Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief
Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief is a New Zealand politics and current affairs podcast hosted by veteran broadcaster Duncan Garner. With more than 30 years across TV, radio, and newspapers, Duncan brings sharp opinion, hard questions, political interviews, and breaking news analysis on NZ politics, government, media, the economy, and the stories shaping New Zealand.
Episodes
Social Media Ban NZ: Why We Must Ban the Phone for Under 16s
Another generation of kids is disappearing down the digital rabbit hole while politicians tie themselves in knots over complicated online bans. We talk to political commentator Ani O’Brien about a brilliant, simple solution: stop overcomplicating the technology and just ban the smartphone hardware for under-16s.
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NZ Property Economy Crisis: Why Higher Interest Rates Hurt Kiwis
The Reserve Bank just delivered an interest rate hike that the National Party desperately wanted to avoid. This completely shatters their script, yet Nicola Willis is trying to spin this as a sign of a strengthening economic recovery.
We check in with Ani O'Brien and Ashley Church to see if this economic turnaround is actually real or just more Wellington spin.
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Three Strikes for Burglars and Shane Jones Uncensored
We are focusing on victims today as we look at Act's three strikes proposal for repeat burglars. Burglary is a home invasion, not a property crime, so why does our system treat it so lightly? Plus, Minister Shane Jones is in the studio. He is fired up about West Coast mining, the India trade deal, and why co-governance is growing like a tapeworm.
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Doctor Shortage New Zealand: Why Labour’s Free GP Promise Fails
Labour is promising three free GP visits for everyone. It sounds great, but we are hundreds of doctors short right now. Outgoing GP boss Dr Brian Betty joins us to look past the political slogans at the reality of our healthcare system.
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Road Cone Waste & Real Estate Rule Scrapped
We have finally seen common sense win after Parliament ditched an absurd rule that banned real estate agents from working for five years over a missed 90-minute course. Plus, we dive into the multi-million-dollar road cone madness. A traffic boss fronts up on why Auckland is dragging its feet on new rules and why worker abuse is spiking.
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Conservation Amendment Bill: South Island Farmers Expose Bureaucracy
The 40-year-old conservation system is broken, and bureaucratic delays are letting pests ruin our land. We talk to South Island farmers Richard and Simon, who are fighting for common-sense updates to the law. They are on the frontline while Wellington insiders argue over ideology. Plus, we look at your feedback on the political circus in the Beehive.
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New Zealand Road Cone Madness: The $300 Million Regulatory Fix
We look at the massive shakeup to New Zealand's road cone madness as new deregulation rules kick in. David Seymour has already saved taxpayers millions of dollars, but the Wellington media bubble completely ignored the announcement. Plus, we expose the truth about The Opportunity Party and their actual political agenda.
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Media Bias in NZ Polling? Is labour dying?
The old political duopoly is cracking. The latest polling shows voters are walking away from National and Labour in droves while smaller parties surge. We sit down with pollster David Farrar to break down the rise of The Opportunities Party, their surprisingly left-wing policies, and why the mainstream media is completely ignoring the real story.
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TOP’s centrist claim doesn’t stack up
The Opportunities Party has climbed to 6.5% in the latest Roy Morgan poll as Labour falls to a new low of 25.5%.
Duncan examines TOP’s policies and leadership and asks whether voters are being sold a centrist alternative that is, in reality, firmly aligned with Labour and the Greens.
He also follows up on the controversy at Horizons Regional Council, the agreements being negotiated with 14 iwi a
Local Government Co-Governance Crisis: Councillors Handed 460 Pages Before Vote
Another day, another massive bill dropped on Kiwi ratepayers with absolutely zero transparency. This week, Horizons Regional Council is quietly rushing through 14 separate co-governance agreements under the Resource Management Act. We speak to whistleblower councillor Luka Jensen about the information overload, the ballooning costs, and why local democracy is being compromised behind closed doors.
The Opportunities Party Exposed: Labour's Secret Coalition Partner?
We pull back the curtain on The Opportunities Party and look at whether it is quietly becoming part of Labour's broader coalition architecture. Plus Shane Jones joins us to front up after the government backed down on the conservation land battle. We look at why National got nervous and why New Zealand First refuses to give up targeting the estate for economic growth.
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TOP Party: Qiulae Wong Rules Out Mt Albert Labour Deal
The TOP party is surging in the polls and closing in on parliament, and it's not hard to see why.
