Best Simon Watts Podcasts (2024)

1
Simon Watts: Climate Change Minister unveils new changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme 2:34

9m ago2:34

2:34

The Climate Change Minister believes slashing 24 million carbon credits will fix the struggling Emissions Trading Scheme. Companies buy the credits in quarterly auctions - to offset their pollution output. Repeated failures to sell credits triggered the Climate Change Commission to advise there are too many cheap units available, in order to drive …

1
REX August 14th - Tim Gale from the Game Animal Council, Alex Gorringe from the Kawhatau Valley and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts 46:40

1d ago46:40

46:40

On today's podcast, Dom talks with Game Animal Council General Manager Tim Gale about a private member's bill which would give hunters and anglers representation on the NZ Conservation Authority... He talks with Alex Gorringe from her family farm in Kawhatau Valley about its historic shearing quarters accommodation, Italian racing cars, gold and ho…

1
REX August 22nd - Vet & Author Marcus Taylor, Andrew Burtt from Beef+Lamb NZ, REX Producer Jo Grigg and Todd Charteris from Rabobank 42:21

7m ago42:21

42:21

On today's podcast, Dom talks with veterinarian and author, Marcus Taylor about his new book, 'The Ones That Bit Me', his career as a vet and his YouTube channel, Lord of the Vets... He talks with Andrew Burtt, Beef+Lamb NZ Chief Economist, about its annual Stock Number Survey which reveals sheep and cattle numbers are both down this year... He cat…

1
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the ongoing search for the six people who went missing after Sicily yacht sank 3:16

15m ago3:16

3:16

Divers have resumed their hunt for the six missing people who disappeared after a luxury yacht sank off Sicily's coast. The British-flagged Bayesian, a 56-metre-long superyacht, was carrying 22 people and anchored off the port of Porticello when it was hit by a fierce, pre-dawn storm on Tuesday. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says hopes are dwindling …

1
Sam Trethewey: Milford Asset Management Portfolio Manager on Fletcher Building reporting a multi-million dollar net loss 3:43

23m ago3:43

3:43

A grim warning from New Zealand's largest construction company. Fletcher Building is reporting a group net-loss-after-tax of $227 million dollars, following a $235 million profit last year. Its residential building arm has been doing well, but it's had losses from its civil business Higgins and Australian plumbing company, Tradelink. Milford Asset …

1
Jenee Tibshraeny: NZ Herald Wellington business editor on the Commerce Commission's suggestions to improve banking competition 2:53

30m ago2:53

2:53

The Commerce Commission has detailed several potential changes in a new 389-page report designed to improve competition in the banking sector. One change involves establishing a deposit compensation scheme that insures the first $100,000 of an individual or business’s savings at a bank, credit union, building society or finance company. NZ Herald W…

1
The Huddle: Do the police really need to crack down on smoking parents? 8:38

5m ago8:38

8:38

Tonight on The Huddle, Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A and Kiwiblog's David Farrar joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Insurance companies are bringing in extra money - IAG posted a profit increase of 1000 percent. Whar do we make of this. Police will be cracking down on parents who smoke in the…

1
Full Show Podcast: 21 August 2024 1:40:22

10m ago1:40:22

1:40:22

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday, 21 August 2024, Philip Polkinghorne's finances have been laid bare during his murder trial today. Chelsea Daniels tells Heather the court was told the eye-watering amount he spent on sex workers. IAG insurance has seen a 1000% rise in profit - Heather grills IAG NZ chief executive …

1
Sophie Moloney: chief executive on Sky TV's 3.7 percent drop in net after-tax profit 8:38

20m ago8:38

8:38

Sky TV is recording a 3.7 percent drop in net after-tax profit, with its customer base at the lowest level in five years. The provider says it's dealing with challenging market conditions - and had to slow down marketing while it sorted out technical issues with its Sky Box. Chief executive Sophie Moloney says they've lost a 'disappointing' number …

