The Trans Tasman Pol Pod
This podcast looks at New Zealand’s political week, and talks with key figures about the events of the day. Packed with analysis, it gives you some insights into politics today.
Episodes
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 25
Tax is shaping as the big issue for the election, with National and Labour both on the attack over their various policies, and allegations of lying being thrown about. The Pacific Islands Forum has been beset by its usual controversies, with some leaders not appearing, China cast in the role of bogeyman once again, Taiwan in the mix and New Zealand throwing money at a new port at a former military
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 24
The latest poll out, RNZ’s Reid Research sample, shows National’s leadership coup attempt has not been as damaging to the party as might have been expected. In fact, National’s core support has remained solid. Chris Hipkins has finally delivered some more Labour economic policy, promising the party’s fiscal strategy will grow the economy, get the books back into surplus and make sure hard-working
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 23
It's been an extraordinary week in politics, with Chris Luxon once again having to face down his detractors in caucus, and once again winning a confidence vote. Amazingly, in a week in which his MPs tried to depose him as leader, Luxon is ahead of Labour leader Chris Hipkins as preferred Prime Minister in the most recent polls, and the National Party is holding its own. The big mover this week is
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 22
Christopher Luxon has had a bad week. First there was the kerfuffle over his comments to a group of business people in Rotorua, where he insulted one of his party's key voting blocks by telling them effectively to grow up and just deal with tough economic times. He then threw his MPs and advisors into a spin by basically making policy on the fly, saying he'd call a referendum on MMP if re-elected.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 21
The latest Talbot Mills poll which saw National climb out of the 20s will be good news for the party, but Chris Luxon's decision to rule out Opportunity after the election may come back to bite him. Winston Peters invoked a political storm this week with his attack in Parliament on Green MP Lawrence Xu-Nan telling him to "go back to your own country" during a debate. Some called it a sackable offe
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 20
ACT and NZ First are rapidly becoming bolt holes for failed politicians from other parties where they are retreaded and given high list positions to try to kick start their former mediocre careers. But the resignation of Stuart Nash as a NZ First candidate after a sexism scandal shows the danger of recruiting these failed politicians. Winston Peters has firmly positioned NZ First as the party of
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 19
Narendra Modi's visit went off without a hitch and he and Prime Minister Luxon appear to be the best of friends. They want to take the relationship to the next level, which includes a focus on maritime security which could put us offside with China. Another decision which could put us in China's bad book is potentially joining the new Ocean of Peace Alliance between Australia and Fiji. It is clear
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 18
Foreign relations has been a dominant feature this week, with the Chinese testing a missile in the Pacific, and the Indian Prime Minister in the country. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making his first official visit to New Zealand, and China's test launch of a nuclear capable ICBM with a dummy warhead into the Pacific sparked concerns in Wellington and Canberra. The IMF has been in town r
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 17
Well there's only been one big story this week of course – Nicola Willis' 3rd budget. Willis is just a step away from Ruth Richardson in her attacks on the machinery of the state and the well being of the down trodden, as she attempts to “balance the books.” There were a few changes on the tax front – and a new tax/levy, much to the disgust of those who expected Willis to stick with her no new tax
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 126
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered a pre-Budget speech launching a new blast of austerity described as “public service reform.” This will involve slashing the number of Government agencies, cutting thousands more public sector jobs and boosting the use of AI. Winston Peters is working hard to put NZ First in pole position for when the campaign proper kicks off in October, with the announ
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 15
The latest set of polls to emerge shows voters aren't really sure of their opinions as the election approaches. The Government has provided details of changes to the Fuel Response Plan following what it calls extensive consultation and engagement with business and industry, and other stakeholders. Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the priority is to ensure the country continues to have sufficien
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 14
The Herald's Poll of Polls research has been gushing about the margin of victory the right will achieve on November 7, suggesting the current coalition Government will be returned to power. The research however shows the parties of this current coalition will have the numbers to form a Government, if in fact they can, not that the coalition as it stands will govern again. Labour, the Greens and ot
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 13
There's much speculation about whether the coalition can survive until November – it's likely it will, but internal pressure is building, with Winston Peters at the centre of it as he tries to differentiate himself from what he sees as a weak and failing administration. A new report from right wing think tank The New Zealand Initiative warns while the Government’s 2025 Defence Capability Plan comm
