
Election 2026: The Podcast
A New Zealand politics podcast hosted by Katie Bradford, bringing together some of the country's sharpest political journalists for frank conversations about the campaign leading up to Election 2026. Each episode examines the people, policies and power plays shaping the race and what they mean for voters. It is produced by the NZ Herald as part of its wider election coverage. Listeners are directed to the NZ Herald website and app for more in-depth reporting.
Episodes

Strategic voting and the risk of a hung Parliament - with Sir John Key and James Bews-Hair
“Misguided” is how Sir John Key is describing people calling on National party voters to split their vote, in a new podcast being launched today by the NZ Herald.In the first episode of Election 2026: The Podcast, Key and long-time political strategist James Bews-Hair join Katie Bradford to discuss strategic voting, the fall of major parties and the rise of Opportunity.See omnystudio.c

Introducing Election 2026: The Podcast
Join Katie Bradford and some of New Zealand's sharpest political minds for an unfiltered chat about the people, policies and power plays shaping this year's campaign as we head towards Election 2026. Visit the NZ Herald website or app for comprehensive coverage of Election 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour's David Parker on the state of foreign affairs
Last week, Opposition Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Hon David Parker gave a speech addressing the state of New Zealand's international relations as part of an event for Diplosphere. Thomas chaired a Q&A after the event between Parker and the audience, and On the Tiles presents the full speech by Parker and that Q&A for this week's episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in

Sir Bill English on what's needed to fix the health system
Health care in New Zealand eats up a huge portion of the budget each year, and it's growing - The Government spent 7.3% of GDP on health in the year to June 2024, more than any year outside of Covid. Treasury reckons spending is expected to grow to 10% of GDP by 2061 - so how can we get on top of it? This week, Thomas is joined by Sir Bill English, who served as Health, Finance and Pri

Orr to Goff, Marmite to reshuffles: The week that was in politics
In the first political panel catchup for the year, Thomas is joined by Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls and NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenee Tibshraeny to discuss a hectic period in local politics - ranging from the resignation of Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr, the firing of UK High Commissioner Phil Goff, the latest comments by Christopher Luxon, and Labour's reshuffle.

Local body elections: Who’s running for the mayoralty in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch?
Competition for the top job in our biggest cities is heating up ahead of this year’s local body elections, with some potential candidates already causing a stir. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau has confirmed she wants a second term although many people in the capital are wondering why, given her tumultuous entry to the world of local government. In Auckland, Mayor Wayne Brown has said he is not

Politics in the Pacific: AUKUS, Cook Islands and tensions with China
This month, the Cook Islands signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with China, sparking tensions between the islands and New Zealand. It has sparked renewed discussions about China's interest in the Pacific, and how New Zealand should respond, as the Asia-Pacific region remains a hotbed of diplomatic tension between the East and West. Marco de Jong, a Pacific historian and lecturer at

Craig Renney offers an alternative take on economic growth
The Government has declared 2025 the year of economic growth, with its current action plan for the next quarter honing in on various economic growth plans. Craig Renney, chief economist for the CTU, and former advisor to Labour Finance Minister Grant Robertson, joins Thomas this week to discuss economic growth from a left-leaning perspective and what he thinks needs to be done. See omnystudio

Our economic predictions for 2025 - and what it'll mean for the Government
On the Tiles is back for 2025, and to kick off the year, Thomas is joined by NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor Jenee Tibshraeny and Interest.co.nz's economic policy reporter Dan Brunskill to look ahead at the economy this year. They discuss their predictions, house prices, credit ratings, the HYEFU from the end of 2024, debanking, and what this all means for the Government and the country. 

