The Good Oil

Buckle up for a no-holds-barred chat with Elliot Ikilei from Hobson's Pledge. We dive into his wild ride from a chaotic upbringing – solo parents on both sides, teenage drugs, booze, and rebellion – to finding faith at 25 and turning it all around through youth work. Elliot pulls no punches on the bad cases that broke him, the wins that fueled him, and why Hobson's Pledge is battling what he calls "tribal separatism" in NZ. From government overreach to cultural division, we cover the fight for equality, the Treaty mess, and why the left's playbook is failing. If you're sick of the spin, this episode cuts through the crap. Listen now – and join the pushback.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Cigar Review (Canteros.nz)  01:07 - Welcome & Guest Introduction  02:24 - Elliot’s Personal Background: From Chaos to Christianity 06:11 - The Shift: Family Structure vs Colonisation Narrative  08:00 - Journey into Politics & Conservative Party Years  13:25 - Critique of Luxon & Hipkins Leadership  18:22 - COVID Authoritarianism & Jacinda Ardern  30:00 - The Reality of Jacinda’s “Kindness”  38:00 - Parliament Protest & Political Loyalty  43:08 - Joining Hobson’s Pledge & The “Racist” Label  50:00 - Media Bias & Independent Media  58:00 - Stochastic Terrorism & Demonisation of Opponents  01:05:00 - Posie Parker, Brian Tamaki & Man Up  01:15:00 - Foreign Policy: China in the Pacific & Fiji  01:22:54 - 2026 Election Outlook & NZ First Surge  01:32:13 - Hobson’s Pledge Wins & Closing Thoughts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cam sits down with the man causing absolute chaos in Māori social media circles — the guy they call Shubz. After years of watching his people get failed by the very organisations claiming to represent them, Shubz decided enough was enough. What started as live streams on TikTok has turned into a full-frontal assault on iwi elites, unaccountable millions in Treaty settlements, and the “you’re not Māori enough” gatekeeping that shuts down anyone who steps out of line.  In this wide-ranging conversation they cover:  - His grandmother’s influence and growing up around politics  -  Why so many Māori are still conditioned to believe Labour is the only option - The “waste of Māori blood” attack on Winston Peters and what it really reveals - The disconnect between the loud activist class and ordinary Māori on the ground - How Alfred Ngaro’s story convinced him National wasn’t the enemy he’d been told  00:00 – Welcome & Cigar Review (Perdomo Legacy Connecticut Grand Belicoso)  03:40 – Introducing Shubz  06:30 – How Shubz went from live streamer to poking the Māori elite  11:20 – “You’ve come out of nowhere and caused a fair bit of ruckus”  15:50 – Growing up around politics, seeing the hypocrisy first-hand  22:10 – Grandmother’s influence and standing up for the people  28:40 – The “waste of Māori blood” comment to Winston Peters  34:50 – Alfred Ngaro’s story and being told he was “in the wrong party”  41:30 – Why Labour is still pushed as the only option for Māori  48:15 – Iwi elites, funding that never filters down, and real injustice  55:40 – The disconnect between activist class and ordinary Māori  1:02:00 – Final thoughts and where this goes from here Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tyrannosaurus Machine: Nathan Smith on Cancellation, Media Lies, and the "Shadow Map" of Power Former journalist and political insider Nathan Smith joins Cam Slater to pull back the curtain on how the machinery of power actually works. From the "Tyrannosaurus" media narrative that fuels public cancellations to the concept of "Love Speech"—the unregulated PR manipulation that runs our newsfeeds—this is a masterclass in seeing through the establishment's funhouse mirror. We also go global: Why the "Iran is winning" narrative is a fantasy, how the Middle East conflict is actually a proxy for China's energy security, and the "Permanent Government" of bureaucrats who wait out elected politicians. Featuring Dunbarton Dondurma cigars from Canteros.nz (http://canteros.nz/). 00:00 - Cigar Review & Introduction 01:12 - The Cancellation Story: Tyrannosaurus vs Lizard 06:14 - Behind the Curtain: Business & Politics 10:07 - The Tyrannosaurus Machine: Puppet Masters 17:08 - Love Speech vs. Hate Speech: The PR Game 28:30 - The Shadow Map of NZ Politics 32:41 - Middle East Reality Check: Iran & Israel 42:58 - The China Play: Oil, Resources, and Proxy Wars 53:42 - Military Capability: US Dominance & Grey Zones 01:04:12 - The Expert Problem: Credentialism & "Beijing Bob" 01:13:08 - The Permanent Government: Bureaucracy vs Voters 01:21:58 - Local Politics Reality Check: Luxon & The Machine Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Good Oil, Cam Slater sits down with former National MP Alfred Ngaro. This isn't a standard political interview; it's an autopsy of the modern New Zealand political machine. Ngaro provides a rare insider's perspective on the shift from the "Old School" politics of John Key and Winston Peters to the "Managerial" era of Christopher Luxon and the "Performative" era of Jacinda Ardern. Chapters:  00:00 — Cigar Review & Introductions 02:10 — Alfred's Journey: From National MP to the "Wave of Red"  04:10 — The "Uninspiring" Prayer: How Alfred caught John Key's eye  08:40 — The "Labour Tattoo": Dismantling the Pasifika-Labour Monolith  13:40 — Cultural Capital: Moving from state dependency to transactions  16:20 — "No White Knights": The grandmother's wisdom on opportunity  18:40 — Entrepreneurship in Decile 1 