/on-air/the-country/rss 九一星空无限 THE COUNTRYWITH JAMIE MACKAY12pm–1pm weekdays New Zealand’s flagship rural radio show. As a former sheep farmer and a current equity partner in a Southland Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:25:21 Z en /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-talks-recent-energy-sector-announcement/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-talks-recent-energy-sector-announcement/ The Government's maintaining the status quo - of its controlling interests in Mercury, Meridian and Genesis. Calls for change had included the CTU wanting full nationalisation, and Act pushing for privatisation.  Prime Minister Chris Luxon says instead, the Government will offer more active funding support to the gentailers.  "We are going to maintain our shareholding in these gentailer companies, but if you want to raise more money to make those investments in that capital, we will support you." Other tweaks include speeding up consents for renewable energy projects and establishing a backstop LNG import facility. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 01 Oct 2025 02:49:34 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-fisheries-minister-stands-by-belief-that-mauis-dolphins-arent-real/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-fisheries-minister-stands-by-belief-that-mauis-dolphins-arent-real/ The Fisheries Minister is again claiming Maui's dolphins are not real. Shane Jones has made the claim numerous times, including in 2020, where he claimed they were all Hector's dolphins.  Jones reiterated the controversial claim to The Country's Jamie Mackay - and he says there is no such thing as a Maui's dolphin. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 18 Sept 2025 03:15:23 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-governments-u-turn-on-scrapping-agricultural-courses/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-governments-u-turn-on-scrapping-agricultural-courses/ The Ministry of Education has u-turned on plans to scrap agriculture-related school subjects from 2028 after industry pushback. The Government recently announced a planned shake-up for the secondary school curriculum, which added several new subjects - but shifted agriculture, horticulture and agribusiness to vocational courses. Prime Minister Chris Luxon joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain what inspired this change. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 17 Sept 2025 01:46:37 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-on-the-death-of-charlie-kirk/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-on-the-death-of-charlie-kirk/ A controversial US figure - credited with galvanising young support for President Donald Trump - has died after a shooting at a Utah university.  Witnesses say Charlie Kirk was answering questions when he was shot in the neck, causing the crowd to scramble. Foreign Minister Winston Peters joined The Country to discuss the 'tragedy'. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 11 Sept 2025 04:08:34 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/stuart-nash-former-labour-mp-on-his-move-to-nz-first/ /on-air/the-country/audio/stuart-nash-former-labour-mp-on-his-move-to-nz-first/ Former Labour Cabinet Minister Stuart Nash has officially switched his political allegiance - and criticised his former party. Nash spoke to supporters at the New Zealand First conference in Palmerston North over the weekend. Also in attendance was ex-National MP Harete Hipango. Nash says whether he speaks from the sidelines or as an MP remains to be seen. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 08 Sept 2025 03:24:03 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-says-its-in-new-zealands-national-interest-to-stay-in-the-paris-agreement/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-says-its-in-new-zealands-national-interest-to-stay-in-the-paris-agreement/ Despite coalition partners Winston Peters and David Seymour expressing interest in backing out, Prime Minister Chris Luxon claimed it's for the best if New Zealand stays in the Paris Agreement. The Prime Minister says he's committed to keeping New Zealand's rural sector supported and that leaving the agreement would 'punish farmers'. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 03 Sept 2025 01:38:28 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-why-nz-needs-to-leave-the-paris-agreement/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-why-nz-needs-to-leave-the-paris-agreement/ David Seymour says climate change targets are destroying livelihoods.  The ACT leader wants New Zealand out of the Paris climate agreement - unless emissions targets are more realistic.  Seymour joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss the overall impact. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 02 Sept 2025 04:34:53 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-ongoing-trade-discussions-between-nz-and-the-us/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-ongoing-trade-discussions-between-nz-and-the-us/ Donald Trump's not expected to budge on tariffs, but New Zealand and the US are discussing non-tariff trade barriers. The Prime Minister's defending Trade Minister Todd McClay's visit to the US, despite admitting Trump's views on tariffs are very clear. It comes after the administration announced tariffs would rise from 10 to 15 percent. Chris Luxon says ongoing dialogue with trading partners is important.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:52:09 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-aims-to-make-a-case-for-lowering-tariffs-to-us-counterparts/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-aims-to-make-a-case-for-lowering-tariffs-to-us-counterparts/ The Trade Minister will meet with the top US trade boss overnight. The Trump administration increased tariffs on New Zealand exports from 10 to 15 percent earlier this month.  