You're listening to the Canterbury Mornings podcast with John McDonald from News Talk.

You're listening to the Canterbury Mornings podcast with John McDonald from News Talk.

ZB Politics Friday, Nationals, Matt Doocyning Matt, Morning John, and Labour's Ruben Davidson on the phone. Morning Ruben, Good morning John. How are you doing well? You're in Auckland not at the investment summit? Is that right?

ZB Politics Friday, Nationals, Matt Doocyning Matt, Morning John, and Labour's Ruben Davidson on the phone. Morning Ruben, Good morning John. How are you doing well? You're in Auckland not at the investment summit? Is that right?

I am in Auckland, but I'm not at the investment summit, although I am closer physically to it than the National Party's only South Island cabinet minister.

I am in Auckland, but I'm not at the investment summit, although I am closer physically to it than the National Party's only South Island cabinet minister.

So well, not true. Actually we've got a well we'll go to South Islander. So he's not in the cabinet, does he No? All right, splitting splitting hears, and we'll come back to that investment summit. First of all, First of all, let's talk about this this idea of the City Council, the Christian City Council has of letting people take dogs unleashed to Ledham Square and row Order Park, which runs parallel to Manchester Street. Ruben Davidson, what's your reaction or your view on that?

So well, not true. Actually we've got a well we'll go to South Islander. So he's not in the cabinet, does he No? All right, splitting splitting hears, and we'll come back to that investment summit. First of all, First of all, let's talk about this this idea of the City Council, the Christian City Council has of letting people take dogs unleashed to Ledham Square and row Order Park, which runs parallel to Manchester Street. Ruben Davidson, what's your reaction or your view on that?

Look, I hope you're sitting down, John, because I'm actually going to agree in a large part with you on this one. I think dogs are great. Personally, I'm often a little skeetered of dogs, and that's because I was bitten by a dog and I would much younger than I am now. And I think that if I'm out and about, I like seeing a dog on a lead, and I think that's good for a lot of people's comfort levels. And I don't think either of those proposed spaces have got sensing and adequate protections around them to keep dogs safe, to keep members of the public safe, to provide an environment that's a good off lead environmentsolutely.

Look, I hope you're sitting down, John, because I'm actually going to agree in a large part with you on this one. I think dogs are great. Personally, I'm often a little skeetered of dogs, and that's because I was bitten by a dog and I would much younger than I am now. And I think that if I'm out and about, I like seeing a dog on a lead, and I think that's good for a lot of people's comfort levels. And I don't think either of those proposed spaces have got sensing and adequate protections around them to keep dogs safe, to keep members of the public safe, to provide an environment that's a good off lead environmentsolutely.

Matt Doucy, what do you think a locker? Are a bit confused?

Matt Doucy, what do you think a locker? Are a bit confused?

To be honest, I scratch your head, Well, what does if I missed something? What is the driver behind this?

To be honest, I scratch your head, Well, what does if I missed something? What is the driver behind this?

I know I can't work it out either were My theory is that, you know how people accuse some counsels of having a whole lot of people people in crow wanting cycle ways. I reckon there's a whole lot of people at the council who've got a whole lot of fur babies and they've come up with this idea.

I know I can't work it out either were My theory is that, you know how people accuse some counsels of having a whole lot of people people in crow wanting cycle ways. I reckon there's a whole lot of people at the council who've got a whole lot of fur babies and they've come up with this idea.

Yeah, well, I suppose if you're putting it in the same sentence as cycle ways once again, what the hell's going on with the council? Why are they focused on issues like this? They've got a rates rise of almost ten percent and clearly they've got officials beavering away on the brilliant idea that will bring a lot of return to the city of whether our dogs have a leash or not.

Yeah, well, I suppose if you're putting it in the same sentence as cycle ways once again, what the hell's going on with the council? Why are they focused on issues like this? They've got a rates rise of almost ten percent and clearly they've got officials beavering away on the brilliant idea that will bring a lot of return to the city of whether our dogs have a leash or not.