Schools: Breaking the factory mindset  20:40 — The Israeli Model: Why existential pressure drives innovation  25:20 — The "Feminization" of Education: From woodwork to "technology blocks"  31:00 — The Visionaries: Why Winston Peters is the consistent outlier  42:30 — The Flag Referendum: Where John Key lost his confidence  52:00 — The "Performative" PM: Deconstructing Jacinda Ardern's brand  57:00 — The Deal that Wasn't: Why Bill English failed Winston Peters  1:01:00 — The "Sloppy" Leader: A critique of Christopher Luxon's style  1:13:00 — The "Wombles" of the Opportunities Party: Why small parties fail  1:16:00 — The Compassionate Side of Winston Peters Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 27 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam chats with social commentator Eeryk McRae. Passionate, articulate, and politically sharp, Eeryk tackles government overreach, the rise of young voices in online political discourse, and the state of modern debate. He’s critical of the left without drifting to the far-right, bringing a fair, intelligent perspective to a fast-moving conversation that covers politics, culture, and the changing shape of public discussion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 26 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam gets to know Nathan Seuli of PILLAR: Protecting Individual Life, Liberty, And Rights. Nathan is a Christian advocate for free speech, civil liberties, and rights to privacy, and a strong believer in a public square that is moderate, reasonable, and transparent. He unpacks why values matter, what is at stake when they are weakened, and why defending them matters for every New Zealander. A thoughtful conversation with a few hard truths, and two impressive beards at the table. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 25 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam talks with “silent protestor” Lucy Rogers. She’s a criminal defence lawyer and Free Speech Union member, who was arrested at a November 2023 anti-Israel protest. An investigation later found the arrest was unlawful, and Lucy is now taking legal action.  She recounts what happened and why her case matters, as a warning about policing, protest rights, and free expression in New Zealand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 24 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with New Zealand internet pioneer Seeby Woodhouse.The Orcon founder turned Voyager boss says he’s got a busy mind, and the conversation moves fast, from hard-earned founder lessons, to a full-tilt look at what’s coming next.Seeby admits “the world is a scary place”, then dives into power, privacy, security, and the next generation of AI agents: Clawdbot and OpenClaw.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 23 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Hugh Devereux-Mack, public spokesperson for the Council of Licensed Firearm Owners.As New Zealand debates the next stage of gun reforms, the conversation turns sharp. Hugh argues licensed owners are too often blamed, and pushes back hard.Media-seasoned, intelligent and mission-focused. He and Cam don’t dodge the tough questions for gun owners nationwide. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 22 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with veteran left-winger, political strategist, and unapologetic straight-talker Matt McCarten.And things get heated fast.In one of Cam’s most explosive conversations yet, Matt fires off blistering allegations about Labour MP Willie Jackson, the Jackson whānau’s influence, and the power dynamics surrounding the Manukau Urban Māori Authority (MUMA).Matt has spent decades in the trenches of New Zealand politics, fighting for low-paid workers on Struggle Street, pushing for cultural change where it counts, and navigating storms most New Zealanders never see.He’s blunt. He’s battle-tested. And he absolutely doesn’t duck the hard punches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 21 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with road-safety crusader, Better Roads founder and accidental folk hero Geoff Upson.Geoff has spent years waging a one-man war on crumbling roads, bureaucratic inertia, and the maddening gap between what officials promise and what actually gets fixed.He’s famous for spray-painting giant phalluses around Auckland potholes when the council wouldn’t listen.In this unfiltered conversation, he breaks down the state of New Zealand’s infrastructure, the perverse incentives that keep repairs slow, and why ordinary people are increasingly forced to take matters into their own hands. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 20 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Free Speech Union CEO Jillaine Heather, a forthright voice in New Zealand’s free-expression battles.After two decades working overseas, she returned home to a country she’s increasingly disappointed in: more anxious, more censorious, and edging toward the same pitfalls she’s seen swallow other Western nations.Jillaine unpacks regulatory overreach, cultural fragility, suppression, and why open debate matters now more than ever.Clear-eyed and unflinching, she lays out what’s coming if New Zealand isn’t careful. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 19 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam chats with citizen journalist and media identity Simon Anderson, also known as SimonTV.From livestreaming protests to challenging mainstream narratives, Simon has built a loyal following by showing what others won’t.He shares his journey to becoming a frontline storyteller, why he mistrusts legacy media and why he thinks police corruption is rampant.It’s a sharp look into truth and disruption in New Zealand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 18 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with former National MP, and political fire-brand, Jami-Lee Ross.In an emotional discussion, he opens up about his rise through local and national politics, the explosive fallout with his party and its leader, and the controversies that reshaped his career.Jami-Lee also reflects on life after Parliament, from fringe politics to business ventures few saw coming, and why he’s reinvented himself.With unflinching candour, he unpacks power, downfall, and survival in the ruthless world of New Zealand politics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 17 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam shares a smoke with the man known as “The Cigar Merchant”, Grant Ovenden.For more than 30 years, Grant has been importing premium brands and building Canteros into one of New Zealand’s most respected tobacconists.He talks about the hurdles of running a cigar business in a tightly regulated industry, busts a few myths about smoking, and makes the case for why the ritual of a fine cigar still matters in the 21st century. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 16 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with experienced international consultant and social commentator, Kathryn Ennis-Carter.She argues that good governance and accountability are critical as the next election approaches, warning how governments, academics, and media shape and control public opinion.Kathryn also explores the geopolitical chessboard, outlining the nations now in the cross-hairs of the US, Russia, China, and Europe.With sharp insight, she reveals what these power plays mean for democracy, global stability, and our collective future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 15 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down EXCLUSIVELY with New Zealand barrister Brian Henry.He takes an unflinching look at his legal battles, including the explosive Gloriavale case.Brian isn’t just taking on the secretive religious community, he’s staring down the government itself.This is more than a courtroom fight. It’s a reckoning.He exposes a system that looked the other way, and asks bluntly: “Prime Minister, what are you doing?” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Episode 14 of The Good Oil Podcast, Jane Greensmith shares her story with Cam about how a routine plan to remove native trees turned into a public firestorm.She and her husband thought clearing their Titirangi property would be simple.They were wrong.What happened next sparked outrage, headlines, and a 10-year battle with neighbours and protesters they never saw coming. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode 13 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Jordan Williams: lawyer, political commentator, and Executive Director of the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.As you’d expect, he’s one of the sharpest minds in the country when it comes to government accountability.He’s made a career out of asking uncomfortable questions and demanding straight answers. Never shy of a fight, he’s a lightning rod for debate on transparency, wasteful spending, and the size and power of the government.He and Cam discuss bureaucratic bloat, freedom of speech and why democracy needs defending now more than ever.Jordan also turns the mic on Cam to ask: what’s with the endless black t-shirts? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode 12 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam has an honest discussion with Kiwi-Indian entrepreneur, and former ACT Party electoral candidate, Ash Parmar.Ash speaks candidly about politics, immigration, crime, culture, and common sense.A firm believer in hard work, personal responsibility and traditional values, Ash is giving everyday people a voice in the national conversation.His views are raw, real, and refreshingly grounded in the reality of working-class New Zealand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode 11 of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with no-nonsense campaigner and rising Māori political voice, Corina Shields.Corina doesn’t just see politics as broken, she sees the whole system cracking. From the cycle of abuse that traps families, to the top-down agendas that ignore everyday Kiwis, she’s calling time on the nonsense.With a backbone of steel, Corina opens up about walking away from an MP candidacy, the fading heat of the gender debate, and her strategy for shutting down online trolls without losing her soul.It’s not about left or right, it’s about truth, dignity, and a system reset from the ground up. Raw and ready for a fight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode ten of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Unite New Zealand founder and leader, Lee Taituha.Raised in the Kingitanga movement and shaped by frontline service, Lee’s career has spanned armed security, law enforcement, and senior leadership roles in education, science, and economics.One of the most qualified Maori voices in politics, he argues the need for a single constitution, lifting living standards, and why Unite NZ is pushing for a bold, values-driven reset of politics and culture. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode nine of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with political commentator and historian Chris Trotter.A lifelong man of the Left, Chris isn’t afraid to call out the contradictions within his own side, or anyone else’s.From union halls to newsroom columns, he’s spent decades in the trenches of New Zealand’s political debate, and he’s never been one to bite his tongue.In this episode, Chris opens up about the state of the Left, the erosion of democratic institutions, and what’s really driving the culture wars.He’s sharp, provocative, and rooted in conviction.In episode nine of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with veteran political commentator Chris Trotter.A staunch voice on the Left, Chris doesn’t shy from calling out hypocrisy, wherever it shows up.He talks class politics, cultural divides, and why the Left risks losing its soul.Sharp, provocative, and rooted in conviction. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode eight of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with ex-National MP Simon O’Connor.Once a seminarian, Simon was one of the few politicians willing to say what many are thinking.Over a decade in Parliament, Simon built a reputation for going against the grain — unapologetically pro-life, pro-free speech, and sceptical of the creeping influence of identity politics.In this episode, he talks candidly about modern politics, why he stood firm during Covid when others folded, the importance of Israel, and what he sees as the moral crossroads facing New Zealand today.It’s honest, raw, and refreshingly unfiltered. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode seven of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam has a long and lively discussion with Destiny Church leader, Brian Tamaki.From his beginnings in Te Awamutu to his rise as one of the country's most controversial figures, Cam discovers the man behind the headlines.They tackle the hot-button topics: gender wars, religion, what the future holds for New Zealand, and a program close to his heart: Man Up.A free-flowing, thought-provoking discussion you won’t want to miss! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode six of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam chats with Anna McLoughlin — a Media Researcher and Comms Engagement Specialist.Anna zeroes in on the crucial role of media and government throughout the pandemic.She’s a fierce advocate for integrity, free speech, and ethical standards, challenging the influence of government funding on mainstream media and highlighting the suppression of dissenting voices and the lack of independent journalism.It’s a conversation that pulls no punches and demands attention. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode five of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Dr. Sheree Trotter—academic, historian, and commentator. With a PhD from the University of Auckland, Sheree, of Te Arawa descent, brings a rare depth of knowledge across Māori, New Zealand, and Jewish histories.Her doctoral research focused on Zionism, and she's the co-founder of the Holocaust and Antisemitism Foundation, Indigenous Embassy Jerusalem, and Indigenous Coalition for Israel. Sheree doesn’t hold back.Intelligent, principled, and unafraid to speak plainly, she offers a clear-eyed take on history, identity and truth-telling.This is a conversation that challenges assumptions and addresses some of the most complex issues of our time.Sheree's articles about Settler Colonialism:Settler Colonialism, Indigeneity and Activist Purity LawsIncongruous and Ill-Conceived: Israel as Settler Colonialism Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode four of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam talks with Penny Marie — investigative journalist, researcher, and founder of Let Kids Be Kids NZ. Penny doesn’t hold back. She’s a fierce advocate for transparency in schools and stronger parental involvement, and she's deeply critical of the direction New Zealand’s education system is heading, especially when it comes to gender ideology and sexuality education. This is an open, honest, and gutsy conversation that needs to be heard.Penny Marie's video 'Sex Education Experts?' She raises questions about Tabby Besley's InsideOut and Tracy Clelland who developed 'Beyond the Birds and Bees' app: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lpl78M1ojU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode three of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam talks with Ani O’Brien—political commentator, writer, and staunch defender of women’s rights. A founding member of the Free Speech Union, Ani doesn’t mince words. The conversation dives into hot-button territory: rainbow politics, death threats, climate warriors, social division, Treaty principles, revisionist history, and cancel culture. No filters, no fluff. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode two of The Good Oil Podcast, Cam sits down with Maurice Williamson—former politician, diplomat and current Auckland Councillor, and unapologetic straight-shooter. His bio reads “Atheist who’s not afraid of burning in hell,” and he talks exactly like someone with nothing to lose. He weighs in on culture wars, New Zealand politics, and where he thinks the world’s going off the rails.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cam Slater talks with Winston Peters for over 90mins on a wide range set of topics. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.