/on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/rss ¾ÅÒ»ÐÇ¿ÕÎÞÏÞ Sat, 23 Aug 2025 09:29:39 Z en /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-reuben-davidson-homeless-at-holy-trinity-church-ecan-pay-increase-clean-slate-act/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-reuben-davidson-homeless-at-holy-trinity-church-ecan-pay-increase-clean-slate-act/ Questions have been raised about where a Christchurch homeless community being booted out of a church carpark will go next.   City Council's issued an abatement notice requiring Avonside's Holy Trinity Church carpark to stop being used as a campground by 5pm.   An extension is possible if a new resource consent, allowing camping, is obtained.   Labour's Christchurch East MP Reuben Davidson told John MacDonald the problem isn't the people, but the fact we don't have enough housing.  He says we all have role to play in addressing homelessness.  National’s Vanessa Weenink told MacDonald there is a role for the city council to play, to potentially build more community housing and boarding houses.  She says there needs to be a variety of options, as there’s currently not enough choice nor housing stock.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:27:11 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-teachers-strike-erebus-memorial-grant-robertsons-memoir/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-teachers-strike-erebus-memorial-grant-robertsons-memoir/ More than 20 thousand secondary teachers are walking off the job today to strike over the lowest pay increase offer in a generation.  Post-Primary Teachers Association members will picket outside dozens of schools and MP offices after rejecting a 3% pay increase over three years.  Opposition Leader Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald teachers deserve more than the Government's offering.  He says that if they accept this offer, they’ll effectively be taking a pay cut as it’s below the rate of inflation.  Hipkins says they at least deserve a pay increase that keeps them at the level they’re at now.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 20 Aug 2025 00:55:58 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/tony-hill-canterbury-district-commander-superintendent-on-the-arming-of-police-proposed-restructure/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/tony-hill-canterbury-district-commander-superintendent-on-the-arming-of-police-proposed-restructure/ Canterbury's top police officer believes the current policies around arming New Zealand police officers are appropriate.   Multiple investigations are underway following a double police shooting in Christchurch that left one dead and another seriously injured.   The Council of Licensed Firearms Owners says it's an example of what happens when police aren't trained to handle firearms in high pressure situations.   Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill told John MacDonald training's ramped up in recent years to be some of the best in the world.  He says that most of the occasions they’ve looked at over the last few years hasn’t been a question about a lack of access to firearms, so he thinks the settings are right for the current environment.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 19 Aug 2025 01:17:00 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-megan-woods-and-matt-doocey-hillmorton-hospital-report-woodend-bypass-toll-covid-19-inquiry/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-megan-woods-and-matt-doocey-hillmorton-hospital-report-woodend-bypass-toll-covid-19-inquiry/ The Mental Health Minister's defending claiming his Government's inherited Hillmorton Hospital and its failings from the Labour-led Government of the time.   A review of Canterbury's mental health services reveals significant failings, contributing to murders by patients in 2022 and 2024.   Minister Matt Doocey told John MacDonald it's a fact.   He says the report lays bare the state of Hillmorton in June 2022, and that is the reality of the system they inherited.   Labour's Megan Woods told MacDonald this needs to not be about politics.  She says it’s something they all have to take responsibility for, and it’s something they’ve got to work on.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 15 Aug 2025 01:13:19 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/ronan-keating-musician-talks-his-career-boyzone-selwyn-sounds/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/ronan-keating-musician-talks-his-career-boyzone-selwyn-sounds/ Ronan Keating has been performing for over 30 years.  He debuted in 1993 as the frontman of Boyzone, going on to have an extremely successful solo career from 1999.   Keating joined John MacDonald to talk about his rise to fame, life as a grandfather, and what we can expect to see at Selwyn Sounds in 2026.   LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 14 Aug 2025 02:11:29 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-tracey-mclellan-canterbury-police-restructure-covid-spending-labelling-regulations/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-tracey-mclellan-canterbury-police-restructure-covid-spending-labelling-regulations/ Local politicians from both sides of the political divide are slamming police process around the proposed restructure in wider Canterbury.     