can certainly accuse New Zealand First of that in many of its policies. On this one, though, well, if we can get it — and that's a big if — and if we can get it relatively inexpensively, such that we turn a profit, then there may be an argument. We could probably get oil and gas if we threw every last cent we had at getting it out there. Would it be economic? Possibly not. It's got to be economic, and it's got to be there. If it is, we'll have a market. Is it worth New Zealand Inc becoming oil prospectors? At the moment, we get around 42% back when we grant a licence. I don't think we should be in the business of prospecting ourselves. It's too risky. High risk, high return — that's not what we're about. Sell the licences, let private companies put up the money, and let's clip the ticket on the way through. I'm all good with granting the licences. The market is still there as we evolve. Look what happens when you turn off the tap abruptly. You've got businesses closing their doors, manufacturing plants shutting down, and people losing their jobs because that continuity of supply simply wasn't there. Ideology trumped pragmatism. So while we evolve towards our windmill-powered velocycles to get to work, grant the licences, but let's not go oil prospecting ourselves. Your thoughts? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First wants to spend a billion bucks looking for oil and gas fields to make our country rich again. Well, richer. A bit more like the place our kids go to earn a living, Australia, who've pulled in $430 billion in mining royalties over the past decade alone. A bit more like Norway, where per person GDP is $153,000, one of the highest in the world, ours is only about $85,000. The Norwegians, of course, got a big boost from oil post 1960s and have a $2-trillion wealth fund, which pays for the stuff the Greens and Labour here could only dream of. And herein lies one of two big problems with this country. The first one is not that we don't more children out of poverty or a generous welfare state or universal pensions. The problem is how you pay for them. Debt is a downward spiral but is how we've been operating since 2019. That's the last time the books actually balanced. So, there is logic in dragging oil and gas up out of the ocean to pay stuff, especially as the rest of the world, especially the US, is doing it anyway. Which brings us to the second problem with this issue, and Winston's plans for it, and that's the opposition. What's the point in us spending a billion bucks to look for oil the next government won't let anybody drill for? The only way this makes sense is if you get the big parties to agree with each other, we actually need another feather in our bow, economically speaking. Right now, Andy Burnham is having this very debate with his top advisors, including Mike Munro who worked for Jacinda Ardern. The British press is reporting Burnham is about to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. Labour banned it. Burnham's a union guy, a worker guy, a more commonsense guy, so they say, and therefore he is about to turn the black tap on again. Chris Hipkins is not that guy for the New Zealand Labour party. And until the Opposition puts down its giant no sign, then spending a billion bucks looking for oil is throwing money down the dunny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Paul Henry standing for ACT, one thing is guaranteed: people will pay attention. Love him or loathe him, Henry knows how to command an audience, and in modern politics that's no small advantage. New Zealanders likes to think we vote on policy, and we should, but personality has always mattered. John Key's easy-going style, Jacinda Ardern's empathy, and Winston Peters' theatre are contrasting examples of how politicians communicate being just as important as what they say. I was fortunate enough to sit on TVNZ's Breakfast TV couch with Paul Henry a couple of times a week for a few years, and saw his strengths up close. He's articulate, quick-thinking, intelligent, confident, fun and fearless in front of a microphone. Those are valuable political skills. As we've seen in the short space of time since he announced his intention to stand as a list candidate for ACT, Henry attracts the kind of media coverage ACT can't buy, brings fresh attention to the party, and will probably reach voters who wouldn't normally tune into politics. If he made it into Cabinet his communication skills could make him a persuasive minister. But there's a risk. This is the man who told me I was the size of a whale live on TV when I was pregnant. Twice. Big personalities can suck the oxygen out of a campaign. David Seymour has spent years carefully building ACT into a significant political force based on consistent messaging and disciplined policy. If every interview becomes about Paul Henry rather than ACT the party, it risks becoming a personality show instead of a political movement. That's a difficult balance for any leader to manage. Henry will also be a tough character to reign in. It's a little like dealing with an adolescent - Seymour will need to set some strong boundaries. If he manages this, then Henry will probably help ACT more than he will hurt it. If Henry accepts that Seymour is the leader and not the supporting act, the two could successfully complement each other - Seymour providing the policy depth, Henry bringing the attention. As for Labour, National and the other parties, they'd be wise not to focus on Paul Henry. Taking personal shots only feeds the publicity machine - and they're unlikely to come out on top. Henry has spent decades handling criticism and often thrives on confrontation. If they do need to respond to the Henry machine, the smarter move will be to challenge his policies, question his experience, and let voters decide whether media success automatically translates into political ability. Ultimately, celebrity may get you elected, but it won't keep you there. New Zealanders enjoy a colourful character, but we also expect substance. Paul Henry will 100% make this general election campaign more entertaining. Whether he can convert attention into effective public service is still up in the air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Richard Pamatatau and Nichole Lewis. First up, the Cook Strait ferries have been named - and Winston Peters is getting ahead of complaints. Then, permits are set to be easier to get for trappers of feral cats. Hunter and trapper Victor Tindale joins us to tell us what this means for him. Then, a single mother is finally in her own house after years of work. Hosanna Elers joins us to tell us how it feels to have a place to call home.

