Best New Zealand Politics Podcasts (2024)

1
Victoria University's postponed free speech event 18:51

35m ago18:51

18:51

In this episode, Oliver Hartwich interviews Dr Michael Johnston about the free speech event at Victoria University that was postponed due to backlash within the university. They discuss the importance of free speech in liberal democracies, the changing perception of free speech as a partisan issue, and the concerning trend of young people trying to…

1
Oral Questions for 30 April 2024 58:16

3h ago58:16

58:16

Questions to Ministers HON MARAMA DAVIDSON to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in the statements and actions of all his Ministers? STUART SMITH to the Minister of Finance: Has she seen any recent reports on tax? RT HON CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER…

51
Annual ten-hour long interrogation of government performance begins this week 5:28

8h ago5:28

5:28

The Annual Review Debate begins this week, when Parliament quizzes ministers about past performance. Kieran McAnulty explains...

1
James Shaw: Why I nearly resigned as Climate Change Minister 55:02

34m ago55:02

55:02

With James Shaw and Colin KeatingBy Q+A

1
James Shaw: Why I nearly resigned as Climate Change Minister 54:07

1h ago54:07

54:07

With James Shaw and Colin KeatingBy Q+A

1
Fish and quiz: The many uses of written parliamentary questions 14:02

2h ago14:02

14:02

Over the last six years, parliament’s clerks have had to vet about 40,000 written questions each year. So how are written questions used and what are the democratic benefits?

1
Vaping regulations battle 'immeasurably harder' under coalition - campaigner 16:00

8h ago16:00

16:00

Successive governments have claimed crack downs on youth vaping but retailers are flouting the law, with just one prosecution on the books. Retailers have until the end of the year to phase out single-use products, but academics say MPs' fears vape manufacturers will just adapt are justified. In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Ann…

1
Evaluating global polices on safer nicotine 32:36

2d ago32:36

32:36

In this episode, Eric Crampton talks to Frederico Fernández, Founder and CEO of We Are Innovation, about their recent global index ranking countries' policies on safer nicotine alternatives. They explore how allowing access to options like vaping, snus and heated tobacco can drive down smoking rates more effectively than traditional tobacco control…

1
Political commentators Dale Husband and Liam Hehir 26:14

5d ago26:14

26:14

Dale Husband is a long time broadcaster and Radio Waatea presenter hosting a Maori focused current affairs programme. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.

1
Israeli Ambassador on rising Gazan civilian deaths and its impact on peace 54:14

6d ago54:14

54:14

With Ran Yaakoby.By Q+A

1
How MPs cope with strains of the job 17:14

6d ago17:14

17:14

MPs have some of the highest pressure jobs in New Zealand, and the stressors aren’t always what you might think. So does anyone help them carry the load, and how do they personally cope?

1
Luxon boosts defence amid rising global tensions 16:00

10d ago16:00

16:00

As global tensions escalated this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was touring South East Asia, strengthening defence and security ties. Back home, his government was accused of drifting away from New Zealand's independent foreign policy.

1
Germany's dual education system 28:45

9d ago28:45

28:45

Oliver and Michael talk about Germany's dual education system with Rachel Simpson, Manager for Education, Skills and Immigration at Business NZ.Recently, Michael and Rachel were on a business delegation to Germany to find out about their dual education system first-hand.In this episode, they discuss what this system looks like in Germany, what make…

1
Political Commentary w/ Marc Daalder: 18 April, 2024

9d ago

—

Marc Daalder gives us some Political Commentary about the Resource Management Amendment Bill, Warner Brothers/ Stuff deal and the Wellington tunnel plan.

1
Are councils debt constrained? 40:55

11d ago40:55

40:55

In this episode, Eric and Nick talk to Peter Nunns and Graham Campbell from New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga. They discuss council debt and infrastructure funding and financing.By The New Zealand Initiative

1
Helen Clark: Israel-Iran tension, China, and why I worry about AUKUS 54:42

13d ago54:42

54:42

With Helen Clark, Mane Tahere and Dr Ritesh Shah.By Q+A

1
Member's Day surprises and more in short sitting block 14:55

16d ago14:55

14:55

It was a sitting block of just one week but it had its share of surprises, routine stuff and signs of a changing culture around scrutiny at committee level.