And I feel lame o coming on. Well, hey, you're going to call them lamo.

And I feel lame o coming on. Well, hey, you're going to call them lamo.

Well, there is a difficult situation where christ Church Council and the Canterbury Councils now find themselves in the same position as the Greater Wellington councils and not putting a proposal in under the city and regional deals. So I don't think whereas dysfunctional, thankfully as Wellington. But boy, you don't want to be put in the same group as then.

Well, there is a difficult situation where christ Church Council and the Canterbury Councils now find themselves in the same position as the Greater Wellington councils and not putting a proposal in under the city and regional deals. So I don't think whereas dysfunctional, thankfully as Wellington. But boy, you don't want to be put in the same group as then.

All right, let's look at the investments summit and Reuben, I was reading on news Room with Sight this morning that Labor is quite quietly rolling back its opposition to public private partnerships, with your finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds saying the party is now willing to compromise if conditions are met. Is that true?

All right, let's look at the investments summit and Reuben, I was reading on news Room with Sight this morning that Labor is quite quietly rolling back its opposition to public private partnerships, with your finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds saying the party is now willing to compromise if conditions are met. Is that true?

Yeah? Look, I think the important thing there is not to believe absolutely everything you read, because there are a number of areas where public private partnerships are absolutely off the table, and rightly so. And I think the majority of people would agree with me on that.

Yeah? Look, I think the important thing there is not to believe absolutely everything you read, because there are a number of areas where public private partnerships are absolutely off the table, and rightly so. And I think the majority of people would agree with me on that.

On what it says here, Barbara Evans says the Party is now willing to compromise on partnerships to build schools, hospitals and prisons. You're saying that's not true.

On what it says here, Barbara Evans says the Party is now willing to compromise on partnerships to build schools, hospitals and prisons. You're saying that's not true.

Look, look that there there are some opportunities where public private partnerships might be viable or might be worth looking at. When we're talking about prisons, when we're talking about schools and hospitals, that's not the case. And I mean I'd be interested in Matt's opinion on this too, as Minister of Mental Health, where the public private partnerships are some think he wants to see pursued in the mental health infrastructure.

Look, look that there there are some opportunities where public private partnerships might be viable or might be worth looking at. When we're talking about prisons, when we're talking about schools and hospitals, that's not the case. And I mean I'd be interested in Matt's opinion on this too, as Minister of Mental Health, where the public private partnerships are some think he wants to see pursued in the mental health infrastructure.

Fle Let's let I want to well, I will pick up on that, Ruben, because Matt this announcement this morning from the government there's going to be money in the budget for the Christ Church prison. Is that money in the budget to build it or is that money for the investment summit to promote it? And say, hey, do you want to come here and build it for us.

Fle Let's let I want to well, I will pick up on that, Ruben, because Matt this announcement this morning from the government there's going to be money in the budget for the Christ Church prison. Is that money in the budget to build it or is that money for the investment summit to promote it? And say, hey, do you want to come here and build it for us.

Yeah, cannot. I'll answer your question, John, But just to take a step back, Barbara Edmonds co wrote the forward with Chris Bishop, Infrastructure Minister, committing this country to a thirty year pipeline of infrastructure because we know we do it poorly and we don't want the three year parliamentary cycles interfering with a long term pipeline. So I think, with respect to Ruben, I think he's misunderstood your question.

Yeah, cannot. I'll answer your question, John, But just to take a step back, Barbara Edmonds co wrote the forward with Chris Bishop, Infrastructure Minister, committing this country to a thirty year pipeline of infrastructure because we know we do it poorly and we don't want the three year parliamentary cycles interfering with a long term pipeline. So I think, with respect to Ruben, I think he's misunderstood your question.

But I'll leave it Ruben your chance to respond to that, because you are part of Barbara Edmond's economic team in Labor.