The year in politics: Highlights, lowlights, and our Politician of the Year
It's been a packed year of politics, with each party facing their own highlights and challenges. For the final On the Tiles of 2024, Thomas is joined by regular panellists Jason Walls and Jenee Tibshraeny for a recap of the events of the year, looking at the high and lowlights from across the Political Spectrum, thoughts for 2025, and who were the best performing politicians. See omnystudio.c

The winners and losers of local politics in 2024
For the final Local Edition of 2024, Georgina is joined by Herald senior writer Simon Wilson and former Mayor and Infrastructure New Zealand chief executive Nick Leggett to wrap the highs and lows of local politics. They discuss: The issues facing Tory Whanau and Wellington Council How Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown bounced back from a rough 2023 What central Government wants from councils 

Boris Johnson talks AUKUS, New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern and his new book
Boris Johnson is one of the most instantly recognisable British politicians of this century. He was involved in politics in some capacity for 22 years as an MP, the Mayor of London, and as Prime Minister for three years from 2019 to 2022. He ultimately quit this role and politics off the back of a growing number of scandals, but his influence on British politics this century is indisputable. John

Who is Wellington’s Crown Observer? Nick Smith on why he recommended Lindsay McKenzie for the job
The Government has appointed a Crown observer at Wellington City Council. The council has been called “a shambles” after it stopped the sale of its stake in the airport and now has to cut community projects to plug the resulting hole in its budget.On this week’s episode, Georgina speaks with former Cabinet minister and current Nelson mayor Nick Smith about how Crown observer Lindsay McKenzie can h

Treaty debate heats up after hīkoi - what will happen next?
This week, Thomas is joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls to recap the week in politics, which was dominated by the thousand-strong hīkoi to Parliament over the Treaty Principles Bill.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Labour MP Naisi Chen campaigned in the US for Kamala - why she thinks Trump won
Thomas is back from the US covering the election, which former President Donald Trump won in a landslide over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. Also there was former Labour MP Naisi Chen, who was campaigning on the ground for the Democrats side. She joins Thomas to discuss what she saw and heard from voters, the factors that led to Trump winning, and what New Zealand politicians can learn.

Former US Ambassador to NZ Scott Brown weighs in on his country's election
For something a bit different this week, Thomas is joined by Scott Brown, who served as the US Ambassador to New Zealand during Donald Trump's term as President. He discusses his views on what the big issues to voters are, and why he believes Trump will be voted in for another term. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What the latest statements reveal about the Government's finances
After a short hiatus, Thomas is back for a panel with Jason Walls and Jenee Tibshraeny. They discuss what the latest Government financial statements show about the state of ACC and the rest of the Government's books, as well as the improvements in the economy and who can take credit for it, the property market and the push to build more homes, and the renewed debate about Capital Gains Tax.See omn

Tory Whanau on what's next for Wellington after airport sales plan voted down
Wellington City Council has voted to stop the controversial sale of its 34% share in the airport. The move has left a big question mark over the city's councils, with the long term plan now needing a re-think to plug a multi-million dollar hole left by the sale. On this week's episode, Georgina speaks with Mayor Tory Whanau, who supported the sale, about the move and what's next, and she addresses

Why the majority of local councils are backing Māori wards
After a change in central government policy, councils have overwhelmingly voted to keep Māori wards, but we'll first have to ask the public what they think via a referendum. There's concern these polls will put more costs on councils that they simply can't afford. This week, Georgina talks to Newstalk ZB Wellington reporter Azaria Howell to discuss the political background to this law change and e

How does the Government plan to tackle infrastructure?
This week has seen the Building Nations conference hosted by Infrastructure NZ take place in Auckland, with Ministers, Mayors and a range of experts speaking about the state of the country's infrastructure. New Zealand is believed to have an infrastructure deficit in the billions, if not trillions - so how can we go about fixing it? BusinessDesk Infrastructure Editor Oliver Lewis joins Thomas this

Central Government takes aim at council spending at LGNZ conference
Council leaders from around the country have met in a convention centre that the Prime Minister thinks is an example of wasteful spending and is just down the road from a burst water main that has turned a street into a paddling pool. The Local Government New Zealand conference was held in Wellington this week at the city’s new $180 million convention centre Takina, and Georgina this week takes us

