Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

Good polling doesn’t let you off the hook. It puts you right on it.

In this Slam Dunc, Duncan turns his attention to Chris Hipkins and asks the questions he believes aren’t being asked loudly enough. Hipkins is polling well, personally popular, and sitting comfortably while the Government absorbs most of the heat. But Duncan argues that’s exactly why the scrutiny now needs to ramp up.

This is an election year, and keeping your head down won’t cut it forever. What does a Hipkins-led Cabinet actually look like? How much influence would the Greens have? What’s Labour’s real economic plan, and how does it help people now, not five years down the track? From capital gains tax confusion to cost of living credibility, Duncan says it’s time for clarity, not vibes. Because likeability doesn’t win elections. Trust does.

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Do you want progress or paralysis? This week, Duncan lays out what he sees as the starkest political divide in years, and why the Government’s fast track legislation sums it up better than anything else.

We dig into how endless consultation and red tape stalled housing, infrastructure and regional development for years, and why the new approach is being sold as a course correction rather than a shortcut. From mining and regional jobs to environmental scrutiny and investor confidence, Duncan argues the old system simply wasn’t working.

Joining the conversation are Ashley Church and Janet Wilson, with sharp predictions for the year ahead. Coalition tensions, leadership pressure, the economy, house prices, Māori politics and what really matters heading into the 2026 election. We also look offshore, including Donald Trump, global power plays and why the year ahead could be anything but boring.

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Welcome to 2026, and we’re back... even if Parliament and the school system aren’t. This is the first Editor in Chief of an election year, and Duncan isn’t easing into it quietly.

We dig into the long summer shutdown for politicians and teachers and ask whether it’s completely out of step with how the rest of New Zealand lives and works. While families, businesses and tradies are already back at it, those at the top continue to lecture the country about productivity, sacrifice and working harder. Duncan calls out what he sees as hypocrisy, double standards and leadership that clocks off when the country can’t afford it.

We also read a powerful letter from a newly elected local councillor warning about iwi influence at council level and what she believes is happening quietly behind closed doors.

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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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