Paul The Other One

Wage freezes for the lowest income earners to help support Act Donors, the Coalition running to shit on Maori before the end of the term under urgency and I catch up with Willow-Jean Prime to learn about assaults on rangatahi in government facilities, the fallout of the MSD system breakdown and the te Tai Tokerau election race.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

I’ve had a lot of people point out we need a regulator for political lying this year for some reason which I am sure is totally unrelated to all the lies and misleading statements being made by the coalition parties.  So I thought I’d looking what actual laws are in place overseas about monitoring BS in campaigns.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

A single fact check went a bit wild and wide - which is great to see because it shows yet another lie from a Coalition MP. But the comments from those who don’t like it, they’re kind of revealing about the people who support the Coalition and we should be aware of these sort of voters as a reason why we should make sure everyone we know is voting.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

This weekend remember two things - the Coalition lies and you need to be registered to vote by October 25 or you are not allowed to - also because the Coalition lies.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

30 thousand people, missing $2.5 Million dollars in help and support. That’s what the MSD report found - and how media covered it was fascinating - from MP calls for Upston to resign to not letting her take the blame at all.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Have you heard about the 15000 people who missed out on Winter energy payments because Louise Upston rushed a law through and screwed up things for everyone? Well this week the final report into how bad a screw up it was is due to be released and we should all be paying attention.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!

A campaign update from around the motu and I have a green catch up - with Louise Hutt running in Hamilton West and Chloe and Marama to learn more about the important message politicians and the public should be aware of with this week's PSA Strikes.00:00 - Logos00:07 - Introduction01:02 - Bonus Content Announcement01:50 - Campaign Updates12:57 - Louise Hutt on Affordable Kai Policy25:03 - Chloe Swarbrick and Marama Davidson on the PSA StrikeLooking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Monday was a weird media feeding frenzy with the latest Curia TPU astroturf laundering piece ending up on every major nationwide MSM outlet. But there was something missing amongst the teeth, and the scent of blood - context. Media did not tell readers and viewers about issues with the source of the data - and people have a right to know, because universal law is for lackeys, Context is king.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Lots of policy announcements on the weekend, but how they were reported, and the follow up from media shows bias in a way a simple naming the policy does not.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

In this session, we break down how the boundaries of "acceptable" political debate are deliberately expanded or restricted across Aotearoa's media landscape. Beyond individual bias, we explore the structural mechanisms behind the Overton Window - showing how newsrooms, talk radio, and elite framing elevate right-leaning narratives (from mandatory youth boot camps to property tax exemptions) into "sensible, common-sense policy" while dismissing progressive alternatives like wealth taxes, socio-economic crime prevention, or genuine Te Tiriti partnership as "radical" or "unviable." Through key case studies on law and order panics, tax reform, and co-governance, We'll see how fringe commentary pulls the political centre to the right and gain practical tools to spot when media outlets are actively shifting the goalposts of mainstream debate.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

National demands we consider context when inflation goes up under them but they’ll be damned if they give you context when they make vague claims to win your vote this year.  And you should have the critical thinking skills to ask why that is because it seems National voters sure don’t.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Instead of the News this week, we'll doing something very few other outlets have done - we'll fact check National.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The NZNO held a Vote for Health meeting last night on the North Shore - where Nurses, Doctors and patients shared their experienced in a starved health system - so I went along and had a listen.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The power of a headline is really well documented - so what do we see when we look at our headlines from the past couple of days? It shows some really clear biases in place.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The PM tells Public Servants to get back to work for less pay and more responsibility - so I sit down with PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons to learn more, Labour and National deal with fuel taxes, Labour launches a trades scheme and Louise Upston reminds people on a benefit that while she gets over $50k a year as a housing supplement, they're lucky if the system even works for them.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Yup, it’s only med week and there are already plenty of examples of ways the media slyly show you their bias - how many did you spot?Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The brain drain is an embuggerance - and this weekend we saw two policies which are designed to tackle it in different ways. So which is actually more likely to keep people here?Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

How media presents the public with a policy can help shape the success of that policy as a vote getter - but sometimes even they get muddled - and the release of Nationals Student Loan repayment tweaks was one of those occasions when media that should contextualise didn’t and media that did contextualise normally wouldn’t…Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

For almost 50 years, fiscal conservatism has been treated as a neutral baseline in media while progressive policy is framed as risky or ideological. We'll explore the origins and risks of this in this week's episode .Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Did Labour outmanoeuvre National to take the wind out of their sails this election? Tx cuts vs No New Tax in new Tax Policies announced this week, Experts be damned and a South Island Milk Run causes traffic chaos.This was created and originally presented as a video, so some context may be missing in the audio only formats.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Sure, she was an icon, famous for her look, sound and performances but she was a legend for her work in the sciences to save lives and to fight for literacy in young people - something we should absolutely demand more of from politicians.🗳️ Get ready for election day: Head over to www.election2026.co.nz to explore free resources and interactive tools designed to help you cut through the noise and decide your vote.🎙️ Go deeper with the community: If you love independent media, check out my award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and latest updates right here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownz☕ Keep this work independent: Producing these tools and content takes time and resources. If you find value in what I do, consider backing the project with a paid subscription or a one-off donation to keep us growing: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneEvery bit of support makes a massive difference as we push for a change of government in 2026! 🇳🇿©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

