In this episode of The Select Committee, we examine the Greens’ proposed wealth tax and ask what lies behind their claim that the tax system is unfair.

We then turn to National’s KiwiSaver announcement, weighing compulsory saving against concerns that making KiwiSaver mandatory and lifting contribution rates changes the scheme people signed up for.

Finally, we consider ACT’s Regulated Professions Neutrality Bill and the difficult question of whether professional regulators can be made politically neutral when competence, expression, and contested political questions overlap.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we discuss a $31 million public sector scandal and ask whether it strays into the realm of corruption.

We then turn to Labour’s disputed policy costings, election-year sparring over fiscal credibility, and whether an independent costing agency would clarify the debate.

Finally, we discuss Matthew Hooton’s appointment as editor of The Post, and what it reveals about the changing shape of legacy media.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we look at China’s one-year ban on four New Zealand MPs after their visit to Taiwan, and ask how a small country like ours should respond.

We then turn to Labour’s unofficial campaign launch, following its first policy announcement in more than six months. We also discuss the controversy around Labour candidate Rakesh Naidu and the party’s newly unveiled list.

Finally, we head to Fieldays to ask whether National can still rely on the rural vote, as ACT sharpens its pitch to farmers and Labour looks for a way back into the regions.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we discuss US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s claim that New Zealand is freeloading on defence, and whether New Zealand should reopen the conversation about nuclear propulsion.

We then turn to the Social Security (Modernisation) Amendment Bill and the broader powers it grants to use artificial intelligence tools in welfare decisions. We ask whether the promise of efficiency can be balanced with human judgement and accountability.

Finally, we look at Winston Peters’s efforts to rescue Moana Pasifika after the Super Rugby franchise entered liquidation. Can government support for the team be justified as a form of sports diplomacy?

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we unpack Budget 2026 and ask whether an earlier surplus, tighter spending, and new defence funding help the Government look like a safe pair of hands heading into the election.

We then turn to Mike Smith’s climate case against major emitters and the Government’s plan to respond with legislation, asking whether Parliament is protecting legal certainty or interfering with a case already before the courts.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we ask whether the Government’s proposed public service cuts are a serious attempt at fiscal discipline or simply campaign-season signalling.

We then turn to the proposed social media ban for young people, weighing the good it seeks against the privacy risks, enforcement problems, and unintended consequences it may create.

Finally, we consider Winston Peters’ proposal to buy BNZ, and whether it’s substantive policy or a well-timed headline grab.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we examine allegations of corruption in transport contracting and ask whether they reveal a deeper problem with institutional accountability.

We then turn to superannuation, following National’s campaign pledge to raise the age of eligibility. Can New Zealand afford to keep the pension age at 65 in the face of mounting fiscal and demographic pressure?

Finally, we unpack the NZ Herald–Motu Research Poll of Polls and consider whether coalition-level modelling offers a more realistic, if less dramatic, picture of the next election. With potential overhangs complicating the numbers, could the race still be closer than it appears?

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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Can a bipartisan bill meaningfully reduce instances of modern slavery?

In this episode, we speak with MP Greg Fleming about his Modern Slavery Bill and the process of bringing it before the House. He outlines how the bill evolved from a narrow amendment into a broader attempt to address forced labour within global supply chains.

The conversation explores how modern slavery is defined and its connection to everyday consumption in New Zealand. It also examines whether measures like supply chain reporting can meaningfully reduce harm, or whether they risk falling short of their intent.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we discuss ACT’s new immigration policy and ask whether it’s shaping up to be a major issue at the election.

We then turn to new marriage and divorce statistics, exploring what declining marriage rates reveal, the limits of public policy, and what governments can do to address these kinds of social challenges.

Finally, we examine growing concerns about New Zealand’s preparedness for global instability, asking why Australia appears more focused on national defence than we do.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance through our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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In this episode of The Select Committee, we examine the government’s push to lift school attendance by prosecuting parents, and whether a more consistent approach will make a lasting difference.

We then turn to the newly signed free trade agreement with India, asking who stands to benefit and what the deal signals for New Zealand’s economic future.

Finally, we consider whether the National Party is taking a more aggressive approach to the media—and if so, whether it represents sound political strategy.

We wrap the show with our favourite segment, Fantasy Beehive, where we rank MP performance using our highly advanced, completely proprietary technology.

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