But I'll leave it Ruben your chance to respond to that, because you are part of Barbara Edmond's economic team in Labor.

Yeah, I am, and I don't think I misunderstood the question at all. But thanks for suggesting that, Matt.

Yeah, I am, and I don't think I misunderstood the question at all. But thanks for suggesting that, Matt.

Okay, So your view is different from public publicly, your view is different from Barbara Edmonds view publicly.

Okay, So your view is different from public publicly, your view is different from Barbara Edmonds view publicly.

No. No, what I'm telling you is that that Barbara's been really clear in her view around public private partnerships, and that's been spelt out very clearly. What's on the table, what's not on the table.

No. No, what I'm telling you is that that Barbara's been really clear in her view around public private partnerships, and that's been spelt out very clearly. What's on the table, what's not on the table.

Even though she's saying today that the labor is now willing to compromise.

Even though she's saying today that the labor is now willing to compromise.

Like I said, Barbara's been really clear with her stance on public private partnerships, which has Labour stance on public private partnership.

Like I said, Barbara's been really clear with her stance on public private partnerships, which has Labour stance on public private partnership.

All right, okay, so the prison and christ Church, Yes, was that on the market at the Investment summit today?

All right, okay, so the prison and christ Church, Yes, was that on the market at the Investment summit today?

Yes, very much so. So we've come out as part of Budget twenty twenty five announcing we'll build an extension on christ Church Men's Prison currently holds around nine hundred and fifty some high security prisoners, well, one hundred and fifty.

Yes, very much so. So we've come out as part of Budget twenty twenty five announcing we'll build an extension on christ Church Men's Prison currently holds around nine hundred and fifty some high security prisoners, well, one hundred and fifty.

But you'll only do it if there's a foreign investor involved.

But you'll only do it if there's a foreign investor involved.

Well, that that's part of the private public partnership proposal we're putting together. Of course, it depends on the quality of the applicants because that is part of the contracting process. So we've put it out there as a possibility. We've announced around four potentials so far in the summit. There will be a number of others and I know you're going to probably say, I want to say what are they?

Well, that that's part of the private public partnership proposal we're putting together. Of course, it depends on the quality of the applicants because that is part of the contracting process. So we've put it out there as a possibility. We've announced around four potentials so far in the summit. There will be a number of others and I know you're going to probably say, I want to say what are they?

Also? Is the wood End Bypass one of them?

Also? Is the wood End Bypass one of them?

Well, I'm not going to get ahead of announcements of ministers, whether it be Minister of Transport or others.

Well, I'm not going to get ahead of announcements of ministers, whether it be Minister of Transport or others.

But it would make sense, wouldn't it.

But it would make sense, wouldn't it.

Well, potentially we'll need to look at a public private partnership within the context of the wood End Bypass. But as you would have seen, we've already announced a PPP for the Northland Expressway.

Well, potentially we'll need to look at a public private partnership within the context of the wood End Bypass. But as you would have seen, we've already announced a PPP for the Northland Expressway.

How dependent how dependent are these things? So for example that the new prison or the prison work and the wood End Bypass, how dependent are they are they on getting a public private partnership.

How dependent how dependent are these things? So for example that the new prison or the prison work and the wood End Bypass, how dependent are they are they on getting a public private partnership.

Committed to starting construction of the Woody and bypass this term. So obviously we're looking at the potential for PPPs. That's what this infrastructure summit is about. But it will depend on the quality of applicants. But at the end of the day, I think Simme and Brown summed it up for me. And quite contrary to what Ruben's saying, I don't think people potentially care who owns the bricks and mortars as long as they get the services from them.

Committed to starting construction of the Woody and bypass this term. So obviously we're looking at the potential for PPPs. That's what this infrastructure summit is about. But it will depend on the quality of applicants. But at the end of the day, I think Simme and Brown summed it up for me. And quite contrary to what Ruben's saying, I don't think people potentially care who owns the bricks and mortars as long as they get the services from them.

