There’s a difference between criticising politicians just because you don’t like them, and drawing attention to a politician’s inadequacies when they are failing to deliver.

The same applies to a political party.

Then there’s the objection to being too negative, and effectively helping the other team win. The team that you disapprove of even more.

The problem is, if you don’t express dissatisfaction you encourage mediocrity.

From the New Zealand Centre for Political Research Dr Muriel Newman pulls no punches in Podcast 303

And, as always, we appreciate your contribution in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio



Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

There’s a difference between criticising politicians just because you don’t like them, and drawing attention to a politician’s inadequacies when they are failing to deliver.
The same applies to a political party.
Then there’s the objection to being too negative, and effectively helping the other team win. The team that you disapprove of even more.
The problem is, if you don’t express dissatisfaction you encourage mediocrity.
From the New Zealand Centre for Political Research Dr Muriel Newman pulls no punches in Podcast 303
And, as always, we appreciate your contribution in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.
File your comments and complaints at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="mailto:Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz" target="_blank" data-auth="NotApplicable">Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/personal-finance/news/article.cfm?c_id=12&amp;objectid=12148425" target="_blank">Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.</a>
Listen here on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank">iHeartRadio</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-leighton-smith-podcas-30246213/" target="_blank"></a>
Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click <a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795" target="_blank">here</a>
<a rel="noopener" href="https://itunes.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-leighton-smith-podcast/id1445358795?mt=2" target="_blank"></a>

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born.

So, without restriction, Leighton continues to serve up on everything you want to hear about and some things you don’t. Stand by to be enlightened, educated and enraged!

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born. So, without restriction, Leighton continues to serve up on everything you want to hear about and some things you don’t. Stand by to be enlightened, educated and enraged!

After 33 years behind the Newstalk ZB microphone, Leighton can’t give it up completely. There were so many requests to continue his opinionated commentary that the prospect of podcasting was born.

The Leighton Smith Podcast

Leighton Smith Podcast #303 - September 24th 2025 - Muriel Newman

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/0385d155-3415-495c-a4be-b362000c950c/transcript