The Latest from Politics Central /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/rss 九一星空无限 Sat, 23 Aug 2025 13:05:50 Z en Martin Snedden: Community sports need the extra funding /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/martin-snedden-community-sports-need-the-extra-funding/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/martin-snedden-community-sports-need-the-extra-funding/ Submissions close tonight for the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The community sports sector have banded together under the Community Sports Collective, and made a joint submission covering at least 1.67 million people.  They're urging the Government to share the proceeds of online casino gambling with the community, in the same way they do with current grants.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 Aug 2025 04:22:22 Z Paul Buchanan: What happened in that Trump/Putin meeting? /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/paul-buchanan-what-happened-in-that-trumpputin-meeting/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/paul-buchanan-what-happened-in-that-trumpputin-meeting/ Donald Trump met with Vladimir Putin yesterday to come to an agreement over the war in Ukraine.  The two left the meeting seemingly happy with how it went, and Trump noted it "went very well", but no deal was announced.  Vlodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with President Trump at the White House later this week.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 17 Aug 2025 03:55:45 Z Derek Cheng: Australia and New Zealand's Prime Ministers are on the same page /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/derek-cheng-australia-and-new-zealands-prime-ministers-are-on-the-same-page/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/derek-cheng-australia-and-new-zealands-prime-ministers-are-on-the-same-page/ Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chris Luxon this weekend, in Queenstown for the annual Australia-New Zealand leaders meeting.  Luxon said in a world that's ever-changing, our relationship with Australia is a "bedrock", and Albanese shared a similar sentiment. But no announcements have been made so far between us. So what can we expect to come from this? what issues do both leaders agree, or disagree on? and what concerns still remain?  New Zealand Herald Senior Writer Derek Cheng was down there to cover the meeting, and he's with us now... LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 Aug 2025 03:40:59 Z Marama Davidson: Government needs new ideas /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/marama-davidson-government-needs-new-ideas/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/marama-davidson-government-needs-new-ideas/ The Greens say they're the only ones offering solutions to tax issues, in a time where communities are crying out for change.  With next year's elections coming soon, they held their Annual meeting this weekend, and expressed their desire to lead the next government. The Party's co-leaders called for transformational change, and a future driven by fresh thinking. So what will that actually look like, and how promising does it sound? Party Co-leader Marama Davidson joins Tim Beveridge for more. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 10 Aug 2025 03:29:38 Z Kate Acland: Tariffs will see NZ exports pivot to other markets /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/kate-acland-tariffs-will-see-nz-exports-pivot-to-other-markets/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/kate-acland-tariffs-will-see-nz-exports-pivot-to-other-markets/ Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chair Kate Acland joins Tim Beveridge to discuss the impacts of the newly announced 15% tariff on exports to the United States.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:54:18 Z Nicola Toki: Conservation Act needs an overhaul, but not like this /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/nicola-toki-conservation-act-needs-an-overhaul-but-not-like-this/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/nicola-toki-conservation-act-needs-an-overhaul-but-not-like-this/ The Government has announced they will revise the Conservation Act to allow for a fresh wave of concessions on DoC land, as well as increasing the charge for foreign visiters to access the more popular sites.  Forest and Bird have claimed these changes are not conservation reform, but rather "conservation retreat".  Forest and Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki joins Tim Beveridge to discuss.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:28:46 Z Same-day enrolments: Deputy PM doubles down on 'dropkick' comment /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/same-day-enrolments-deputy-pm-doubles-down-on-dropkick-comment/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/same-day-enrolments-deputy-pm-doubles-down-on-dropkick-comment/ A suite of Electoral Act changes were announced this week, and same-day enrolments are set to be scrapped.  Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour caused some upset when he dropped the word 'drop-kick' into the conversation.