Politics Central

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.