Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Counting down to Christmas it's not crackers that politicians are pulling on, but a power struggle nonetheless. Andrew Urquhart invites his guests to comment on the apparent tug-of-war between local and central government, the two major political parties, individual rights and the common good.

Former MP Simon O'Connor joins Andrew Urquhart to analyse the peformance from the major contenders for next year's election;

Political analyst Dr Bryce Edwards considers how regional councils could be affected by proposed law changes, and what that means for local democracy and community control;

And Nathan Seiuli from civil liberties group PILLAR defines the fine line between someone who leaks data, and a whistleblower, as Brian Young faces ongoing legal action for publishing Health NZ/ Te Whatu Ora information about Covid vaccine deaths. 

Text 8168, keyword "Comments", and visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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What's the economic forecast for New Zealand as we head into the festive season?

After a dismal year for small businesses, Andrew Urquhart and his guests discuss whether the Government's revamped social investment initiative, the recent OCR announcement, and a couple of Scandinavian imports can turn around the economic blues. With Thomas Scrimgeour (maxim.org.nz), Andy Milne (chrisitiansavings.co.nz) and Tash McGill.

Will the holiday spirit boost business confidence?  Join the conversation by texting 8168, keyword 'Comments'; and visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.⁠

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From pastor to bricklayer and back again. New Life Church pastor Peter Kinsella shares his testimony of faith, ministry and burnout; and how Christ-centred community can redeem the pressures and disappointment of church leadership.

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword "Comments".  Visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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Today's guests urge a kind of charity that looks past the statistics and sees the individual. 

Dr Bonnie Robinson of the Salvation Army's Social Policy and Parliament Unit shares testimonies of lives transformed through transitional housing, prisoner reintegration, and addiction services. (salvationarmy.org.nz)

And broadcaster John Cowan mulls over how to respond to street beggars - the moral pull to help, versus a dilemma about practical consequences & feeding dependency.

Join the conversation and text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. 
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Three compelling discussions about faith in the birthplace of the church - a faith born under fire that nonetheless spread like wildfire, and is still enkindling the flame of devotion in spite of politics, geography and persecution. 

• Dr Craig Heilmann reflects on a historic agreement on the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Council, as Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV vow to grow communion;
• Rev. Matt Maslin (laidlaw.ac.nz) examines the eschatology behind what may be hindering compassion towards Gazan civilians;
• And Barnabas Aid NZ's CEO Stephanie Johnston updates Andrew Urquhart on the threat of further violence facing Syria's persecuted church. (barnabasaid.org/nz)

Join the conversation & text your thoughts to 8168, keyword "Comments"; and visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content. 

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Who...or what, do we see when we look in the mirror?  Andrew Urquhart and his guests peer through the kaleidoscope of what it means to be made in the image of God.

As Western society begins the tinsel-coated countdown to Christmas, Ryan Lang (venn.org.nz) shines a light on the true meaning of Advent, reflecting on Christ, the Light of the World;

Rev. Frank Ritchie takes an honest look at self-help literature, asking whether it has warped self-care into self-centredness;

And Brendan Malone (lifenet.co.nz) reviews the new cinematic adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, "Frankenstein", through the lens of bioethics, encapsulated in the film's tagline - only monsters play God.

Join the conversation and text your thoughts to 8168, keyword "Comments".  For more content, visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

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There's a buzz about 'imported culture wars' so Andrew Urquhart asks, what about imported cultural trends and foreign influence - in some cases to the point of invasion?

Kiwi shops are screaming Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales. But what happened to Thanksgiving Thursday? Wynand Jacobs (familylife.nz) suggests how we can honour its true light of gratitude, amidst the neon glare of feverish consumerism;

Nathan Seiuli (nzpillar.com) outlines his concerns about increased foreign interference in local affairs, warning that cosy diplomacy can hide a deadly hornet's sting against Kiwi buzzy bees;

And Professor Robert Patman examines the Russia-US peace plan presented to Ukraine, reminding that history cautions against appeasing the aggressor.

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword "Comments", and visit www.thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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How do we deal with family tensions or friction in our faith congregations? Do we extend the same grace to our nearest & dearest, as what we proclaim in public?

Andrew Urquhart and his guests discuss the virtue of forgiveness without calculation. With broadcaster John Cowan, Family Life's Wynand Jacobs (familylife.nz) and leadership mentor John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org.nz).

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword "Comments". For more content visit thoughtsandcomments.co.nz

"No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! ~Mt 18:22 (NLT) 

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From conflict zones & bustling cities to the ends of the Earth, discover how seeds of the Gospel are taking root & flourishing in hearts all over the world. A report from the 2025 General Assembly of the World Evangelical Christian Alliance; a hope-filled update on Ukraine's war-weary believers (missionwithoutborders.org.nz); & good news of a Kiwi revival from the Hope Project (alltogether.co.nz).

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'comments', and visit thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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Defending the thin blue line between order and chaos means walking the talk, but it seems the top brass have been found wanting. Andrew Urquhart and guests weigh up the politics, policy and culture surrounding high level leadership positions, tackling the case of disgraced former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming; and speculation over PM Christopher Luxon's tenure. 
With Dr Bryce Edwards (Integrity Institute), John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org), and Jillaine Heather (fsu.nz)

Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments', and visit thoughtsandcomments.co.nz for more content.

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