Best The Spectator Australia Podcasts (2024)

1
Mark Phillips: Crimson Global Academy Principal on screen time in educational settings 3:29

5h ago3:29

3:29

The principal of an online high school is broadening the conversation about children's screen time. In an article in today's Medical Journal a group of experts calls for breaks, the use of blinking exercises, more hearing and visions tests for children, and more research on the dangers of screens. But Mark Phillips, Principal of online high school …

1
Elliott Smith: ZB's Rugby Commentator on All Blacks v England Test 3:49

8h ago3:49

3:49

Dunedin is abuzz ahead of the first All Blacks test of the 2024 season. They take on England at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night - and it's Scott Robertson's first match in charge. His first side includes Stephen Perofeta ahead of Beauden Barrett at fullback and Samipeni Finau edging Ethan Blackadder for the number six jersey. Newstalk ZB's Rugb…

1
Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on election day and impending loss for the Conservative Party 5:46

9h ago5:46

5:46

Britain's Conservative Party is bracing for a huge loss, with only a few hours to go till polling booths close. Keir Starmer's Labour is expected to close a 14 year chapter of Tory rule. Projections expect them to have up to 431 MPs out of 650, with the Tories plummet to 102 MPs. UK Correspondent Vincent McAviney told Mike Hosking the Liberal Democ…

1
Kieran McAnulty: Labour's Housing Spokesperson on the Government's plans to revise the housing development regulations 2:04

1d ago2:04

2:04

The Labour Party says building more houses requires support from all sides. Housing Minister Chris Bishop will today announce the plan to flood the largest cities with land for housing development. Councils won't be able to set fixed rural-urban boundaries or mandate minimum floor area and balconies. Instead, the market will decide. Labour Housing …

1
Decoding the modern bloke, with Geoff Norcott 49:41

11h ago49:41

49:41

It wasn’t so long ago that one phrase sat above any other in the hierarchy of endorsements for a British or Australian male: “He’s a good bloke.” You don’t hear it as much in 2024 because blokehood is under attack across the Western world. Historically positive masculine virtues are now shamed as toxically masculine. At a minimum, blokeishness is d…

1
Bernie Smith: Former CEO of Monte Cecilia Housing Trust on the overhaul to Kainga Ora's leadership 2:10

1d ago2:10

2:10

A housing expert is backing the move to overhaul Kainga Ora leadership. The Housing Minister's announced a refreshed board and new expectations to reduce operating losses. It follows a review by former Prime Minister Bill English saying the ministry's been financially unsustainable. Former CEO of Monte Cecilia Housing Trust Bernie Smith says privat…

1
Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the mood in the Democrats after the Biden-Trump debate 3:01

1d ago3:01

3:01

American President Joe Biden continues to face pressure from his own party. A new Reuters Ipsos poll shows Biden and former president Donald Trump neck and neck on 40% support among registered voters. Biden's recent debate performance against Trump has prompted calls for him to step aside. US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking there h…

1
Mark Potter: NZEI President on the introduction of standardised testing for primary school students 4:11

1d ago4:11

4:11

The primary teachers union says the Government's new school tests won't make a difference. The Government's introducing phonics checks done after 20 weeks of schooling and repeated at 40 weeks. Progression monitoring on reading, writing, and maths will also be introduced for children in Years 3 through 8, and done twice a year. NZEI president Mark …

1
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on Lucy Letby being found guilty of attempted murder of another infant 3:20

2d ago3:20

3:20

Former UK nurse Lucy Letby has been found guilty of trying to murder another newborn baby. It adds to convictions last year that made her the United Kingdom's most prolific serial killer of modern times. The 34-year-old was found guilty last August of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more while working at a Chester Hospital. She went o…

1
Catherine Law: Avonside Girls High Principal on the dropping number of holidays being taken during the school term 3:32

2d ago3:32

3:32

A principal says the number of students going on holidays during the school term has dropped. Flight Centre data shows a 30% reduction in family bookings during the school term compared to last year. But the bookings during winter school holidays are up 10%. General Manager Heidi Walker says it's likely due to the Government's focus on truancy. Avo…