All right, Ruben, Rubin, Rubin, can I just come back to you. You know they're seen you seem to be ring fencing your enthusiasm for public private partnerships. Does that mean that if Slash when Labor gets back into office, you'll be ripping up some certain contracts.

All right, Ruben, Rubin, Rubin, can I just come back to you. You know they're seen you seem to be ring fencing your enthusiasm for public private partnerships. Does that mean that if Slash when Labor gets back into office, you'll be ripping up some certain contracts.

Look, I think we've all talked about how damaging it is when governments change and everything gets stopped and repealed and paused. And we've seen that over the last day months when this National Coalition government have come in and gone from cancelation to cancelation to cancelation, whether we're talking Fairies or whether we're talking their safety upgrades to Brown Street and christ Church. There's there's just been this merry go round of things being taken off the table which has created huge uncertainty. It's meant that large chunks of the relevant workforces, the very people we need to progress those projects, have left to Australia and other places in record numbers.

Look, I think we've all talked about how damaging it is when governments change and everything gets stopped and repealed and paused. And we've seen that over the last day months when this National Coalition government have come in and gone from cancelation to cancelation to cancelation, whether we're talking Fairies or whether we're talking their safety upgrades to Brown Street and christ Church. There's there's just been this merry go round of things being taken off the table which has created huge uncertainty. It's meant that large chunks of the relevant workforces, the very people we need to progress those projects, have left to Australia and other places in record numbers.

So what's the answer to the question question I'm.

So what's the answer to the question question I'm.

Getting to it. That's why the Prime Minister now needs to spend more than a million bucks to fly in a bunch of foreign investment to try and calm the farms.

Getting to it. That's why the Prime Minister now needs to spend more than a million bucks to fly in a bunch of foreign investment to try and calm the farms.

So what's the question. What's the answer the question? Will you rip up contracts or not?

So what's the question. What's the answer the question? Will you rip up contracts or not?

The answer to the question is we need to see a more more bipartisan approach. But if we even look at the investment summit, the invitation was only initially two.

The answer to the question is we need to see a more more bipartisan approach. But if we even look at the investment summit, the invitation was only initially two.

Okay, yeah, yeah, okay, all right, all right, Moses out of your we don't need to worry about that. Matt Doocy. What sweetness are being offered at the investment side?

Okay, yeah, yeah, okay, all right, all right, Moses out of your we don't need to worry about that. Matt Doocy. What sweetness are being offered at the investment side?

Well, sorry, John, that needs to be called out. That's an outrageous statement. We've got a great example of exactly what Reuben said here in christ Church where we had the Northern Corridor. Alliance built the Northern Corridor, the government announced, the National Government they were going to continue on to build the Belfast and Pegasus Motorway, including the Wooden Bypass. Labor came in and canceled it, and all those people part of that alliance went to Australia. So he's actually reinforcing the position of why we are working collaborative. All right, Barbara Edmonds, this just doesn't make sense, all right.

Well, sorry, John, that needs to be called out. That's an outrageous statement. We've got a great example of exactly what Reuben said here in christ Church where we had the Northern Corridor. Alliance built the Northern Corridor, the government announced, the National Government they were going to continue on to build the Belfast and Pegasus Motorway, including the Wooden Bypass. Labor came in and canceled it, and all those people part of that alliance went to Australia. So he's actually reinforcing the position of why we are working collaborative. All right, Barbara Edmonds, this just doesn't make sense, all right.

What sweetness are being offered at the summit? Well, the tax breaks? What sweetness? Because there must be more than just brochures and talking positive.

What sweetness are being offered at the summit? Well, the tax breaks? What sweetness? Because there must be more than just brochures and talking positive.

There is no sweetness other than to say that we are open to PPPs for certain infrastructure projects we've announced for and we will be looking forward to some of those delegates to putting those proposals forward.

