Episodes
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The Government says it is delivering on its commitment to fixing New Zealand’s broken healthcare system by improving access to healthcare for all Kiwis.
At the regular post-Cabinet press conference, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described Health NZ as a “low-performing organisation” in need of transformation. Meanwhile, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced several key initiatives aimed at improving the sector.
After the announcement, Luxon was asked about the tense meeting between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He described it as a “tough watch” but reiterated that New Zealand’s support for Ukraine remains unchanged.
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The Government has announced a series of reforms to give businesses additional tools to deal with those that are robbing them. These include:
Amending the Crimes Act so that citizens can intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day.
Requiring that a person making an arrest contact police and follow police instructions.
Clarifying that restraints can be used, when reasonable, when making an arrest.
Changing the defence of property provisions to the Crimes Act so it is clear that reasonable force may be used.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon faced questions from the media following National MP Andrew Bayly's resignation after an incident involving 'inappropriate behaviour' with a staff member. Luxon said he asked Bayly to explain what happened but would not provide further details, stating, "It's good that he recognised he didn't meet his own standards." Luxon said resigning was the right decision.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins then held a press conference, accusing Luxon of failing to show appropriate leadership in handling the situation. He said the issue could have been resolved within 24 hours and described allowing it to drag on over the weekend as "unbelievable".
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National’s Andrew Bayly has resigned as a minister this morning after what he described as an "animated discussion" escalated, resulting in him placing a hand on a member of staff.
Bayly called his behaviour "inappropriate" and expressed deep regret. He stated that he has taken personal responsibility for his actions, which is why he decided to step down. Bayly also confirmed that he has apologised to the staff member involved.
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As widely predicted, the Reserve Bank has cut the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 3.75%, the lowest level in two years.
RBNZ Governor Adrian Orr held a press conference following the decision, stating that the cut reflects the ongoing decline in inflation and their confidence that this trend will continue.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka have announced that $30 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy will fund over a dozen projects aimed at boosting tourism and biodiversity. $11 million will go toward managing infrastructure at some of New Zealand's most popular visitor sites, while $19 million will go into protecting biodiversity by reducing the spread of invasive species.
The announcement was made at the regular post-Cabinet press conference, where the Prime Minister was also questioned about the recent Destiny Church protests. He said he thought the protesters crossed the line, and that it was "not the Kiwi way." Luxon also said that the Government would consider reviewing the church's charitable status "in due course".
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop have announced that the Government will host an international investment summit for around 100 high-profile investors, business leaders, and construction companies from around the world. The summit will be held on March 13 and 14, and aims to "highlight partnership opportunities for overseas investment".
Following the announcement, Luxon faced questions from the media about ACT Party leader David Seymour driving a Land Rover up the steps of Parliament, to which he responded "I'm not interested in those political sideshows".
He was also questioned about Seymours letter in support of Philip Polkinghorne, and the Cook Islands - China deal.
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Despite being asked to stay away, ACT party leader David Seymour has spoken at Waitangi.
As Seymour began to speak, men on the paepae stood then turned their backs on him. His microphone was then taken by Aperahama Edwards. He was given a new one, which was taken again.
*Audio has been left as it was live, with the gaps in David Seymours speech due to his microphone being taken away.*
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Housing Minister Chris Bishop has released Kāinga Ora’s “turnaround plan”, which he says will refocus the housing agency on its core purpose of being a “good social landlord” and help it build new homes at market rate or cheaper.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Transport Minister Chris Bishop have announced a total of 38 sections of the state highway network will have their higher speed limits reversed back to their previous levels. The reversals will be completed by July 1st, with State Highway 2 between Featherston and Masterton in the Wairarapa the first section to have its limit increased again.
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ACT Party leader David Seymour has given his State of the Nation speech, saying New Zealand needs to move past the “squeamishness” of privatisation and have more honest conversations about what the government spends, owns, and regulates.
He raised the issues of asset sales, questioning whether New Zealand was making the best use of the Government’s $0.5 trillion plus worth of assets, and allowing people to opt out of public healthcare, suggesting people could get better value for their healthcare if that money went to individuals' own private insurance.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has given the annual State of the Nation address while speaking to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
He began by saying his speech will focus on the economy and "almost nothing else". He was true to his word, using the speech to take aim at New Zealand's “culture of saying no”, saying it held back economic growth.
Luxon went on to announce the government is setting up a new foreign investment agency, called Invest New Zealand, aimed at boosting productivity and innovation.
He also announced major reform to Crown Research Institutes, including transferring them into four new Public Research Organisations to be focused on bio-economy, earth sciences, health and forensic sciences, and AI and other advanced technologies.
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Donald Trump has been sworn in as US president for the second time.
The 47th president delivered his inauguration speech from inside the US Capitol where he outlined his immediate priorities whilst also criticising the previous Biden administration.
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Outgoing US President Joe Biden has given his farewell speech to the American people from the Oval Office.
As well as hailing his administrations accomplishments over the past four years, he also warned of a “dangerous concentration of power”, saying an “oligarchy” of ultra-wealthy is “taking shape in America”.
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Senior Sergeant Lyn Fleming died after being struck by a vehicle in central Nelson just after 2am on New Year’s Day. She has been farewelled in a ceremony in Nelson with heartfelt tributes from family and colleagues, including Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.
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Erica Stanford, the Minister in charge Government’s Response to the Royal Commission’s Report into Historical Abuse in State Care, has confirmed survivors of torture at Lake Alice will receive a $150,000 redress payment, or can request an independent arbiter make an individual assessment.
Stanford said the government has set aside up to $22.68 million for the redress scheme.
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Six60 frontman Matiu Walters says he no longer cares about topping the charts and the band’s “legacy” as much as he once did, saying he now prefers to focus on being “creatively brave" instead. The reason for the change? Fatherhood.
Walters spoke openly and honestly about how being a dad has changed him on Paddy Gower's "The F#$%ing News" show this week.
Click here to watch the full episode, or search for "Paddy Gower's TFN" to listen on your favourite podcast player.
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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon addressed questions put to him by media on a number of issues currently under the spotlight, including the Government's plan for the Cook Strait ferries, the changes to ACC levies, and an indecent assault of two women by visiting members of the Vietnamese Government.
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Finance Minister Nicola Willis and newly-appointed Minister for Rail Winston Peters have announced it is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries for the Cook Strait.
The ferries are expected to begin operation in 2029 as the existing ferries reach the end of their operating lives.
Willis would not disclose what the project will cost, saying that information is commercially confidential until procurement and negotiations for the associated landside infrastructure have been completed.
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Climate Change Minister Simon Watts has released details of the Government's blueprint for emissions reduction over the next five years.
The second Emissions Reduction Plan sets the foundation to meet the net zero 2050 target as early as 2044, and will focus on eight key policies that have the greatest potential emissions savings.
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