Best New Zealand Initiative Podcasts (2024)

1
AI in Education: Navigating the opportunities and risks 1:02:01

6h ago1:02:01

1:02:01

This podcast episode is from our recent AI in education webinar where Michael presents his report on generative AI in education, emphasising its potential as a supportive tool while cautioning against replacing traditional learning methods.Prof Barbara Oakley joins as a special guest to provide expert commentary on the cognitive science aspects. Ol…

1
Preserving the Night: Danny Mollan on New Zealand's Dark Sky Initiatives and the Celestial Wonders of the Southern Hemisphere 17:33

17d ago17:33

17:33

What if the night sky you gaze upon was preserved as a natural heritage site? Join us on The Outlet podcast where we unravel the captivating efforts behind Dark Sky initiatives with our special guest, Danny Mollan. Together, we delve into the importance of preserving dark skies in the Hawea community and the Lower South Island of New Zealand. Danny…

1
Lost hiker survives ten day ordeal by drinking a gallon of water a day 5:17

14h ago5:17

5:17

Lukas McClish survived on berries and water that he collected in his boot. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/le…

1
Missing pet donkey found “living best life” with wild elk 5:42

1d ago5:42

5:42

A pet donkey that went missing five years ago has apparently been found living in the wild with a group of elk! Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus othe…

1
Behind the Mic: Mike Regal on Transforming Radio Wanaka 31:36

2d ago31:36

31:36

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from being the voice behind the mic to running a successful radio station? Join us as we catch up with Mike Regal, the mastermind behind Radio Wanaka, who shares the highs and lows of his journey from on-air talent to business owner. Mike's story is filled with incredible anecdotes, including the time he pl…

1
New Zealand woman takes former partner to disputes tribunal for not taking her to the airport 6:47

4d ago6:47

6:47

The woman says she incurred a number of costs as a result of the incident. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/le…

1
Tasmania launches ‘odd jobs’ initiatives to boost winter tourism 6:28

5d ago6:28

6:28

Jobs include Paranormal Investigator and Star Seeker. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben for…

1
Politics Central: Was the Government right to cancel proposed ferry upgrades? 41:20

5d ago41:20

41:20

This week on Politics Central, Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot claimed cancelling the upgrade of the existing Interisland ferry fleet with two large ferries was a critical error from the Government, and Friday's Aratere grounding was a long time coming after years of warnings. Later, Children's Minister Karen Chhour unveiled her plan to c…

1
Karen Chhour: Children's Minister on the new wave of Government initiatives to stop youth crime 9:25

5d ago9:25

9:25

The Children's Minister says initiatives to address youth crime will provide needed consequences for young offenders. The Government is proposing to introduce a Youth Serious Offender declaration, meaning the courts could send them to a military style academy. Legislation will be introduced before the end of the year, while a pilot academy begins i…

1
Victor Billot: Maritime Union spokesperson suspects grounded Aratere ferry won't be back in service this year 8:03

5d ago8:03

8:03

Several inquiries are underway after a suspected steering problem saw the Interisland ferry Aratere run aground near Picton. On Friday night, the ship became grounded. It was re-floated successfully last night on the high tide. Maritime Union spokesperson Victor Billot believes it could be a while before the ship is back sailing. "They're going to …

1
McDonald’s removes AI from drivethroughs following comical errors 5:59

8d ago5:59

5:59

One customer ended up ordering an ice cream topped with bacon! Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwi…

1
Meet the world’s tallest dog (who’s scared of the vacuum cleaner) 8:08

9d ago8:08

8:08

Kevin the Great Dane is over 2 metres when he stands on his hind legs! Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learne…

1
Exploring Cardrona: Laura Hedley on Ski Season Innovations, Soho Basin, and Sustainable Slopes 10:57

10d ago10:57

10:57

What if you could explore 150 hectares of pristine, playful terrain tailored for both intermediate and advanced skiers? Get ready to meet Laura Hedley, the driving force behind Cardrona and Treble Cone Experiences, as she unveils the secrets of the upcoming ski season. Discover the exciting new Soho Basin terrain, groundbreaking snowmaking upgrades…

1
Elephant caretakers rescue baby calf after surprise ‘miracle’ twin birth 6:13

11d ago6:13

6:13

The mother panicked and nearly stood on the calf. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben for mor…

1
Hot dog-eating champion blocked from contest due to deal with vegan brand 7:21

12d ago7:21

7:21

The 16 time champion is banned due to his connections with a rival brand. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/lea…