Jamie Mackay talks to Daniel Eb, Tom Martin, Tracy Brown, and Winston Peters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rail Minister Winston Peters revealed the names of the two new ferries headed for New Zealand in 2029. The new ferry names are Kupe, after the first Polynesian navigator to discover New Zealand, and Cook, after Captain James Cook, who led an expedition to New Zealand with the Endeavour in the 18th century. Peters confirmed that KiwiRail would continue to own the Interislander ferries once they arrive, the Government had refused to commit to full KiwiRail ownership. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "we're just gonna get on and do the job, but most people will be delightfully happy with it." LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Australian correspondent tells us everything you need to know about bird flu but were afraid to ask. Plus, we talk about Winston Peters and lamb access to the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NZ First leader comments on bird flu, celebrity candidates, being called a clown by a former Prime Minister, and we have our obligatory argument over the Indian Free Trade Agreement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay talks to Winston Peters, Shane McManaway, Peter Newbold, and Chris Russell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT Party leader and Acting Prime Minister David Seymour joined John MacDonald in the studio. They discussed his idea of a smartphone ban for under-16-year-olds, Paul Henry throwing his hat into the ring for ACT, and Seymour's views on the Government's school lunch programme. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Minister of Agriculture and Trade is sitting in for the Prime Minister this week, and again, he has to defend the Indian Free Trade Agreement from Winston Peters’ criticism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stop the press, the media has a new darling. Chlöe Swarbrick and the Opportunity Party can have a breather this week, a bit of downtime, because there's only one show in town and it's Paul Henry. The self-made millionaire, the former broadcaster, has thrown his hat into the political ring again. He wants to become a polly, and not just any old polly. He has no interest in sitting on the back benches, cooling his heels, learning the ropes. He is not there to shag spiders. He's made it perfectly plain that he wants to be a minister in the next coalition government. Prime Minister, hey, why not? There is no doubt when you hear him speak that he has a real passion for New Zealand and that he wants New Zealand to be a great place for his children and grandchildren, for your children and grandchildren. And there's no doubt that he's a great cheerleader for the ACT Party. “I think with ACT I can tangibly affect change. I think with ACT, it is the only party that I think can genuinely steer this country in the right direction. By right direction I mean create policies that inspire growth of our economy because our economy is perilously small, cut wasteful government spending in so many different ways, and hopefully create an environment whereby New Zealanders, I mean your introduction was spot on, where New Zealanders aren't angsting, they're not suspicious of everything all the time. I mean the thing that holds New Zealand back, because both of us travel a lot, we can both see New Zealand with a bit of perspective from offshore. What a brilliant country with extraordinary resources and potential it is. So why is it not being realised?" That was former broadcaster Paul Henry talking to broadcaster Mike Hosking this morning. Will Paul Henry have the discipline to sit through the turgid meetings and briefings that are a part of being a politician? A lot of people go into politics and they say they're going to cut red tape and they're going to get things done, and within a matter of months they end up hogtied in the corner defeated by the red tape. Paul Henry is a loose cannon – he doesn't have to do anything. He's perfectly fine where he is. He could do whatever the hell he wanted. He's very bright, he's very quick witted. These are both blessings and curses for the ACT Party. He doesn't need the gig. He has his own thoughts. It might be a libertarian party, but by crikey, once he starts speaking his own mind within Parliament, it can create issues when you have to abide by coalition rules. And of course, Paul Henry is not the ACT Party – he's one person among many. The party has broad ranging policies and very strong ideas on just about everything, and you would have to surely look at those closely. You might like Paul Henry, but you might not like the policies that come along with Paul Henry. Do celebrities make good parliamentarians? On the one hand, it brings profile to the party, especially if they've been languishing a bit, and it's fair to say that ACT has taken a back seat to New Zealand First this year in terms of column inches generated, probably even taken a back seat to the Opportunity Party this year. National's Christopher Luxon doesn't have the pizzazz, the jazz hands of Paul Henry, nor indeed does Chris Hipkins. But I don't think Labour voters would be looking to ACT as their alternate party – but who knows, stranger things have happened. When you look at former broadcasters that have gone into politics, they've done okay, I suppose. Maggie Barry's probably the best of the recent crop. She made minister, but I think it was pretty tough going. Do self-made millionaires make good MPs? John Key was a good Prime Minister. Didn't have to do the gig and when he got bored, he went. But I think it's widely agreed that he