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 12
Chris Luxon is nothing if not supremely confident, and he showed it this week, facing down dissent in his caucus with a self called leadership vote, which he won. MPs leaving the party’s caucus meeting on Tuesday refused to reveal the outcome of the vote, and Luxon told reporters he has the support of caucus, refusing to answer questions, and blaming media for creating a “soap opera.” New Zealand’
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 11
The Government went into overdrive to hype up the city deal it has agreed with Auckland, but Mayor Wayne Brown is less impressed, saying the best Auckland has achieved is it might prevent stupid ideas from being implemented by the Government. The Green Party says while it is relieved the cause of the recent 'boil water' notice in Auckland was easily addressed, more action is needed to deal with th
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 10
New Zealand has started to get involved in the Iran war at a diplomatic level, meeting with 40 other nations to try to get the Strait of Hormuz opened, while Winston Peters has been in the US talking with officials. The latest polls are still a depressing read for Chris Luxon, with National still mired below 30% support. The March Roy Morgan sample shows support for National dropped 4.5% to 26.5%
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 9
The Government has further progressed its plan to deal with a fuel crisis if one eventuates. Meanwhile some economists are calling for diesel allocation to be prioritised now, so essential industry is not affected by what they say will inevitably be a shortage. They’re saying the fuel plan should be escalated immediately and early rationing will help ease what could be a serious crisis down the li
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 8
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Chris Luxon are trying to front foot the looming fuel crisis, hoping it may help revive National’s sliding credibility as an economic manager. Willis says Fitch Rating’s decision to place this country’s AA+ long-term credit rating on negative outlook “is a reminder of why fiscal discipline is so important,” and global economic volatility makes the
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 7
The Government has established a Ministerial Group to oversee fuel security as it tries to navigate through what could be its most testing time since coming to office. Some analysts optimistically say the crisis gives the Government a chance to recover some of the credibility it has lost. But this would imply the Government has a workable plan to deal with the situation. At this stage it appears n
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 6
Chris Luxon believes he and his Government are doing a good job, despite the evidence to the contrary, and that he will steer the coalition to another election victory. It’s not altogether impossible. If he really can withstand the pressure, the parties of the right are far from out of the race, with just a few points dividing the major ideological blocs. Economists are coming down on the side of
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 5
The Government is under fire for the nature of its response to the US-Israeli led attack on Iran, which is clearly against international law. The Government may soon start to feel the economic pressure as well if the conflict causes a spike in inflation. It may not be the Government's fault, but it will certainly have to take the blame. If the election is to be fought on fiscal credibility and eco
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 4
The Government's legislating of new powers for police to force homeless people in city centres to “move on,” is being attacked from all sides. Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman is bullish on inflation coming down to within the Bank's 2-3% target zone over the next 12 months, but it appears the emphasis is on tightening. Ironically Penny Simmonds, the Environment Minister who has been MIA so far, w
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 3
NZ First leader Winston Peters has put a stake firmly in the ground, with a call to hold a referendum on Māori seats in Parliament. A row has blown up over revelations Judith Collins' appointment as Law Commission President did not follow procedure and is a blatant political decision. The PSA is calling for an independent review of the appointment after evidence emerged it was done without any rec
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 2
The Government was forced to issue a robust defence of its fast track legislation in the wake of jubilation among conservationists after an expert panel rejected Trans Tasman Resources’ application to mine the seabed off Taranaki for various minerals...Last the week, the US announced a stockpile of rare earth elements, and plans for a critical minerals trading bloc. New Zealand is set to be part o
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod 2026, Episode 1
It's Waitangi week, and while Maori are still getting the short end of the stick across virtually every measure in society and the economy, but without the hated and derided Treaty Principles Bill, don't expect too many fireworks. NZ First is flexing its election muscle, with Winston Peters targeting the NZ India FTA. He sees it as an immigration issue...right up NZ First's street. Meanwhile there
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 46
This is the last edition for 2025 - we'll be back in February. Meantime this week the Government has revealed its two new RMA replacement Bills - well telegraphed, and not much different from the changes people expected...The Greens are on the warpath after it became clear the Government is paying no more than lip service to its Paris Climate obligations. Bank economists are talking up the econom
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 45