1
Duncan Greive: Spinoff Founder on the potential impact of the changes to the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill 2:52

2d ago2:52

2:52

A media commentator says a Bill to make tech platforms pay for news has a decent shot at bringing change. The Government's progressing an amended version of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill to make digital platforms like Facebook pay for using news content. National and NZ First are supporting it, while ACT's invoking its right to 'agree to di…

1
Mark Hooper: Federated Farmers RMA Reform Spokesperson says the Government needs to pick up the pace on RMA reforms 2:30

2d ago2:30

2:30

Federated Farmers is urging the Government to pick up the pace with replacing the RMA system. The percentage of applications processed within statutory time frames is falling, from 89% in 2020-2021, to a record low of 76% the next year. Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper told Mike Hosking that the Government is taking it seriousl…

1
Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the cyberattacks on Australia's big four banks 2:39

3d ago2:39

2:39

Australia’s big four banks have been hit with a raft of cyber-attacks. The systems of NAB, CommBank, ANZ, and Westpac were being hit every minute of every day, leaving customers increasingly vulnerable to scams. The attackers were trying to gain access to the banks’ computer systems, deny services to customers, use malicious code, or breach securit…

1
Keith McLaughlin: Centrix Managing Director on the rising number of liquidations 3:51

3d ago3:51

3:51

The number of liquidations is starting to rise as small and medium-sized businesses are suffering from a lack of sales. Businesses are seeing a lack of overall sales, with some people putting off big purchases. More people are paying their phone bills and mortgages on time in the month, but late payments are up year-on-year. Centrix Managing Direct…

1
Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on the Government's quarter 3 plans for law and order 4:26

3d ago4:26

4:26

The Police Minister says he's starting to see change when it comes to crime, but there's a long way to go. The Government's committed to passing four pieces of law and order legislation in the next quarter. It includes allowing police to ban gang patches, confiscate firearms, more efficiency in the courts, and more rehabilitation for on-remand pris…

1
Chris Cahill: Police Association President on the Government's commitments to law and order in the next quarter 3:35

3d ago3:35

3:35

The Government's committed to passing four pieces of law and order legislation in the next quarter. It includes enabling police to ban gang patches and confiscate firearms. They'll also improve efficiency in the courts system and increase access to rehabilitation for on-remand prisoners. Police Association president Chris Cahill told Mike Hosking t…

1
Shaun Robinson: Mental Health exec on new govt targets 3:33

4d ago3:33

3:33

The government has announced a goal of between 80 and 90% of people seeking specialist and primary services getting that help faster. Shaun Robinson, Mental Health Foundation Chief Executive, says more is needed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Gavin Grey: France, UK set to hit the polls this week 2:48

4d ago2:48

2:48

France is going to the polls today, with early voting hinting at a change of Presidency. UK politicians are doing their final push for votes ahead of Thursday's election. UK and Europe correspondent Gavin Grey has all the latest. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Andrew Alderson: Formula 1, T20, and more from the weekend 3:49

4d ago3:49

3:49

From Lando Norris and McLaren to the T20 Cup, Andrew Alderson brings you all the sporting updates from over the weekend. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Newstalk ZB

1
Amber Athey: The Spectator Editor on the Presidential debate 4:27

4d ago4:27

4:27

U.S. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump went head to head in Atlanta last week in the first Presidential debate of this campaign cycle. The debate was not a good look for the Democrat side, with calls for Biden to stand down as their nominee. The Spectator's Washington Editor Amber Athey told Mike Hosking it was a result many wer…

1
Amber Athey: Spectator's Washington Editor on the upcoming debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump 4:17

8d ago4:17

4:17

Joe Biden and Donald Trump go live in Atlanta tomorrow afternoon, New Zealand time. The televised US election debate is the earliest in the campaign since 1960, with Americans going to the polls in just over four months. It's the third time the US President and the former President will go head to head after two heated encounters in 2020. The Spect…

1
Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent says Boeing's astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July 2:59

