Rodney Hide entered Parliament as a list member of the ACT Party in 1996.

He became ACT Leader in 2004, and following the 2008 election he was appointed Minister for three portfolios; Local Government, Regulatory Reform and Associate Minister of Commerce.

His degrees in science and economics lent credibility to his commentary in other fields like climate change.

It has been interesting following his philosophical journey since leaving parliament in 2011.

And ...for the first time we talked for two full hours.

As a result we have split the wide ranging discussion into two podcasts… part two next week.

And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Prof. James Allan is a highly respected thinker, speaker, debater and a man of intelligence and knowledge.

He is also an accomplished author and columnist.

Canadian born and educated, he taught law at Otago University for eleven years, moved to ANU Canberra and then to a prestigious position at the University of Queensland, where he remains today.

In this podcast, we explore a wide range of issues, both local and international.

Our conversation tackles everything from judicial activism to the self destruction of the Church of England, the Middle east and Imran Khan.

And we finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Alwyn Poole; Education & More.

“The first point on how to improve all things education in NZ is that, so long as any government thinks that they are the podium of truth in this area, they will fail and all improvements will be marginal (at best)”.

This was written by educational consultant Alwyn Poole.

While improvements in education are promising, there is significant room for growth.

Alwyn Poole is critical where necessary, but gives praise where warranted. 

We reveal  interesting details regarding a new school, a Covid story you won’t have heard before, and we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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New Zealand once ranked among the world’s most prosperous nations.

Not any longer.

Armed with experience in both Law and Economics, retired lawyer David Schnauer spent a year writing “UNCOMFORTABLE ECONOMICS”.

His purpose; to show that New Zealand’s underperformance is fixable.

He challenges both politicians and citizens to lift their sights and demand more from our economy.

In Podcast 344, David Schnauer is explicit in his assertions but expands on his ambitions for New Zealands future.

And, as usual, The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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After a casual visit to New Zealand, this small American family couldn’t forget it.

Mike and his wife went home, sold up everything and moved here.

It’s a journey of discovery, heartbreak, redemption and triumph.

They were told they were on a fool’s errand; that the standards they set were financially suicidal.

They did it anyway. They planted a vineyard that has beaten the top French wines at their own game.

The story has this week been published, written by the owner himself. “Forged In Fire” catalogues a journey, a discovery, and the pursuit of perfection. It’s a story of ultimate achievement in New Zealand

Michael F Spratt guests on Podcast 343.

P.S. you don’t have to be a wine drinker to appreciate their success. But you may be tempted…

And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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In these times it’s difficult to stay updated with the “good, the bad and the ugly.” In this environment it’s easy to be ill-informed.

Independent commentator Ashley Church has been analysing virtually every issue that affects society and our lives.

Steeped in a background of politics, economics, business and real estate, he is a talking encyclopaedia.

We had an interesting discussion on Net Zero, politics, (particularly TOPs appearance,)  journalism, and the coming election.

And we visit the Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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As Leighton is on a short break, for this week's episode we dig into the archives for a repeat of his interview with NZ First Deputy Leader Shane Jones from earlier in the year. 

Back next week with episode #342.

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With the celebration of 100 years of broadcasting from 1ZB, we have devoted Podcast 341 to three interviews with the station's past and present management: Bill Francis, Dallas Gurney & Jason Winstanley.

Over the years there have been many moments of drama, humour… and sometimes chaos.

Find out how a successful radio station ticks behind the scenes.

There’s input into today’s political drama from our once National Party MP.

As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Let’s be honest, there’s a lot going on in the world - so much so that it’s difficult to keep pace.

Take America for example. A transformation is underway that has not yet been fully recognised for what it is or what it could become.

The same may be said of Australia, England, much of Europe and beyond.

If that sounds exaggerated, then this week's discussion with Patrick Basham will be of interest.

The days of “that will never happen here”, wherever ‘here’ may be - are drawing to a close.

As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Worries about the outcome emerge in almost every election.

This 2026 election has much of the constituency concerned about a result that could lead to the end of the country as we know it.

Don Brash, arguably the best Reserve Bank Governor we’ve known, voices his thoughts on the matters he believes are most important.

He talks about our appallingly slow productivity growth - and on the country’s GDP per capita.

He also reflects on house prices, the long term outlook for government debt, and foreign policy .

And he rates the present government on its effectiveness.

As usual, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at [email protected] OR [email protected]

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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