1
Amanda Whiting: IAG chief executive on the company reporting a tenfold increase in insurance profit 5:36

33m ago5:36

5:36

IAG, the country's largest insurer, has reported a significant increase in insurance profit in the 12 months to the end of June. The company, which owns the State, AMI and NZI brands, said it had collected 19 percent more in premiums from retail customers in New Zealand than in the previous year. Chief executive Amanda Whiting says the company has …

1
Lisa Wundersitz: Adelaide University researcher examines whether New Zealand needs stricter licensing standards 3:13

20m ago3:13

3:13

Should New Zealand adopt Australia's stricter licensing approach? The AA's pushing for change, prompted by figures showing 18 to 24 year old drivers in New Zealand are three times more likely to die on our roads than the same cohort in Australia. It has commissioned research by Adelaide University - which suggests Australia's tougher penalties and …

1
Steve Cullen: lawyer responds to new research investigating police bias 2:47

33m ago2:47

2:47

A legal expert is rejecting the legitimacy of research into police bias. A two-year inquiry commissioned by police suggests there are ongoing inequities in treatment depending on people's race, sexuality, gender, and mental health. It's found Māori men are more likely to be stopped, tasered, and prosecuted, compared with Pakeha. Lawyer Steve Cullen…

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The police are already stretched thin enough 2:29

15m ago2:29

2:29

I'm very much on the side of the cops over whether they should be pinging people for smoking in cars with kids. You'll have caught up on this by now - we've found out police have not been enforcing the law since it was passed three years ago, they haven’t issued a single fine over it, and it's deliberate. And the Police Union says the reason is bec…

1
Chelsea Daniels: ZB reporter on Polkinghorne's finances being analysed in ongoing murder trial 4:30

5m ago4:30

4:30

A deep dive into Philip Polkinghorne's finances - and payments for sex - was carried out as his murder trial hits its halfway point. The eye surgeon is accused of killing his wife, Pauline Hanna, in their Remuera home in 2021. The Court today's heard about the large sums Polkinghorne paid to numerous sex workers. Newstalk ZB's Chelsea Daniels says …

1
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on the Obamas turning up to voice support for Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention 5:42

3m ago5:42

5:42

Former First Lady Michelle Obama drew in a standing ovation during her speech at the Democratic National Convention. She and Barack Obama turned up to the Chicago event to endorse Kamala Harris and get some jabs in against Donald Trump. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Michelle stole the show before the former president delivered …

1
Logan Church: US correspondent on Barack and Michelle Obama voicing support for Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention 4:05

12m ago4:05

4:05

The Obamas turned up to address party faithful at the Democratic National Convention. The former President and First Lady together endorsed Kamala Harris at the event, ahead of Harris formally accepting the presidential nomination. US correspondent Logan Church says Michelle Obama came out with some fiery language in her speech. "She's always been …

1
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on Jannik Sinner escaping suspension for exposure to banned substance 3:43

9m ago3:43

3:43

The coach of world tennis number one Jannik Sinner admits the cloud of a potential doping ban has taken its toll on the young Italian star. Sinner's been fined and stripped of ranking points - but cleared of any suspension for a pair of positive tests for an anabolic steroid in March. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave unpacks the controversy. LISTE…

1
Helmut Modlik: Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive challenges ACT's David Seymour to debate Treaty Principles Bill 5:47

6m ago5:47

5:47

Wellington-based iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira has asked ACT leader David Seymour to front up and debate the Treaty Principles Bill. Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira chief executive Helmut Modlik has labelled Seymour's suggestions to have a national conversation about the Treaty a 'charade'. Modlik says he hopes this debate will receive plenty of media coverag…

1
REX August 21st - Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy, Brad Lake from The Brothers Green, Andy Caughey from Wool Impact and Rural Health Advocate Craig Wiggins 38:44

8m ago38:44

38:44

On today's podcast, Dom talks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy about the latest Global Dairy Trade Event (+5.5%), tempering expectations and avoiding black bears in the wild... He talks with Brad Lake from The Brothers Green about why it's currently illegal to use hemp byproducts for animal feed and its efforts to try and reverse the situatio…