Minister Simeon Brown discusses Government's plans for water and local councils
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled changes to allow new council-owned water companies to be able to access more cheap borrowing from the Local Government Funding Agency. To discuss what these changes mean, in the wake of years of public debate over the previous Government's 'Three Waters' proposal, this week Georgina is joined by the Minister to get the explanation on how this wi

The Greens vs Darleen Tana and Act vs Te Pāti Māori - inside Parliament's latest drama
This week Thomas is joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls to discuss the latest political drama, namely the Greens and their ongoing internal strifes after suspending MP Darleen Tana, and Act and Te Pāti Māori clash over political pins and stickers, and accusations of race-based bullying. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hipkins reflects on move into Opposition and what's next for Labour
In this week's episode, Thomas has a long-form chat with Labour leader and former Prime Minister turned Leader of the Opposition, Chris Hipkins, to discuss seven months in the role, Labour's analysis of its failed re-election campaign, what they'll do differently next time, and what needs to change in the political climate.. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mahé Drysdale discusses his plans for fixing Tauranga
Over the last few weeks, Tauranga residents have been able to vote in their first local election since the city council was replaced with commissioners at the end of 2020. Preliminary results are in, and in a landslide result, former Olympic rower Mahé Drysdale is expected to become the city’s new Mayor. For this bonus episode of On the Tiles: Local Edition, he catches up with Georgina ahead o

What will happen next in US politics with Todd Muller
It has been a tumultuous week in US politics, with former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump nearly assassinated in a shooting days out from the Republican National Convention. This happened as US President Joe Biden remains defiant over his future, despite growing calls for him to drop out. To discuss what might happen next with both parties, and the November election, Thomas is join

Carmel Sepuloni on what's wrong with the welfare system
Labour's deputy leader, and former deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni joins Thomas this week. She discusses how Labour lost Auckland and their response to crime in the city, before a deep dive on welfare, benefits, and what needs to be done to fix this issue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Act's Mark Cameron speaks about the death of his son
WARNING: This episode discusses mental health, depression and suicide. In May, Brody Cameron, the son of Act MP Mark Cameron, died as the result of a suspected suicide. Mark has not spoken publicly about this tragedy since it happened, but joins Thomas for his first in-depth interview on Brody's death and his own mental health struggles. Suicide and depression help services: If it is an emergency

What are city deals and how could they transform local governments?
As councils struggle with rising rates, failing infrastructure and blown out budgets, one of the solutions proposed to keep these institutions afloat has been city deals to improve the relationship between central and local government. To explain how these could work and what progress is being made on them, Georgina this week talks with Local Government NZ President Sam Broughton. See omnystudio.c

What we learned from Parliament's first ever Scrutiny Week
Parliament has spent all week scrutinising the Government Ministers and heads of public agencies in a first-of-its-kind Scrutiny Week. In this special episode of On the Tiles, Thomas gets reactions on what we learned from the proceedings from Claire Trevett, Adam Pearse and Sophie Trigger. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who are the best performing MPs in Parliament?
It's a little over six months since the 54th New Zealand Parliament was sworn in, and there have been plenty of highs and lows from the different parties. So which MPs across the House have been performing the best? This week, Thomas is joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls to discuss the best MPs from National, Labour, the Greens, ACT, NZ First and Te Pāti Māori. See omnystudio.com/l

Democracy set for return in Tauranga - can the city avoid the mistakes of the past?
It has been nearly five years since the Tauranga City Council was sacked by the Government and replaced with Commissioners, after infighting and dysfunction between councillors and the Mayor. Now, the council is going to return to "full democracy", and a new Mayor and councillors will vote them in next month. Georgina is joined by Bay of Plenty Times senior journalist Kiri Gillespie to discuss wh

