This week, we dive into the latest global trade war tensions. With world leaders taking different approaches, some consumers are taking matters into their own hands, boycotting US products. But do individual actions really make a difference in the face of global trade battles?

Then, we shift gears to climate change and New Zealand’s role in the Paris Agreement. With Parliament discussing climate adaptation, we break down what’s actually being done and whether our policies match our promises.

Join us for a mix of politics, trade drama, and environmental reality checks.

This week, we sat down with the PM to talk about a recent survey in New Zealand.

New Zealand has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine after a disastrous White House meeting, but not everyone is convinced. 

Then, we dig into the school lunch debacle. Budget cuts have slashed funding, leading to a rollout plagued by melted plastic in meals, late deliveries, and missing nutrition. Some schools are even using their own funds to keep kids fed. Are these just “teething issues,” or has the government botched the entire programme?

Plenty to unpack this week—let’s get into it.

First off we round things out with some questionable life hacks from the internet—some genius, some idiotic, and some just straight-up dangerous.

Next we break down the latest in New Zealand’s state of the nation.

Christopher Luxon is all about growth, yes-men, and shaking up research and innovation. ACT’s David Seymour, on the other hand, is pitching pioneering spirit and fighting the majority for mediocrity.

Then, we dive into compliance madness: Spud Motors in Masterton was told it needed more toilets—despite having a maximum of four people on-site. Why? Because the council based its rules on a hypothetical future where 40 people might show up.

Rugby vs. cricket in a battle of Kiwi sports legends. It’s a perfect throwback to the golden era of New Zealand TV, but where’s the next generation of local legends stepping up to entertain us?

We break down Trump’s inauguration—from his speech and Elon’s salute to Melania serving mafia boss energy. Plus, are we witnessing the death of the expert? Whether it's social media policies, health advice, or the Treaty Principles Bill debate, gut feelings are becoming the public's guiding force over experts. 

Lastly, a waka discovery on the Chatham Islands, and how archaeological finds impact the claims process.

Australia’s having a conundrum over cabanas, with critics saying they’re being used to unfairly reserve public beach spots. Are these cabanas a clever sun-safe solution or just plain rude? 

Next, we gaze upward at a once-in-160,000-year comet set to grace New Zealand skies. 

We also tackle a story sparking debate over New Zealand’s gang patch ban. A 12-year-old boy in Auckland had his boxing club t-shirt confiscated for resembling gang insignia. Is this a case of enforcing community safety, or an overreach that risks unfair profiling?

Are you a bench-seat person at restaurants?

New Zealand plans to ban greyhound racing by 2026. While the government cites ongoing animal welfare concerns, the industry argues they’re making strides in safety. With over 1,000 jobs and millions of dollars in revenue at stake, is the ban too harsh, too fast—or just the right move? 

We dive into the government’s Gene Technology Bill, which will end a 30-year ban on genetic engineering. CRISPR, GMO crops, and the ethics of gene editing—who decides what’s acceptable, and what does this mean for New Zealand’s clean, green reputation?

We’re exploring how taxes shape life in New Zealand—from what you earn, to what you spend, and even how you save for retirement. With ongoing chatter about a potential capital gains tax (CGT) under Labour’s new policies, we dive into what a CGT actually is and how it might change the financial landscape for Kiwis.

We break down New Zealand’s progressive income tax system, GST, and corporate taxes, comparing them to other nations like Norway and Australia. Why does New Zealand have lower taxes and fewer universal benefits, and what does this mean for the average Kiwi? Plus, we look at how Australia’s superannuation system stacks up against KiwiSaver, with higher returns driving stronger retirement savings across the ditch.

In this episode, we tackle Auckland’s new Local Alcohol Policy, which will see all bottle shops and supermarkets stop selling booze after 9 pm starting next month. What does this mean for late-night buyers and Auckland’s drinking culture?

Next, we dive into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa. An interim report reveals that human error and autopilot issues were to blame. Finally, we explore the European Union’s latest policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. From workplace equality mandates to AI regulations, what can New Zealand learn from these ambitious strategies to create a fairer society?

We unpack the viral video of Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performing the Haka. Is it brave, intimidating, or just iconic? 

Next, we get candid about the complexities of supporting Trump. Does backing him mean inheriting all the “extras” that come with his controversial image? And what happens when trust in institutions—healthcare, education, politics—is shattered? Is this era’s truth-bomb akin to finding out cigarettes weren’t healthy?

Finally, we take a look at the rare Huia feathers sold at auction for $10,000 each. What’s the story behind these precious feathers, and if money were no object, what artefacts would you collect?

In this episode, We dive into David Seymour’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill, sparking outrage for excluding Māori consultation and being called a costly, divisive distraction. 

IRD accidentally sent the personal info of 300,000 New Zealanders to Facebook, we unpack the privacy fails hitting Kiwis where it hurts.Plus, we ask—what's Auckland doing with a $1.2 million Christmas tree? 

Tauranga’s having a bad day—after a barber shop was turned into a drive-thru after a car crashed through their front window.