There is no sweetness other than to say that we are open to PPPs for certain infrastructure projects we've announced for and we will be looking forward to some of those delegates to putting those proposals forward.

Right when you say I'm I'm going to move on, but when you I mean the first rule of fundraising. When you're raising money is you have most of the deals in the bag before you start. How many of these were in the bag before the summit?

Right when you say I'm I'm going to move on, but when you I mean the first rule of fundraising. When you're raising money is you have most of the deals in the bag before you start. How many of these were in the bag before the summit?

Well, I disagree with that framing, and the Prime Minister has been very clear when he's been out on his international trips. A lot of people who are responsible for foreign capital investing and infrastructure projects because PPP is.

Well, I disagree with that framing, and the Prime Minister has been very clear when he's been out on his international trips. A lot of people who are responsible for foreign capital investing and infrastructure projects because PPP is.

Around the world.

Around the world.

So we went sure whether the New Zealand was open for business and we are now under a national government.

So we went sure whether the New Zealand was open for business and we are now under a national government.

Matt Doocy, is the school lunch program toast toast?

Matt Doocy, is the school lunch program toast toast?

No, Look, we've seen around delivery rates of ninety nine point nine percent. Clearly, this veriability of quality that the civil collective is working on.

No, Look, we've seen around delivery rates of ninety nine point nine percent. Clearly, this veriability of quality that the civil collective is working on.

Provider has gone bus. You can talk about ninety nine percent blah blah blah, but you know, as someone who had worked there said the other day, last year they were doing twenty thousand meals. This year they signed up to do one hundred and twenty thousand.

Provider has gone bus. You can talk about ninety nine percent blah blah blah, but you know, as someone who had worked there said the other day, last year they were doing twenty thousand meals. This year they signed up to do one hundred and twenty thousand.

Yeah, Well that's because this national government is delivering more meals under the school lunch program. So we've actually saved money for the taxpayer and delivered more meals. You're quite rightly pointing out Lavell's gone into liquidation. Look, that's a commercial issue. We expect under the School Lunch Collective for that program still to continue, and you've got compass with the contract.

Yeah, Well that's because this national government is delivering more meals under the school lunch program. So we've actually saved money for the taxpayer and delivered more meals. You're quite rightly pointing out Lavell's gone into liquidation. Look, that's a commercial issue. We expect under the School Lunch Collective for that program still to continue, and you've got compass with the contract.

There, Rubin. Did you did you see the footage on the news the other night of the teacher getting the kids to line up And I thought they were getting the kids to line up to get their meals, but they were lining up to chuck it in a bin which was fed to a pig. You can't I was great for the pig, but you can't say that that's a a great display of need. Can you?

There, Rubin. Did you did you see the footage on the news the other night of the teacher getting the kids to line up And I thought they were getting the kids to line up to get their meals, but they were lining up to chuck it in a bin which was fed to a pig. You can't I was great for the pig, but you can't say that that's a a great display of need. Can you?

Look, there's a few things in this. I can't think of anyone who thinks it's a good idea to fly macaroni cheese more than four seven hundred from Australia to New Zealand to provide a lunch that is absolutely inedible.

Look, there's a few things in this. I can't think of anyone who thinks it's a good idea to fly macaroni cheese more than four seven hundred from Australia to New Zealand to provide a lunch that is absolutely inedible.

Again, not the answer to the question, rub And the question is is that a display of need or not?

Again, not the answer to the question, rub And the question is is that a display of need or not?

It's a display of lunch is being provided that are inedible. And I've seen them firsthand. I've seen them and I've smelt them, and they are inedible in our schools. And over a week ago I spoke to mad about this and asked him if he had visited any schools in his electric to see them. And I'm curious to know whether he's found the time to do that, since, like how.