8d ago2:59

2:59

Two astronauts are likely to remain stuck in space into July. Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were supposed to return on the Boeing Starliner about two weeks ago after an eight day stint in space. US Correspondent Katherine Firkin told Mike Hosking that there have been several issues including malfunctioning thrusters and helium leaks. She says w…

1
"Machines are the children of humanity" - Agnieszka Pilat 43:02

7d ago43:02

43:02

It feels like AI can now write anything for us and create anything for us. In some respects it’s exciting, but it’s also scary, and it raises a depressing question: will technology kill creativity? There are few people better placed to answer that question than Polish-American artist Agnieszka Pilat. Agnieszka is the Silicon Valley elite’s favourit…

1
Floyd du Plessis: Corrections Association President on the lack of capacity in the face of the Government's sentencing law reforms 3:23

8d ago3:23

3:23

There’s uncertainty over whether Corrections has capacity, with more prisoners on the way. The Government's sentencing law reforms will mean longer sentences and up to 1700 more inmates every year. Corrections Association's Floyd du Plessis says the prisons are currently full, and while there are more beds in theory, they aren't adequately staffed …

1
Ben Green: Gisborne Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Manager on the aftermath of this week's severe weather 2:22

8d ago2:22

2:22

A Gisborne Civil Defence manager says they're now dealing with the clean up from this week's severe weather. States of emergency in the Wairoa District and Hastings Heretaunga Ward remain in place. Roads were closed and people evacuated after heavy rain lashed the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne regions yesterday. Wairoa District Council says 400 properti…

1
Jason Walls: Political Editor on Winston Peters invoking the Agree to Disagree clause 2:51

9d ago2:51

2:51

New Zealand First has invoked the Agree-to-Disagree Coalition clause. Winston Peters says his Party doesn't support the Government continuing the Covid Commission of Inquiry in its current form. The clause is nestled within New Zealand First's Governance agreement with National, allowing Peters and his MPs to speak publicly about a Cabinet decision…

1
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the gambling scandals in the lead up to the election 3:10

9d ago3:10

3:10

A gambling scandal is causing a rocky run up to next week's UK election. Six police officers, including a member of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's protection team, are in hot water after allegedly placing bets on the election date. UK correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking that it's an extraordinary saga, with two Conservative MPs now suspended a…

1
Mark Smith: ASB Senior Economist on the spike in global shipping prices 3:05

9d ago3:05

3:05

There’s hopes a spike in global shipping prices won't stay around for long. Conflict in the Red Sea has caused shipping costs to jump three times higher than the rates seen at end of last year. But, ASB Senior economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking, the impact on inflation will depend on how long prices remain high. He says the prices have spiked q…

1
Seth Stern: Freedom of the Press Director of Advocacy on the precedent set by the Julian Assange trial 4:04

9d ago4:04

4:04

The latest in the Julian Assange saga is being coined a dark day in American history and press freedom. The Wikileaks founder is set to plead guilty to violating US espionage law and will be sentenced to 62 months of time already served before going free. Freedom of the Press' Director of Advocacy Seth Stern told Mike Hosking that it's a case that …

1
Donna Demaio: Australia Correspondent on the changes to Australia's vape ban 2:28

10d ago2:28

2:28

Australia is taking a firm stance on vaping. The sale of vapes will be restricted to pharmacies from next week, as the Greens agree to pass a proposed ban. However, the Government has agreed to water down restrictions that would have required adults to obtain a prescription. Australia Correspondent Donna Demaio told Mike Hosking that this has spark…

1
Tony Johnson: Rugby Commentator on the naming of Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad 4:34

10d ago4:34

4:34

Scott Robertson’s All Blacks squad has been announced, with Scott Barrett taking the captaincy. He’s taking over the duties from Sam Cane, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett sharing the vice-captaincy. Rugby Commentator Tony Johnson told Mike Hosking that he doubts there’ll be any drastic changes right off the bat. He said that if they’re going to…