Kiwis are feeling the pinch right now and the frustration with our broken systems is reaching a boiling point. We are watching power bills climb by twelve percent while massive infrastructure projects get flipped and flopped by successive governments.
This has opened a massive door for alternativ
Are We Being Ripped Off By Green Party Wealth Tax Envy?
The Greens want us all to pay more tax, but nothing is stopping them from voluntarily paying more right now.
Their co-leaders get paid $200,000 each courtesy of the taxpayer, yet they build policies around hunting down everyday Kiwis who work hard to get ahead.
We talk to our panel, Janet Wilson and Ashley Church, about fiscal holes, political survival, and why the latest wealth tax policy is b
NZ Politics: Lowest Support Ever? Verian Poll Smashes Labour & National
The latest 1News Verian poll should send an absolute chill through both Labour and National headquarters. Together, the two major parties command just 61 percent of the vote, their lowest combined support since MMP began in 1996. Voters are sick of the same old cautious management and are walking straight into the arms of the smaller parties.
We dig into the numbers with Jordan Williams from the
Māori Health Group Rejects $120 Million GP Funding Boost
We have a massive $120.6 million cash injection on the table for our struggling community GPs, and a group of Māori health providers has flatly rejected it. Why? Because the government updated the funding formula to focus entirely on health needs, deprivation, and rural isolation rather than race.
I ask how funding people based on how sick they are is a step backwards. It sounds like total common
The Greens' Tax Policy and the Compulsory KiwiSaver Debate
The Greens are back-pedalling on their tax policies, but are they still dreaming? We dive into the wealth tax reality, the sudden push for compulsory KiwiSaver, and why our public service seems to be actively working against government plans. Duncan, Ani, and Ashley break down the major ideological battles dominating New Zealand right now.
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New Zealand is too Woke: ACT Submits Legislation To Stop Professional Regulators
We are finally seeing a pushback against the absurd woke compliance industry that has crept into our workplaces and professional regulators. Why should a real estate agent or nurse risk losing their livelihood over a lawful opinion?
ACT leader David Seymour joins us to break down his new legislation aimed at stopping ideological gatekeeping. Plus, we look at public service growth and whether the
The $200 Million Parliamentary Bill: Why Are Taxpayers Paying For Empty Seats?
Parliament burned through more than $200 million in 2025, and domestic travel alone cost taxpayers $3.4 million in just nine months. While everyday Kiwis are tightening their belts through a cost-of-living crisis, politicians are living in a false reality. We chat with Ella Dixon from the Taxpayers’ Union about the shocking double standards and the lack of political restraint.
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Who Dropped The Pike River Charges? Christopher Harder Reveals Hidden Documents
Over fifteen years after twenty-nine men died unnecessarily in the Pike River mine, we still do not have real accountability. Former lawyer Christopher Harder has spent six years and eleven thousand unpaid hours fighting to uncover the truth behind the unlawful deal that dropped charges against the mine's boss. We look at the hidden documents that could change everything.
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Labour Ditching Reading & Maths Exams? Erica Stanford Exposes Sneaky Policy
Labour has snuck out a policy to ditch national reading, writing, and maths assessments in primary schools, and Education Minister Erica Stanford is furious. Parents want to know where their kids are at, but Labour wants to scrap the tests and hand control back to the unions. We catch up with Erica to find out why this sneaky move is a massive step backwards for our kids.
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David Farrar on Matthew Hooton: Will He Save or Destroy The Post?
The media is in a slow-motion car crash, and Stuff just made a massive, controversial play. Longtime political commentator and PR man Matthew Hooton is the new editor of The Post in Wellington. He is blunt, he openly hates public servants, and he is definitely not going quietly. We sit down with David Farrar to ask: Is this a masterstroke or absolute madness?
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NZ Public Service Job Growth: The Real Numbers Behind Government Job Cuts
National promised us a leaner state with 8,200 public service job cuts, but the latest numbers show the bureaucracy is actually blowing out. In just three months, nearly 1,000 new full-time positions were added to the core public service. We look at how this hiring spree breaks government promises, impacts the budget surplus, and why the numbers just do not match the political spin.