1
The New York Liberty clinch first, plus a look into the NWSL starting back up 42:00

1h ago42:00

42:00

In today's episode, Claire says a happy welcome back to the WNBA, as teams battle for postgame positioning in the final month of the regular season. The New York Liberty look like the team to beat, but how are other teams progressing, and are there teams that should be worried about slipping in the standings? Then, Claire looks at her wishlist for …

1
Enda Brady: UK correspondent on the late Queen Elizabeth's comments about Donald Trump 4:23

1d ago4:23

4:23

A new book has revealed what the late Queen Elizabeth really thought of former President Donald Trump. According to A Voyage Around The Queen, the deceased ruler found Trump to be 'very rude' during his visits to the UK in 2018 and 2019. UK correspondent Enda Brady says this contradicts Trump's claim that he was her favourite guest hosted at Windso…

1
Paul Bloxham: HSBC chief economist on the Reserve Bank cutting the OCR by 25 basis points 4:19

20m ago4:19

4:19

Homeowners have been able to breathe a sigh of relief following the Reserve Bank's decision to cut the OCR. The cash rate was cut by 25 basis points after their August meeting, down to 5.25 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explains that the RBNZ had to meet expectations to keep the economy in check. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listene…

1
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on REINZ saying there's green shoots in the housing market 3:46

29m ago3:46

3:46

There's green shoots returning to the housing market, according to the Real Estate Institute. REINZ data shows the volume of sales rose 14.5 percent year-on-year and nearly 20 percent month-on-month. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen unpacks what this news means following the recent OCR cut. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

1
The Huddle: Will the Kamala Harris hype last all the way until November? 8:39

11h ago8:39

8:39

Tonight on The Huddle, Phil O'Reilly from Iron Duke Partners and Auckland Councillor Richard Hills joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Darleen Tana has maintained that they're not leaving Parliament and they'll fight back against the Green Party's attempts to oust her. Do we think the Greens will take the ris…

1
Vince Hawksworth: Mercury Energy CEO on the company reporting a 159 percent annual net profit increase 6:06

29m ago6:06

6:06

Mercury Energy has lifted its net profit by 159 percent in the June year to $290 million. The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and financial instruments came to $877m, up 4 percent on the previous year. Mercury CEO Vince Hawksworth has pushed back against accusations of profiteering from Minister Shane Jones. "If …

1
Heather du Plessis-Allan: I'm not convinced the Commerce Commission study will lead anywhere 2:21

15m ago2:21

2:21

For once, we have a Commerce Commission study that isn’t going nowhere. Nicola Willis says she's going to do what the Commerce Commission has recommended in the banking study out today - and she'll do all 14 recommendations. This is a little surprise, isn’t it? Because we have got very used to these studies coming out and pretty much nothing of any…

1
Full Show Podcast: 20 August 2024 1:40:32

1h ago1:40:32

1:40:32

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Tuesday, 20 August 2024, the Finance Minister has declared war on the "cosy pillow fights" between the big banks. Darleen Tana tells Heather they won't leave Parliament and is pushing back at the "cancel culture" that led to their ousting from the Green Party. Mercury Energy boss Vince Haw…

1
Olly Wilson: Selaks General Manager of Sales and Marketing on the company launching its first 5 percent wine 2:02

30m ago2:02

2:02

Kiwi wine company Selaks has launched its first 5 percent offering amid increased demand for alcohol-free and low-alcohol beverages. Selaks Origins Breeze 5% promises a low alcohol experience, with each bottle containing three standard drinks. General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Olly Wilson, says this gives consumers more choice. "This is the f…

1
Darleen Tana: independent MP stands by decision to stay in Parliament 6:21

1h ago6:21

6:21

Darleen Tana says they have support within the Green Party to stay. They've refused the Party's repeated requests to resign from Parliament. Tana today argued Parliament's proportionality isn't affected, because Te Pati Maori is submitting their vote via proxy - aligned with Green positions. Tana says they're not staying for the money, but because …

