Trout Around - News from New Zealand

In this episode, Trump returns to the presidency – a shocking victory after a tumultuous journey marked by trials and triumphs. 

Next, debates around the Treaty of Waitangi are heating up. The Pākehā Project is a tangata Tiriti-led initiative urging non-Māori to confront colonial legacies. ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill sparks controversy, seeking to redefine Treaty principles and raising fears of undermining Māori rights. With a hīkoi set to challenge the Bill’s introduction, where does New Zealand stand on this critical juncture of constitutional change?

In this episode, we dive into the debate around Candace Owens’ New Zealand visa application. Recently barred from Australia, the controversial right-wing commentator is sparking fierce opinions on both sides of the Tasman. Owens claims to be a voice against censorship and government overreach, but critics argue her rhetoric is divisive and potentially harmful. 

The race heats up between Team Trump and Team Kamala. With sarcastic headlines, viral sound bites, and deep-seated rivalry, each side is preparing for a showdown. What are the narratives shaping this election, and could the “MAGA” camp be setting up their followers for claims of election rigging if they lose?

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing search for Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children in 2021. The timeline of events raises questions: Was it fair to charge Phillips for wasteful police deployment the first time they found him camping? 

A massive fire is raging across 1,024 hectares of Waikato swampland. We cover the government’s push for a stricter "three strikes" law, reigniting debates over crime, justice, and public safety. Finally we discuss Health NZ’s controversial $60,000 conference, complete with $9,200 in canapés, while the organization battles a half-billion-dollar deficit.

We explore the controversial return of seabed mining plans off the coast of Pātea. After being blocked by the Supreme Court, Trans-Tasman Resources is back, claiming low environmental impacts while promising billions for New Zealand’s economy. But with new findings of vibrant reefs in the mining zone, we ask: Are the trade-offs worth it?

Finally, we dive into universities' surprising shift back to pen and paper as they struggle to combat rampant AI use. With 35% of students admitting to relying on AI, we ask: Will degrees still hold their value? Is the investment even worth it? Will jobs still require a degree?

In this episode, we dive into the Labour Party's recent controversies on TikTok and discuss the complex narratives surrounding Israel and Palestine— are we as neutral as we claim to be?

And finally, we sail into the bizarre tale of the HMNZS Manawanui. This $103 million Navy vessel, designed to map the ocean floor, ran aground on a well-charted reef off Samoa. How did this high-tech ship manage to hit a 0ft reef and sink? We’ll explore the curious case of Captain Yvonne Gray and reflect on what this incident says about New Zealand’s military operations.

Greenpeace’s lawsuit against dairy giant Fonterra, accusing the company of misleading consumers by labeling its Anchor butter as "100% NZ - grass-fed." Greenpeace argues that up to 20% of Fonterra’s cows’ diet includes non-grass products like palm kernel expeller (PKE), which is linked to deforestation. 

Next, we explore the decline of New Zealand’s rural "zombie towns," where job losses and shrinking populations threaten their survival. From Raetihi’s mill closures to Ōhura’s dwindling economy, these towns highlight the economic challenges facing rural communities.

Finally, we tackle the controversy surrounding the government’s 50% tax cut on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), with Labour accusing the move of benefiting tobacco giant Philip Morris. We’ll examine the heated debate over whether this tax cut aligns with Smokefree 2025 goals or undermines public health.

The police’s warning about a potential new QR code scam making its way to our shores. From fake parcels to phishing attempts, scammers are getting creative—so what do you need to know to stay safe?

Dive into the incredible story of Christchurch pilot Phillip Mehrtens, freed after a 19-month hostage ordeal in Indonesia. 

We explore the National Government’s latest crackdown on gangs. With controversial new laws banning gang insignia and expanding police powers, critics argue it could infringe on basic rights and overwhelm already stretched resources. Are these measures effective, or simply a display of tough love?

In this episode, we unpack the recent two-hour strike by Woolworths workers across New Zealand, where demands for better wages and safer staffing conditions have sparked a standoff. While Woolworths responded with suspension notices, the strike has gained public support, shining a light on the ongoing fight for a living wage. 

Justice Minister Nicole McKee is under scrutiny for her role as a former gun lobbyist and the ongoing inquest into how the Christchurch mosque shooter obtained his firearms license. As McKee defends her handling of the reforms and pushes back against Labour’s criticism, we dive into the complexities of gun control in New Zealand—what’s changed, what hasn’t, and where the future of firearms legislation is headed.

In this episode, we delve into the dramatic emergency landing of an Air New Zealand flight at Wellington Airport. We discuss the Ministry of Social Development's decision to ban the use of fake social media profiles for investigating benefit fraud. After years of secrecy, scrutiny, and ethical debates, what does this mean for future investigations and the privacy of Kiwis? Finally, we explore the astonishing story of a Christchurch couple who found a staggering $232,000 hidden in their ceiling—what would you do in their shoes?

Fluoride in public water supplies. Is it a proven tool for better dental health, or a form of mass medication without consent? We'll explore the benefits and criticisms, from fluoride's role in reducing cavities and saving healthcare costs to concerns about health risks, ethical dilemmas, and environmental impacts. Should fluoride still be in our water, or are toothpaste and other dental products enough?

We take a hard look at the government’s shake-up of emergency housing policies. After celebrating a milestone of moving 1000 children out of emergency housing, how do we feel about the 20% of them who are unaccounted for? Is this an acceptable oversight, or a symptom of a broader crisis in New Zealand’s housing system?