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Nicola Willis Exposes Labour’s Massive $18 Billion Budget Hole
Nicola Willis goes on the offensive to smoke Labour out over a massive $18.2 billion fiscal hole. We pull apart their shaky new public transport policy after a painful interview exposed numbers that simply do not stack up. Plus, former lawyer Christopher Harder joins us ahead of Wednesday to break down shocking allegations of a top-level conspiracy and doctored documents over Pike River.
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Panel: NZ Election Poll 2026: What is Happening with Labour this Week?
A brand new political poll is out, and the numbers are completely locked in stone. We ask if Labour has peaked and whether the Opportunities Party can actually break the five percent threshold this time around. Plus Duncan, Ani O'Brien, and Maurice Williamson dissect Labour's new list and look at the real numbers behind their massive transport announcement.
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Warning for Chris Hipkins: New Poll Shows Labour Already Peaked?
The latest Taxpayers Union Curia poll has dropped, and while Labour is technically ahead, they are losing the argument. Duncan breaks down why Chris Hipkins is stuck in the doldrums and failing to win trust when it matters most. Plus, we take a look at the public transport policy that is falling apart under intense scrutiny.
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Labour Public Transport Policy Costing Exposed & How We Fixed School Property Competency
Labour is promising a massive public transport cap for 1.3 million Kiwis, but they claim it only costs 65 million bucks. The math does not stack up, and the front bench cannot show their workings. Plus, Education Minister Erica Stanford joins us to explain how she took school property away from an incompetent Ministry of Education to build basic, warm classrooms without the architectural vanity pr
'I was wrong' - The Full Story Behind the Court Verdict
Duncan stands up in court to face the music after getting caught driving 12 days short of his suspension ending. He takes full responsibility for getting the timeline wrong but calls out the breathless media coverage. Plus, we look at how confusing NZ license laws are and why rural Kiwis get hammered harder.
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Coward Punch Law: Paul Goldsmith Challenged Over Weak Coward Punch Sentences
The Justice Select Committee finally reported back on the coward punch legislation, and it is a massive letdown. Despite big promises to get tough on one-punch thugs, they completely failed to recommend mandatory minimum sentences. We talk to Mike Angove from the Walk Without Fear Trust about how everyday Kiwis have been handed a complete pup by parliament.
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Labour List 2026: Chris Hipkins Chooses Job Protection Over Fresh Talent
Labour's new party list is out, and it looks less like a fresh start and more like a job protection scheme for politicians who have already been rejected by the public. We break down the lineup with pollster David Farrar to see who is safe and who got sidelined. Plus, we look at a staggering $230,000 advisor role at ACC that proves the message about government spending cuts is clearly not getting
We’re Throwing the Word Racist Around Too Easily
The word racist is being thrown around far too easily these days, and it is quickly becoming completely meaningless. Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan is labeling this the most racist government ever, claiming National is stripping away Māori rights at the Waitangi Tribunal. But has he suffered a massive memory fade? We look at the actual facts of what has been lost.
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THE "MOST RACIST GOVERNMENT EVER"? GIVE ME A BREAK.
Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan has claimed at the Waitangi Tribunal that Christopher Luxon's National-led government is the most racist New Zealand has ever seen. Duncan Garner says it is time to call this out and hold Tuku's feet to the fire because the claim simply doesn't survive contact with reality.
To call this political landscape the most discriminatory in our history means completely f
ACT MP Cameron Luxton On National Copying His Bill To Stop Unelected Votes
National is finally closing the loophole that allows unelected members of the public to get voting rights on council committees. Local Government Minister Simon Watts has moved to stop it, but let’s be honest, it’s the bare minimum. We talk to ACT MP Cameron Luxton, who drafted the original bill months ago, about why National took so long to protect our democracy.
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New Covid Papers Suggest Hipkins Did Know
Chris Hipkins has repeatedly said ministers were not told about key health concerns around the Covid vaccine rollout for 12 to 15 year olds.
But a new tranche of official papers appears to move the timeline back.
Duncan Garner has covered this issue before. This episode is the update. The new documents suggest Hipkins may have been closer to the information than previously understood, including
Far North Council’s Sovereignty Agreements Exposed | Davina Smolders returns
What is really going on at the Far North District Council?