was a pretty good PM for the times. This is probably just going to be a flash in the pan. There'll be the big announcement, we got it yesterday, it's gripped the media news cycle to the extent that we're going to wrap up I think the 24 hours of, I don't know what it was really, excitement? It wasn't shock so much, but it just seemed to be wow, it sort of energized the conversation around ACT, it energized the conversation around politics. And that's got to be a good thing. Anything that gets people interested in politics, great, but it's got to go beyond one person, it's got to go beyond celebrity, it's got to go beyond face value. As I say, if you're voting for Paul Henry you have to be very careful, as people did for Winston Peters. They liked him and the party came second. So be aware that there are broad ranging policies, have a look at those before you decide oh, I like that Paul Henry, I'm going to give him a tick. And be aware too that quick witted, mercurial people who don't need the gig might not be around for a long time. It'll be a good time, but it won't be a long time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swearing. Most of us do it. Unless you're a Bishop (or maybe they do it in private, too?). Especially in New Zealand. We all know what a GC is and it's nothing to do with the white sandy beaches of Queensland. You don't say them in front of mum, and you shouldn't shout them in anger at people, unless they really deserve it. But have you noticed the media's obsession with calling out people for swearing, lately? Exhibit A: furious Benji Marshall's (Wests Tigers coach) expletive-laden presser. The media had been saying he was in a spat with a now former player, and they were at war, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. None of which, according to Benji, was true. So, he responds and they say he's ranting and swearing and 'going nuclear'. Isn't that what they used to call gaslighting? Then there was Winston Peters... Media called that one a foul-language outburst. How can a word so many people use be so offensive or worthy of mention? Christine Fletcher, Auckland Council, complains about swearing in the council chambers. The Dunedin council boss was done for swearing about councillors and calling them bad words behind their backs. Who hasn't done that? The truth is most Kiwis don't mind, occasionally. Too much and you sound like trash. Too little you sound too cautious. Directed in anger? Never a good idea and should not happen at work. The obsession with people using it from time to time, especially in the age of the internet where people do and say what they want? Waste of f***ing time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maybe India said it better than we did. But to be clear, here is what India says: the 5000 Kiwi visas as part of our FTA are about "mobility, not migration". Immigration and mobility of skilled manpower are two different issues altogether. Chief stirrer Winston Peters claims the Indians were not aware of the limits placed on temporary visas – it would appear he is wrong. Time will prove the other issue wrong, which is this petty, little scrap over the $20 billion investment. For a country who is famous for free trade, what a sad and sorry old tale it has been to watch the latest version unfold. It quite possibly is a reflection of the times in which we live, where a stand must be taken and the stand must be black or white, up or down, right or wrong. Nuance is no longer a currency. Even Chris Hipkins, who should be proud of the history of his own party's role in free trade, couldn't help himself with his eyes-wide-open comments the day after the deal was signed. The deal he was dragged kicking and screaming into supporting, despite the fact anyone with their head screwed on really couldn't object. Free trade, lest we forget, and some clearly have, is about good will. It's not a con and it's not a scam. You are not looking to get one over the person you have just done a deal with – you're on the same team. Having negotiated around your differences, in this case dairy, you want the best for each other. You want to grow and prosper. You are looking to the other side to help you out. Yet in the India FTA, like nothing I have seen before, a queue quickly formed full of people looking to pick holes, to make stories up, to confuse and misdirect, or to just be straight up and down racist. In a world where Trump in particular is trying to destabilise the order of business, you would have hoped this one sailed through and that it would've got a bit more patriotism behind it than it did. This as a nation is what we do. Free trade is our calling card. What a weird old thing – we have among us so many who would rather watch us, and possibly revel, in our failure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir John Key isn't holding back on what he thinks about critics of the India Free Trade Agreement – like Winston Peters. The New Zealand First Leader has raised fresh concerns about the deal, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said New Zealand was committed to investing billions into the Indian economy. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says we've only committed to promoting investment. Former Prime Minister Key told Mike Hosking while the India FTA isn't perfect, it will open access to one of the world's great economies. He says anyone opposed to the Indian FTA is a clown who doesn't know much about economics. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lara chats with Rosetta and Milly about Modi's visit, and Winston Peters' response to China's missile test in the Pacific. Whakarongo mai nei!