Federated Farmers, City Councillors, and schools are concerned at the lack of community consultation.   Banks Peninsula MP Vanessa Weenink told John MacDonald the communication, for a start, hasn't been well managed.   She says police will need to do a lot to assure her, and the community, that what they're doing is the right step.   While Labour's Tracey McLellan says the community's rightly concerned about the internal-only consultation, which is not at all in line with expectations.   LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:21:38 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-proposed-police-restructure-in-canterbury-ncea/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-proposed-police-restructure-in-canterbury-ncea/ The Opposition leader says he's worried Police are retrenching from rural communities.  A planned staffing restructure could move some permanent posted rural officers move to work from 24/7 hubs in Rolleston and Rangiora.  Officer headcount won't drop.   Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald he's been through this in his own area, in Wellington's Upper Hutt.  He says it means Police presence reduces.   He says rural communities are being sold the same story it won't affect local policing but the reality is, it will.  The Labour leader says Minister Mark Mitchell was happy to see more Policing in Auckland city, and it’s time for the Minister to walk the talk and tell the Commissioner he wants rural areas better provisioned.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:57:40 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/tony-hill-district-commander-superintendent-on-the-plan-to-centralise-police-officers-in-canterbury/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/tony-hill-district-commander-superintendent-on-the-plan-to-centralise-police-officers-in-canterbury/ Canterbury police say they'll still serve rural communities under a plan to centralise officers.   They're mid-way through two weeks of internal consultation on a plan to shift some officers from smaller rural stations, to larger 24/7 hubs in Rolleston and Rangiora.   District Commander Superintendent, Tony Hill, told John MacDonald rural liaison officers will still work with smaller areas, and police will respond and come in from one of the hubs.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:23:09 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-gloriavale-ncea-changes-fbi-office-in-wellington/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-gloriavale-ncea-changes-fbi-office-in-wellington/ Matt Doocey and Duncan Webb joined John MacDonald to give their thoughts on the biggest political stories of the week.  Changes are likely coming to NCEA – are they needed? And should trades be given more support in schools?  A lawyer is calling for the Government to step in and shut down Gloriavale, but should this be their responsibility?  Doocey has launched a petition against a T2 lane – is this an easy hit for votes? And what is the FBI doing in Wellington?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 01 Aug 2025 01:29:52 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/brian-henry-gloriavale-leavers-lawyer-on-his-call-for-the-prime-minister-to-shut-down-gloriavale/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/brian-henry-gloriavale-leavers-lawyer-on-his-call-for-the-prime-minister-to-shut-down-gloriavale/ It’s believed the government has the ability to shut down Gloriavale.   The West Coast religious commune's 85-year-old leader Howard Temple is a sex offender, having plead guilty to 12 charges, including indecent assault, mid-way through a trial.   The charges relate to offending back to the 1990s.   Leavers' lawyer Brian Henry told John MacDonald there are laws that allow the removal of families from harm, and the Corporations Investigation and Management Act.   He claims it's now, beyond doubt, a criminal organization of sex offending and there are options to step in, take over assets, and straighten out what's going on.   Henry says the Prime Minister needs to knock the heads together of every government department tasked with protecting little girls.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:08:54 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/tony-hadley-english-singer-and-former-spandau-ballet-frontman-on-his-career-influences-selwyn-sounds/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/tony-hadley-english-singer-and-former-spandau-ballet-frontman-on-his-career-influences-selwyn-sounds/ The former frontman of English new-wave band Spandau Ballet, now a solo act, Tony Hadley is popping over to our shores early next year.  He’s part of the line up for the 2026 Selwyn Sounds, performing alongside the likes of Ronan Keating, When The Cats Away, and Opshop.   Hadley joined John MacDonald for a chat about his career, influences, and gave an insight into why Spandau Ballet won’t be reuniting any time soon.