Duncan Garner is joined by councillor Davina Smolders, who says major governance changes are being pushed through without proper public scrutiny. She raises concerns over unelected iwi representatives getting voting rights on a council committee, ratepayer-funded requests, new Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements, and language recognising Ngā
NZ Budget 2026: Nicola Willis Debt Curve Exposed
The government wants us to think they are being caring but responsible with this budget, but the economists aren't buying it. We look past the 30 press releases to find out what this means for your back pocket. From a sneaky new banking tax on savers to kicking real savings down the road, we break down why the math just doesn't add up.
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They Denied It: Covid Safety Questions and the Budget Fantasy
A special weekend episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief, with two sharp cuts from two very different conversations.
First, Duncan talks to Aly Cook about documents she says raise serious questions about the youth Covid vaccine rollout, myocarditis safety information, and what Labour ministers knew at the time. The central question is blunt: if key safety information was kept out of public com
NZ Budget 2026 Marketing Over Maths: Nicola Willis, Surplus, and Smoke and Mirrors
The dust is settling on Budget 2026, and we are digging past the political marketing to look at the real maths. Nicola Willis delivered a masterclass in selling a narrative, but when you look closely at the numbers, things look incredibly heroic. We break down the magic show, look at the massive debt track, and reveal the inexplicable cuts hidden deep in the police budget.
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Budget Day 2026: The Truth Behind Nicola Willis’s Fudget Budget
It is Budget Day in New Zealand, and we are looking at the brutal truth behind the numbers. Nicola Willis says the adults are back in charge of the books, but is this just creative accounting? We look at how banking public service cuts, before they even happen, are the only reason we are getting back to surplus.
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Welfare Minister Under Fire For Claiming $52k Accommodation Allowance
We are told the country is broke, and every day Kiwis need to tighten their belts ahead of the budget. Yet Social Development Minister Louise Upston is claiming over $1,000 a week in taxpayer-funded allowance for a Wellington apartment she owns outright. It is completely legal, but it fails the sniff test. We break down the political hypocrisy.
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Chlöe Swarbrick on Why It's So Expensive to Be Poor in New Zealand
The cost of living crisis is keeping families awake at night all across New Zealand.
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick steps into the studio with me to look at the massive gap between the rich and the poor, the reality of loan sharks targeting vulnerable Kiwis, and why she thinks our current economic model needs a total shakeup.
Chlöe shares her personal journey with financial str
WHY IS LABOUR HIDING ITS POLICY, OR HAS IT NOT DONE THE HARD WORK?
Labour wants New Zealanders to buy into a massive new Future Fund, but they refuse to tell us what assets are actually in it until after the election. Chris Hipkins claims voters do not want the details, but we think you deserve transparency when billions of dollars are on the line. Plus, researcher Aly Cook joins the show with a paper trail that completely challenges Hipkins' timeline on what he
NZ Budget Rhetoric: Spending Addiction Unmasked
On the podcast today, Duncan looks into New Zealand’s staggering government spending. With another massive budget rolling out, why hasn't this government made the tough decisions to effect meaningful change? Duncan, Ashley Church, and Maurice Williamson break down our addiction to taxpayer cash, a bloated public service, and why the politicians are too terrified to rein it in.
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“$450 MILLION FOR ONE HAPŪ?” - Port of Tauranga Dispute
We are diving deep into a massive local issue that could break the back of New Zealand’s business. A local tribe in Tauranga is demanding up to half a billion dollars in compensation over the expansion of the Port of Tauranga. Duncan chats with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones about whether national infrastructure is being held to ransom and what this means for our economy.
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Can Labour Stay Silent and Hide Six Months Out From the Election?
Labour is playing a dangerous game of politics by camouflaging six months out from the election. Chris Hipkins and Carmel Sepuloni are refusing to front with any concrete policy, hoping voters will forget six years of failure. Plus, we reveal the exclusive results from our editor-in-chief poll on the proposed public service job cuts
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David Seymour on Why 15000 Public Servants Have to Go
The sky is not falling in, but the public service is finally getting a much-needed reset with eight thousand workers set to go. Duncan breaks down why this is a serious correction to a problem that exploded under the previous government. Plus, Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins the show to explain why these budget savings are locked in and what it means for the future of Wellington.
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Education Minister Erica Stanford on Her Big Curriculum Shift
Today on the podcast, we look at the government's latest promise to cut down the size of the public service. Duncan breaks down why this feels like a rerun and questions if it highlights a first-time failure. Plus, Education Minister Erica Stanford joins us to discuss her major curriculum reforms and new primary school funding. We also check out your feedback on Winston Peters' big policy bombs.
