Nine To Noon Politics

Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital. Sue Moroney is a former MP with the Labour Party and now chief executive of Community Law Centres Aotearoa.

Neale, Brigette and Kathryn discuss the aftermath of the US election, the introduction of the Treaty Principles Bill being brought forward, and the hīkoi to Wellington in protest of the Bill. Also, the government still has issues to resolve ahead of the apology to survivors of abuse in state care this week.

Dale, Fletcher and Kathryn discuss a range of issues on the political agenda, including the Auditor General’s inquiry into possible conflicts of interest by Ministers over fast-track projects. Also calls from people abused in state care for the Solicitor General to go.

Gareth, Ben and Kathryn reflect on the coalition government’s first year, their policies, promises and what’s been delivered on. Also public sector cuts continue, a new State Service Commissioner has been appointed and the Finance Minister has doubled down on calling Wellington City Council a "shambles”. Gareth Hughes is the Director of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa, a former Green MP and is no longer a member of any political party. Ben Thomas is a former National government press secretary, a columnist and a director of public affairs firm Capital.

Gareth, Fletcher and Kathryn talk about the Manawanui sinking, the upcoming CHOGM meeting and NZ First's annual conference. Also, the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's bilateral meeting with India's leader Narendra Modi, which has resulted in an official invite to New Delhi but little indication of progress toward a promised free trade deal.

Political commentators Sue Moroney and Brigitte Morten join Kathryn with to discuss the major political events of the last week, including the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, the government's list of fast track projects, and questions surrounding the independent advice Casey Costello received on heated tobacco products.

Kathryn, Dale and Brigitte talk about some of the coalition agreements that are in effect and also the challenges of three party decision making. And reaction to the government’s revised guidance on working from home, with Public Service Minister Nicola Willis saying it’s not an entitlement.

Neale, Liam and Kathryn discuss a range of law and order issues, including gang patch legislation, violent crime data and the adding of more police officers to community patrol teams. Also the latest GDP figure and what’s happening in the transport portfolio. Neale Jones was Chief of Staff to Labour Leader Jacinda Ardern, and prior to that was Chief of Staff to Andrew Little. He is the director of public affairs firm Capital. Liam Hehir is a Palmerston North lawyer, political commentator and a National Party member.

Political commentators Brigitte Morten and Gareth Hughes discuss the week's big political moments.

Sue and Ben look back on a momentous week for Te Ao Māori with the tangi of Kiīngi Tūheitia and his daughter crowned the eighth Māori monarch.

Dale, Tim and Kathryn discuss proposed changes to the Fast Track Bill, a potential capital raise for Kiwi Bank, escalating power prices, the Treaty Principles Bill and what came out of the Local Government conference.

Neale, Brigitte and Kathryn discuss the mounting pressure on the Health Minister, the Prime Minister's trip to Canberra, and the long-awaited OCR cut.

Gareth and Brigitte discuss Shane Jones' broadside on the electricity gen-tailers; the government's replacement for Three Waters and the government's demand that any public service pay increases come from existing baselines.

Sue and Tim join Paddy to talk about yesterday's National Party conference, where Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced plans to fast-track changes to the maths curriculum in the wake of what he labelled "appalling" results of Year 8 students.