One former Defence Minister has voiced his thoughts on the Government's latest defence spending announcement. 

The Government unveiled the $12-billion dollar plan yesterday - $9 billion of it new spending.

It includes enhancing strike capabilities, replacing Boeing 757s, and upgrading javelin anti-tank missiles. 

Wayne Mapp joined the Afternoons team to discuss.

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One former Defence Minister has voiced his thoughts on the Government's latest defence spending announcement.&nbsp;
The Government unveiled the $12-billion dollar plan yesterday - $9 billion of it new spending.
It includes enhancing strike capabilities, replacing Boeing 757s, and upgrading javelin anti-tank missiles.&nbsp;
Wayne Mapp joined the Afternoons team to discuss.
LISTEN ABOVE

We’re bringing you an exciting new era on Newstalk ZB with Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons.

With years of media and broadcast experience between them, this team brings a fresh and unique perspective to your weekdays.

Matt and Tyler dive into the latest news stories, share their opinions, and engage with their listeners weekdays on Newstalk ZB.

We’re bringing you an exciting new era on Newstalk ZB with Matt Heath &amp; Tyler Adams Afternoons.
With years of media and broadcast experience between them, this team brings a fresh and unique perspective to your weekdays.
Matt and Tyler dive into the latest news stories, share their opinions, and engage with their listeners weekdays on Newstalk ZB.

Matt Heath and Tyler Adams dive into the latest news stories, share their opinions, and engage with their listeners weekdays on Newstalk ZB.

Matt Heath & Tyler Adams Afternoons

Wayne Mapp: former Defence Minister on the Government's new multi-billion dollar defence investment

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/da13eef7-0709-4b54-a789-b2b9004560d5/transcript

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for Thursday the 28th of May 2026, a big budget special with Infometrics Chief Executive & Principal Economist Brad Olsen and NewstalkZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper. Plus talkback reaction from listeners.

Before Matt & Tyler got into that discussion around a dispute that erupted after a dairy owner confrontsed a diner inside a restaurant who parked in a 10 minute zone outside a convenience store.

Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

LISTEN ABOVE

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for Thursday the 28th of May 2026, a big budget special with Infometrics Chief Executive &amp; Principal Economist Brad Olsen and NewstalkZB Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper. Plus talkback reaction from listeners.
Before Matt &amp; Tyler got into that discussion around a dispute that erupted after a dairy owner confrontsed a diner inside a restaurant who parked in a 10 minute zone outside a convenience store.
Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE

Full Show Podcast: 28 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/04aba096-1cf6-4588-bd33-b458004dab92/transcript

Budget 2026 has been unveiled, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed this is a 'careful' Budget with an eye to the future.

Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are the top priorities, and the Government's forecasting an earlier than expected return to surplus. 

There's also a new levy on banks and other financial market participants from mid-2027.

Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen says it illustrates a targeted approach. 

"There is a much greater focus on user pays, so instead of just general taxes paying for stuff, if you're using a service, if you're getting a benefit - you're paying for a whole lot more as well."

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's been waiting to see how much money's in the kete - before announcing its election policies. 

He says there's clearly not much.

"I think this Government's resisted, probably against a number of odds, of maybe offering a few tantalising pieces, to go towards the election."

LISTEN ABOVE

Budget 2026 has been unveiled, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed this is a 'careful' Budget with an eye to the future.
Healthcare, education, and infrastructure are the top priorities, and the Government's forecasting an earlier than expected return to surplus.&nbsp;
There's also a new levy on banks and other financial market participants from mid-2027.
Infometrics Chief Executive Brad Olsen says it illustrates a targeted approach.&nbsp;
"There is a much greater focus on user pays, so instead of just general taxes paying for stuff, if you're using a service, if you're getting a benefit - you're paying for a whole lot more as well."
Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Labour's been waiting to see how much money's in the kete - before announcing its election policies.&nbsp;
He says there's clearly not much.
"I think this Government's resisted, probably against a number of odds, of maybe offering a few tantalising pieces, to go towards the election."
LISTEN ABOVE

Brad Olsen and Barry Soper: Infometrics Principal Economist and Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent recap Budget 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7eb5d8d4-1397-4566-b367-b45800432291/transcript

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 27th of April 2026, we talk MPs pay, accommodation supplements, paua pies and crayfish - is being an MP a cushy life?

Black Dog Tavern owner Brendon Wilson fears he could lose liquor licence after allowing a 21-year-old to drink from yard glass - are yardies a thing of the past or OK?

And then - tradies stretching before work - gotta be a good move!

Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

LISTEN ABOVE

On the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Full Show Podcast for the 27th of April 2026, we talk MPs pay, accommodation supplements, paua pies and crayfish - is being an MP a cushy life?
Black Dog Tavern owner Brendon Wilson fears he could lose liquor licence after allowing a 21-year-old to drink from yard glass - are yardies a thing of the past or OK?
And then - tradies stretching before work - gotta be a good move!
Get the Matt Heath and Tyler Adams Afternoons Podcast every weekday afternoon on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
LISTEN ABOVE

Full Show Podcast: 27 May 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/750ce5e9-ae2e-442a-aaba-b457004dabea/transcript

Wayne Mapp: former Defence Minister on the Government's new multi-billion dollar defence investment

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