1
From lobbyist to legislator: Andrew Hoggard's vision for reform 16:04

14d ago16:04

16:04

Andrew Hoggard might be new to Parliament, but he's certainly not new to New Zealand's screens and airwaves. The Manawatū dairy farmer was president of Federated Farmers from 2020 to 2023, and one of the more prominent critics of the previous government's agricultural policies. In this week's Focus on Politics, RNZ Political Reporter Giles Dexter s…

1
Education for neurodivergent students 35:41

18d ago35:41

35:41

In this episode, Michael talks to Holly Gooch and Izzy Bremner, from The Hyphen Project, about what it might be like for people who are perhaps not considered the "norm" in our large school system.They talk about The Hyphen Project, which is a talent incubator for 16-19 year olds who are talented, neurodivergent and have not gotten on well with the…

1
Oral Questions for Thursday 11 April 2024 54:37

17d ago54:37

54:37

Questions to Ministers NANCY LU to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen about the economy? Hon BARBARA EDMONDS to the Minister of Finance: Can she confirm that she told the Finance and Expenditure Committee this morning that the Government would be borrowing more in the future, and how much is the Government intending to borrow…

1
The debate James Shaw delayed his retirement for 5:17

19d ago5:17

5:17

Members Day this week had it all: surprise votes, big and niche issues, success and failure. A bill from a retiring MP led to an environmental rights debate which included gaping philosophical divides and a parting shot.

1
Political Commentary w/ Max Harris: April 11, 2024

16d ago

—

Max Harris gives us some Political Commentary about cuts to the public sector and disability funding, Winston Peters’ speech to the UN about Gaza, and popularity of the PM.

1
The well-worn path between Auditor-General and Parliament 6:06

17d ago6:06

6:06

The work of the Auditor-General’s office features often in this week’s select committee hearings at Parliament, and for good reason.

1
Oral Questions for 10 April 2024 52:18

21d ago52:18

52:18

Questions to Ministers RT HON CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? STUART SMITH to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made about tax? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? HON BARBARA EDMONDS to the Mi…

1
Getting stuck on attack: the slow road to positivity in government 5:08

20d ago5:08

5:08

The Speaker has begun steering ministerial answers away from outright attacks on the previous government, and towards answers. The road to positivity for new governments is long and difficult.

1
Oral Questions for 9 April 2024 51:41

19d ago51:41

51:41

Questions to Ministers DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's policies and actions? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? RT HON CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? HON SCOTT SIMPSON t…

1
Political commentators Gareth Hughes and Tim Hurdle 23:27

19d ago23:27

23:27

The axe continues to fall over public service jobs as the Budget looms - can the cuts deliver the savings sought? Meanwhile Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announces his top priorities for the coming months. Gareth Hughes is a former Green MP and now works for the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. Tim Hurdle is a former National senior adviser,…

1
Stopping people dying on the job - Brooke van Velden on workplace safety 54:25

20d ago54:25

54:25

With Brooke van Velden and Chris Penk.By Q+A

1
How petitions get Parliament's attention 19:50

20d ago19:50

19:50

Petitions to Parliament don't always result in a change to law or policy as intended, but they can be an effective way of the public getting a message to those in power.

1
Aim and fire? Public service targets return amid job cuts 16:00

23d ago16:00

16:00

Public Service Targets are set for a comeback but with job cuts looming over ministries and agencies, unions fear public servants are only being asked to do more with less. Originally introduced by the John Key National government, the targets have led to improvements in the past - but that experience shows there are also risks. In this week's Focu…

1
Political Commentary w/ Marc Daalder, 4 April, 2024

23d ago

—

Marc Daalder gives us some Political Commentary about Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's layout of the priority list for the next three months, as well as the budget forcasting set out for 2024.

1
How to MP: Tips from a ‘great parliamentarian’ 15:24

30d ago15:24

15:24

As he departs from Parliament, Grant Roberson outlines the skills and requirements for being a successful MP, and what he would replace Question Time with.

1
Getting specific or aiming wide: The tactics of Question Time 5:37

29d ago5:37

5:37

A look at the tactics of primary questions during Question Time, with help from Grant Robertson, Judith Collins and Gerry Brownlee.

