After a brutal stretch for job seekers, are we finally seeing signs of life in the employment market?Tom O’Neill from cv.co.nz joins Duncan Garner to break down what he’s seeing on the ground. Job ads are lifting, employers are starting to move again, and there’s cautious optimism that 2026 could be a turning point. We talk about why hiring is one of the clearest signals of economic confidence, how interest rates and consumer mood are changing behaviour, and where the green shoots are actually appearing.There’s also practical advice for anyone looking for work. When to apply, why summer might be one of the best times to job hunt, how the hidden job market really works, and why LinkedIn matters more than ever. A realistic, useful conversation for anyone wondering whether the worst might finally be behind us.

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The dangers of electric scooters for children and teenagers that nobody seems to be talking about. From real-life injuries to reckless riding, Duncan highlights the urgent need for schools and councils to act now before more lives are put at risk.

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Alright folks, here’s the deal. I’ve been reporting on New Zealand politics for 30 years, and let me tell you—nothing bloody changes. Every year it’s the same chop-and-change nonsense, short-term thinking rules, and our leaders keep kicking the can down the road.We need leadership. We need courage. We need politicians to stop playing games and actually get in the same room and sort this stuff out—for the sake of our kids and grandkids.This isn’t theory. This isn’t some future threat. It’s here, it’s real, and it’s biting us right now.Join this channel to get access to perks:

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Christine Rankin joins Duncan Garner for an in-depth discussion on New Zealand politics, local government, leadership and the state of the country heading into the new year.The conversation covers joint management agreements with iwi, the importance of public consultation, and the pressure local councils are under to deal with complex race and governance issues. Christine explains why transparency matters and how decisions made in the shadows risk deepening division.Join this channel to get access to perks:

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New Zealand politics in 2024 was messy, intense, and sometimes downright ridiculous. In this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor-in-Chief, Duncan reviews the political year, highlighting the winners, losers, and everything in between.He names Chris Hipkins and Christopher Luxon as the political MVPs, applauds Winston Peters’ masterclass in chaos, and examines the missteps of Te Pāti Māori and John Tamihere. Ministers are also assessed, with Erica Stanford emerging as a standout for her leadership in education, while Matt Ducey struggles to manage the mental health portfolio.Duncan also discusses the economic backdrop, cost-of-living pressures, and what voters are likely to demand in 2025. Expect sharp observations, clear analysis, and the kind of no-nonsense commentary that makes this show essential listening.Join this channel to get access to perks:

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With an election year looming, Duncan is joined by Ani and Damian for a wide-ranging, no-nonsense look at the political year that’s been and the one ahead.

They dig into why the economy still feels flat despite falling interest rates, what rising insolvencies really signal, and why cost of living continues to dominate everything else. The conversation turns to whether the government has squandered time, failed to control the narrative, or simply blinked when tougher decisions were needed.

There’s also a sharp assessment of where the government has delivered, particularly on crime and education, with Erica Stanford’s performance standing out in an otherwise difficult term. From leadership rumours and polling woes to whether voters actually feel better off, this is a blunt take on a year that’s tested politicians and the public alike.

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Child poverty in New Zealand is the focus of this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief as Duncan speaks with Susan Glasgow from Variety, the children’s charity supporting kids living in hardship across the country.Variety’s sponsorship programme helps children aged 5 to 18 with the basics many families struggle to afford. That includes school uniforms, stationery, clothing, and essential items that help kids feel included and supported at school and in their communities.As Christmas approaches, the pressure on families intensifies. Many caregivers are already stretched and facing impossible choices between food, bills, and presents. Duncan and his guest talk frankly about the growing need during this time of year and how Variety’s Christmas appeal aims to ease some of that burden.The conversation also highlights the commitment of sponsors, the resilience of the children, and the real-world impact that consistent support can make. It’s a grounded, practical discussion about how communities can step up and help.

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New Zealand retail is under serious pressure, and in this episode of Duncan Garner: Editor in Chief, Duncan speaks with Carolyn Young from Retail NZ about what’s really happening on the ground.Carolyn explains why the last few years have felt like a three year recession for retailers, with rising costs, higher rents, increased insurance, and falling consumer spending. Even when shops look busy, customers are buying cheaper items and fewer products, a trend known as the lipstick effect.They discuss why CBDs in Auckland and Wellington are struggling, how working from home has drained foot traffic, and why cruise ships and office workers matter more than people realise. Carolyn also breaks down why buying offshore hurts the local economy, and why shopping in New Zealand stores keeps jobs and protections in place.The episode covers interest rates, job security fears, changing shopping habits, and what needs to happen for confidence to return.Join this channel to get access to perks:

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Duncan sits down with Education Minister Erica Stanford for a straight-up conversation about what’s gone wrong in our schools and what’s finally being done to fix it.

From the state of maths and literacy to why thousands of kids are leaving school without qualifications, Erica lays out the reforms already underway. New curricula, textbooks back in classrooms, an hour of maths a day, and tens of thousands of teachers retrained to teach the basics properly.

They also dig into the phone ban, student behaviour, truancy, and the next big move on social media and under-16s. It’s a blunt, sometimes uncomfortable discussion about failure, responsibility, and why getting kids learning properly early actually changes everything.

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A former high-ranking police officer avoids jail after being caught with thousands of horrific images on his work computer. Duncan asks how a four and a half year sentence turns into a nine month holiday at home. Plus, the team wraps the year by digging into a "rogue" election poll and the confusing money trail surrounding Willie Jackson.

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