Tue 5 Aug 2025. Counting the Cost of Diplomacy, Free Speech & Shopping Ease.

Andrew Urquhart and guests weigh up the costs and benefits on a range of issues, from the price of free speech, retail convenience, and the economic cost of diplomatic relations and media savagery? . John Peachey (thethinkfarm.org) unpacks the blunt and brutal impact of 15% US trade tariffs on New Zealand's economy, and whether we are getting the relationship that we paid for.    Love the ease of contactless payments? Financial advisor Andy Milne (christiansavings.co.nz) warns that waived paywave and credit card surcharges could still end up hitting end consumers in the pocket. Outgoing CEO of the Free Speech Union Jonathan Ayling (fsu.nz) reflects on some significant wins, losses and the price of freedom.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.