There's reportedly been a leadership coup within National's ranks which has failed. The challenger, Chris Bishop, not able to get the numbers to roll PM Luxon - Luxon survives and National may well consider itself lucky to have escaped having a leader who may well have turned out to be less popular than Luxon. Meanwhile Labour is ending the year on a high, and in the box seat to form a Government
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 44
The Government has been scrambling this week to pass legislation before Parliament rises for the year, and maybe because there's a risk of the coalition not being returned at next year's election....There were some big calls, with a big change to KiwiSaver, a Social Housing plan, and the biggest changes to local Government in many decades as Chris Bishop made his presence felt, riding roughshod ov
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 43
The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor Survey is more bad news for National and the coalition, with ranking of the Government's performance hitting another new low, and the latest Talbot Mills/Anacta Poll shows the Labour Party rising to 38% and likely holding the balance of power, if the results were reflected at an election. Labour says it will will repeal the Government's Regulatory Standards Bill in
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 42
The report on the pilot run of the Government's boot camp programme for young offenders is out, and it has mixed news. The Government's latest Sunday announcement is a law & order policy - always a good diversion if other things aren't going well. This time it's a crackdown on Meth use. The Government is still pushing ahead with its goal of getting an India FTA in the bag by the end of its fir
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 41
The Government's economic policies are still failing to deliver, with unemployment up again, and the highest number out of work since 1994, but some research shows "green shoot" are appearing. A new argues this country’s 3-year Parliamentary term is too short for effective Government – few would argue with its view there, but calling for more MPs to keep politicians accessible to voters may be a s
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 40
Was this the long awaited Labour party tax policy, or is it a health policy? After the Future Fund's rather confused and detail poor launch last week, Labour needed a strong policy launch to put it back on track and help end the year strongly. Te Pāti Māori's implosion continues, with news the party’s leadership is trying to suspend MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi. She is at the centre of a variety of con
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 39
Labour has launched its first 2026 policy initiative, but its Future Fund announcement left as many questions as it gave answers, and political opponents quickly dismissed it. Winston Peters and David Seymour have traded verbal blows over Fonterra's sale of its retail brands, with both accusing the other of having not milked cows. The country's first National Climate Change Adaptation plan hasn't
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 38
The Government has reawakened the old right silver bullet bogey of asset sales, to cries of indignation across the country. There was shock as the Government cut the farm methane emissions target in half, letting farmers off the hook while mythical technological advances are touted to do the job for them. Many Māori Wards, mostly in provincial areas, were among the losers in the local body electi
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 37
The business sector seems to be realising this Government is not what they signed up for, with the latest blow to their corporate well being set to strike not at their profits, via mismanagement of the economy, but at them personally through reforms to fair trading rules. The latest Roy Morgan poll shows an effectively even split between the National-led Government on 48.5%, up 2 points from a mon
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 36
The Government's decision not to recognise Palestine raised a few eyebrows and caused a lot of political dissent with the left accusing Winston Peters of putting the country on the wrong side of history. The Government's bid to cut energy prices and boost supply was described as underwhelming and unlikely to cut prices for householders hard hit by the cost of living crisis. Prospectors can apply f
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 35
Nicola Willis has been well and truly under the pump after last week's atrocious GDP numbers. The 0.9% dip in growth, with an even larger dip in per capita GDP, shows her growth policies are not working. There have been calls for her resignation, but Chris Luxon has expressed confidence in her – what else could he do? National has been under heavy Opposition fire in recent weeks over the parlous s
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 34
The Government’s growth policies are clearly not working the way they were intended, as growth is stalling, and the electoral consequences for the coalition could be dire. The latest NZIER Consensus Forecasts point to a downward revision in the pace of the recovery over the coming year. The latest RNZ-Reid Research poll has Labour still narrowly ahead of National but neither bloc able to govern on
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 33
Labour is clearly looking to make the next election about economic management, and the pressure is mounting on Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis to stop the rot and turn the country around, despite the fact they have very little control over the economic levers. The latest Roy Morgan poll suggests voters really have had enough, with support for Labour surging to its highest point in this poll since th
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 32
This time businesses are clinging to hope the clueless coalition can pull the economy around, but in Auckland confidence is collapsing, and it's local issues to blame. KiwiBank economists say the Budget's flagship policy, "Investment Boost" has had only marginal results so far, with most businesses saying they have no plan to use it and those who have saying they were going to invest without it an
