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 Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith and Auckland Councilman Richard Hills join Tim Beveridge to wrap the year's politics, and give an insight into what to expect next year. 

LISTEN ABOVE

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 Speaker of the House Sir Lockwood Smith and Auckland Councilman Richard Hills join Tim Beveridge to wrap the year's politics, and give an insight into what to expect next year.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Newstalk ZB serves up what you need to know, on all things politics at home, and abroad. The show reviews, previews, analyses and challenges the biggest political issues of the week, with all the big players.

Politics Central

Lockwood Smith and Richard Hills: Wrapping the year of Politics

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/ce29eeee-fc13-4531-9b11-b3ba0035ff8a/transcript

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 shortly regarding a peace deal. 

And the U.S. is keeping very busy as they've also seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela this week. 

The tanker went off course two days after its departure, listed to head for a Cuban port but rather off-loading part of its load to another ship before heading toward Asia. 

It was seized shortly after this. 

LISTEN ABOVE

Nato chief Mark Rutte warns Western allies to prepare for war with Russia.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
Donald Trump is due to meet with Volodymyr Zelenskyy shortly regarding a peace deal.&nbsp;
And the U.S. is keeping very busy as they've also seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela this week.&nbsp;
The tanker went off course two days after its departure, listed to head for a Cuban port but rather off-loading part of its load to another ship before heading toward Asia.&nbsp;
It was seized shortly after this.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Jonathan Kearsley: Nato's strength depends on United States

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/cb6b6da4-af83-4569-88db-b3b3002d391f/transcript

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

It's been a week of back and forth for the Taxpayers' Union and the Finance Minister.&nbsp;
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.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Nicola Willis: "I will stand up for myself" against Taxpayers' Union

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/19b03b8e-f14c-4702-a42b-b3b3002a1baa/transcript

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 requests in her ongoing legal proceedings were declined by the judge - but her request to remain a party member was accepted until February 2026. 

Party President John Tamihere remains in office as the AGM goes forward. 

LISTEN ABOVE

After a tough few months for Te Pati Maori, its AGM is taking place today.&nbsp;
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."&nbsp;
Meanwhile, 3 of 4 of Mariameno Kapa-Kingi's requests in her ongoing legal proceedings were declined by the judge - but her request to remain a party member was accepted until February 2026.&nbsp;
Party President John Tamihere remains in office as the AGM goes forward.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Rawiri Taonui: Te Pati Maori will need to clean up before the election

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/15676cf8-5a39-4ba8-90ea-b3ac002d0ca1/transcript

Lockwood Smith and Richard Hills: Wrapping the year of Politics

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