Kiwi screen legend Sir Sam Neill has died, aged 78. News of the Jurassic Park star's death was confirmed today on social media. "It is with immense sadness that the whānau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing on Monday 13th July, in Sydney Australia,” the post read.A growing number of NZers are experiencing homelessness with 33,000 children are living in "severe housing hardship" and NZ has seen a dramatic increase since 2022David Seymour filled in for Christopher Luxon on Newstalk ZB this morning where he spoke about the Indian FTA and why Winston Peters is so very against it, the economy and the failure of the RoNS++++++++++++++++++++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/

Winston Peters spoke to John Campbell following the weekend's visit by the Indian Prime Minister and last week's test of a nuclear capable missile by China in the South Pacific.

Let's talk about the Chinese test of that nuclear-capable missile. More specifically, let's talk about New Zealand's response to it, which was quite full-throated in its criticism of China. I find myself unable to get as worked up about this as Winston Peters because, please correct me if I'm wrong, I can't see that China has actually broken any rules here. Before firing the missile, China alerted New Zealand, Australia and Japan, as required under international regulations governing tests of this nature. And even though there's been a lot of noise about China firing a nuclear-capable missile into a nuclear-free zone, it was only nuclear-capable; it was not actually carrying a nuclear warhead. It was a dummy. Sure, I'd admit they were pushing hard up against what people would be comfortable with. But then again, missiles are generally not things people are comfortable with. As far as I can see, the New Zealand Government's angry response is largely posturing because we're required to posture. The reason I'm not quite as worked up is that this doesn't actually surprise me. Anyone who's followed what China has been up to lately knows that it's building up its military and not just so it can put on impressive displays. I do wonder, though, whether China has made a bit of a mistake here, just as it may have done last year when it conducted live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. This kind of activity from China could freak people out a bit, or, if not freak them out, at least wake them up to the fact that China is not simply a benign trading partner. It is a military superpower with clear strategic ambitions, probably involving Taiwan. So I wouldn't be surprised if this creates greater support in New Zealand for increased defence spending, which is actually something we need to do. Nor would I be surprised if it unsettles some of our Pacific neighbours and drives them closer to New Zealand and Australia, which is arguably what we want. In a way, I don't actually mind that China did this, if only because it might help us collectively wake up a little to what is really happening in our region. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! National is looking to prioritise seven new free trade deals if they get re-elected again. Do we think this is a good idea? Winston Peters says voting is a 'privilege' and only citizens should get to vote. What do we make of this, do we agree? What do we make of the Greens' plan to regulate water and phase out nitrogen fertiliser? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Time to talk history with Dr Grant Morris and this week after seeing some of the latest polling, he's keen to look into the history of small centrist political parties. The Opportunities Party is currently nearing 5% in the political polls. It is arguably a centrist party and could go with either Labour or National. In the 2002 election, Peter Dunne and his centrist party United Future experienced a large surge. In the 2017 election, Winston Peters and centrist NZ First held the balance of power. What examples do we have from our history of small centrist parties playing a key role in elections?