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Is Winston Peters' $30 Billion Bank Plan Total Madness?
Winston Peters is back in the headlines with a couple of massive policy ideas, but we reckon he is only half right. While making KiwiSaver compulsory is a smart move that is long overdue to fix our retirement time bomb, his plan to buy back the BNZ for billions is total nostalgia dressed up as economic policy. Maurice Williamson and Ashley Church join us to break down the madness.
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Ngāi Tahu’s Secret Newsletter and the $180 Million Mining Row
We dig into a private Ngāi Tahu newsletter that Duncan says is full of corporate puffery designed to hide the truth about a $180 million mining standoff. Plus, Maurice Williamson and Jordan Williams join us to talk about the latest "too close to call" polls, why Aucklanders are facing record rate hikes, and if the government has the guts to be ruthless in the upcoming budget.
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Winston Peters Is Blocking Superannuation Reform
We are on a collision course with a massive 30 billion dollar problem. Duncan and economist Ed McKnight look at the uncomfortable truth about our retirement age and why it might have to hit 72 just to keep the lights on. They also discuss why no real change can happen while Winston Peters is in the room.
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Labour’s Three-Headed Monster and National’s Search for a Spine
The latest political polls are out, and they are looking incredibly tight. Duncan breaks down why the chances of a hung parliament are rising and what a potential "three-headed monster" on the left would look like for your back pocket. We also catch up with Taupō District Councillor Christine Rankin to talk about the toxic state of co-governance and why she thinks the current government needs to f
The Collapse of Te Pāti Māori with David Farrar
Te Pāti Māori is in total collapse, and we are witnessing the most rapid exit of a political movement in New Zealand history. Duncan breaks down the internal warfare and ego-driven leadership that squandered an extraordinary platform. We also catch up with pollster David Farrar to talk about Winston’s rise, Luxon’s personal numbers, and the recent scandal that rocked the Press Gallery.
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Duncan on the Wildest Days in the Press Gallery and Sherman’s Shafting
Duncan is opening up for the first time about what really happens behind the scenes at Parliament. He takes a deep dive into the exit of former TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman and why he thinks she has been held to a completely different standard than anyone else. Duncan shares stories of his own 17 years in the press gallery to show how the rules really work.
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Ani O’Brien: Is the Parliamentary Press Gallery Actually Working?
Ani O’Brien joins Duncan to talk about the fallout from her reporting on former TVNZ political editor Mikey Sherman. She opens up about the brutal online backlash and why she is finally taking action against the trolls. We also dig into the toxic culture of the press gallery and why our state broadcaster might be fundamentally broken.=
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The Budget Crossroads And A Government Fraying At The Edges
The gloves are coming off, and the coalition discipline is starting to fray in public. With the budget just weeks away, we are entering an unusually long and brutal campaign season. Duncan breaks down the latest poll of polls and asks the tough questions about National’s identity. Maurice Williamson and Janet Wilson join us to discuss whether New Zealanders actually feel better off today.
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The "Vibes" Economy vs. The Reality of Business and The Scrapping of The BSA
Duncan and the panel dive into the massive reaction following our interview with Chlöe Swarbrick. We hear from Andrew, a Dunedin business owner who says politicians are trading on "vibes" while real people pay the price. Plus, we discuss the government scrapping the BSA and the growing calls for a social media ban for under-16s.
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Chlöe Swarbrick On Ending Poverty & Taxing Assets
We’re diving deep into the state of New Zealand Politics. Duncan questions why we’re importing thousands of workers while 215,000 Kiwis sit on Job Seeker support. It’s lazy policymaking that leaves taxpayers picking up the bill while businesses avoid training locals.
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick joined us to discuss a very different path forward. She’s backing a wealth tax on the "tip
Shane Jones on Mining Extortion and the "Butter Chicken Tsunami"
Duncan sits down with Resources Minister Shane Jones to pull apart the reality of our new trade ties with India. We ask why New Zealand is pledging $30 billion in investment offshore while our own schools and roads are falling apart. Shane also weighs in on the Santana Gold Mine standoff and his plan to "incinerate" Treaty references that he says are holding our economy back.