1
Oral Questions for Thursday 28 March 2024 59:39

1M ago59:39

59:39

Questions to Ministers MILES ANDERSON to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made about the Budget operating allowance? Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister for Disability Issues: Did the reports she received from Whaikaha that she referred to in her answer to question No. 4 yesterday contain figures of those who used d…

1
Political Commentary w/ Associate Professor Dr. Lara Greaves: March 28, 2024

1M ago

—

Rachel speaks with Associate Professor Dr Lara Greaves about the Budget Policy Statement from the government, reviews in the tertiary sector and communications regarding disability allowance cuts.

1
Taking MPs at their word, or not 5:42

1M ago5:42

5:42

The principle that all MPs are honourable and that they should be taken at their word has been tested multiple times this week in Parliament.

1
Oral Questions for 27 March 2024 49:25

1M ago49:25

49:25

Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he have confidence in the Minister for Disability Issues? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Finance: What recent announcements has she made on the Budget? DEBBIE NGAREWA-PACKER to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his Government's policies and actions? Hon PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister for D…

1
Parliament begins with money bills on a deadline 5:01

1M ago5:01

5:01

This week’s sitting of Parliament began with two finance bills that have deadlines attached.

1
Oral Questions for 26 March 2024 57:31

1M ago57:31

57:31

Questions to Ministers CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Rt Hon CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? Dr PARMJEET PARMAR to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: What recent announcements has she made in her por…

1
New Zealand's a-maze-ing government structure 31:42

1M ago31:42

31:42

Research Fellow Max Salmon discusses his new report 'Cabinet Congestion' with Executive Director Dr Oliver Hartwich. Max explains how complicated political decision-making is in New Zealand's political system - and how it could be better.By The New Zealand Initiative

1
Political commentators Neale Jones & Tim Hurdle 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

Neale Jones and Tim Hurdle discuss the continued scrutiny on the Government's finances, as more jobs are cut from the public sector.

1
Simeon Brown: Why NZ needs more toll roads 54:04

1M ago54:04

54:04

With Transport and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. Also on the show: Janette Sadik-Khan, former New York City Department of Transportation commissioner and transport consultant.By Q+A

1
Making the cut: two of Parliament's thresholds 12:43

1M ago12:43

12:43

This weekly edition looks at thresholds: regarding what gets the nod for Urgent Debates, and also what it's like being a List MP on the cusp of Parliament.

1
Winston Peters navigates troubled waters with India, China 16:00

1M ago16:00

16:00

New Zealand must pull its weight on defence and security, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says in a sit-down interview with RNZ, after talks with both India and China. While trade was a driving force behind those engagements, it is clear tension points - like the South China Sea, and potential involvement in AUKUS - are becoming more central to for…

1
Auditor-General's youth mental health report before committee 4:16

1M ago4:16

4:16

The Health Select Committee has been digesting the Auditor-General’s report on how well public organisations are working to meet the mental health needs of young people.

1
Oral Questions for 21 March 2024. 1:00:51

1M ago1:00:51

1:00:51

HON PRIYANCA RADHAKRISHNAN to the Minister for Disability Issues: Does she stand by her statement regarding funding for disability support services, "They have been trying to deal with that, and we have been working with them to deal with that since they alerted me in December"; if so, on what date was she first alerted to these funding issues? GRE…

1
Political Commentary w/ Max Harris: March 21, 2024

1M ago

—

Max Harris gives us some Political Commentary about Kāinga Ora, fast track consent bill and Auckland Council's long term plan.

1
Waiting weeks for urgent debates 5:11

1M ago5:11

5:11

Urgent Debates are granted or denied by Speakers. Most are denied. This week a Speaker's ruling moved the goal posts for that allowance, a lot.

1
Oral Questions for 20 March 2024 56:29

1M ago56:29

56:29

Questions to Ministers JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister of Finance: Has she seen any recent reports on the New Zealand economy? RT HON CHRIS HIPKINS to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by all his Government's statements and actions? DR HAMISH CAMPBELL to the Minister of Health: What actions has the Government taken to deliver better cancer services? …

1
New Zealand's fairy godmother 14:47

1M ago14:47

14:47

New Zealanders have been spending a lot more overseas than we have been earning overseas, yet our balance does not move in the same direction nearly as much.Oliver talks to Bryce about his latest research note "The mystery of the $52 billion gift: Does New Zealand have a fairy godmother?".To read his research note, find it on our website https://ww…

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