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 27 Jul 2025 03:47:46 Z More overseas building products: Chris Penk on the end of the GIB monopoly /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/more-overseas-building-products-chris-penk-on-the-end-of-the-gib-monopoly/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/more-overseas-building-products-chris-penk-on-the-end-of-the-gib-monopoly/ Until now, one company's plasterboard has had a near-duopoly in New Zealand, leading to some of the highest prices in the world - 67% more expensive than the U.S. according to the Minister of Building and Construction.  From tomorrow, thousands of overseas building products including plasterboard and cladding systems will be given the green light for use in construction in New Zealand.  The Government's introduction of a Building Product Specifications document will allow for greater competition in the market, and hopefully less costly building.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 27 Jul 2025 03:31:22 Z "Best job I've ever had": Education minister on increasing passing rates /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/best-job-ive-ever-had-education-minister-on-increasing-passing-rates/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/best-job-ive-ever-had-education-minister-on-increasing-passing-rates/ We've had a flurry of education news this past week - giving the impression things are actually starting to look up. Numeracy and literacy results are up significantly year on year, attendance is improving, and now - the Government wants to put an end to open plan classrooms.  But today, a damning Government briefing points out significant concerns around the credibility of the NCEA system itself.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:48:15 Z Nicola Willis: Over $6bn of infrastructure projects starting this year /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/nicola-willis-over-6bn-of-infrastructure-projects-starting-this-year/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/nicola-willis-over-6bn-of-infrastructure-projects-starting-this-year/ The Government has announced the funidng of $6 billion worth of construction projects to begin by Christmas.  New and improved roads, school renovations, and hospital revamps - it's all been added to the National Infrastructure Pipeline which is now over $207 billion.  These projects are also expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the coming months.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 20 Jul 2025 03:32:43 Z Lt. Col Tim Tuatini: We especially need to be combat-ready now /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/lt-col-tim-tuatini-we-especially-need-to-be-combat-ready-now/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/lt-col-tim-tuatini-we-especially-need-to-be-combat-ready-now/ Around 700 New Zealand soldiers and personnel are in Australia for the largest war-fighting and military training exercise in the Southern Hemisphere. 35-thousand soldiers from 19 nations are taking part in it. The Defence Force says a key goal for them is to be able to integrate its capabilities into Australian and US relations. The Government also announced ramping up defence spend earlier this year - but as it stands now, and with tensions abroad - how prepared are we?  Tim Beveridge talks to Senior National Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tim Tuatini for more. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 13 Jul 2025 03:54:11 Z Winston Peters: We can't get trade without security /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/winston-peters-we-cant-get-trade-without-security/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/winston-peters-we-cant-get-trade-without-security/ With rising global tensions, market volatility, and an unpredictable international landscape, having a strong and credible foreign voice is becoming more important than ever for New Zealand. Foreign Minister Winston Peters travelled to Malaysia for a summit with his South East Asian counterparts, where he worked towards a comprehensive strategic partnership by October. But what does that actually mean for us? What would that relationship deliver in real terms? How are we positioning ourselves in an increasingly contested region? He’s just come back from his trip — Winston Peters chats to Tim Beveridge. LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 13 Jul 2025 03:34:39 Z Jason Walls: We could expect stronger intesification /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/jason-walls-we-could-expect-stronger-intesification/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/jason-walls-we-could-expect-stronger-intesification/ Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is also stopping in Houston, Texas to look at how they've implemented affordable housing. He's speaking to local experts about their planning, funding and tools that have allowed them to deliver effective housing. Can the same elements be brought to New Zealand? ZB Political Editor Jason Walls speaks to Andrew Dickens... LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 06 Jul 2025 03:58:44 Z Martin Glynn: Congestion charges won't solve Auckland's traffic /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/martin-glynn-congestion-charges-wont-solve-aucklands-traffic/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/martin-glynn-congestion-charges-wont-solve-aucklands-traffic/ Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop is visiting New York to see the success of their