It's a display of lunch is being provided that are inedible. And I've seen them firsthand. I've seen them and I've smelt them, and they are inedible in our schools. And over a week ago I spoke to mad about this and asked him if he had visited any schools in his electric to see them. And I'm curious to know whether he's found the time to do that, since, like how.

You keep asking me anyway, it's not answering it anyway. Will you have asked your question? Was that a display of need? Kids lining up and chucking the food in a bucket and being fed to the pig?

You keep asking me anyway, it's not answering it anyway. Will you have asked your question? Was that a display of need? Kids lining up and chucking the food in a bucket and being fed to the pig?

Do you think it's acceptable for children to have to eat the lunches that are being delivered currently? They are inedible in some cases, they're actually dangerous to eat that's in them.

Do you think it's acceptable for children to have to eat the lunches that are being delivered currently? They are inedible in some cases, they're actually dangerous to eat that's in them.

Okay, all right, no answer that question. I don't think Matt, Matt, have you eaten the food or been to the school yet? Provided? How ironic is it that Phil Goffer is flying back from the UK this weekend and the guy who fired him is on his way to Washington? D C. Reuben Davidson, What do you want to see out of Winston Peter's meeting with the U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio?

Okay, all right, no answer that question. I don't think Matt, Matt, have you eaten the food or been to the school yet? Provided? How ironic is it that Phil Goffer is flying back from the UK this weekend and the guy who fired him is on his way to Washington? D C. Reuben Davidson, What do you want to see out of Winston Peter's meeting with the U S Secretary of State Marco Rubio?

Yeah, Look, I think it's really important that we don't politicizes with it. I think it's really a New Zealand Inc. Visit, So it's Winston Peter's representing all of us, and I think.

Yeah, Look, I think it's really important that we don't politicizes with it. I think it's really a New Zealand Inc. Visit, So it's Winston Peter's representing all of us, and I think.

What do you want to see out of it?

What do you want to see out of it?

Well, a really productive conversation between Winston Peters and Marco Rubio. I think that, you know, the US is still one of our most important friends. It's important that that dialogue continues. It'd be good to see some conversations around some of the tariffs that have been discussed and how far reaching those might be for New Zealand, because obviously we prefer that they weren't two hundred percent, but it would be I just think it'll be good to have that level of engagement.

Well, a really productive conversation between Winston Peters and Marco Rubio. I think that, you know, the US is still one of our most important friends. It's important that that dialogue continues. It'd be good to see some conversations around some of the tariffs that have been discussed and how far reaching those might be for New Zealand, because obviously we prefer that they weren't two hundred percent, but it would be I just think it'll be good to have that level of engagement.

Well, you sound like you're tiptoeing, are you? Is this? Are you scared of Trump?

Well, you sound like you're tiptoeing, are you? Is this? Are you scared of Trump?

I don't think. I don't think Donald Trump would would would really care whether I'm scared of him or not. As the as the MP for christ he Chief.

I don't think. I don't think Donald Trump would would would really care whether I'm scared of him or not. As the as the MP for christ he Chief.

You've gone, You've gone all diplomatic on it, which is very unlike you. What's happened.

You've gone, You've gone all diplomatic on it, which is very unlike you. What's happened.

Look, it's not often I'm called diplomatic, John, I'm called far worth a lot of the time.

Look, it's not often I'm called diplomatic, John, I'm called far worth a lot of the time.

All Right, I want to question you one of your new gigs in a second too. By the way, Matt, do see what what do you want to see coming out of that meeting.

All Right, I want to question you one of your new gigs in a second too. By the way, Matt, do see what what do you want to see coming out of that meeting.

Oh, I think very similar to Ruben. It is about strengthening our relationship with the United States. It's important that we have our Foreign Affairs minister going over to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio and to build that relationship. And it is about diplomacy and a lot there's a lot of uncertainty out in the world at the moment, and not only Winston Peters but all so the Prime Minister, our Trade Minister and also Defense Minister Judith Collins have made it very clear in the last twelve months been out on the international stage that they want to build those international relationships and build diplomacy, and I think it's important.