1
Rachel Hart: Cancer Society CEO on the uncertainty in the timeline surrounding cancer drug funding 3:55

10d ago3:55

3:55

The Cancer Society says yesterday was a momentous day but there's still a bit of uncertainty around Pharmac's funding boost. The Government's committed $604 million, taken in advance from next year's Budget. It will cover the funding for 54 new medicines, including 26 cancer treatments. Cancer Society chief executive Rachael Hart told Mike Hosking …

1
Mark Mitchell: Police Minister on increasing police officers on the beat 4:31

11d ago4:31

4:31

Auckland will soon have Police on the beat 24/7. Community Beat Teams will be based in major centres, with 63 officers in Auckland, 17 in Wellington and 10 in Christchurch. It's the Police and Government's newest plan to crackdown on crime rates. Police Minister Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking “We want to make sure that we have a safe city – not on…

1
Gavin Grey: UK Correspondent on the King reportedly not going to visit New Zealand 2:12

11d ago2:12

2:12

King Charles will likely skip New Zealand during his upcoming tour to the South Pacific. According to The Mirror, he and Queen Camilla are set to visit Australia and Samoa - but have dropped New Zealand. The visit was never officially announced - just rumoured to be on the agenda. UK Correspondent Gavin Grey told Mike Hosking “His Majesty is said t…

1
Mike Hosking: Delivery and confidence - that's what we want from governments 1:59

11d ago1:59

1:59

I think we got enough out of Nicola Willis on the programme Friday to know that today, cabinet’s gonna sign off this money for Pharmac to solve the cancer problem. The big outworking of this is - I hope they've learned their lesson. This government has a couple of problems. The biggest one is the mess they inherited. We are going to spend at least …

1
Andrew Alderson: ZB Sports Anchor gives a Super Rugby finals recap 4:47

11d ago4:47

4:47

The Blues dominated the Chiefs on Saturday night to take the 2024 Super Rugby title at Eden Park - beating the visitors 41-10. Caleb Clarke scored a hattrick as Akira Ioane and AJ Lam got a try each. It's the first time they've won the competition in more than two decades. Newstalk ZB Sports Anchor, Andrew Alderson, told Mike Hosking “I thought it …

1
Malcolm Mulholland: Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair on the government's expected announcement for cancer drugs 3:00

11d ago3:00

3:00

The Government’s expected to announce a $600 million boost in funding for Pharmac today. If approved, it would bump the medicine budget up 40 percent - and cover the 13 cancer drugs the Government initially promised, and more. Patient Voice Aotearoa Chair, Malcolm Mulholland, told Mike Hosking “From our perspective – this was always going to be the…

1
Vincent McAviney: UK Correspondent on the betting scandal facing the Tories 3:45

14d ago3:45

3:45

Labour’s lead in the UK election is holding steady as the Tories deal with a scandal. The party has admitted that their campaign head, Tony Lee, placed bets on the timing of the vote, allegedly just days before Sunak went public. The BBC revealed that Tory candidate Laura Sanders, wife of Lee, is also being investigated by Britain’s Gambling Commis…

1
Brad Olsen: Infometrics Chief Economist on the GDP increase and what it means for quarter 2 4:05

14d ago4:05

4:05

New Zealand's officially out of a technical recession but may not be out of the woods. Stats NZ figures show GDP rose 0.2% in the three months to March and the same amount for the year. However, per capita GDP decreased by 0.3%. Infometrics Chief Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking that the numbers are not looking promising for Q2. He said that …

1
Elliott Smith: ZB Rugby Commentator ahead of the Super Rugby Final between the Blues and the Chiefs 3:27

14d ago3:27

3:27

Tomorrow’s Super Rugby Final is set to be an intense match. The Blues face off against the Chiefs at a sold-out Eden Park, kicking off just after 7pm. ZB’s Rugby Commentator Elliott Smith told Mike Hosking that the Chiefs have come out of nowhere in the last couple weeks. The Blues were expected to face the Hurricanes in the finals, the Chiefs ente…