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 24 Jul 2025 01:19:07 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-responds-to-luxons-heated-comments-talks-waikato-medical-school/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-responds-to-luxons-heated-comments-talks-waikato-medical-school/ The Labour Leader has responded to Luxon’s heated comments in response to their jabs about the cost of living.  The Opposition has criticised the Government’s flagship cost of living policy, raising a red flag over only 153 families getting the maximum credit across all four quarters.  Luxon says Labour's crying crocodile tears, and that he’s not taking any lectures from "frickin Chris Hipkins" about not supporting working Kiwis.  Hipkins told John MacDonald that Luxon is focused on attacking other people and blaming everybody else, rather than speaking up in favour of his own government’s track records.   “Show me the money” is the Opposition’s call over the Government plan for the new Waikato Medical School.  It'll get $83 million in taxpayer funding and more than $150 million from the university and investors.  The Labour leader told MacDonald we need to train more doctors, but this could take longer than just increasing intakes at existing medical schools.  He says the Government should be transparent about this decision.  Hipkins says Labour won't stop the project if construction's already under way if it gets into Government.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:11:39 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-covid-19-inquiry-familyboost-crime/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-covid-19-inquiry-familyboost-crime/ Chris Hipkins is doubling down on saying the Covid Response Inquiry's terms seems to provide a platform for conspiracy views.  The Labour leader also said the second phase —that began this week— excludes looking at any decisions made when NZ First was in Government.  Hipkins told John MacDonald opinions from the likes of Brian Tamaki and Liz Gunn deserve to be heard but shouldn't overshadow submission on other experiences.  He says if the Government's genuine in wanting all voices heard, it's important for it not to be dominated by a few people.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 09 Jul 2025 01:02:51 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-reuben-davidson-student-loan-repayments-uber-taxes-acc/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-reuben-davidson-student-loan-repayments-uber-taxes-acc/ Today on Politics Friday, John MacDonald was joined by National’s Vanessa Weenink and Labour’s Reuben Davidson to break down the biggest issues of the week.  They discussed student loan repayments – is there something that can be done to bring overseas loan holders back to New Zealand?  Global companies like Uber are paying minimal tax over here – are we being ripped off?  And ACC is planning to be more scrupulous when paying claims due to pressure from the Government to run a tighter ship. How will this play out?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 04 Jul 2025 00:42:13 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-shuttle-bus-study-after-hours-services-rolleston-intersection/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-the-shuttle-bus-study-after-hours-services-rolleston-intersection/ Questions over Christchurch City Council planning to spend $200 thousand on a shuttle bus study.  Environment Canterbury wants to stop the proposed resurrection of a free inner-city shuttle, saying 1800 bus movements each weekday is enough.  A 2023 law change means ECan will get the final say.  Mayor Phil Mauger admits he voted for the costly study.  But he told John MacDonald ECan didn't mention anything until it was included in the annual plan.  He says there's no use spending the money if it doesn't get the green light, so council should re-think the idea.  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:27:45 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/graham-gouldman-10cc-singer-and-base-player-on-the-bands-career-nz-tour/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/graham-gouldman-10cc-singer-and-base-player-on-the-bands-career-nz-tour/ Having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide, legendary English rock band 10CC is celebrating their anniversary in style, their world tour bringing them to New Zealand’s shores.  They’ll be hitting up Christchurch on the 10th of July, performing at the Isaac Theatre Royal.  Co-lead singer and base player Graham Gouldman joined John MacDonald for a chat about life in the band, as well as reflecting on his growing appreciation for the songs.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:14:46 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-megan-woods-takutai-tarsh-kemp-virtual-gps-moana-pasifika-funding/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-vanessa-weenink-and-megan-woods-takutai-tarsh-kemp-virtual-gps-moana-pasifika-funding/ Today on Politics Friday, John MacDonald was joined by National’s Vanessa Weenink and Labour’s Megan Woods to delve into the biggest stories of the week.  