Let me hit you with absolutely the weirdest political news of the day. Michael Laws, it's being reported, is going to announce he's running for New Zealand First. The '90s called and want their man back. It's not a good move for New Zealand First, it's a bad move. Michael Laws is trouble. He was trouble in the National Party when he was an MP. He was trouble in New Zealand First when he was an MP. He was trouble at Radio Live. He was trouble when he was Mayor of Whanganui. He is trouble right now in his role on the Otago Regional Council. He's a really, really smart guy, don't get me wrong, but he is not the guy New Zealand First should be trying to bring on board if they want to convince voters they are capable of running this country. Michael Laws is not their guy. He is fringe. He's been running a show on a media outlet - no disrespect to it - that has a very small audience of loyal followers and to everybody else it looks a bit weird and fringe. New Zealand First's biggest challenge right now is to appear credible because they really, really want to be supersized in this coalition. And if you believe the rumours going around, Winston Peters wants to finally, after all these years, have a crack at being Prime Minister. A few weeks and months ago, that kind of seemed possible because they'd captured the zeitgeist. They were promising bold policies that were cutting through to a large group of voters who had become incredibly frustrated by the normal run of things - run-of-the-mill politicians, policies, parties and so on. But in the past few weeks, that momentum seems to have evaporated and things have got a little bit weird, haven't they? Winston might have pushed it a bit far with the infighting involving his colleagues and the anti-Indian document, which seems to have given him what he wanted, yet now he's complaining about it and narking on us to the Indians. Then you've got the Michael Laws announcement which, if it happens, is going to double down on that weirdness. Taine Randell was a great get for New Zealand First. Stuart Nash was a good get for New Zealand First. But Michael Laws is a bad get because he brings the whole party down by association. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former trade negotiator doubts India will be fazed by Winston Peters claiming bad faith around our new trade deal. The Foreign Affairs Minister accused National last week of covertly making immigration changes that could undermine the relationship between the two countries. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford's confirmed initial decisions consistent with the FTA have been sent to Ministers for feedback. Stephen Jacobi says India will be making changes as it implements the deal - and Peters' comments likely won't be much surprise. "They will have had numerous reports on the High Commission about his views on the FTA in particular, and his views about India more generally, and Indian immigration." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says Winston Peters has broken from usual processes in taking India trade deal discussions public before final cabinet decisions have been made. RNZ Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to John Campbell.

The boss of the India New Zealand Business Council says he doesn't believe claims by Winston Peters that the Government plans to discriminate against Indian migrants. The New Zealand First Leader claims the free trade deal with India will see the Government imposing stricter tests on Indian migrants that others aren't subject to. Trade Minister Todd McClay says Peters is wrong - and Edwin Paul agrees. He says Peters is playing politics. Paul says everybody knows the characters involved - and he expects hyperbole to continue until the election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has accused the government of making covert changes to immigration settings to discriminate against Indian migrants. He made the claims during the first reading of the bill to ratify the India Free Trade agreement. Winston Peters spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Trade Minister's rejecting accusations National's gone behind India's back, to impose restrictive immigration settings explicitly for Indians. Winston Peters raised the claims during the first reading of the India trade deal in Parliament yesterday - it passed last night. The New Zealand First leader says officials chose not to announce the new criteria - for fear of India's reaction. Todd McClay told Mike Hosking it feels like Peters is playing games - and it's time for him to move on. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

New Zealand First's leader's claiming National's been spooked and will tighten immigration rules for Indian citizens as part of the India trade deal. The FTA was before Parliament today and Winston Peters alleged National wants to discriminate against Indian migrants by imposing extra tests and criteria on them. He says they're not applied to migrants from other countries that have FTAs with New Zealand. Peters says National's gone from promoting mass migration to stricter rules - and they've been stung by the polls and done a complete flip without telling anybody. Trade Minister Todd McClay says NZ First is wrong. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Thursday, 25 June, 2026, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka explains why he's backed down on selling conservation land. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters claims National has covertly changed course on migration settings for Indians. We talk to Spark Arena general manager Mark Gosling about it being rated one of the top 20 arenas in the world. And on The Huddle, we ask Nick Mills and Mark Sainsbury if Peters' claims could jeopardise the India free trade agreement. 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.

