Politics Central

This week on Politics Central, we're joined by Christopher Luxon to hear his thoughts on Meng Foon's political donations, plus National's new farming policy.

Aaron Dahmen also joined us to discuss the new law changes made for Kiwis living in Australia.

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National says it will only bring back live animal exports under strict regulations.

The opposition wants to reverse the government's recently enacted ban on the practice.

National's Christopher Luxon says New Zealand doesn't have the luxury of turning off half a billion dollars in revenue.

He says they need safe for the animals, and a select list of countries to which New Zealand can export.

"We can reassure ourselves that we've got really good management of those animals in those new countries if we make sure we have a gold standard and set some really high standards on the transportation." 

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Today Chris Bishop joined us to unpack the Labour Party's new water reform, and later Chris Cahill explains why the Rimutaka Prison is nearly at maximum occupancy.

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National's Chris Bishop is among many members of the Opposition criticising Affordable Water Reforms.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister Kieran McAnulty scrapped several aspects of the unpopular Three Waters reforms, turning the four mega-entities into ten.

Spokesperson for Urban Development Chris Bishop says that the reset is an attempt to rebrand what Hipkins and McAnulty were doing already.

"They've kept the co-governance provision at the heart of it, and they've still confiscated the assets of local councils, none of that actually changed. All they've done is change the name and changed the website."

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Frontline police have been told to consider the necessity of bail arrests as the nation's largest prison nears capacity.

An email sent to Wellington staff on Friday revealed Rimutaka prison is nearing maximum occupancy.

The email warns repeat breach of bail and warrant offenders may be remanded in police custody for longer than usual, and officers should consider that before making an arrest.

New Zealand Police Association President Chris Cahill says it's far from ideal.

"Police stations aren't the place to remand prisoners. These are people who have breached their bail, these are people awaiting trial on serious charges." 

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This week on Politics Central, Former United Future leader and political commentator Peter Dunne explained the impact of the recent burst of misbehaviour coming out of Parliament.

Later on, Otago University International Relations professor Robert Patman weighed in on Finland joining NATO this week, and suggested more nations are likely to follow.

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NATO could expand even further, as the war in Ukraine rages on.

Finland became the 31st member of NATO this week, after previously being not keen on the idea.

Otago University International Relations professor, Robert Patman, says Ukraine criticised the UN for failing to prevent the war.

He says in a power vacuum left by the UN, more nations could sign on to the international military alliance.

He says Finland could be followed by Sweden.

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A claim Chris Hipkins re-election efforts are being derailed by staff misconduct.

At a speech at her partner Marni Dunlop's farewell from RNZ Kiri Allan criticised the company's treatment of Maori staff.

It follows the sacking of Stuart Nash from his ministerial roles after he shared private cabinet information with donors.

Former United Future leader, and political commentator Peter Dunne says it's a stark reminder that ministers are never off the clock.

He says Andrew Little has reminded ministers they have to follow their duties 24/7.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni says increasing benefits doesn't create a culture of welfare dependency.

Nearly 1.4 million people were affected when the minimum wage, benefits, student allowances and superannuation all rose yesterday.

The minimum wage is now $22.70 an hour, while 8,000 community nurses will have rise of up to 15 percent.

Ms Sepuloni says a large number of those affected are super annuitants.

"And right now, they really do need the support and I certainly think it is the right thing to do."

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We're joined by Carmel Sepuloni who talks to us about the minimum wage increases, plus Scott Opticon informs us on how Donald Trump came to be indicted.

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