Welcome to the Politics Group Chat. In Auckland it's commentator and comedian Tim Batt, in Wellington political scientist Natalia Albert, and from Fielding screenwriter and Free Speech Union spokesperson Dane Giraud. This is our chance to discuss some of the issues that have hit the headlines over the past week in a robust and respectful manner.

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Let's talk about money matters with personal finance whizz Mary Holm .. today she's focusing on clever mortgage payments.

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The latest RNZ Pacific news.

The All Blacks are currently on their first tour of South Africa in 30 years. So far they've played three provincial matches, winning them all comfortably. But on Saturday the real challenge starts when they take to the field for the first of a 4 match test series against the Springboks. Branded as rugby's greatest rivalry the two teams competitive history stretches back well over 100 years. Rugby commentator Tony Johnson joins us now to run through some of his favourite moments.

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Okay it's time to talk relationships now .. every second Thursday Jesse is joined by Professor Kirsty Ross from Massey University's School of Psychology Let us know if there are any topics you would like Kirsty and me to cover at [email protected]. This week the pair will discuss "going no contact" with family and how to take away anxiety from doctor and dentist visits.

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The latest RNZ Pacific news.

Questions to Ministers RICARDO MENÉNDEZ MARCH to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Will he introduce legislation to prohibit the supermarket duopoly from charging excessive prices, like Australia has done; if not, why not? DAVID MacLEOD to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on New Zealand's capital intensity? Hon Dr MEGAN WOODS to the Minister for Energy: Is it still his intention that the Government signs a contract with a provider for an LNG import terminal before the election? TAKUTA FERRIS to the Minister of Housing: Does he stand by his statement that "Social housing is a high-cost intervention and should be targeted to those who need it most"? JOSEPH MOONEY to the Minister for Media and Communications: Is he considering implementing a streaming tax? Hon WILLIE JACKSON to the Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti: Does he stand by his statement at the Iwi Chairs Forum that "we haven't got it all right"; if so, what haven't they got right? MIKE DAVIDSON to the Minister for ACC: Has he read the report, The Legacy of PCP and its Dioxins in Aotearoa: An overview of human rights concerns; if so, does he have a response to it? Hon GINNY ANDERSEN to the Minister of Education: Does she agree with educators who described the draft curriculum as "potentially damaging to learners" and showing "a total lack of understanding of our disciplines"? TOM RUTHERFORD to the Minister of Transport: Is the Government considering introducing a ute tax? CAMERON LUXTON to the Associate Minister for the Environment: What recent announcements has he made? CAMILLA BELICH to the Minister of Justice: Does he stand by all his statements and actions in relation to the Electoral Amendment Act 2025; if so, why? RIMA NAKHLE to the Minister of Education: How is the Government improving student outcomes through investments in school infrastructure?

Jon Toogood's story is a New Zealand story. The voice behind legendary kiwi band Shihad grew up in a draughty house in the Wellington Suburb of Island Bay, before it became fancy. Now, in a new memoir called Home Again: My life and times in a band called Shihad, Jon Toogood is looking back on the people and places that shaped him, and reflecting on the highs and lows of a remarkable career in rock n roll. A career he says saved his life but also almost destroyed it. For the first interview about his book, Jon joins Jesse in the Auckland studio. Upcoming book events: Auckland Book launch 'Off the Record with Jon Toogood - Stories and Songs with host Charlotte Ryan' Word Christchurch - Sept 5th Verb Wellington - Sept 26 Tauranga Arts Festival Oct 31

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The nation watched with urgency as police searched for Tom Phillips and his three children. But as the search faded from the headlines over the following three years, so too did the voice of the woman left behind. For the first time since her children were found, Cat Christey tells her story. She says the nightmare began long before Phillips disappeared into the bush, revealing years of coercive control, psychological abuse, and a relentless fight to be believed. She also raises troubling questions about the response of police and support agencies, offering a powerful new perspective on one of New Zealand's most compelling and misunderstood cases.

We're going to chat about leadership now .. because chances are, at some stage of your career, you've probably had a boss you didn't see eye to eye with. New research has found it often comes back to the same problem, people who are brilliant at their role get promoted into management, without proper thought about whether they have the skills to lead people. So why does this keep happening, and how do workplaces make sure their choosing the right people for leadership positions? Here to help answer those questions and more, Jesse is joined by Dr Mary Miller, who is an Executive Leadership Coach and Clinical Psychologist.

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