Oh, I think very similar to Ruben. It is about strengthening our relationship with the United States. It's important that we have our Foreign Affairs minister going over to meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio and to build that relationship. And it is about diplomacy and a lot there's a lot of uncertainty out in the world at the moment, and not only Winston Peters but all so the Prime Minister, our Trade Minister and also Defense Minister Judith Collins have made it very clear in the last twelve months been out on the international stage that they want to build those international relationships and build diplomacy, and I think it's important.

All right, Ruben, I just want to congratulate you. I see that you've been appointed. Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I wasn't aware that you've been appointed Labors spokesperson for Broadcasting, Media and the Creative Economy.

All right, Ruben, I just want to congratulate you. I see that you've been appointed. Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I wasn't aware that you've been appointed Labors spokesperson for Broadcasting, Media and the Creative Economy.

Was that announced, Yeah, it has, Yes, that was last Friday.

Was that announced, Yeah, it has, Yes, that was last Friday.

That was announcecer right, But they're very excited, very excited. But then I also see because Willie Jackson had that role up until now, but I also see that he's in the news saying that he's still be involved because he is still going to be the Maori media spokesperson for labor. Is that right?

That was announcecer right, But they're very excited, very excited. But then I also see because Willie Jackson had that role up until now, but I also see that he's in the news saying that he's still be involved because he is still going to be the Maori media spokesperson for labor. Is that right?

Yeah, that's he is, and that's also as part of his social development portfolio that he's also taken on.

Yeah, that's he is, and that's also as part of his social development portfolio that he's also taken on.

But how come you see you're going to have a Maori broadcasting spokesperson and a non broadcasting spokespersons. Are right?

But how come you see you're going to have a Maori broadcasting spokesperson and a non broadcasting spokespersons. Are right?

No, I think you've characterized that a little too simply. But the idea is prior to me taking on that portfolio, I worked as the associate with Willie, so we've worked together since the twenty twenty three election as spokesperson and associate spokesperson.

No, I think you've characterized that a little too simply. But the idea is prior to me taking on that portfolio, I worked as the associate with Willie, so we've worked together since the twenty twenty three election as spokesperson and associate spokesperson.

Why would they want be a platform? Why would you have two spokespeople?

Why would they want be a platform? Why would you have two spokespeople?

Well, you've got one spokesperson for broadcasting, media and creative economy, and then you've got a spokesperson for social development but also really has a role as a spokesperson for multi media.

Well, you've got one spokesperson for broadcasting, media and creative economy, and then you've got a spokesperson for social development but also really has a role as a spokesperson for multi media.

See, don't you guys get it that? You know, it might, it might all makes sense and be great, but people will get a with of that and they think, oh, here we go again, this is all co governance all over again. Yeah.

See, don't you guys get it that? You know, it might, it might all makes sense and be great, but people will get a with of that and they think, oh, here we go again, this is all co governance all over again. Yeah.

I don't agree with your characterization of that at all. I think there are some rare specific challenges and opportunities in the indigenous and multi media space in New Zealand, and I think that really, with a wealth of experience over a lifetime working in the media, is really really well placed to understand and serve those needs that central government level. Similarly, I'm really excited by the opportunity to represent and meet with the sector and look at what we need to do, especially in the face of complete in action from the current Broadcasting Minister to do anything meaningful to support the media sector.

I don't agree with your characterization of that at all. I think there are some rare specific challenges and opportunities in the indigenous and multi media space in New Zealand, and I think that really, with a wealth of experience over a lifetime working in the media, is really really well placed to understand and serve those needs that central government level. Similarly, I'm really excited by the opportunity to represent and meet with the sector and look at what we need to do, especially in the face of complete in action from the current Broadcasting Minister to do anything meaningful to support the media sector.

All right, Okay, one final thing, particular postal voting and the local body elections. Matt, yes or.