Todd McClay is in Washington and says he will meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to state New Zealand's case - and explained he plans to raise the harm tariffs cause to both countries. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:11:15 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-trevor-mallards-early-exit-as-ambassador-to-ireland/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-trevor-mallards-early-exit-as-ambassador-to-ireland/ The Prime Minister's weighing in on Irish ambassador Trevor Mallard's early return home.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters yesterday announced Mallard's replacement, saying the carnival's over for the former Parliament speaker.  Chris Luxon says the decision was up to Peters.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:15:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-responds-to-popularity-drop-in-recent-polls/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-responds-to-popularity-drop-in-recent-polls/ The Prime Minister's putting on a cool front after a frosty result in the latest political polls.  The 1九一星空无限 Verian poll shows Christopher Luxon's fallen to his lowest popularity rating in two years as his party fails to make ground - staying on 34 percent.  Meanwhile, the Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll saw National drop 2.1 to 31.8 percent. Luxon joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 13 Aug 2025 01:57:16 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-says-new-zealand-couldnt-have-avoided-additional-us-tariff-hike/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-says-new-zealand-couldnt-have-avoided-additional-us-tariff-hike/ The Trade Minister says New Zealand could have done nothing to avoid another US tariff hike. New Zealand and several other countries will be hit by higher rates from Friday. Todd McClay has now spoken with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, about the change imposed by Donald Trump. He says it's based purely on last year's export numbers, and any country with a US trade surplus last year faces a rate of 15 percent or more. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:49:46 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-government-scrapping-in-store-card-surcharges/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-government-scrapping-in-store-card-surcharges/ The Government's scrapping card surcharges at the till, and it's prompted concern from retailers and consumers about the extra costs. Prime Minister Chris Luxon has defended these changes - and claimed knowing all the costs upfront will make it easier for Kiwis. Luxon joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:23:48 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-governments-solution-to-bring-down-butter-prices/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-governments-solution-to-bring-down-butter-prices/ Chris Luxon is backing his Finance Minister's quest to get to the bottom of soaring butter prices.  Nicola Willis met with Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell at Parliament last night. She'd told media she was keen to get his perspective on the spiralling cost of dairy.  The Prime Minister says Willis is also speaking to supermarkets about prices. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 23 Jul 2025 01:34:27 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-ahead-of-tomorrows-ocr-update/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-ahead-of-tomorrows-ocr-update/ The Reserve Bank is set to release their latest update on the OCR, and one expert has outlined his predictions ahead of tomorrow's reveal. Cameron Bagrie has observed that the economy may have taken a step backwards over the last few months - and he's factored that into his outlook. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 08 Jul 2025 03:21:51 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-impact-of-recent-international-visits/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-impact-of-recent-international-visits/ The Prime Minister has been working to grow New Zealand's economic prospects following his recent journey overseas. Luxon recently returned from meeting leaders in China and Europe - and he's revealed he used the meetings to boost trade links so the nation can keep growing. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain how boosting trade would help the nation out of its 'economic mess'. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:48:58 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/dame-lisa-carrington-olympian-on-being-named-zespris-global-brand-ambassador/ /on-air/the-country/audio/dame-lisa-carrington-olympian-on-being-named-zespris-global-brand-ambassador/ Zespri, the world’s largest kiwifruit marketer, has named Dame Lisa Carrington, New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian, as its inaugural global brand ambassador. The four-year global partnership aims to inspire people to focus on their health and wellbeing through the goodness of kiwifruit. Zespri said the partnership highlighted its commitment to health, quality and excellence – values it said Carrington exemplified throughout her record-breaking kayaking career. The collaboration is also connected to the Bay of Plenty, as it is Carrington’s birthplace and produces about 80% of the country’s kiwifruit. Carrington said she was pleased to be representing the region. “It’s great to be able to connect back with home,” she told The Country’s Jamie Mackay. It was early days for the partnership and Carrington said she would take it “year by year”. She said Zespri has released an “awesome” 90-second cinematic short