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 31
Brooke Van Velden's anti union, anti worker crusade is under fire after she says she expects new members of the Employment Relations Authority to reduce compensation awards to workers. The Government's desperation to encourage “growth” through infrastructure has again been demonstrated with the passing of the Public Works Act Amendment Bill. It says infrastructure projects mean higher wages - we'r
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 30
The Government's full and final settlement with Hyundai over the cancelled Cook Strait Ferries has ignited a new war of words over the project, although Rail Minister Winston Peters counts it as a win. The Government won't want to hear it, but can't be surprised its pay equity move is being challenged in court by 5 unions. The challenge argues the legislation breaches three key rights of those wor
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 29
Voters seem to be losing confidence in the Government with the latest Taxpayers Union Curia poll showing Labour opening up a lead on National, and all the coalition parties slipping, National and NZ First by 2 points each. FInance Minister Nicola Willis didn't win many friends when she said the latest unemployment figures weren't bad, as they were better than forecast, and those who lost their job
The Trans tasman Pol Pod Episode 28
Chris Luxon may have secured his legacy if the Government's changes to NCEA announced this week prove effective. The secondary school qualification has not been serving students well, and it is time for change, but the Government will have to be careful business doesn't get too much influence and turn schools into nothing more than vocational colleges. The Government copped some real flak for bein
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 27
The Government is copping some flak overs its decision to stop same day enrolment for voters, and its petty decision to change the cover of the New Zealand passport so the English words are placed above the Te Reo. The Reserve Bank warns global turmoil could affect the economy, with weaker demand for exports and increased uncertainty. Farmers are more confident, but why wouldn't they be, with a G
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 26
This time, inflation is on the rise again, with the prospect of stagflation looming, and the Government looks set to take the blame. The Government is continuing its attack on local democracy, with David Seymour bemoaning increases in rates. The argument over the voting age has brewed up again with the UK allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote. Labour's jobs strategy is under fire and its latest inf
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 25
NZ First has surged in the latest Taxpayer's Union Curia Poll, becoming the third highest ranked party for the first time - it begs the question - will Winston Peters use his improved electoral position to force David Seymour into collapsing the coalition by calling for amendments to the Regulatory Standards Bill? A plan has been put forward to replace income tax with private savings, effectively
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 24
This time, opposition to the Regulatory Standards Bill is reaching a crescendo, but the backroom deals have been done and the Bill will pass, despite its undemocratic nature. Chris Luxon releases another set of KPIs for the coalition, none of them particularly challenging. The FamilyBoost programme has received a boost, but opposition parties are dismissing it as too little too late. Businesses ar
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 23
This time, some of the Government's law and order policies have come into effect, with tougher sentencing...There was shock at Parliament with the passing of Takutai Tarsh Kemp, but another MP also departed the House, with NZ First's Tanya Unkovich quitting. When the Government talks about fairer policies, it usually means someone's hard earned rights are set to disappear, especially when Brooke v
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 22
This time foreign policy has been the big issue in the past week, with Winston Peters and Chris Luxon at times seeming to be pursuing different agendas. The GDP print surprised just about everyone, but forecasters are saying the next quarter's numbers won't be nearly so uplifting. The Government has been touting the success of its investment summit and the "golden visa" as it pushes its growth ag
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 21
The parties of the coalition still garner the most support in latest polls, but there are some worrying signs for the Government. KiwiBank has lowered its growth forecasts as the Government's "laser focus" om growth appears not to be having the desired short to medium term effect. The Health Minister is tinkering with the system again, this time enshrining in legislation the importance of patients
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 20
This week a bit of a rural focus as farmers head to Fieldays - The Government has been accused of being too timid in its response to the Trump Tariffs and threats to the global trade system, and there are big changes on the way to hunting and fishing regulations, with farmers set to benefit. Our guest, Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford, talks about developments in the agricultural sector.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 19
The Budget wasn't quite as damaging to the coalition Government as it might have been, and a new TVNZ poll is showing the pay equity changes didn't hurt too much either - but the standout party in the coalition is NZ First. There's concern over what will happen with David Seymour as Deputy Prime Minister - time will tell whether holding more responsibility will tone down his rhetoric. The Governme
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 18