Tax cuts, spending and what's next: Breaking down Budget 2024
For a special episode going through Budget 2024, Thomas is joined by NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny and Interest.co.nz's Dan Brunskill to discuss the highlights, lowlights, surprises - or lack thereof - from the Budget, and what it signals about the economy and the years to come for this Government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie Anne Genter addresses Parliament outburst and why it won't define her political career
Green MP and MP for Rongotai, Julie Anne Genter, made headlines at the start of May after she crossed the debating chamber and yelled at Minister Matt Doocey during a Parliamentary debate. She is now facing disciplinary action by the Greens and has been referred to the Privileges Committee. Now, in her first sit-down interview since this incident, Genter talks to Georgina about the incident, the

Budget 2024 preview: Can the Government deliver on its pledges?
We are well and truly in Budget Month - while it's not delivered until May 30th, the Government has started their pre-Budget funding announcements, while Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered her first preview speech. This week, Thomas is joined by Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny and Interest.co.nz's Dan Brunskill to discuss what we could expect from a Budget that's promi

James Shaw talks climate change, rogue MPs and former leaders as he exits politics
After years in Parliament, former Green Party co-leader James Shaw this week exits politics. Shaw's careers has seen many highs - particularly around passing world-leading climate change legislation - as well as coalition struggles and internal party strife, which became an issue once again this week. As he leaves the Beehive, Shaw joins Thomas to reflect on his time in politics, his friendships a

Inside a lifetime of foreign policy work and what it says about our current issues
Diplomat Terence O’Brien was at the centre of New Zealand’s foreign relations for nearly half a century, forging new ties with Asia, negotiating New Zealand’s market access to what became the European Union, or running the first successful campaign for a seat on the United Nations Security Council. His new post-humous memoir, Consolations of Insignificance, comes out next month. His son, Diplosphe

Christopher Luxon’s surprise reshuffle: What you need to know
The Coalition Government has seen its first cabinet reshuffle. Melissa Lee has lost her Broadcasting Minister portfolio and has been demoted out of Cabinet. Meanwhile, Penny Simmonds has lost her Disability Commission portfolio. To discuss this, The Front Page's Chelsea Daniels is joined by the host of the On the Tiles podcast, and NZ Herald deputy political editor, Thomas Coughlan. . See omn

How can councils overcome their infrastructure deficit?
Councils across the country are grappling with an infrastructure deficit and sky-high rates -but what options are available to them to fund and finance these projects, and how much involvement should central Government have in bailing them out? This week, Georgina is joined by New Zealand Infrastructure Commission general manager of strategy Geoff Cooper to discuss the extent of the problem, the

Minister Chris Penk talks construction, levys, insurance and earthquake-risk
In a first for On the Tiles, Thomas and Georgina have teamed up for a chat with Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk about his early wins in the portfolio, and a special focus on earthquake risk for buildings and if the Government, and country, needs to change its approach to risk. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Seymour on his big regulation shake up
David Seymour sat down with On the Tiles to talk about his new Reglation Ministry and how the Government handled its first 100 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Robertson reflects on career, Covid finances as he signs off from Parliament
Grant Robertson has this week left politics, after nearly three decades at the Beehive - first as an advisor to Margaret Hobbs and Helen Clark, before serving as the Wellington Central MP and later Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. In an exit interview with Thomas, he reflects on his early career, entering as a MP, twice running for the Labour Party leadership, and goes deep in his refle

Labour's Barbara Edmonds talks finance portfolio and thoughts on tax
Barbara Edmonds made history last month when she was named Labour's first ever female finance spokesperson. Stepping into Grant Robertson's shoes, Edmonds has a challenge over the next three years to sell Labour's vision on finance, after years of back and forth on new taxes. She talks to Thomas about going up against the coalition Government, wealth tax versus capital gains tax, and Labour's reco

Luxon's judgement, country's finances in spotlight as 100 day plan ends
We've made it through the first 100 days of the coalition government - so which ministers have performed well and what policies have stood out? How much money does the country have left? And was Christopher Luxon's living allowance debacle a worrying sign? Today, Thomas recaps the first 100 days with NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny and Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls

Corporate welfare or visionary move: Inside Wellington's Reading Cinemas deal
Wellington has been divided over the City Council's secret Reading Cinema deal. The building was closed in early 2019 after an earthquake risk was discovered and it has since become a symbol of the tired state of Courtenay Pl. The council has been working on a $32 million deal behind closed doors but details were leaked late last year, sparking a debate over whether it was appropriate for a cash-s

Three Waters is dead - so can councils afford what's coming next?
The Government has announced their plans to repeal and replace Labour's Three Waters plans. Georgina is joined by Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry to discuss their reactions to the changes, why they want more answers on the Government's plans, and the huge cost likely coming for ratepayers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

100 days deadline approaches: Will Government meet their target?
Parliament next week is set to kick-off a marathon four week sitting period, which comes as the coalition government looks to get through the final parts of its 100-day plan - including some pretty big legislation around crime and justice. Thomas is joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls to discuss what's left of that 100 day target, how Labour is performing in Opposition so far, and

Where should the Treaty of Waitangi sit within our law?
In the second instalment of our series on the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Government's plans, Thomas is joined by University of Auckland sociologist Elizabeth Rata to discuss her views on the Treaty, where it sits as a legal document, and how principles play into this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why the Government and Māori are divided over Treaty principles
On the Tiles is back for 2024, and we're kicking off with the story set to dominate over the next year. As the Government prepares to have a debate on the principles of Treaty of Waitangi, Thomas talks with Victoria University of Wellington professor Dr Luke Fitzmaurice-Brown (Te Aupōuri) to discuss what the principles are, the differences between the Treaty and Te Tiriti, and what the consequence

The challenges facing the Government in 2024
For the last episode of the year, Thomas is joined by NZH Wellington business editor Jenée Tibshraeny and economist Brad Olsen to discuss this week's mini-budget and what it revealed about the state of the economy, and how the National-led government will need to respond. New episodes return on January 26th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonus: What you need to know about the 'mini budget' and HYEFU
In this special bonus episode, Georgina Campbell runs through the big takeaways from Nicola Willis' 'mini budget' and the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Auckland to Gore - how local politics fared in 2023
While this may have been the year of Election 2023, there was plenty to digest from local politics around the country. From extreme weather in the north and east, to blurred lines between private and public life in the capital, and then perhaps the most attention a southern council has received in decades, there has been a lot going on over the last 12 months. To discuss who performed the best,

How has the relationship between media and politicians changed?
This week, Thomas is joined by former RNZ political editor Jane Patterson as she leaves the Press Gallery. They discuss high and lowlights from her two decades spent at the heart of politics, and discuss how the relationship between media and politicians has changed over that time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National-Act-NZ First reach a deal: Inside the new Cabinet and policy priorities
After 40 days, New Zealand has a new government. National, Act and NZ First have signed their agreements to form the country's first-ever three-party coalition government. So who's deputy Prime Minister, who are the new Ministers, and what are the policy priorities? And NZ Herald politics editor Claire Trevett joins for her analysis on how this will all work. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan

The multitude of economic issues Minister of Finance Nicola Willis faces
Thomas Coughlan talks to NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor, Jenée Tibshraeny, and former economics editor Brian Fallow about the challenges Minister of Finance Nicola Willis will have to deal with now she has her hands on the government's books.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government-in-waiting: Act, National & NZ First's three-way coalition meetings
NZ Herald Deputy Political Editor Thomas Coughlan and Newstalk ZB Political Editor Jason Walls are back to discuss the seemingly never-ending wait for a government to be formed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tricky times: Will Wellington sell its airport shares to keep the city afloat?
Wellington has been home to plenty of drama recently, and Wellington City councillors are about to vote on whether to consult with the public on selling its 34% share in the airport. NZME's Wellington Head of News, Katrina Bennett, and Newstalk ZB Wellington Breakfast Newsreader and News Director, Max Toll talk to Georgina Campbell about Code of Conduct complaints, claims of a financial crisis, bi