1
Sam Emery: Australian correspondent on the 'forever chemicals' found in Sydney's drinking water 4:52

21m ago4:52

4:52

New reports have unveiled a disturbing discovery in Sydney's drinking water. 'Forever chemicals' with links to cancer have been found in several drinking catchments across the region - that serve millions of Australians. Australian correspondent Sam Emery says investigations are still ongoing into the extent of the damage. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystud…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister on her plan to inject competition into the banking sector 4:22

23m ago4:22

4:22

The Finance Minister aims to put an end to the 'cosy pillow fight' between banks and bolster sector competition. A Commerce Commission report has found that the four big Australian-owned banks are turning high profits, far out-stripping international peers. The Commission has recommends open banking practices and tweaks to Reserve Bank rules to eas…

1
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent on Joe Biden's speech at the Democratic National Convention 5:01

38m ago5:01

5:01

Joe Biden's reflected on his legacy - and laid a case against Donald Trump in a rousing address. The President's speech ended the first day of the Democratic National Convention, where Kamala Harris will accept the presidential nomination. Biden says Harris will be a President the nation can be proud of - and will put her stamp on America's future.…

1
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host ahead of the 2024 America's Cup 3:45

16h ago3:45

3:45

After three years of planning, Team NZ is set to compete in the 2024 America's Cup. On August 22, the six America’s Cup teams will take to the water in their new AC75 race vessels for the third and final preliminary regatta before the moments that truly matter. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/list…

1
Mark Stewart: Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Limited chair on the project getting mothballed 5:34

13m ago5:34

5:34

There's belief the Christ Church Cathedral will be rebuilt eventually, despite ongoing funding issues. The Reinstatement Group has announced it's pausing work - until more funding is found. The Finance Minister confirmed this month that no more cash will go to the project, leaving it short $85 million. Project chair Mark Stewart says the Government…

1
REX August 20th - Ginny Dodunski from Wormwise, Hamish Mackenzie from Braemar Station and Mark Benns from Wingman 55:56

2h ago55:56

55:56

On today's podcast, Dom talks to Ginny Dodunski from Wormwise about the return of the Bionic boluses to the market, drench resistance and the NZ Institure of Primary Industry Management awards held last night... He talks with Hamish Mackenzie from Braemar Station about his recent trip with a group of farming mates about their recent intrepid motorc…

1
Gavin Grey: UK correspondent on the UK Government enacting measures to stop prison overcrowding 4:32

21m ago4:32

4:32

The UK Government has established emergency measures to ease prison overcrowding as more rioters are being sentenced for their role in the recent unrest. The system, known as Operation Early Dawn, means defendants waiting for a court appearance will be kept in police cells until prison space is available. UK correspondent Gavin Grey says hundreds o…

1
Mark Troughear: Freightways CEO on the company reporting a decrease in net profits 4:07

2d ago4:07

4:07

Logistics and courier company Freightways has recorded a 5.8 percent decrease in net profit after weathering what its leaders believe to be the worst of the economic cycle in New Zealand and Australia. Freightways announced its 2024 results to the NZX on Monday. It reported net profit after tax of $70.9 million, a reduction from its 2023 result tha…

1
Shane Solly: Harbour Asset Management spokesperson on BNZ's performance of services index staying below 50 3:28

15m ago3:28

3:28

BNZ’s performance of services index - which measures sentiment across services firms - was up 3.9 points to 44.6 in July from a rock-bottom level of 40.7 in June. While it’s better than June it’s still a very low result - a result below 50 indicates activity is contracting for the fifth straight month. Harbour Asset Management's Shane Solly explain…

1
The Huddle: Is a Wellington-Auckland sleeper train a good idea? 10:41

12m ago10:41

10:41

Tonight on The Huddle, Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani and Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! There's growing calls to bring back the Wellington-Auckland sleeper train as an alternative to pricey air travel. Is this a good idea? The Government has announced a new crackdown on…