1
Darryn Fisher: North Chamber CEO on the impact of the Northland power outage on businesses 3:43

14d ago3:43

3:43

A Northland business leader says the large power outage will significantly impact business. Widespread power outages began yesterday morning when a transmission tower toppled at Glorit, northwest of Auckland. NorthPower says supply has since been restored to the majority of Northland. Top Energy is showing 61 customers in Bay of Islands still witho…

1
James Smith: General Manager of Policy and Advocacy at the National Road Carriers Association on the Brynderwyns reopening from next week 3:13

15d ago3:13

3:13

Freight operators are thrilled they can deliver goods to Northland a lot faster from next week. State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyns will reopen to two-way traffic from 11.59pm next Wednesday, just in time for Matariki weekend. The Transport Agency says additional space has been created so crews can work on repairs without lengthy closures. James S…

1
Kim Mundy: ASB Senior Economist ahead of the release of last quarters GDP figures 3:33

15d ago3:33

3:33

We'll know later today whether New Zealand was in a technical recession last financial quarter. Gross Domestic Product figures for the three months to March are released later this morning. ASB is forecasting a 0.1% rise. Senior economist Kim Mundy told Mike Hosking that they're not expecting another recession, but neither are they expecting strong…

1
How the elites betrayed America's working class, with Batya Ungar-Sargon 55:56

15d ago55:56

55:56

There has long been a curious sub-genre in liberal journalism. It can best be described as “examining working class Americans in their natural habitat.” It goes something like this. Journalists from New York or California will bravely venture into a red state, observe the local inhabitants from afar, and come back with a series of superficial insig…

1
Katherine Firkin: US Correspondent on the call for Boeing to be charged with criminal liability 3:36

15d ago3:36

3:36

There's a renewed call for Boeing to be prosecuted after being grilled in the US Senate over its recent safety issues. US Justice officials have until July 7th to decide if it lays criminal charges. Family members of the 346 victims of two separate crashes involving Boeing planes five years ago were also at the hearing. US Correspondent Katherine F…

1
Christine Rose: Maui and Hector's Dolphin Defenders spokesperson on the SailGP moving from Lyttleton Harbour 2:22

15d ago2:22

2:22

Dolphin advocates are celebrating SailGP's decision to move next year's event from Christchurch. SailGP announced the 2025 edition wouldn't return to Lyttelton Harbour, which has hosted for the last two years. In this year's event, the first day of racing was controversially cancelled due to a Hector's Dolphin spotting. Maui and Hector's Dolphin De…

1
Gavin Grey: Europe Correspondent on the rescue of migrants in the Mediterranean 3:02

16d ago3:02

3:02

Dozens of migrants have been rescued from a sinking ship in the Mediterranean. German aid group RESQSHIP said it picked up 51 people from a sinking wooden boat, including two unconscious people, and found ten bodies trapped in the lower deck. A second ship sank nearby, and 64 people total are still missing from the vessels. Europe Correspondent Gav…

1
Victor Billot: Maritime Union spokesperson on the ballooning costs of maintaining the Interislander ferries 3:35

16d ago3:35

3:35

Maintenance on ageing Interislander ferries is seen as a short-term solution by the Maritime Union. Estimated annual maintenance costs to keep KiwiRail’s three ageing Interislander ferries running could almost double to $65 million by next year, and keeping the ferries afloat will be an “ongoing battle”. A previous assessment of the fleet’s conditi…

1
John Moffat: Bovine disease vaccine research lead on the impact of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea on costs 2:49

16d ago2:49

2:49

There’s hopes an improved vaccine against an infectious disease running rife through New Zealand cattle could ease costs for farmers. The Ministry for Primary Industries is backing a project which aims to develop a modified vaccine against Bovine Viral Diarrhoea. It impacts about 80% of our dairy and beef herds and costs the industry more than $190…

1
Ruth Money: Victims advocate on the introduction of time frame goals in the justice system 4:48

16d ago4:48

4:48

A victims' advocate says new measures to address court backlogs are doable if all players in the system play their part. The Chief District Court Judge has introduced maximum waiting times based on the seriousness of the crime. For the least serious category —where there's no risk of prison— the aim is six months. Independent victims' advocate Ruth…

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