The final votes are in - what do they mean for the new government?
After three weeks, the final vote count is in, and while some parties have lost seats, others are enjoying their largest caucuses ever. So who's on top and who's having to swallow their campaigning words? NZ Herald political editor Claire Trevett joins to give us the latest. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campaign highlights, Cabinet speculation and texts from Winston
On the Tiles and Thomas are back for the first episode post-election campaign. Joined by Newstalk ZB political editor Jason Walls, this episode we look at the high and lowlights of the campaign, speculate about the possible Cabinet make-up, and try to decrypt vague messages from NZ First leader Winston Peters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How important are the special votes?
October 18th: In this final episode for now of On the Campaign, we hear from NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox about why the special votes are so important in determining the shape and makeup of the next government. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The campaign is over - but when will the new government be sworn in?
October 16th: The campaign is over and the coalition negotiations have begun. NZ Herald deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins to discuss what should happen over the next three weeks as National and the new Prime Minister Christopher Luxon prepare to take charge, and work out who they need to work with. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info

Election 2023 results: Inside National's blue wave and Labour's wipeout
In a special crossover episode, the hosts of On the Campaign and The Front Page discuss the results of Election 2023. As the polls predicted poll night was a bloodbath for Labour. Their caucus has nearly halved, several key MPs are out and while Chris Hipkins has not resigned yet, it seems like the inevitable outcome. But for National and Act, it was a case of celebrations. Christopher Luxon is s

Which party, politician and policy performed the best during the campaign?
October 13: With only a day of voting left, and hours left of the actual campaign, for this last episode before Election Day, Hamish talks to NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie and Markets with Madison host Madison Reidy, who will be fronting the Herald's election coverage tomorrow night. They discuss the best and worst performers on the campaign, the politicians who surprised us, the policie

The penultimate day of campaigning - how close is the race?
October 12: There is a little over 48 hours to go until polling booths close, and the parties are still out in force as advanced voting suggests a huge undecided vote, with mudslinging continuing between Labour and National. And NZ Herald political writer Michael Neilson joins to discuss the state of the Māori electorates and how many could change hands. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan Sil

The Auckland electorates seeing National and Act go head to head
October 11: Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon have faced the Herald's PM Job Interview to test their skills for the country's top job, as they continue their final days of campaigning ahead of Election Day. And NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins the podcast to dissect the races for Epsom and Tamaki that are seeing potential coalition partners National and Act go head to head. Host: Hami

How a by-election and overhang could increase the size of our next Parliament
October 10: A shock death on the campaign trail has revealed some of the more interesting elements of our electoral law, sparking a by-election to take place next month, as well as spotlighting the complex overhang rule that can increase the size of our Parliament. To explain what these laws means, and the Sainte-Laguë method that determines Parliament's makeup, we hear from lawyer Graeme Edgeler

The final week of the campaign begins - but could there really be a second election?
October 9: We are just five sleeps away from Election Day, but some parties are already discussing a second election. Thomas Coughlan joins to dissect if those concerns are valid, and previews the final week of the campaign. Plus, a shock death on the campaign trail has sparked a by-election. And Georgina Campbell joins to discuss what could happen in Hutt South and Ōhāriu. You can experience the

The minor parties make their case - can TOP join them in Parliament?
October 6: NZ Herald political reporter Adam Pearse joins the podcast to discuss the latest debate between the minor parties, and the growing tension between Act and NZ First. And speaking of minor parties, Newstalk ZB Christchurch reporter Georgia O'Connor-Harding joins to discuss the race for Ilam, which has garnered national attention due to TOP's Raf Manji making a strong fight for the seat to