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Duncan Garner Exposes Media Cover-Ups, Double Standards, & Act’s new Immigration Policy
In this episode, Duncan takes a deep dive into the anatomy of the New Zealand media and why trust in legacy outlets is hitting new lows. He stayed silent on the story for so long. Duncan also addresses allegations made in Barry Soper’s new book, pointing out what he claims are significant omissions regarding the veteran journalist's own past.
We are also joined by ACT Leader and Deputy Prime Mini
The Great Santana Shakedown
Duncan Garner takes aim at the growing fight over Santana Minerals’ proposed gold mine in Central Otago, after Ngāi Tahu opposed the project following reports of a $180 million figure being discussed.
Duncan argues this is no ordinary consent battle. He says it goes to the heart of whether New Zealand is still a place where major projects can get built, investors can have certainty, and high payi
Winston Peters Leaks Sensitive Emails: Is The Coalition Collapsing?
Winston Peters has just pulled a classic Winston move. By leaking sensitive emails and blindsiding Christopher Luxon, it looks like he’s trying to get himself kicked out of the coalition to play the martyr. We dive into why Luxon didn’t pull the trigger and what this means for the government's stability.
We break down the coalition cracks and the $180 million gold mine standoff, and Maurice share
EXCLUSIVE: Ani O’Brien On Breaking The Maiki Sherman Story
This one goes straight at the uncomfortable bit: what happens when the people who demand accountability suddenly go very quiet?
Duncan is joined by commentator and comms specialist Ani O’Brien, who broke the story about Maiki Sherman, Lloyd Burr, and an incident the New Zealand media had allegedly known about for over a year. The question isn’t just what was said, it’s why so many people who knew
Steve Devine & Dave Phillips: Inside Kiwi Firefighters' Pay And Resource Issues
This one hits different. Because it is not theory, it is lived experience.
Duncan sits down with firefighters Steve Devine and Dave Phillips to hear directly from the frontline. What they describe is a system going backwards. Ageing trucks breaking down on the way to fires. Stations closed for years. Equipment that is outdated. And a workforce stretched thin while still fighting for fair pay an
Underpaid Firefighters: Why are People at Desks Earning More?
Something is badly wrong when firefighters are among the lowest-paid people inside the very service they keep alive.
On the Slam Dunc, Duncan Garner takes aim at Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s pay priorities, questioning why frontline firefighters are still fighting for better pay, safer staffing, reliable trucks and proper gear while management layers and board fees keep climbing. From the C
New Zealand Blood Shortage: Why Plasma Donations Matter Now
New Zealand needs more people to roll up their sleeves, and Duncan is making the case pretty clearly: this is one of the simplest ways to save a life.
Scott Sinclair from NZ Blood joins Duncan to explain the difference between blood, plasma and platelets, why red cell levels are low, and why common blood types like O positive and A positive are especially needed.
They also dig into the growi
Co-Governance Crisis: Is the Far North Council Being Managed?
The government says they aren’t intervening in the Far North, but we’ve seen the letters that say otherwise. Officials are at the table, reporting back to Wellington, and the pressure is mounting. We dive into the co-governance creep National promised to stop and ask why they’re still being so soft. Plus, the panel reacts to Winston Peters’ most brutal tweet in 40 years.
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Santana Gold Mine: The $180 Million Demand by Iwi Explained
We are looking at the massive gold mine project in Central Otago that is currently stalled. Is it a fair deal for iwi or a massive tax on business? Act MP Simon Court joins us to discuss why this veto culture needs to end before we lose all our investors to Australia. Plus, your feedback on media bias and the latest in Parliament.
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BSA vs Sean Plunket: Is This Overreach from an Outdated Body?
What happens when an old regulator tries to police a media world that’s already moved on? We get stuck with a fight over The Platform’s Sean Plunket, the BSA, free speech, and whether broadcasting rules still make sense when podcasts and radio start crossing over.
In this episode, Duncan digs into the complaint over Plunket’s “mumbo jumbo” comment, and why the real issue might be the Platform’s l
Luxon’s Lifeline: Three Ways The Prime Minster Can Save His Job
Christopher Luxon is under fire, and his leadership is being questioned by his own team. Duncan has three clear steps for the Prime Minister to reset his government and survive this slump. We also highlight why Minister Simon Watts is avoiding the tough questions on our show, and answer your feedback on iwi settlements.