Tonight on The Huddle, Wellington Mornings host Nick Mills and broadcaster Mark Sainsbury joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Winston Peters has raised some new concerns with the India-NZ FTA and directed some accusations at National - what do we make of this? What's Winston's plan here? The Government has backed down on their plan to sell conservation land - are we surprised by this? National plans to offer low-interest loans to allow more households to install solar power technology and decrease power prices. Do we think this is a good idea? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 25th of June, it's Brooke van Velden v Winston Peters regarding the health and safety overhaul – plus the visa waiver for Chinese and Pacific tourists is going gangbusters. NZ Rugby's Chief Financial Officer talks through why they ultimately turned down the Moana Pasifika revival bid. Borderline are a Kiwi band with a big future ahead, and with their debut album out tomorrow, we had to get them on for a song and a chat. 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.

The Workplace Relations Minister says changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act are on track, despite mixed signals from New Zealand First. Leader Winston Peters says he's obliged to vote for the bill under the coalition agreement but is vowing to get rid of it next term. He told protesters yesterday —including families of Pike River victims— he wishes he didn't have to vote for the legislation. Brooke van Velden told Mike Hosking Peters knows what the deal is, and the changes have been discussed over the past two years. She says it's gone through the select committee process and the policy's been signed off, so isn't sure why criticism has reared its head. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 24 June, 2026, New Zealand Rugby's chief financial officer Chris Kinraid tells us where Moana Pasifika's fallen short in trying to stay in the Super Rugby Pacific competition. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters on how he'd tackle big tech to pay more tax. Otorohanga mayor Rodney Dow on why he's apologised for renaming the town "Harrodsville" to mark the 40th anniversary of a dispute with Harrods. And on The Huddle, Phil Goff and Jordan Williams take opposite sides on whether Chloe Swarbrick's "dobbed" New Zealand in it on breaching a trade agreement. 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.

NZ First leader Winston Peters wants overseas tech giants to pay more tax - as Government agencies send millions offshore. Stuff reports public service departments spent $18 million dollars on advertising with offshore tech companies last year, mainly Google and Meta. Peters says the Government needs to revisit the idea of hitting major tech firms with targeted taxes. "Other countries are looking at the heart of this as well, including the European Union, including countries like France, we should be part of the process and trying to get ourselves on board, even when we can apply it." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has met with some Pike River families, who fear workplaces are about to get more dangerous. The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill would exempt businesses with fewer than 20 workers from legally having to manage non-critical safety risk. The families are asking NZ First to withdraw it's support for the bill. Winston Peters spoke to Lisa Owen.

Has the Act leader and Deputy Prime Minister been knifed in the back by Simeon Brown, who compared him and Winston Peters to fighting children?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ministers have been searing in their condemnation of a botched immigration tech project, but Winston Peters took it to a new level today, saying public servants who mislead ministers should be imprisoned. It comes after Immigration Minister Erica Stanford yesterday accused her officials of deliberately witholding information. Deputy political editor Craig McCulloch spoke to Lisa Owen.

On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 18th of June, ANZ's Sharon Zollner gives her pick for what the Q1 GDP number will be. Winston Peters doubles down on his calls for those involved in the MBIE scandal to be arrested. Mike asks Waitomo's Simon Parham whether the Commerce Commission's warning about petrol prices is justified. Dame Noeline Taurua talks through her Silver Ferns' Commonwealth Games squad – and surprises Mike with one of her answers. And global popstar Charlie Puth is coming back to our shores, so he joined Mike to talk his Super Bowl performance and his love of Paul Simon. 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.

Winston Peters says MBIE's size is an issue as he calls for the officials involved in the latest scandal to be jailed. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says she was misled about cost increases for a project to upgrade border biometric systems, wasting more than $30 million. The Public Service Commission is investigating officials' behaviour. The New Zealand First Leader told Mike Hosking MBIE is far too big and is covering far too many areas. He says the computer programme INCIS was a failure, and the National Library computer programme and Transmission Gully both went over-budget. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

The 'less polished version' of Winston Peters could be the next Prime Minister of Australia, with One Nation topping the polls Love her or loathe her, political survivor Pauline Hanson is rising again, winning a new generation of voters and topping the pollsFind The Detail on Newsroom or RNZ Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details