1
Politics Central: Is peace in Ukraine possible? 38:46

12d ago38:46

38:46

This week on Politics Central, Otago University international relations expert Robert Patman discusses whether peace in Ukraine is possible as world leaders gather in Switzerland to try and build support for Ukraine’s peace proposals - and if Putin's 'unrealistic' offer is cause for hope. Later, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke v…

1
Robert Patman: Otago University International Relations expert on the response to the 'Summit on Peace in Ukraine' 14:18

12d ago14:18

14:18

Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands for a ceasefire have been rejected by European leaders at a Ukraine summit. The leaders of Italy and Germany have lambasted Putin's proposals, which included Ukraine handing over more territory to Russia. It comes as world leaders meet in Switzerland to discuss ending the conflict. New Zealand foreign affa…

1
City and Regional Deals 30:23

15d ago30:23

30:23

In this podcast, Nick and Eric talk to Sam Broughton and Simon Randall from Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) about the potential for implementing city and regional deals in New Zealand - formal long-term partnerships between central and local government to better plan and fund local infrastructure and economic development. They explore the benef…

1
Denmark recalls Korean ramen for being too spicy 6:55

15d ago6:55

6:55

Are the products really so spicy or do the Danes have a low tolerance for heat? Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.c…

1
Dog runs four miles to get help for owner who crashed car into ravine 5:53

16d ago5:53

5:53

The dog was able to reach the campsite where the man's family were staying. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/l…

1
Japan develops salty tasting spoon to encourage people to eat more healthily 5:31

18d ago5:31

5:31

Would you buy this spoon? Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben for more information and to joi…

1
Fixing New Zealand's university funding 31:24

19d ago31:24

31:24

In this episode, Michael and James talk to Dr Dennis Wesselbaum about issues with New Zealand's current university funding model, which relies heavily on student enrollment numbers. They explore potential reforms to create a more stable and effective system that balances access, workforce preparation, and research excellence.…

1
Controversy after hiker finds pipe feeding China’s tallest waterfall 5:56

19d ago5:56

5:56

The incident has caused uproar on social media. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben for more …

1
Politics Central: Do we need the oil and gas exploration ban lifted? 41:22

19d ago41:22

41:22

This week on Politics Central, Minister Shane Jones has confirmed the Government will lift the ban on oil and gas exploration, as he believes New Zealand's natural gas reserves were declining and sustainable sources like wind, solar and hydro were too inconsistent. Later, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey joined in to discuss the significance of M…

1
Matt Doocey: Mental Health Minister ahead of Men's Health Week in New Zealand 9:21

19d ago9:21

9:21

Men’s Health Week is set to run from June 10-16, encouraging men to get on top of their wellbeing – both physical and mental. New Zealand still has one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the developed world, and many are suffering from some strain of mental distress. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.…

1
Shane Jones: Minister for Resources on the Government reversing the oil and gas exploration ban 11:15

19d ago11:15

11:15

Shane Jones says oil and gas exploration is necessary to deal with energy security issues, as natural gas reserves rapidly decline. The Government is reversing the oil and gas exploration ban, beyond onshore Taranaki. It comes after around 20,000 people marched in Central Auckland yesterday, to protest the Fast Track Approvals Bill. Resources Minis…

1
Man survives shooting after bullet gets lodged in silver chain 7:07

22d ago7:07

7:07

The piece of jewellery saved the man's life after an argument. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwi…

1
“Britishly iconic” village pig racing attracts global interest 7:45

23d ago7:45

7:45

Can it get more British than village pig racing? Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben for more…

1
Magnet fishing couple find safe in lake containing $100,000 7:20

25d ago7:20

7:20

James Kane and Barbie Agostini are magnet fishing enthusiasts with their own YouTube channel, and recently discovered a safe in a New York lake containing an estimated $100,000. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizz…

1
$10m prize for team that can unlock secrets of animal communication 7:27

26d ago7:27

7:27

Will we soon be having clear conversations with our pets? Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben…

1
Politics Central: What does Donald Trump's verdict mean for the upcoming election? 41:08

26d ago41:08

41:08

This week on Politics Central, Otago University's Robert Patman shares his thoughts on the implications of Donald Trump's guilty verdict - and what it means for the upcoming US election. Later, ACT's David Seymour discusses last week's 2024 Budget - and weighs in on Te Pati Māori calling for their own Government. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/lis…

1
David Seymour: ACT Party leader says the Government can justify spending more money on cancer medication 13:50

26d ago13:50

13:50

Associate Health Minister David Seymour believes the Government can justify spending more on cancer medication. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has vowed they will deliver on spending $280 million on 13 new drugs - an election campaign promise they weren't able to deliver in the Budget. She told TVNZ's Q&A that an announcement on the drugs is coming…

