Hannah McQueen joined the show to chat about what’s driving up rents, with wage rises and the shortage of houses a bigger factor than interest rates. Tim and Hannah also discussed Labour's GST policy announcement.

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The Finance Minister says economists will have to get use to their latest pre-election pitch.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has today announced a boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, which will benefit about 160,000 families.

They'll also cut GST from fruit and veggies, to take effect as soon as April 2024.

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen has described the idea as pure politics, over economics.

Minister Grant Robertson says people who believe in the purity of the tax system will never like something that upsets it.

"It doesn't suit economists or tax experts, who see these things as models. When you get into real life, this will make a difference."

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This week on Politics Central, Grant Robertson unpacks Labour's plan to GST on fresh, and frozen fruit and vegetables, if re-elected.

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This week, Simon Wilson and Mark Crysell discuss the week in politics, ramping up national defence and security, mushroom poisonings, helping sherpas on the K2 mountain, and a special gift for a football fan.

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This week on the Parent Squad, psychologist and social commentator Sara Chatwin weighs in on whether phones have a place in schools and whether aggression on the sports sidelines goes too far.

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Injury is inevitable, but how do you cope with maintaining motivation? Kent Johns joined the show to discuss it.

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It's one thing to have a great idea but how do you turn that into a business? Lisa Dudson gives her insight. 

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The Greens say hundreds of thousands of people need dental care, but are held back by the cost.

The Party's new plan includes annual check-ups and cleaning and free fillings, sealants, and tooth removals for anyone who needs them.

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says this plan will be covered by a wealth tax, which will only impact a small percent of taxpayers.

"People just aren't going because it costs too much. There's capacity out there right now, and at the same time, we'd also build up the workforce."

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The Government today announced plans to build an alternative Waitemata Harbour crossing, alongside further upgrades to Auckland's North Shore.

The alternative crossing includes two three-lane road tunnels and a 21 kilometre Light Rail tunnel between Albany and the CBD.

Transport Minister David Parker is confident the second Waitemata Harbour crossing will be built within a clear timeframe.

"We've had extra lines being put in on the railway, we've had the City Rail Link built. Those are political insults, rather than fact-based."

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