Thoughts & Comments Podcast

Andrew Urquhart wraps up marriage week with an acknowledgement to Charlie Kirk - American influencer, pro-life champion and advocate for traditional marriage.  

The Hope Project's Dave Mann (alltogether.co.nz) credits the Turning Point USA founder as a skilled conversational apologist and spoke of the stabilising power of marriage to restore economic confidence and social cohesion.

Rev. Dr Stuart Lange from the NZCN explains how marriage is a model of Christian love that should be empowered and encouraged within and outside the Church, while recognising that not all are called to that vocation.

And the Free Speech Union warns that Charlie Kirk's tragic murder highlights why we must stop blurring the line between disagreement and actual violence. CEO Jillaine Heather says the danger of treating speech as an attack, is that "bullets start to look like defence".

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"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.."
(1 Peter 3:15)

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Join Andrew Urquhart & guests in celebrating marriage week; and step up to a challenge to manage our 'God expectations'. 

Family First's Simon O'Connor points to evidence for committed marriage that bucks social trends;

Justin Smith shares his personal testimony of how marriage has shaped him;

And Dr Maja Whitaker of Laidlaw College reflects on how we view God - is it realistic, or do we need to change our expectations?

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Andrew Urquhart takes closer look at recent international events that may hint at shifting global allegiances and corrosive ideology - Orphans Aid International's Sue van Screven's narrowly escapes Ukraine; geopolitical analyst Geoffrey Miller weighs up China's security & economic strategy; & Dr Craig Heilmann inspects the thought police patrolling X/Twitter. 

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Voting in the 2025 local body elections has opened, and most New Zealanders will be asked to tick yay or nay, yes or no, to their regional council establishing a Maori Ward.  Andrew Urquhart hosts a panel of special guests who bring their personal and professional experience to the discussion - Councillor Te Waka McLeod, Te Karere Scarborough (ihorangi.ac.nz), and Dr Bonnie Robinson (salvationarmy.org.nz) explain why they believe Maori Wards will mean fair representation and progress in New Zealand's democratic process.

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Take a closer look at what regulatory changes are afoot to address unfair conditions in various sectors: nursing, disability welfare and consumer markets.

A disability advocate is welcoming the government's Disability Support reforms.  Mike Potter tells Andrew Urquhart that last week's announcement reinstating flexible or individualized funding is good news, but says it's a band-aid for an open wound.

Insult upon injury is how many nurses perceive the perfect storm of working conditions that saw around 36,000 nurses take stop-labour action last week. The president of the Nurses Christian Fellowship of New Zealand considers a faith-based approach to balancing nurses' employment rights and their duty of care to patients.

Will the government’s 'Fast-Track Approvals Act' proposing changes to supermarket policy make it easier for new players to enter the market? And will that mean a cheaper grocery bill? The Maxim Institute's Tim Wilson checks out the express lane.

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It's just about Fathers' Day so check in for a celebration of Thanksgiving for fatherhood. 

Rev. Frank Ritchie shares a deeply personal reflection on his relationship with his dad, and the fight to save his daughter's life; 

Kristin Ward from the Parenting Place has some top tips for showing appreciation for the awesome dads in our lives, and discusses unique strengths men bring to the parenting dynamic;

and author and speaker Richard Brunton imparts a father's blessing on all who need to hear it, and encourages men to embrace their vital vocation and reflect our heavenly Father's love. 

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You're invited to join some honest conversations about the gritty reality of fatherhood in Aotearoa New Zealand. With guests from The Think Farm, Family Life and Family First NZ.

A deeply personal sharing from John Peachey about his fraught relationship with his birth father, and the Father's healing grace in his own journey as a dad himself;
Wynand Jacobs explains why fatherhood in marriage is his most treasured role;
And Bob McCoskrie unpacks research that demonstrates dads have an impact beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

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How we do exercise our democratic rights and responsibilities? Andrew Urquhart and his guests tackle civic tools from suffrage to public protest. 

Te Karere Scarborough takes a look at the front-runners in the by-election for the Maori electorate of Tamaki Makaurau;
the Free Speech Union campaigns for political neutrality in the public service and free speech for civil servants;
and across the Tasman, public theologian Craig Heilmann compares public lobbying on Palestinian statehood and Australian immigration policy.

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Andrew Urquhart and his guests discuss a worrying cultural shift echoing around the western world that is literally a matter of life and death. 

Having first legalised assisted suicide, governments from Canada to our very own 'Godzone' are moving to expand euthanasia. Hear from bioethics researchers and advocates on the frontline of the battle for life – Maxim's Maryanne Spurdle; Dr John Kleinsman from the Nathaniel Centre for Bioethics; and founder of Dying to Meet You, Amanda Achtman; and join one of the most important conversations we'll ever have. 

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Money can’t buy happiness, though it may increase your level of influence. In this episode we look at the Financial Sector.  

Dr Bryce Edwards explores the difference between influence and interference when it comes to the Government’s relationship with the Reserve Bank.  

Andy Milne looks at some potential changes to banking regulation, and how this may be great news for investors and mortgage holders.  

And John Peachey questions whether we’ll be able to afford retirement, even if we are one of the lucky few with a mortgage-free home.  

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