Tax battles, home invasion claims and the Wellington electorates the Greens want to take
October 5: The battle over National's tax policy came up again today thanks to new analysis, while allegations of candidates being targeted resurfaced as well. And Georgina pops up to analyse the race for Wellington Central and Rongotai - two seats the Greens hope to take from Labour. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fuel tax fight, red tape cuts, and the many sides of the race for Northland
October 4th: As the main parties move on from the debate over a debate, the tension turns towards National's promise to cut the Regional Fuel Tax in Auckland - something Auckland's Mayor doesn't want. Plus, Labour targets the Defence Force as Act targets red tape, and some unwanted analysis from one of the world's top banks. Plus, NZ Herald writer David Fisher joins to go inside the race for North

The debate over a debate continues - and inside the races for Auckland Central and Mt Albert
October 3: The political discourse today was dictated by the ongoing argument about The Press debate, and who has said what from both parties. And NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson joins to discuss the races for Auckland Central and Mt Albert - two electorates the Greens hope will be theirs come Election Day. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan Sills See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf

Debate squabbles, Covid tests, and campaign safety concerns
October 2nd: There are less than two weeks to go until Election Day, and one of our leaders is down with Covid. NZ Herald deputy editor Thomas Coughlan joins Georgina to discuss what it means for Labour now that Chris Hipkins is out with Covid, and how this has led to an argument about debate schedules. Plus, manifestos and priorities are released, and Winston Peters sparks headlines for the wrong

The battle of the fiscal policies as Robertson, Willis face the CEOs
September 29th: National finally released its fiscal policy today, and it has already sparked strong words from Labour. And claims of race-baiting take up oxygen on the campaign trail. Deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins us again to dissect the fiscal policies, and also recaps the 21st edition of Mood of the Boardroom. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsEditor: Paddy FoxSee omnyst

Inside the latest leaders' debate and the Parliament protest
September 28: In a bumper episode of On the Campaign, Georgina is joined first by NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie to discuss the Newshub leaders' debate and which leader came out on top - and which answer sparked the worst response from the crowd. And then she talks with Wellington reporter Melissa Nightingale about the latest Parliament protest. Plus, new policies from Act, a commitment f

How important is advanced voting in picking our next government?
September 27: Labour has released their fiscal policy detailing how they will pay for things - and took aim at National in the process. And as the second televised debate goes to air, the focus turns to advanced and early voting - NZ Herald head of data Chris Knox joins to discuss the stats and what influence those early decisions have. Host: Hamish FletcherProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com

Who's winning when it comes to the economy?
September 26: All parties dipped their toes into the policy announcement pool today, with National targeting beneficiaries, Labour boosting Pharmac, and Greens supporting new families. Plus, NZ Herald business editor at large Liam Dann joins to discuss a financial debate he moderated and how Grant Robertson and Nicola Willis are performing on the campaign. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan

Why this week is a 'last opportunity' for parties to make their case
September 25: A busy weekend of policy announcements preceded one of the most important weeks of the campaign, with advanced voting starting overseas and early voting kicking off from next week. Today, Hamish is joined by deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan for his analysis of the latest policy announcements, the significance of this week, and what to make of Christopher Luxon's decision about

Inside the minor party leaders' debate and the latest MP scandal
September 22: Four of the minor party leaders faced off in their first televised debate of the campaign. NZ Herald senior writer Simon Wilson was there and joined Georgina for a rundown of how it all went, and which leader emerged victorious. Plus, Labour and National recommit to free lunches and the economy, Act wants to reverse an over-the-counter drug ban, and more accusations of MPs bullying s

Main parties fight over the economy and petrol prices
September 21: Positive economic news released today was interpreted very differently by Labour and National, while Act released their slightly complex alternative budget. New policy promises target foreign students and hospitals, while deputy political editor Thomas Coughlan joins to discuss "one of the most serious claims made on the campaign" around petrol prices and the cost of carbon. Host: G

Who really won the first televised debate? Plus, education policies and goat visits
September 20th: NZ Herald editor at large Shayne Currie joins Georgina to recap and review the first televised leaders debate, and declares an unexpected true winner from the event. Plus, Act announces their education policy, there are some Government announcements, and Christopher Luxon milks a goat. Host: Georgina CampbellProducer: Ethan SillsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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