1
Full Show Podcast: 19 August 2024 1:40:16

42m ago1:40:16

1:40:16

On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Monday 19 August - The Government is facing pressure to encourage households to reduce their gas usage. Is this a good idea? Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie unpacks this. Police have voiced concerns about the 'organised criminal element' within the increase in boy r…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister responds to National's positive 1News Verian poll result 7:40

6m ago7:40

7:40

The Government has seen support in the latest political poll. The 1News Verian poll has National on 38 percent, ACT on 7 and New Zealand First on 6. Christopher Luxon has jumped 5 percent to 28 percent as preferred Prime Minister. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says it's good to see. "We don't watch the polls too closely, they go up and down, but I…

1
Alistair McGregor: Counties Driving School instructor on long wait times still preventing students from getting driver's licences 2:33

14m ago2:33

2:33

A driving instructor says one student drove 500 kilometres to sit his full licence test because of months-long wait times. Counties Driving School's Alistair McGregor says the man drove from Pukekohe to Dannevirke. The Government scrapped free driving test re-sits this year to cull long wait times. McGregor says it's taking time to see any effect. …

1
Thomas Nash: Greater Wellington Regional Council climate chair on the growing calls to revive the Wellington-Auckland sleeper train 3:55

12m ago3:55

3:55

Support is re-igniting for a Wellington to Auckland sleeper train, as air fares soar. The idea was floated at a Wellington council meeting last week. Greater Wellington Regional Council climate chair Thomas Nash says tracks between Auckland and Wellington are seriously under-utilised. He says night trains are popular overseas, particularly in Europ…

1
Tenth Anniversary State Of The Wrestling Union With Ben Spindler 3:04:09

2h ago3:04:09

3:04:09

James is joined by the original founder of the Truepenny Show Ben Spindler to celebrate ten years of the show and to discuss the state of the wrestling world today looking at every major promotion around the world.They also talk about how their wrestling fandom has changed and what they expect in the years to come.…

1
Matt Lowrie: Greater Auckland transport blog director on the Government's new $1.3 billion programme to crack down on dangerous driving 3:00

9m ago3:00

3:00

One commentator says enforcement is critical for road safety. The Government's announced it wants 3.3 million roadside alcohol breath tests a year, with a $1.3 billion budget over three years. $7 million is for incentives for police - for when they meet targets. Greater Auckland transport blog director Matt Lowrie says police haven't done enough br…

1
Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the 'organised criminal element' at the recent boy racer gatherings 3:32

8m ago3:32

3:32

The Police Minister says boy racers are terrorising communities throughout the country. Four police vehicles were rammed at a Waikato gathering over the weekend, and an officer suffered minor injuries. Police say a ute involved was stolen, with fake plates - and two people in the picture they've released weren't involved with the meet. Minister Mar…

1
Barry Soper: ZB senior political correspondent ahead of the latest 1News-Verian poll 5:43

4m ago5:43

5:43

The latest 1News-Verian poll is due to be released tonight - and it's generated plenty of speculation. The previous poll had National on 38 points, Labour on 29 points, the Green Party on 13 points, ACT at 7points and NZ First on 6 points. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper outlines what to expect. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listene…

1
Jason Pine: Sportstalk host on the All Blacks bouncing back and defeating Argentina at Eden Park 2:58

10m ago2:58

2:58

The All Blacks have bounced back and defeated Argentina - but they'll need to maintain momentum for the Rugby Championships. While a convincing win in the rematch with Argentina was a big improvement on an upset loss in the competition opener - 35 of the 42 points they scored at Eden Park came in the first half. Sportstalk host Jason Pine explains …

1
Oliver Peterson: Australian correspondent on the launch of Sydney's new driverless metro train line 5:37

5m ago5:37

5:37

Sydney's long-awaited driverless metro train line has been launched, with up to 200,000 commuters being expected to use the service. The line runs from Chatswood in Sydney's north to Sydenham in the inner west via tunnels under Sydney Harbour. Australian correspondent Oliver Peterson says the project is expected to draw in more international visito…

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