All right, Okay, one final thing, particular postal voting and the local body elections. Matt, yes or.

No again, a bit like the least unleased dog. Not not really sure what the driver behind it is. If it's saying we will switch to in person voting to improve voting in local government elections, that I'm not sure.

No again, a bit like the least unleased dog. Not not really sure what the driver behind it is. If it's saying we will switch to in person voting to improve voting in local government elections, that I'm not sure.

It really makes a difference. So is that a yes or no?

It really makes a difference. So is that a yes or no?

Well, like I say, I'm not sure what the problem is that this is trying to solve.

Well, like I say, I'm not sure what the problem is that this is trying to solve.

Well, probably because only about five people by the voting. Actually that's it.

Well, probably because only about five people by the voting. Actually that's it.

So you know, why don't we rarely talk about the elephant in the room at local body elections is about underst standing whether we have too many councils.

So you know, why don't we rarely talk about the elephant in the room at local body elections is about underst standing whether we have too many councils.

Reuben, Look, I think the issue is that that Matt can't grasp his vote to turn out, and I think that we should be doing absolutely everything we can to make it easier to vote. Everybody receives voting papers who's aligible to vote in local body elections. I would suggest that a large number of those get lost on the top of the fridge. And if we created more opportunities for people to be able to vote, be that either by postal ballot or by turning up to a polling booth, we could lift the return rates from the woeful you know, late twenties, early thirties that they are in some electorates and wards and actually get greater participation and a stiffer competition for those positions.

Reuben, Look, I think the issue is that that Matt can't grasp his vote to turn out, and I think that we should be doing absolutely everything we can to make it easier to vote. Everybody receives voting papers who's aligible to vote in local body elections. I would suggest that a large number of those get lost on the top of the fridge. And if we created more opportunities for people to be able to vote, be that either by postal ballot or by turning up to a polling booth, we could lift the return rates from the woeful you know, late twenties, early thirties that they are in some electorates and wards and actually get greater participation and a stiffer competition for those positions.

You want to double whammy.

You want to double whammy.

That's exactly my point, Ruben, is that if you can't bother to vote when it turns up in your letterbox and you sit on the couch and ticket, come on, why is getting out of your house and walking somewhere or drive and going to increase that doesn't make.

That's exactly my point, Ruben, is that if you can't bother to vote when it turns up in your letterbox and you sit on the couch and ticket, come on, why is getting out of your house and walking somewhere or drive and going to increase that doesn't make.

For people to be able to vote now. Hold on, Hold on, Reuben, hold on you hold remember that to see Come on, you have left the papers on the bench. We've all done it. Hey, come on, you're telling me that every local body election you you have, you got your papers in before the deadline. But listen what.

For people to be able to vote now. Hold on, Hold on, Reuben, hold on you hold remember that to see Come on, you have left the papers on the bench. We've all done it. Hey, come on, you're telling me that every local body election you you have, you got your papers in before the deadline. But listen what.

I have I diligently vote. But point being, if you can't bother to vote when the papers stewed up to your house, you're not going to get out and find a polling that you are I would, come on, I would how much more is this going to cost? And then everyone pays it through the race.

I have I diligently vote. But point being, if you can't bother to vote when the papers stewed up to your house, you're not going to get out and find a polling that you are I would, come on, I would how much more is this going to cost? And then everyone pays it through the race.

I love going to the polling. This is part of the wider thing, isn't it, Reuben, to get rid of councils? Here first democracy on the top of the fringe.

I love going to the polling. This is part of the wider thing, isn't it, Reuben, to get rid of councils? Here first democracy on the top of the fringe.

I thank you both for more from Caterbory Mornings with John McDonald. Listen live to news talks It'd be christ Church from nine am weekdays, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.

I thank you both for more from Caterbory Mornings with John McDonald. Listen live to news talks It'd be christ Church from nine am weekdays, or follow the podcast on iHeartRadio.