A quick update from this week’s Campaign Trail, with Nationals new now new anything policy, Labours Better Starting here and money being moved to make it look like te Coalition are helping the health system when they are just failing it in different ways.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

National’s social media ban is doomed to fail, the years of world wide research says so, the data collected from real world attempts say so and what’s even worse is the ways to actually deal with the issues National claim this will fix are things they have actively dismantled or made worse.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

From Facebook meltdowns and the most regressive tax policy ever aimed at the dumbest people, it has been a very odd weekend in the world of politics.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Paywalls are an everyday occurrence now - helping make sure media can pay for the mahi of journalists, reporters and those that keep us informed as advertising models shifted as technology changed. But they can be used to manipulate audiences, create a layered access model that means the people with spare money are more informed, and the impacts it can have on who access media and information are a lot more substantial than people realise - but don't worry, you'll know more about the Kardashians because of it.In this week's Coffee & Context, join me for as I go through the risks and issues of Paywalled content and look at alternatives as well.This piece was originally a live stream and some images referred to may lose context in an Audio format. The video is available on the Paul The Other One Youtube Page.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.

The deliberate Health System Enshitifcation revelation, homelessness at untenable levels, Mince on the (price) rise and we find out who’s to blame for Andy Foster’s Wellington Water woes. All that and more in this week’s This Week’s The News.This is based on an original piece of content in video format, so many of the visual gags won't translate - so feel free to check out the video on Youtube as well.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Looking for a few tips on what to look for when you’re looking to see what bias your media has?  Well I got you fam!Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

After acting like a catnip addicted cat hyped up after catching a mouse over Labour’s Streaming Levy plan they shelved, Simeon is acting like suddenly the National Party are the bastion of truth and moral fortitude in a campaign they are lying through their teeth throughout. Maybe the fake podcast content was a warning…Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Our election donation laws may need an overhaul but one thing they do allow is for us to see who is willing to pay through the nose keep life feeling like shit for majority of us - and you’ll never guess which floaters have been doing that. But good news - you’d need to guess - RNZ have been really on to it tracking it all for us.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The latest news around the 2026 General Election campaign, and this week, in the wake of the announcement distraction around another harbour crossing, I catch up with Labour's Northcote based list MP and Candidate, Shanan Halbert to discuss what the continued can kicking means for North Shore communities.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

From awkward interviews, to softball media platitudes to announcing a nothing announcement - the distraction machine at the National Party is working overtime.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The National Party in tail spin… again. Deputy PM has a big sook, new social sciences curriculum forgets it’s not meant to be racist and what are we watching?🗳️ Get ready for election day: Head over to www.election2026.co.nz to explore free resources and interactive tools designed to help you cut through the noise and decide your vote.🎙️ Go deeper with the community: If you love independent media, check out my award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and latest updates right here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownz☕ Keep this work independent: Producing these tools and content takes time and resources. If you find value in what I do, consider backing the project with a paid subscription or a one-off donation to keep us growing: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneEvery bit of support makes a massive difference as we push for a change of government in 2026! 🇳🇿©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

In media theory, we call it the salience effect - where there’s so much coverage we accept a story must be important. But that almost always over shadows our  ability to focus on other news and we need that to help create a balanced view of the world around us.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

If I had a penny for every time Chris Luxon has had to get his fiends together to prove they still like him and he should keep his job after an MP named Chris seemingly tried to get rid of him, I’d have two pennies - which isn’t much but it is weird it happened twice.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Got the popcorn ready? It’s time for another leadership vote for National - a good sign having two in a year, after a year of rumours about the PM’s leadership in crisis mode, right? And no matter what happens, the outcome will impact the election in 87 daysLooking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

There was big news on Sunday… no not the new policies from political parties, not the cut off date for the local government amalgamation but data that showed the coalition has been underfunding staff in our health sector for years.  But the media coverage on it seemed to be missing outside of Q&A itself…Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

We start the week knowing we have been lied to. Lied to on TV by the health Minister. Lied to online by the Prime Minister. And lied to as ratepayers. So it must be another typical Sunday then.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

