Context

New Zealand’s MMP voting system promised fairness and diversity — but has it delivered? In this episode of Context, Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann look back at how MMP came to be, from a slip-up by David Lange in the 1980s to Winston Peters’ rise as kingmaker, and now Christopher Luxon’s challenge of managing a three-party government.

From the Cook Strait ferry strikes to the fiery union battles of the 1970s, New Zealand’s history is written in industrial action. Now, as nurses, teachers and doctors walk off the job, what lessons can we draw from a century of strikes?

From Muldoon’s Price Freeze to Today’s Cost of Living Crisis. Corin and Guyon look back to a time when the PM set the price of milk and froze wages on a whim. Plus, how the NZ reserve bank launched a groundbreaking new monetary policy, which changed how countries controlled inflation for good.

As Winston Peters heads to the UN, Context looks back at how NZ has shaped the world stage — from Peter Fraser at its founding to peacekeepers in Korea and Timor, and a fiery clash with Israel.

Why is alcohol reform such a political minefield in New Zealand? With new reforms on the table, Guyon Espiner and Corin Dann trace liquor laws back through a century of history; from the 6 o’clock swill and failed prohibition votes, to Muldoon’s drunken election call and the Black Budget.

Inside Parliament’s Rulebook: Why can’t MPs call each other liars? Why do Speakers wield so much power? And which MP was kicked out just for sarcasm? In this episode, Guyon and Corin trace 175 years of standing orders, Speaker’s rulings, and legendary political one-liners that have shaped New Zealand’s democracy.

From Kash Patel’s surprise visit to Kim Dotcom’s infamous raid, New Zealand’s relationship with the FBI and America has been anything but simple. In this episode, Guyon and Corin uncover how NZ has balanced alliances, espionage, and independence — and why it matters now more than ever.

From quips about "raising the IQ of both countries", to gold fever and neoliberal reform, Corin Dann and Guyon Espiner dig through the history of the "brain drain"