The no BS Budget is being called BS by some sectors as support for the Government's financial blueprint divides along ideological lines...The Government has rushed a new Finance Amendment Bill into Parliament, doing away with Wellbeing Budgets and "enhancing the transparency and accountability of the public finance system." KiwiBank is pressing the RBNZ to make faster cuts to the OCR and as peopl
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 17
The B word and the C word made headlines this week...the less said about the C word the better, but the B word - Budget - is on everyone's lips. Many questions swirl around it and we're joined this week by ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley to talk about what is a key moment for this Government. And of course, there have been a few other issues ticking around as well.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 16
The Government's decision to move the goal posts on pay equity is still reverberating through the country, and while its support is holding in the latest polls for April, there are concerns, with a majority believing the country is headed in the wrong direction, while females are still strongly opposed to the Government. In another callous move the Government is sidelining victims of abuse in stat
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 15
The Government puts its money where its mouth is on defence, ACT leader David Seymour wants fewer Ministers in cabinet, the Greens release a new Green Jobs policy, and there's continuing gloom around the economy, with a fall in business confidence, the road transport sector downbeat, continuing huge borrowing, and a warning on the linkage between austerity and crime. Joining us this week to help
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 14
This time the Government warns people to get set for a grim Budget, vocational education changes come under fire and Mayors around the country are asked to help get children to attend school regularly. This week's guest is Dr Jill Sheppard from the Australian National University who talks politics, as the election campaign there reaches its climax.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 13
There are growing challenges for the economy, and the Government is set to face an election year in which growth is slowing and inflation is rising. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is remaining optimistic. The struggle to get beneficiaries back into work continues with little success, and Simeon Brown's Health Infrastructure plan comes under scrutiny. Our guest this week is Labour Health spokeswo
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 12
This time we look at some data from the latest round of polls, check out the political response to the Trump Tariff war as well as touching on child poverty and trust in the media, and we're joined by CTU President Richard Wagstaff to talk about his organisation's new policy manifesto, Aotearoa Reimagined.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 11
This time we look at wages, polls and tariffs, as well as housing and the report into the sinking of the Manawanui. And our guest is the new National Secretary of the PSA, Fleur Fitzsimons who talks public sector cuts and the future of unionism.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 10
Food, ferries and future growth are at the centre of this episode, while our guest is Local Government, Revenue and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, who talks about the state of our councils, where the Government is going to get the extra revenue it needs, and where to for New Zealand if Donald Trump starts a stampede out of the Paris Agreement.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 9
New Zealand's role in the world has been the focus for some top level political action, the Government's performance so far is getting slated by voters, and GDP is up by an unexpectedly large amount. We're joined by CTU Economist and Director of Policy Craig Rennie to look at GDP and PPPs.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 8
The polls have turned steadily against the Government, and look like turning into a self fulfilling prophecy unless National can turn things around...Toll concessions are one of the Government's new hot topics, but are they really advantageous?...and Labour's Foreign Affairs spokesman, and former Minister for just about everything David Parker joins us.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 7
This time, marmite sandwiches, ferries, water and other woes for the Government, with some key demographics now concerned about how the coalition is performing. And we chat with Andrew Coster, Secretary of the Social Investment Agency about how things are developing there.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 6
This time we look at the prospects of a leadership change in the National Party, and who may be better than corner office Chris, and we talk policy with Opposition leader Chris Hipkins
Episode 5
In this episode we take an economic focus, with analysis of the Reserve Bank's decision to drop the OCR a further 50 basis points. ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley joins us to talk about the cash rate, and where to from here.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 4
This episode, Trade, Trump and Treachery - well maybe not treachery, but the behaviour of the Cook Islands. We take a look at how the Government is handling the latest developments on the foreign policy front, along with a quick glance at other political developments.
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 3
Now Waitangi Day is behind us, politicians are getting down to the nitty gritty of the new year. The Government is pursuing its growth agenda, but is its plan going to work?
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 2
In this episode, we look at mining and climate, the spectre of asset sales raised again, plus we chat with National's Chris Penk
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 1
This week's episode looks at the political year ahead, and where the Government is heading for 2025. There's also a chat with Labour's Revenue spokeswoman Deborah Russell.
