Politics Central
Lockwood Smith and Richard Hills: Wrapping the year of Politics
This year's international politics have been unstable to say the least.Trump's Tariffs, Gaza, Ukraine and the Epstein Files have been gifts that keep giving...or not. But closer to home we've managed to dodge declarations of war. However, there's still lots to reflect on and discuss. Former Speak…
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Jonathan Kearsley: Nato's strength depends on United States
Nato chief Mark Rutte warns Western allies to prepare for war with Russia. He said that within the next five years, Nato countries will need to be prepared for a scale of war that hasn't been seen since our grandparents or great-grandparents. Donald Trump is due to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy…
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Nicola Willis: "I will stand up for myself" against Taxpayers' Union
It's been a week of back and forth for the Taxpayers' Union and the Finance Minister. Nicola Willis has challenged Union chair and former finance minister Ruth Richardson to a debate, which was met with a sweet treat sent to Nicola and media. LISTEN ABOVE
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Rawiri Taonui: Te Pati Maori will need to clean up before the election
After a tough few months for Te Pati Maori, its AGM is taking place today. Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer said the country is "facing the most destructive government in our history," and the party is set on "making this a one term government." Meanwhile, 3 of 4 of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's reques…
13:23
Matthew Hague: Police will need to "work hard to rebuild" public trust after McSkimming scandal
Former police commissioner Andrew Coster claims he had briefed Chris Hipkins on Jevon McSkimming's alleged misconduct in 2022, and briefed Mark Mitchell in 2024. Coster stepped down as Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency this week, after an IPCA report showed failures in how the polic…
11:46
Dr Luke Bradford: GP clinic loans "a part of the solution"
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has unveiled the party's first policy for next year's election - low-interest loans to support doctor-owned clinics. The scheme will offer up to 50 ten year long loans a year for doctors or nurse practitioners to open or buy into local clinics, interest free for the fir…
10:56
Simon Watts: New Zealand on the right path for climate change
A deal was reached at COP30 this weekend, boosting finance for poor nations coping with global warming - but there was no mention of fossil fuels. 83 countries signed a roadmap that would push for the end of fossil fuels, but New Zealand was one of the only countries not to sign. The opposition …
13:42
Rupert Carlyon: KiwiSaver changes would be a step in the right direction
The National Party have announced their first election promise - a lift to default KiwiSaver contribution rates. The changes would mean that by the end of the implementation, savers would be able to contribute 12% to KiwiSaver, putting us on a level matching Australia's superannuation. Some exp…
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Mark Mitchell: Frontline cops furious over McSkimming scandal
The IPCA released a scathing review laying out out a chain of senior-level failures around the McSkimming scandal. The question now is whether the public can have any confidence in the police in general and in its leadership. LISTEN ABOVE
13:44
Kate Acland: U.S. removes 15% tariff on NZ beef exports
Earlier this year, the United States imposed a 15% tariff on a range of New Zealand exports, most notably beef. It was a huge blow, as beef is a major export for New Zealand - especially to the States. The tariffs have cost the country over $300 million since they were introduced in April. This…
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