US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is "freeloading" from the American military because of our low military spend.

The remarks were made at an Asia-Pacific security conference in Singapore, attended by Defence Minister Chris Penk.

The New Zealand Government has already announced plans to lift defence spending to around 2% of GDP over coming years — nearly double what we currently spend — but Hegseth says allies should really be aiming closer to 3.5%.

That raises some big questions. At a time when New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, hospitals and public services, why should defence move up the priority list? What are the risks if countries like New Zealand don’t step up militarily?

Defence Minister Chris Penk joins Tim Beveridge to discuss.

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US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says New Zealand is "freeloading" from the American military because of our low military spend.
The remarks were made at an Asia-Pacific security conference in Singapore, attended by Defence Minister Chris Penk.
The New Zealand Government has already announced plans to lift defence spending to around 2% of GDP over coming years — nearly double what we currently spend — but Hegseth says allies should really be aiming closer to 3.5%.
That raises some big questions. At a time when New Zealanders are worried about the cost of living, hospitals and public services, why should defence move up the priority list? What are the risks if countries like New Zealand don’t step up militarily?
Defence Minister Chris Penk joins Tim Beveridge to discuss.
LISTEN ABOVE

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Politics Central

Chris Penk: Defence Minister on increasing military spend to align with partners

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3af22489-82eb-40f4-8a5a-b45b00427c9a/transcript

GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system.

Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased.

Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health. 

Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Collective to unpack the overhaul.

LISTEN ABOVE

GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system.
Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased.
Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health.&nbsp;
Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Collective to unpack the overhaul.
LISTEN ABOVE

Simeon Brown: Health Minister on the Government's changes to the Medicines Act

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/194504a4-da28-46a4-b4d6-b462004637e7/transcript

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses. 

No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics. 

NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.

LISTEN ABOVE

Christopher Luxon has returned from Queensland, after meeting with Anthony Albanese with a group of New Zealand businesses.&nbsp;
No announcements have been unveiled, but the leaders discussed defence options and Luxon has been eying opportunities to get involved in the 2032 Olympics.&nbsp;
NZ Herald deputy political editor Adam Pearse joined the Weekend Collective to discuss.
LISTEN ABOVE

Adam Pearse: NZ Herald deputy political editor on Chris Luxon's visit to Australia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/10340b2f-ad49-4e05-82b8-b462004541ca/transcript

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room.

They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package.

Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes.

Lastly, they're putting aside a billion for rail improvements, and another billion for school upgrades. 

But Mayor Wayne Brown says the devil is in the detail - and we'll need more clarity into a timeline of these initiatives, along with an explanation of how the Government's funding their share of the CRL.

So what do these investments actually mean for Aucklanders - and how confident can we be in keeping a globally competitive city? 

Minister for Auckland Simon Watts talks to Tim Beveridge to discuss...

LISTEN ABOVE

The Government says this year's budget especially strengthens Auckland's role as New Zealand's economic engine room.
They point out that they're investing in health, including funding to purchase land for a future South Auckland Hospital, and a share of the Government's $5.5-billion health package.
Additionally, they highlight plans for housing growth with a new $400-million fund for councils to enable more homes.
Lastly, they're putting aside a billion for rail improvements, and another billion for school upgrades.&nbsp;
But Mayor Wayne Brown says the devil is in the detail - and we'll need more clarity into a timeline of these initiatives, along with an explanation of how the Government's funding their share of the CRL.
So what do these investments actually mean for Aucklanders - and how confident can we be in keeping a globally competitive city?&nbsp;
Minister for Auckland Simon Watts talks to Tim Beveridge to discuss...
LISTEN ABOVE

Simon Watts: Auckland Minister says Budget 2026 delivers for Auckland, despite Mayor's pessimism

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/8e4d7a0f-8a41-4fd2-ba38-b45b0044c5d4/transcript

Chris Penk: Defence Minister on increasing military spend to align with partners

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