Parliament's pressed pause to remember Te Pāti Māori MP Takutai Tarsh Kemp after she died yesterday as a result of kidney disease – what will happen going forward?  Doctors are unhappy with the Government’s new virtual GP service, are they right to be?  And what are their thoughts on taxpayer money potentially going to Moana Pasifika, with Whanau Ora’s funding of the association that owns them?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:32:46 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east-kids-bringing-weapons-to-school/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east-kids-bringing-weapons-to-school/ The Opposition Leader has laid out his view of what's needed for peace in the Middle East.  A wavering ceasefire remains between Israel and Iran after scolding from the US President, although both claim breaches by the other.  Donald Trump claims his country's strikes this week destroyed Iran's nuclear programme, but early US intelligence indicates it's only set it back by months.  Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald diplomacy is needed from everyone.  He says bombing isn't the answer to ending a nuclear arms race, and anyone believing that should think again.  When it comes to the rising number of children bringing weapons to school, Hipkins says the issue didn’t come up when Labour was in Government.  Figures show 526 students were stood down, suspended, or excluded for using or having a weapon at school last year – up 80% on 2018.  Hipkins told MacDonald his party gave schools the power to search kids' bags, but it's not a realistic way to deal with this problem.  He says it's time to get the Ministry of Education, Police, and schools to think of proactive solutions.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:12:37 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-housing-intensification-central-government-being-able-to-override-council-plans-christchurch-council-update/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-housing-intensification-central-government-being-able-to-override-council-plans-christchurch-council-update/ Christchurch’s Mayor is back with John MacDonald to discuss the biggest stories from the week that was.  The Government is giving the Housing Minister the power to overrule local councils, and Phil Mauger has some strong opinions on the topic.  Housing intensification is still on the docket, but he’s made it clear they’ll be pushing back against it all the way.  And why are there so many leafblowers out and about? Is that a good use of taxpayer money?  LISTEN ABOVE  Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:08:43 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-nzs-relationship-with-the-us-privacy-vs-safety-and-tourism-nzs-new-marketing-campaign/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-duncan-webb-nzs-relationship-with-the-us-privacy-vs-safety-and-tourism-nzs-new-marketing-campaign/ Matt Doocey and Duncan Webb joined John MacDonald in studio for Politics Friday. They discussed Helen Clark’s recent comments around New Zealand’s relationship with the United States – do they agree?   On the topic of privacy versus safety, when it comes to mental illness, is keeping people safe a higher priority than keeping someone’s health private?  And Tourism New Zealand’s new 100% Pure marketing campaign has been launched, and Duncan Webb is not a fan.  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:30:44 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-housing-intensification-sewage/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-housing-intensification-sewage/ Labour's leader says Te Pati Māori should focus on the issues most New Zealanders care about.   Parliament last week voted to hand down the harshest suspensions in history to three MPs over a haka performed during the Treaty Principles Bill vote.    Labour's Willie Jackson and Adrian Rurawhe argued the punishments were too harsh, but also suggested the Party could compromise or say sorry.   Chris Hipkins told John MacDonald housing, health, and education are the main things Māori around the country raise with him.  He says that Te Pati Māori made their point around the haka, but he thinks people want to see them get back to debating the big issues now.   LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:59:04 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-tracey-mclellan-high-schools-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-and-natural-gas/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-with-matt-doocey-and-tracey-mclellan-high-schools-te-pati-m%C4%81ori-and-natural-gas/ John was joined by Matt Doocey and Tracey McLellan this week for Politics Friday. They discussed the situation with Shirley Boys High School, who have spent $800,000 to move their school away from the modern learning model. Is it fair that schools have to foot the bill for this? The decision has been made around punishment for Te Pati Māori, does this affect Labour's view of working with them in future, and is there really gas to be found in New Zealand?  LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 05 Jun 2025 23:32:56 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-capping-rates-increases-the-potential-for-passenger-rail-in-canterbury-selling-lichfield-street-car-park/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/phil-mauger-christchurch-mayor-on-capping-rates-increases-the-potential-for-passenger-rail-in-canterbury-selling-lichfield-street-car-park/ Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger joined John MacDonald this morning for their regular catch up.  In the wake of Raf Manji’s comments about capping rate increases, how does the Mayor feel about its achievability?   ECAN is making a case for a passenger rail in Canterbury – is it a good move? And is selling off Lichfield Street car park a wise decision?  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:58:09 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/leeann-watson-business-canterbury-ceo-on-signs-of-recovery-in-the-region-worksafe-changes/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/leeann-watson-business-canterbury-ceo-on-signs-of-recovery-in-the-region-worksafe-changes/ Leeann Watson, CEO of Business Canterbury, joined John MacDonald to give a quarterly update.  Are we seeing signs of recovery in Canterbury? What would a commuter train mean for the city business scene?  And will the Government’s new approach to WorkSafe make a difference for local businesses and how they operate?  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 03 Jun 2025 01:10:36 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-duncan-webb-and-hamish-campbell-talk-truancy-students-rma-proposals/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/politics-friday-duncan-webb-and-hamish-campbell-talk-truancy-students-rma-proposals/ Today on Politics Friday John MacDonald was joined by National’s Hamish Campbell and Labour’s Duncan Webb to discuss some of the biggest stories of the week.  The Government will soon be issuing fines to parents of repeatedly absent students – will this work? Is it a new idea?  Campbell almost manages to explain the RMA changes in one sentence, but what do they mean for New Zealanders?  And is there a place for more dairy cows in Canterbury, along with a passenger rail?  LISTEN ABOVE  Fri, 30 May 2025 00:57:21 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/james-meager-minister-for-the-south-island-on-his-portfolio-budget-for-canterbury-hipkins-comments/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/james-meager-minister-for-the-south-island-on-his-portfolio-budget-for-canterbury-hipkins-comments/ James Meager is responding to Chris Hipkins’ comments about the Minister for the South Island role.  The Labour Leader called the position a “PR job”, saying there would be no need for Meager’s role if the Government was actually prioritising the South Island.  Hipkins says Meager's not doing anything because he has no budget or decision-making ability, and this is just a way of telling the South Island it hasn't been forgotten.  Meager has hit back, saying it speaks volumes that Hipkins thinks the only way to achieve something is having a big bureaucracy and budget.  He says it’s disappointing to hear that kind of comment, and he’d rather hear something more positive about the aspirations of the South Island, which is why he’s there.  LISTEN ABOVE  Wed, 28 May 2025 00:58:55 Z /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-winston-peters-ruling-out-labour-kiwisaver-changes-minister-for-the-south-island/ /on-air/christchurch/canterbury-mornings-with-john-macdonald/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-winston-peters-ruling-out-labour-kiwisaver-changes-minister-for-the-south-island/ Labour's yet to rule potential coalition partners in or out.  New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is refusing to work with Chris Hipkins next election, but has not entirely ruled Labour out.  On social media, Peters posted a Government of Labour, the Greens, and Te Pati Māori would be a "circus" and a "radical woke show".  Hipkins told John MacDonald that they actually ruled out working with Peters before the last election, and he’s said since that that’s unlikely to change.  However, he says potential coalition decisions will be made closer to the election, based on principles and the party’s compatibility, rather than the petty personality vendettas that seem to be occupying Peters’ time.   The Labour Leader is also calling the role of the Minister for the South Island a "PR job."  Rangitata MP James Meager picked up the new portfolio in January, alongside Hunting and Fishing, Youth, and Associate Transport.  The Prime Minister says he will be a critical voice for the South Island.  But Hipkins told MacDonald there would be no need for Meager's role if the Government was actually prioritising the South Island.  He says Meager's not doing anything because he has no budget or decision-making ability, and this is just a way of telling the South Island it hasn't been forgotten.  LISTEN ABOVE  Tue, 27 May 2025 23:31:00 Z