film to launch the relationship and she looked forward to promoting Zespri worldwide. While Carrington shows no signs of slowing down in her sporting achievements, the ambassador role could lead to a new career when she finally hangs up her paddle. “I’ve never had to be in the corporate world other than this ambassador role,” she said. “There will be a lot to learn over the next four years with Zespri and how they operate. “That’s probably just something for me to work out and understand over our relationship going forward.” She said Kiwis were lucky to have access to a superfood such as kiwifruit “all through the year”. As for the product itself, Carrington said she was partial to Zespri’s SunGold brand. “I’ve only recently tried the RubyRed and that was quite nice, but I really do enjoy the gold. “But I mean, it’s not fair to have a favourite, right?” LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 01 Jul 2025 03:53:40 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/helen-and-ian-burgess-farmers-impacted-by-cyclone-gabrielle-still-waiting-to-get-full-farm-access/ /on-air/the-country/audio/helen-and-ian-burgess-farmers-impacted-by-cyclone-gabrielle-still-waiting-to-get-full-farm-access/ Two Cyclone Gabrielle-hit farmers in the Gisborne region are still waiting to get full farm access. This is after their bridge was washed out in early 2023. Helen and Ian Burgess joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 17 Jun 2025 03:55:41 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-speaks-from-fieldays-2025/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-speaks-from-fieldays-2025/ The Prime Minister says his Government loves farmers, and has added a swipe at the Opposition. In a Curia poll paid for by lobby group Federated Farmers, 54 percent of farmers would vote National if an election were held today, 19 percent would pick ACT, and 8 percent would chose NZ First. The farmers gave Labour only three percent, the Greens 2, and Te Pati Māori 1. Chris Luxon is at the Fieldays agricultural fair in Hamilton - and he joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 11 Jun 2025 04:37:22 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-unbothered-by-latest-drop-in-poll/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-unbothered-by-latest-drop-in-poll/ The Prime Minister's dismissing the significance of a dip in support in two recent polls. A One-九一星空无限 Verian poll - released last night - has National down two percent, although the right bloc could still form a Government.   But this morning's RNZ Reid Research poll also putting National down two - would let the left bloc take office.  Chris Luxon says there are many polls looking at different things.   LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 04 Jun 2025 02:09:04 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-his-ascension-into-deputy-prime-minister-role/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-his-ascension-into-deputy-prime-minister-role/ David Seymour promises to be on his best behaviour as he takes on the role of Deputy Prime Minister. The ACT leader's officially taken over the role from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters - after the duo agreed to job-share during the coalition agreement negotiations. Seymour joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 03 Jun 2025 03:43:15 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/miles-hurrell-fonterra-ceo-on-the-milk-price-forecast-and-earnings/ /on-air/the-country/audio/miles-hurrell-fonterra-ceo-on-the-milk-price-forecast-and-earnings/ Good news for Fonterra dairy farmers - accompanied by a 'but'. The dairy co-op's forecasting a $10 farmgate milk price payout this season, with an earnings ranging from 65 to 75 cents a share. It's also forecasting a $10 payout next season. But chief executive Miles Hurrell says they're setting a wide forecast range - to deal with a volatile market. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 29 May 2025 03:06:37 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-what-the-oppositions-version-of-the-budget-would-look-like/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-leader-on-what-the-oppositions-version-of-the-budget-would-look-like/ It's Budget Day 2025 - but what would be on the table if the opposition was in charge? Labour's Chris Hipkins has also expressed interest in getting the nation moving again, but his plan of action differs from the Government's outline. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 22 May 2025 01:47:50 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-ahead-of-the-2025-budget/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-ahead-of-the-2025-budget/ Budget 2025 will be revealed tomorrow - and the Prime Minister is hoping it'll help boost New Zealand's future. Chris Luxon explained the coalition inherited a 'mess', but he's hoping the Budget will be the next step in turning things around. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 21 May 2025 04:27:20 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/richard-mcintyre-federated-farmers-banking-spokesman-urges-the-government-to-deliver-on-pre-election-promise/ /on-air/the-country/audio/richard-mcintyre-federated-farmers-banking-spokesman-urges-the-government-to-deliver-on-pre-election-promise/ Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to deliver on National’s pre-election promise to change KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get their foot on the farming ladder. On the eve of the 2023 election, National pledged that, if elected to Government, they would allow young farmers to use their KiwiSaver to buy their first home, farm, herd, or flock. Federated Farmers’ banking spokesman, Richard McIntyre, joined The Country to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 20 May 2025 03:28:38 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-the-governments-priorities-ahead-of-budget-day-2025/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-on-the-governments-priorities-ahead-of-budget-day-2025/ ACT's leader says the Government's really pulling back spending as Budget Day nears. On May 22, spending priorities and cost saving initiatives will be confirmed - including new policies and things bound for the scrap heap. David Seymour says fiscal landmines have been planted in the past six years, in the form of extra spending. He says they are cancelling what doesn't add up and putting in investments to secure our country's future. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 19 May 2025 02:01:26 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/the-panel-unpacking-the-results-of-the-latest-methane-survey/ /on-air/the-country/audio/the-panel-unpacking-the-results-of-the-latest-methane-survey/ Today’s farmer/politician panel, consisting of National's Grant McCallum and former President of Federated Farmers Andrew Hoggard, ponders the methane survey conducted by Groundswell, NZ Farming and the Methane Science Accord. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 12 May 2025 02:55:40 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-uks-new-trade-deal-with-india/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-uks-new-trade-deal-with-india/ A free trade deal struck between India and the UK is giving confidence to New Zealand's efforts. The mutually beneficial agreement cuts import taxes and tariffs - and has been years in the making. New Zealand officials are currently in India holding our own trade talks. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says the UK deal is an encouraging sign. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 07 May 2025 04:33:05 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/steve-maharey-former-labour-cabinet-minister-on-the-implications-of-the-australian-and-canadian-elections/ /on-air/the-country/audio/steve-maharey-former-labour-cabinet-minister-on-the-implications-of-the-australian-and-canadian-elections/ Australia and Canada's general elections have just wrapped up - and the results indicate left-wing politics are gaining more popularity, according to some. Former Labour cabinet minister Steve Maharey says people in the centre are growing more awareness around politics - especially following Donald Trump's return to the presidency. Maharey joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 05 May 2025 02:04:21 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/christopher-luxon-prime-minister-promises-budget-will-be-tight-as-government-works-to-get-books-in-order/ /on-air/the-country/audio/christopher-luxon-prime-minister-promises-budget-will-be-tight-as-government-works-to-get-books-in-order/ The Government's tightening departmental spending as Budget Day nears. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has confirmed almost all Government agencies will get NO additional funding - unless Ministers have found cuts, allowing money to be diverted. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they're looking to get value-for-money. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 30 Apr 2025 04:09:31 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-explains-why-hes-taken-the-side-of-the-banks/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-explains-why-hes-taken-the-side-of-the-banks/ The Minister for Regulation believes his Ministry has given him 'rubbish' advice on banking rules. David Seymour appears to be siding with banks rather than officials - who responded to his request for guidance on the Reserve Bank's probe into capital requirement. The Ministerial paper suggested lifting capital ratios wasn't 'out of step' with other countries. Seymour says bureaucrats are quite frequently wrong. LISTEN ABOVE  Mon, 28 Apr 2025 01:53:33 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-reveals-new-zealand-not-seeking-new-trade-deal-with-the-us/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-reveals-new-zealand-not-seeking-new-trade-deal-with-the-us/ Our Government has confirmed New Zealand isn't among the countries seeking a new trade deal with the US. President Donald Trump says he hopes to reach agreement with China soon. The White House says it also has 18 proposed deals on paper, and is in talks with 34 other countries. But Trade Minister Todd McClay says we probably can't negotiate a better deal with the US than what we're already getting. He explained the US is imposing a 10 percent base on all countries - even Australia, which has an FTA with the US. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:03:31 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-managing-director-of-bagrie-economics-predicts-the-reserve-banks-next-move/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-managing-director-of-bagrie-economics-predicts-the-reserve-banks-next-move/ The Reserve Bank is set to deliver another OCR update at the end of next month - and experts are speculating about what could come next. Cameron Bagrie from Bagrie Economics says inflation appears to be under control, but an uncertain global financial market could bring additional changes. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:12:00 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-reiterates-him-and-winston-peters-are-on-the-same-page-amid-tariffs-saga/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-reiterates-him-and-winston-peters-are-on-the-same-page-amid-tariffs-saga/ The Prime Minister's aiming to strike the balance between staying calm on tariffs - and opposing them. US President Donald Trump is hinting he might lower tariffs on certain industries, to give manufacturers time to adjust. Foreign Minister Winston Peters has called for all parties to stay calm. Chris Luxon has reiterated he and Peters are on the same page. He says we need to advocate for New Zealand with the US - but as a small country, we also need to trade with as many others as possible. