Best New Zealand Politics Podcasts (2024)

1
Are councils debt constrained? 40:55

27m 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

42m 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

1h 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

4h 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

7d 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

3h 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

2d 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

6d 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

3h 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

3h 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

22h 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

19h 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

10d 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

3d ago54:25

54:25

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

1
How petitions get Parliament's attention 19:50

3d 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

5d 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

6d 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

11d 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

14d 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

14d 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

19d 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

15d 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

15d 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

15d 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

16d 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

15d 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

16d 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

18d 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

18d 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

21d 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

22d 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

21d 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

23d 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

23d 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

21d 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

23d 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…

1
Touch and go: list MPs on the cusp 6:46

26d ago6:46

6:46

Due to vagaries of the MMP system, some list MPs must endure a period of waiting and uncertainty before they can enter Parliament.

1
Oral Questions for Tuesday 19 March 2024 53:13

24d ago53:13

53:13

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: By how much has Government debt increased in recent years? CHLÖE SWARBRICK to the Prime Minister: Does he stand by his statement, "I think everyone agrees that the state must alway…

1
Political commentators Sue Moroney and Ben Thomas 23:00

24d ago23:00

23:00

Sue Moroney is a former MP with the Labour Party and now chief executive of Community Law Centres Aotearoa. Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital.

1
Dr Shane Reti: Gaming the health system, Pharmac, and smokefree policy 54:25

25d ago54:25

54:25

With Dr Shane Reti, Grant Robertson and Dr Natalia Kanem.By Q+A

1
Parliament’s future out the back 12:25

26d ago12:25

12:25

A big new wooden superstructure is about to be built out the back of Parliament House, and is planned to be ready to fit dozens of MPs by the next election.

1
Labour prepares to be prepared for power 15:52

28d ago15:52

15:52

Humiliated and humbled in last year's election, Labour has spent its first months back in opposition licking its wounds. At the party's caucus retreat this week - a gathering of its MPs at a remote location to strategise for the year ahead - it promised a comeback. In this week's Focus on Politics RNZ deputy political editor Craig McCulloch takes a…

1
Fast-Track Approvals Bill 18:28

28d ago18:28

18:28

In this episode, Oliver talks to our new Senior Fellow, Economics and Advocacy, Nick Clark. This week he has released a new policy point called "Fast-Track Approvals Bill" which they talk about in this episode. They also talk about what Nick is looking forward to working on.To read Nick's policy point visit our website: https://www.nzinitiative.org…

1
Political Commentary w/ Marc Daalder: March 14, 2024

27d ago

—

Marc Daalder gives us some Political Commentary about the government's review of the free lunches at schools scheme, their agreement to rewrite the Arms Act and Chlöe Swarbrick as the new leader of the Green Party.

1
Localism: A Swiss perspective 29:57

30d ago29:57

29:57

In this episode, Oliver has a conversation with a special guest Viktor Vavricka, the Swiss ambassador to New Zealand. They have a wide-ranging discussion about localism from a Swiss perspective.By The New Zealand Initiative

1
Political commentators Neale Jones and Brigitte Morten 24:31

30d ago24:31

24:31

Time is up on the Government's 100-day priority plan - Neale and Brigitte talk about what's been achieved.

1
Chris Bishop: Why ministers are taking major new powers 54:14

1M ago54:14

54:14

With Chris Bishop and Barbara EdmondsBy Q+A

1
Chris Bishop: On keeping a tidy parliament 14:37

1M ago14:37

14:37

New goverment, new parliament, new Leader of the House. Chris Bishop is now the Minister responsible for shepherding the Government's legislative agenda. He explains how.

1
Clock stops on coalition's urgency-filled 100-day plan 15:59

1M ago15:59

15:59

The House has been in full swing for four weeks, with MPs sitting long hours as the government pushes through legislation under urgency to complete its 100-day plan. What's in it? Did the government achieve it all? And how will the plan hold in six, 12 or even 18 months? In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Anneke Smith examines the…

1
New Zealand's infrastructure deficit 14:15

1M ago14:15

14:15

Oliver and Matthew discuss NZ's infrastructure deficit, delivery and management which was the subject of Matthew's last column in the NZ Herald "Deficit obsession ignores abysmal state of Kiwi infrastructure delivery". You can read Matthew's article here: https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/deficit-obsession-ignores-abysmal-state-of-kiwi-infrastructure…

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