congestion charging. He's proposing a similar pricing strategy back here, but is it plausible for our roads? What can be done to solve our traffic issues? Andrew Dickens is joined by Martin Glynn, AA Policy Director... LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 06 Jul 2025 03:35:08 Z Sandy Lau: Superannuation will cost us more in the future /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/sandy-lau-superannuation-will-cost-us-more-in-the-future/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/sandy-lau-superannuation-will-cost-us-more-in-the-future/ IRD reports that New Zealand will need to restructure the tax system to fund the superannuation. Capital gains tax could be on the table, and even a GST hike from 15%. What sort of adjustments should we expect? Is there any other way to fund the super? Tim Beveridge talks to PwC Tax Policy Leader, Sandy Lau... LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Jun 2025 03:42:43 Z Ruth Money: Victims can feel heard again /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/ruth-money-victims-can-feel-heard-again/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/ruth-money-victims-can-feel-heard-again/ The Government is implementing new sentencing reforms to prevent soft punishments and place victims at the centre of the justice-system. Will these changes bring back faith in our judicial system? What other work needs to be done Tim Beveridge is joined by Ruth Money, Chief Victims Advisor to the Government... LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 29 Jun 2025 03:27:48 Z Tere Carr: Mark Brown has to eat some humble pie /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/tere-carr-mark-brown-has-to-eat-some-humble-pie/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/tere-carr-mark-brown-has-to-eat-some-humble-pie/ The Government is pausing $18 million in funding for the Cook Islands following their deals with China earlier this year. What can be done to fix our relationship? Who's at fault?  Tim Beveridge is joined by Tere Carr, Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council President... LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:48:22 Z Geoffrey Miller: We could be on the brink of World War 3 /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/geoffrey-miller-we-could-be-on-the-brink-of-world-war-3/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/geoffrey-miller-we-could-be-on-the-brink-of-world-war-3/ The US has bombed Iran just two days after giving a two-week notice for tensions to deescalate. With the NATO Summit coming soon, tensions are high. What can we expect to happen next? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 22 Jun 2025 03:31:41 Z Warwick Bagg: Let doctors do what they need to do /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/warwick-bagg-let-doctors-do-what-they-need-to-do/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/warwick-bagg-let-doctors-do-what-they-need-to-do/ The Government is legislating health targets to 'lock in accountability'. It's part of a slue of changes to the health system, with the aim of refocusing on outcomes rather than bureaucracy.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 15 Jun 2025 03:44:51 Z Helen Clark: Christopher Luxon to meet with Xi Jinping /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/helen-clark-christopher-luxon-to-meet-with-xi-jinping/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/helen-clark-christopher-luxon-to-meet-with-xi-jinping/ The Prime Minister is on his way to China next week to meet with Xi Jinping. New Zealand's relationship with the country has been a hot topic recently, with many saying we need to stop cosying up to the United States.  This past week, prominent New Zealand leaders signed an open letter to express concern about our closeness with the States, and how it could be impacting our relationship with China.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 15 Jun 2025 03:32:04 Z Erica Stanford: A new visa for parents of citizens /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/erica-stanford-a-new-visa-for-parents-of-citizens/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/erica-stanford-a-new-visa-for-parents-of-citizens/ The Government has announced a new Parent Boost Visa that will allow the parents of New Zealand citizens multi entry access for up to five years.  The sponsor has to earn 1.5 times the median wage, or the parent must bring $16,000 - along with other insurance and health requirements.  The Government says they are trying to make the country more attractive for skilled workers, without straining public services.  LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 08 Jun 2025 03:37:18 Z Jordan Williams: Polls are needed year-round /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/jordan-williams-polls-are-needed-year-round/ /on-air/the-weekend-collective/politics-central/jordan-williams-polls-are-needed-year-round/ The latest 1九一星空无限/Verian poll has both National and Labour down, while an RNZ-Reid poll done in the same week has National down and Labour up, and a Taxpayers' Union-Curia poll had both up.  You see the same with overlapping polls by different agencies showing significantly different results in preferred Prime Minister.  So why are polls done this far out from an election? LISTEN ABOVE Sun, 08 Jun 2025 03:29:06 Z