1
Robert Patman: Otago University Politics professor voices concern about escalating polarisation in the US following Trump verdict 10:00

26d ago10:00

10:00

There's fears of further polarisation in the US regardless of whether Donald Trump wins the election. The former President's been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records before the 2016 election. He also faces further legal battles, including his handling of classified documents and his role in the Capitol Hill riots. Otago Univer…

1
Episode Update: Recovering and Upcoming Content 0:48

27d ago0:48

0:48

Hey guys, I'm just going to keep this very short. I just wanted to give you an update as to what's been going on in the background. Sorry I haven't gotten out my latest episodes recently. I have had a really nasty case of bronchitis. I've pretty much been bedridden for the past week or so. Just been focusing on getting better, taking my medications…

1
Is this three and a half year round the world sea odyssey the ‘lifestyle of your dreams’? 6:07

29d ago6:07

6:07

800 people set sail from Belfast today! Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learnenglishwithben for more informat…

1
Ken Wylie's Harrowing Avalanche Experience and Its Lifelong Impact 21:18

29d ago21:18

21:18

What happens when a scenic adventure turns into a fight for survival? In this episode, we sit down with Ken Wylie, who recounts the day he was caught in a devastating avalanche 20 years ago. Ken takes us through the critical moments before the disaster, from the overlooked morning meeting to the ominous "wumpf" sound that signaled impending doom. H…

1
French town in shock after scandal involving mayor and fortune teller 9:05

30d ago9:05

9:05

The town of Agde is reeling after a fortune teller allegedly manipulated the mayor... Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit pat…

1
Meet the couple in their 20s who live like it’s the 1940s 7:02

1M ago7:02

7:02

"It's a simple life", says 29 year old Greg Kirby, who together with his wife, wears clothes from the era and plays board games in the evening. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre …

1
Is Venice’s tourist fee working? 5:15

1M ago5:15

5:15

Ben looks at how successful the charge for daytrippers has been so far. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.com/learn…

1
Politics Central: Will there be any surprises in the 2024 Budget? 41:42

1M ago41:42

41:42

This coming Thursday is Budget Day, the day when the Government sets out exactly how much money they have, where they plan to find more, and where they plan to spend it. Labour Leader Chris Hipkins shares where he would like to see the money spent, and his thoughts on the Pre-Budget announcements. Later, Finance Minister Nicola Willis joins the Wee…

1
Chris Hipkins: Labour leader voices disapproval with the Government's plan for charter schools 8:57

1M ago8:57

8:57

Labour leader Chris Hipkins says charter schools are the wrong way to address outlying students. Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced 15 new charter schools will be set up in the next four years, and 35 state schools will be converted in the next two. Hipkins, who shut down charter schools in 2018, says charter schools don't work an…

1
Nicola Willis: Finance Minister ahead of her first Budget delivery 9:47

1M ago9:47

9:47

The Finance Minister has warned the Government won't be spraying money around ahead of the 2024 Budget. This coming Thursday, Nicola Willis will unveil what services will get a boost in funding, and which will be slimmed down or removed entirely. Nicola Willis says inflation and interest rates are still running too high - and that impacts the Gover…

1
Scarlett Johansson ‘shocked and angered’ by similar OpenAI voice 6:55

1M ago6:55

6:55

The voice for the company's ChatGPT system is "eerily similar" to Johansson's. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus content. Visit patreon.co…

1
Jonathan Rauch and the Constitution of Knowledge 55:28

1M ago55:28

55:28

In this episode, Michael and James talk to Jonathan Rauch, famed American journalist and senior fellow at the Brookings Institute.They discuss the importance of free speech and open debate for the advancement of knowledge and the health of our society.They explore how cultivating the skills of constructive disagreement, from the classroom to the pu…

1
Dublin-New York portal reopens with set hours following anti-social public behaviour 6:36

1M ago6:36

6:36

Certain members of the public were displaying inappropriate behaviour in front of the live-video portal. Read the episode transcript and test your understanding with a comprehension quiz by joining the Learn English with Ben fan club. You'll get access to transcripts and quizzes for every episode of Apprendre L'Anglais Avec L'Actu, plus other bonus…

1
Investing in Adventure, KEA Outdoors' Strategic Leap into Equity Crowdfunding 13:24

1M ago13:24

13:24

From guiding anglers through pristine waters to steering a brand that's redefining outdoor gear, Matt Butler of KEA Outdoors joins us to share his remarkable entrepreneurial journey. Our conversation takes you to the heart of Wanaka's breathtaking landscapes, where Matt's vision for crafting essential, innovative equipment sprouted from his experie…

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New Zealand Initiative Podcasts

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