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:48:20 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/tom-young-affco-national-livestock-manager-on-the-increase-in-chinese-demand-for-nz-produced-red-meat/ /on-air/the-country/audio/tom-young-affco-national-livestock-manager-on-the-increase-in-chinese-demand-for-nz-produced-red-meat/ Chinese demand for Kiwi red meat has spiked as the China-US tariff tit-for-tat continues. Donald Trump has imposed 145 percent tariffs on China - matched by 125 percent in retaliation. Affco National Livestock Manager Tom Young says in the past week or so, big players have been asking for large volumes of meat. But he says we're entering a time of year when supply reduces. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 14 Apr 2025 02:25:17 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-voices-support-for-new-wool-directive/ /on-air/the-country/audio/shane-jones-nz-first-mp-voices-support-for-new-wool-directive/ New Zealand's self-professed Prince of the Provinces has voiced support with a new Government directive. From July, all new Crown agency builds costing more than $9 million and refurbishments topping $100,000 must use New Zealand wool where possible. NZ First's Shane Jones joined The Country to discuss. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:32:53 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-questions-the-fairness-of-us-tariffs/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-questions-the-fairness-of-us-tariffs/ New Zealand's asking the US whether imposing 10 percent tariffs is fair. President Donald Trump announced mass tariffs last week - triggering market chaos and retaliatory action from China, which now faces 104 percent levies.  Trump's billionaire sidekick, Elon Musk, today labelled a White House trade adviser a 'moron' for the economic implications. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says our economy needs certainty. He explained he doesn't think the 10 percent tariff is appropriate, and the case will continue to be made to US officials. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:20:42 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-addresses-new-rnz-reid-research-poll-regarding-school-lunches/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-addresses-new-rnz-reid-research-poll-regarding-school-lunches/ The Prime Minister says the Government is trying to bring back the idea of Kiwis having rights and responsibilities.  A majority of respondents in an RNZ-Reid Research poll believe parents are responsible for school lunches.  The revamped Government school lunch programme has been dogged by delivery delays and claims of inedible food.  Chris Luxon says parents who can afford it - should send kids to school with lunch.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 02 Apr 2025 02:22:06 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-speculates-ahead-of-trumps-liberation-day/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-speculates-ahead-of-trumps-liberation-day/ President Donald Trump has spent the last few weeks promoting April 2nd as 'Liberation Day' - the day where a significant number of tariffs will be announced. The plan has largely remained a mystery, but Trump has promised these tariffs will roll back the 'unfair' trade restrictions impacting America.  Independent economist Cameron Bagrie joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss. Tue, 01 Apr 2025 03:10:25 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-weighs-up-the-costs-of-staying-in-the-paris-accord/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-weighs-up-the-costs-of-staying-in-the-paris-accord/ David Seymour says New Zealand need to weigh up the benefits - and the costs - of staying in the Paris Climate Accord.  The US' withdrawal from the agreement has ACT's leader wondering if other countries will follow suit - and what that could mean for New Zealand. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to discuss further.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 31 Mar 2025 01:15:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-party-leader-criticises-green-mp-tamatha-paul-over-latest-comments/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-hipkins-labour-party-leader-criticises-green-mp-tamatha-paul-over-latest-comments/ Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has offered his own criticisms over a Green MP's controversial comments. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul claimed many feel less safe with visible police on the beat - and also suggested all beat police do is throw away homeless people's items. Hipkins joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain why he's willing to call out bad behaviour from other parties - and how the Prime Minister could follow his example. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:59:34 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-why-staying-in-the-paris-climate-accord-is-in-new-zealands-best-interests/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-why-staying-in-the-paris-climate-accord-is-in-new-zealands-best-interests/ The Prime Minister says staying in the Paris Climate Accord is in the country's best interests. National's coalition partners - ACT and New Zealand First - want us to follow America's lead and pull out. But Chris Luxon says they aren't punishing farmers and want agriculture to grow. He explained that farmers tell him competing dairy countries and multi-national companies would make New Zealand's exit an excuse to remove Kiwi products from their shelves. LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 26 Mar 2025 03:18:38 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-explains-trade-deal-with-india-hasnt-been-abandoned/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-trade-minister-explains-trade-deal-with-india-hasnt-been-abandoned/ The Trade Minister says the elusive dairy element of a free trade agreement with India hasn't been abandoned. Todd McClay is with Prime Minister Chris Luxon in New Delhi, where they revealed this week talks will restart. Dairy's been a sticking point in the past - with both countries producing a lot of milk. But McClay says dairy's not being relegated to the too-hard basket.  