Arian Tashakkori from PILLAR takes a look on the bright side of Budget 2026 through a civil liberties lens.  He points out that budget constrictions mean a smaller government, which in turn offers an opportunity for New Zealand communities to step up, and put faith into action. 

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Arian Tashakkori from PILLAR takes a look on the bright side of Budget 2026 through a civil liberties lens.&nbsp; He points out that budget constrictions mean a smaller government, which in turn offers an opportunity for New Zealand communities to step up, and put faith into action.&nbsp;
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Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App. For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" aria-label="Link Thoughts &amp; Comments">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.

Here you can catch up on all of the latest interviews from Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart.

Here you can catch up on all of the latest interviews from Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart.

Thoughts & Comments Interviews

Thoughts & Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We’ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts & Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts &amp; Comments brings social commentary to current issues and a faith perspective to the latest news. Hosted by Andrew Urquhart, a seasoned broadcaster with over three decades of experience. In each episode, Andrew chats with a wide range of guests and experts who bring their wisdom and insight to a huge variety of topics, including politics, psychology, societal trends, theology, geopolitical analysis, social policy, and spirituality. We&rsquo;ll give you something worth thinking about! Thoughts &amp; Comments with Andrew Urquhart, wherever you get your Podcasts.

Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Thoughts & Comments

Budget 2026: Will the People Step Up?

There's a suggestion that rising tensions in pan-Pacific relations may have led to China imposing a travel ban on the four New Zealand MPs who recently visited Taiwan.  

The founding CEO of PILLAR, civil liberties advocate Nathan Seiuli, discusses the significance of the Asian superpower flexing its 'One China' policy.

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There's a suggestion that rising tensions in pan-Pacific relations may have led to China imposing a travel ban on the four New Zealand MPs who recently visited Taiwan. &nbsp;
The founding CEO of PILLAR, civil liberties advocate Nathan Seiuli, discusses the significance of the Asian superpower flexing its 'One China' policy.
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Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App. For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" aria-label="Link Thoughts &amp; Comments">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.
&nbsp;

Touchy  Topic: Travel Ban Over Taiwan Trip

Ex-Labour MP Grant Robertson seems to have let the mask slip, flying his political - and ideological - colours in a recent communication as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.

The former Labour deputy and Finance Minister was unequivocal in his denouncement of New Zealand First's Definitions of Woman and Man bill currently before Parliament; and presented his personal view of governent fiscal policy as an institutional position, appearing to frame Budget 2026 as detrimental to the student body. 

While the University claims that does not breach the political neutrality expected of educational institutions, Stephanie Martin of the Free Speech Union explains that is exactly what has occurred.

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Ex-Labour MP Grant Robertson seems to have let the mask slip, flying his political - and ideological - colours in a recent communication as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago.
The former Labour deputy and Finance Minister was unequivocal in his denouncement of New Zealand First's&nbsp;<a href="https://legislation.govt.nz/bill/members/2026/296/en/latest/">Definitions of Woman and Man bill</a> currently before Parliament; and presented his personal view of governent fiscal policy as an institutional position, appearing to frame Budget 2026 as detrimental to the student body.&nbsp;
While the <a href="https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nzherald.co.nz%2Fnz%2Fotago-university-rejects-claims-grant-robertson-breached-neutrality-rules-over-definitions-of-woman-and-man-bill%2FQFWKAB3ABFBU5AOAPYPHEUCH5M%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cdavina.west%40rhemamedia.co.nz%7C103b4e8720ef4ef6fe1608dec1cf3f4f%7C877a00a829534efe9ce90f8b6137075c%7C0%7C0%7C639161293044683400%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=bbpye57Aia9pGxjTivkEEuOVZDWHEgPOtF1RB4ZxSYI%3D&amp;reserved=0">University claims</a> that does not breach the political neutrality expected of educational institutions, Stephanie Martin of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fsu.nz/blog/otago-vice-chancellors-email-undermines-institutional-neutrality-within-academia">Free Speech Union</a> explains that is exactly what has occurred.
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Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App. For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" aria-label="Link Thoughts &amp; Comments">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.

University Vice-Chancellor's Mask of Neutrality Slips?

It's not just meatier toppings on Youth Group pizza nights.

Dave Mann of the Shining Lights Trust shares findings from a recent survey, which highlights four key ways that churches and Christian schools can nurture joyous, Gospel-focused youth groups that thrive on meaningful connection and a mission bigger than themselves. (Christian Youth Unity – Aotearoa-New Zealand denominational youth leaders)

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Tune into Thoughts & Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App.

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It's not just meatier toppings on Youth Group pizza nights.
Dave Mann of the Shining Lights Trust shares findings from a <a href="https://alltogether.co.nz/youthoutreachsurvey/">recent survey</a>, which highlights four key ways that churches and Christian schools can nurture joyous, Gospel-focused youth groups that thrive on meaningful connection and a mission bigger than themselves. (<a href="https://christianyouthunity.nz/">Christian Youth Unity &ndash; Aotearoa-New Zealand denominational youth leaders</a>)
Text 8168, keyword 'Comments' to share your thoughts.
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Tune into Thoughts &amp; Comments from 10:00am - 2:00pm on the Rhema Media App. For more from the show, visit the <a href="https://www.rhema.co.nz/listen-on-demand/video-podcast/thoughts-and-comments" aria-label="Link Thoughts &amp; Comments">Thoughts &amp; Comments</a> page at rhema.co.nz.

Budget 2026: Will the People Step Up?

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