Leighton is on summer break, so we are highlighting some of his favourite guests from 2024.

One of the best and most interesting interviews we’ve done.

Tony O’Brien was born and raised in New Zealand. His life has followed a fascinating path, working in Australia, Britain, Canada, Hungary and beyond in a variety of capacities.

In his work he "did not have a plan, just took advantage of opportunities as they presented."

He is intelligent, articulate and successful but also modest. We discuss many different aspects of NZ’s current circumstances and issues, starting with education.

You will be encouraged!

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We can’t think of a better way to finish the year.

The legendary Antoine’s Restaurant in Parnell is now a memory.

The Chef was a virtuoso who would have succeeded anywhere in the world. Instead the world came to 333 Parnell Rd.

During its nigh on 50 years, Antoine’s suffered numerous crises, dictated by stock market crashes, business trends and government changes.

But then came Covid, accompanied by a juvenile govt. One night Antione's closed, without notice, and never reopened.

The story of Tony and Beth Astle, partners in business and in life, contains excitement, love, success, and sadness, but lots of laughs.

We finish up in The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

Thank you so much for all your correspondence. Have a wonderful Christmas, and we will be back with you in the New Year.

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Australian journalist and author Nick Cater has been a guest on numerous occasions, beginning on radio in 2013.

Not having spoken for a year, we caught up on Thanksgiving Eve while he was in New York.

The plan was to discuss Australia’s pros and cons (of which there are many), for the benefit of intending migrants.

There is something of a diaspora from NZ at the moment.

As usual it was a relaxed but informative interview.

We make commentary on Auckland Transport and the medical profession and the frustrations therein.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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The Treaty Principles Bill isn’t responsible for the racial and political ructions confronting New Zealand.

It has more to do with a lack of courage and political leadership by previous administrations.

We start the discussion with David Seymour at the beginning and follow the events that threaten the country’s  future.

The ultimate questions might be what sort of a country do we want to live in, and are we mature enough to take a good look at it?

And we finish up with The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

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Education in NZ has long been controversial.

It’s not incorrect to suggest that a Labour Education Minister has an easier task than a more ‘conservative’ party minister (i.e. National’s Merv Wellington in the 1980’s.)

Similar circumstances apply in other countries. Donald Trump returns to the Presidency with intent to eliminate the Department of Education and return the responsibility to the States.

There are some valid reasons for doing so. Are there lessons for other countries?

Dr Michael Johnston has been consulting NZ Education Minister Erica Stanford. After years of experience, most recently at Victoria University, Wellington, Michael is now with the NZ Initiative.

His podcast contribution is very informative.

Following the Mailroom there is further comment on other matters, including AI and democracy.

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Since 2020, the W.H.O. has orchestrated and condoned one of the most devastating assaults on individual and societal health the world has seen.

At the behest of highly conflicted sponsors, this international bureaucracy promoted policies that overwhelmingly harmed the world’s disadvantaged.

Lacking any contrition, the W.H.O. is now seeking increased public funding through misrepresentation of risk and return on investment to entrench this response.

The past, present and future of the World Health Organisation, addressed with David Bell, former medical officer and scientist at the W.H.O.

And is Shane Jones right to be concerned about New Zealand’s participation?

Finally, we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at [email protected]

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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When we wound up our election day discussion, I suggested to Patrick Basham that we do a follow up "if warranted". It was warranted in multiples, so around midnight on election night we recorded the interview for 264. There is insight that you won’t hear elsewhere. Have a listen.

And following we have included comment from elsewhere that is worthy of a hearing.

Oh, and at the last second we received an email headed “Most accurate US presidential election pollster” !

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The Free Speech Union is proving its worth with a number of successful international speakers to New Zealand.

The latest is Professor Nigel Biggar, who amongst a number of contributions to the cause wrote “The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill 2021".

He proved to be a most interesting, informative and entertaining guest.

Patrick Basham provided exit poll numbers from his Democracy Institute and the Daily Express.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer

File your comments and complaints at [email protected]

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Power supply issues are challenging much if not most of the world - why? Could it be the recklessness of net zero?

Power engineer Bryan Leyland expresses serious concern, as shortages translate into higher prices.

At the same time, Australia is talking increasingly about Nuclear power - shouldn’t we?

Meanwhile, a Telegraph article in London suggests that the young are fleeing Britain. Christian Smith updates his views on life in the old country.

We attend to aspects of the Presidential election, and visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at [email protected]

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Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
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An insidious phenomenon has become widely evident around the western world, and it is alive and well in New Zealand. 

The attack has been against every institution that props up the pillars of our democratic freedom.

Retired Judge Anthony Willy justifies his accusations (from his essay “Blowing In the Wind”, NZCPR.com).

It’s an important document that should be studied in every school.

We have comment on the Presidential election, with only two weeks to go.

And we visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer.

File your comments and complaints at [email protected]

Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide.

Listen here on iHeartRadio

Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:
To subscribe via iTunes click here

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.