It's been a no good, very bad week for the Coalition. There's Nazis hiding in the hard right party screaming about nationalism, the Prime Minister apologising after saying he didn't need to but before National lackeys said he should, shouldn't and had nothing to do with it and the Deputy PM put a TV presenter in charge of an education announcement where he called kids little shits that need extra force while wage growth in retail fell well behind inflation, business liquidation and unemployment numbers reached record highs and the rumours of a roll are back. And yet somehow, media still has a bias towards keeping the status quo. We can see this in how stories are framed, whose talking points are platformed and images being used. This Sunday we'll be looking at Framing theory, Entmans 4 Functions, thematic framing, horse race presentation and priming.This is an audio presentation of a live stream and as such, visual aides and cues are out of context here. The video can be viewed on my YouTube Channel.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Is it you, or is it me, lately I’ve been lost it seems, I think a change is what I need… Shorty runs in an episodic format, it’s why people still go to the societal that’s been hit by quakes, helicopters, eruptions and hired a bunch of serial killers. Our media actually does the same thing and it trains people in the comment sections without them realising it.  And you can learn more about this and more in this week’s Coffee and Context, Sunday morning on YouTube and Facebook!Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

In this week’s This Weeks the News, record unemployment, record business liquidations and record dead cats being thrown on tables as the Prime Minister throws up an MMP referendum, longer terms and whether or not he should apologise to SME owners.This Episode was first released as a video and will lose cpntext in delivery as an audio only option.🗳️ Get ready for election day: Head over to www.election2026.co.nz to explore free resources and interactive tools designed to help you cut through the noise and decide your vote.🎙️ Go deeper with the community: If you love independent media, check out my award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and latest updates right here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownz☕ Keep this work independent: Producing these tools and content takes time and resources. If you find value in what I do, consider backing the project with a paid subscription or a one-off donation to keep us growing: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneEvery bit of support makes a massive difference as we push for a change of government in 2026! 🇳🇿©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Is it possible for media to tell us about dumb things our Coalition are doing and still show their bias against the opposition? Of course it is and Thursday gave us a great example of how media framing can do this across our MSM outlets.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

A Poll with a massive jump for a minor Party or a shock drop for a traditional big party? Rogue polls and Partisan polls and laundered polls - and a million headlines proclaiming shock and awe - so what differentiates them and what why should we take them all with a grain of salt?Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Atlas network member and architect of the education overhaul, NZ Initiative once tried telling us that Christopher Luxon’s running the country like he’s CEO was working well - but when he tells 97% of the nations hard working SME owners to grow up and his deputy PM backs him up, then maybe we should start to question if a board room jockey was ever really the business genius we were sold as the adult in the room. Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

We're looking at how the Free Speech "Union" has somehow managed to start the week in news about the Medical Council, the Auckland Council and Hate Crime laws, and somehow managed to make justifying increased hate crimes against Muslims, more questionable appointments from the Coalition and mislead their followers on purpose in the defence of what they're touting as their "good faith yarns".This Podcast was originally presented as a video live stream and as such some of the context mentioning images that are referred to instream will be lost.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

99 Days to go until the election. And there’s a lot that needs to happen - but one thing we all need to be really wary of is the tricks media pull to show us their bias and try to influence who we vote for.Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The Prime Minister confirms racism is fine by him as long as we don’t discuss taxes, the wheels fall off claims of better funded hospitals, another broken Coalition promise and getting hot for voting!  Al that and more in this week’s This Weeks The News.*This Week's the News is originally presented in video and in Audio first platforms loses some contextLooking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

If you’re overseas and want to vote this year, what do you need to know and why is it important to know it now - hint: it all depends on the roll you want to vote on!Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

The Green's launch a Campaign For Us All, National launch a Parental Leave for some people maybe at the next election, Act launch money for all hunters wanting to shoot wildlife and the Free Speech Union launch free speech for some, but not the people who don't agree with us.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

With the regulatory period for the election fast approaching, do you think National are toning down the spin and bullshit on social media?  Of course not - why would they!Looking for clear, independent election insights? 🗳️ Check out www.election2026.co.nz for tools to help you decide your vote.Catch the award-winning podcast, weekly newsletter, and more here: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzThis work is entirely listener-funded. If you want to help keep the lights on and fuel the push for a change of government in 2026, consider joining as a paid supporter here: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotherone ☕Massive thank you for all the support!©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026

Who would have predicted yet another headline showing the Coalition going out of their way to ignore experts about how we are making climate change worse?Well anyone who has read the news in the last 3 years probably, or still trying to dry out their carpets from one of the dozen severe weather impacts we’ve had this year.Real, independent political commentary requires a strong community behind it.First up, make sure you're equipped for the voting booth: visit www.election2026.co.nz for practical tools and resources to help you choose who to vote for.To stay across all my content—including the award-winning podcast and weekly newsletter—make sure you follow the main hub: https://linktr.ee/paul_barlownzWant to help drive the conversation? Building these tools and keeping the analysis flowing takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work. If you're in a position to support, please consider a paid subscription or buying a coffee to keep this platform sustainable as we push for a change of government in 2026: https://buymeacoffee.com/paul.theotheroneYour backing means everything. Thank you.©️ Paul… The Other One, 2026