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Is Christopher Luxon Finished? National Party Leadership Crisis Analysis
Is the National Party in a death spiral? Duncan sits down with Ani O'Brien and Jordan Williams to dissect the latest polling numbers and the growing pressure on Christopher Luxon. With the election just six months away, we ask the hard questions about leadership, strategy, and whether a change at the top is the only way forward for the party.
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Another Poor Poll: Can National Win With Luxon Leading?
National is stuck in the twenties, Winston Peters is rising fast, and the pressure on Christopher Luxon is no longer background noise.
In this episode, we break down the latest polling and what it really means for National heading into an election. Is this just a rough patch, or something deeper? And more importantly, can the party actually win with Luxon still leading?
We’re joined by Maurice W
REVEALED: Voting And Speaking Rights Given To Unelected Iwi Up North
Duncan dives into a major shift happening right now in the Far North District Council. They have held an extraordinary meeting to give full voting and speaking rights to unelected iwi and hapu members. We look at what this means for local democracy and whether shared governance works when there is no shared electoral accountability to the ratepayers.
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Diesel Hits $4: Inflation, Fuel Costs Continue To Hurt Kiwis' Pockets
This country runs on diesel and without it we come to a halt. Duncan is joined by Peter Williams and Ani O'Brien on the panel, to break down the massive spike in fuel costs and why the government is caught between a rock and a hard place. We also look at the rising tensions in Northland over co-governance and whether the public service is still too bloated.
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David Seymour: Govt’s Response To Far North Council Co-Governance Claims
What happens when a council stops looking like democracy and starts looking like intimidation? That’s where we begin today, as Duncan digs into the government’s warning to the Far North District Council and asks whether local democracy is being pushed off course.
Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins us to talk through the claims, the growing pressure on the government, and what happens when
Winston Surges, National Struggles, And Co-Governance Is Rife Up North
Winston Peters is absolutely launching in the polls, and the panel wonders if National is simply conceding the ground. Meanwhile, Duncan gets a blunt "F off" from Far North Mayor Moko Tamihere after asking about unelected seats on council committees. We also dive into the $4 petrol crisis and why the Reserve Bank is warning of heavy headwinds this winter.
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'F** Off!': My Incredible Interaction With Far North Mayor
We are diving into a shocking breakdown of local democracy today. Duncan shares a blunt, two-word email from Far North Mayor Moko Tepania that has left us gobsmacked. After serious allegations about unelected influence at the council table, the Mayor was offered a right of reply. His response? A personal "f off". We ask if it is time for the government to step in.
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Peters Surges In Latest Poll, And More Co-Governance Drama
Winston Peters is back, and he is not just making up the numbers. With a massive surge to 13.6 percent in the latest poll, the New Zealand First leader is eyeing up the top job while National and Labor drift. We also dive into the co-governance rows erupting in Hastings and the Far North, where local councillors say democracy is being pushed aside for unelected boards.
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Far North Co-Governance: Unelected Members Making BIG Council Decisions
Duncan sits down with Far North District Councillor Davina Meads for a sobering look at what she calls "co-governance on steroids." From unelected representatives outvoting elected officials to serious questions about financial accountability and personal safety, Davina shares her front-row seat to a system she believes is drifting away from democratic principles. We ask if the government is doing
Free Speech Fight: How Can The BSA Police The Internet?
The BSA has just scored the home goal of the century. By trying to bring the entire internet under its 1989 jurisdiction, they might have just signed their own death warrant. Duncan is joined by Annie O’Brien and Morris Williamson to pull apart this massive overreach, National’s disastrous new poll numbers, and whether a Cabinet reshuffle can actually save Luxon’s leadership.
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NZ Fuel Crisis: How National And Labour BOTH Failed Us
We are facing an energy crisis, and the paper trail is brutal for both sides of the house. Duncan dives into the decisions that left New Zealand vulnerable to diesel disruptions until 2028. From scrapped reserves to the latest Roy Morgan poll showing National at a record low, we look at what happens when leadership chooses hope over a plan.
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David Seymour Talks Budget Pressure And The 15,000 Job Target
Duncan is fired up today over the latest numbers showing the public service is actually growing instead of shrinking like National promised. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins us to talk about the looming winter fuel crisis and why he thinks we need fewer ministers at the top to finally get spending under control. Plus, we look at the rise of petrol drive-offs.
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