He says this element is not off the table - but discussions are being intensified on the shape of the agreement for both sides, not on the details.  LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 18 Mar 2025 01:18:21 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/richard-mcintyre-federated-farmers-banking-spokesman-calls-for-the-reserve-bank-to-change-capital-rules/ /on-air/the-country/audio/richard-mcintyre-federated-farmers-banking-spokesman-calls-for-the-reserve-bank-to-change-capital-rules/ Federated Farmers’ banking spokesman is calling for the Reserve Bank to change its' banking capital rules to benefit Kiwi farmers. Richard McIntyre has labelled the current rules as 'overly conservative and growth-restricting' and believes changes need to be made to stop farmers losing money. He joined The Country's Jamie Mackay to explain further.  LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 17 Mar 2025 01:15:38 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-speaks-ahead-of-planner-meeting-with-marco-rubio/ /on-air/the-country/audio/winston-peters-foreign-minister-speaks-ahead-of-planner-meeting-with-marco-rubio/ Geopolitical instability and the budding trade war are likely to lead upcoming talks between New Zealand and the United States.  Foreign Minister Winston Peters is heading to New York and Washington to meet with the likes of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.  It comes at a time of uncertainty for New Zealand over the looming threat of tariffs.  Peters says he'll have to see how talks develop - but this country has a good trade record with the US to promote. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:29:12 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-how-new-zealand-can-benefit-from-the-infrastructure-investment-summit/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-explains-how-new-zealand-can-benefit-from-the-infrastructure-investment-summit/ The Prime Minister says New Zealand should benefit from an increase in global wealth.  Some of the world's largest banks and investment firms are arriving in Auckland, for the Government's Infrastructure Investment Summit. Chris Luxon and Ngati Whatua Orakei will formally welcome delegates this afternoon.  Luxon says New Zealand needs to tackle a huge infrastructure deficit.  He explained we can't fix it with just our own money - and it'll take pools of money within the country, such as the ACC and Super fund, and also overseas funding.  LISTEN ABOVE Wed, 12 Mar 2025 02:37:54 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-on-the-potential-tariffs-set-to-impact-nz-products/ /on-air/the-country/audio/todd-mcclay-minister-of-trade-on-the-potential-tariffs-set-to-impact-nz-products/ The Trade Minister says his officials are trying to understand and limit fallout from Donald Trump's tarrifs.  They've been applied to China, Canada and Mexico - with wider levies on other countries from April.  Minister Todd McClay joined The Country to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:59:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-agricultural-product-tariffs-set-to-impact-new-zealand/ /on-air/the-country/audio/chris-luxon-prime-minister-on-the-agricultural-product-tariffs-set-to-impact-new-zealand/ The Prime Minister says he's waiting to hear the nuts and bolts of potential agricultural product tariffs that could impact New Zealand.  US President Donald Trump has slapped levies on Canada, Mexico and China - and says other tariffs could begin next month.  Chris Luxon says it's not known if that would be universal, or country-specific. He says he instructed officials several weeks ago to engage with Trump's administration. Luxon explained he'd engage directly with Trump if he feels New Zealand's agriculture is at risk - but it's important to actually see the detail first.  Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:31:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-unpacks-new-zealands-economic-recovery-timeline/ /on-air/the-country/audio/cameron-bagrie-independent-economist-unpacks-new-zealands-economic-recovery-timeline/ One economist has outlined how New Zealand could bounce back after an economically challenging 2024. Interest rates have lowered and the OCR has come down after a rough patch for the nation's economy, but it's unclear if prices will reach the same lows they did for the start of the decade. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie explains further. LISTEN ABOVE Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:29:39 Z /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-defends-school-lunch-teething-problems/ /on-air/the-country/audio/david-seymour-act-party-leader-defends-school-lunch-teething-problems/ The Associate Education Minister's making no apologies for his scaled-down, cheaper school lunches. A number of schools have complained of late or sub-standard offerings. David Seymour says deliveries are getting better - and quality will improve. He says if people want to save money, have less debt and lower taxes, you have to be prepared to do things like this. LISTEN ABOVE Mon, 03 Mar 2025 01:43:43 Z