PODCAST · news
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod
by tony2g
This podcast looks at New Zealand’s political week, and talks with key figures about the events of the day. Packed with analysis, it gives you some insights into politics today.
Episodes
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 30
The lifeless election campaign drags on, with neither main party able to land a killer blow and no major scandal erupting to destroy the hopes of one of the other. The Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey is out – the corner office set doesn't rate Luxon at all, and is strongly in favour of…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 29
We're halfway through what is a very flat election campaign so far with the country set to vote on November the 7th for either a Government which hasn't done much to justify re-election or an opposition which is still dealing with the hangover from its last time in office. The two major party...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 28
With the election just under 4 weeks away, the leaders of the main parties took centre stage this week for the first televised leader's debate – as usual there was nothing to really take away – Chris Hipkins was declared the winner, but neither leader landed a telling blow. Labour released its…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 27
Supermarkets are becoming a major campaign issue as the parties get into the business of attempting to be elected in November. After years of campaigning against National and its rich landlord mates, Labour now has the same mates, after Chris Hipkins announced it would be keeping the tax break…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 26
It’s clear voters don’t believe either Labour or National can provide the solutions the country needs, and their support for them is ebbing away. For a second poll in a row they’re both under 30%. Immigration policy is becoming a key issue for November as New Zealand First continues to push its...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 25
Tax is shaping as the big issue for the election, with National and Labour both on the attack over their various policies, and allegations of lying being thrown about. The Pacific Islands Forum has been beset by its usual controversies, with some leaders not appearing, China cast in the role of...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 24
The latest poll out, RNZ’s Reid Research sample, shows National’s leadership coup attempt has not been as damaging to the party as might have been expected. In fact, National’s core support has remained solid. Chris Hipkins has finally delivered some more Labour economic policy, promising the...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 23
It's been an extraordinary week in politics, with Chris Luxon once again having to face down his detractors in caucus, and once again winning a confidence vote. Amazingly, in a week in which his MPs tried to depose him as leader, Luxon is ahead of Labour leader Chris Hipkins as preferred Prime...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 22
Christopher Luxon has had a bad week. First there was the kerfuffle over his comments to a group of business people in Rotorua, where he insulted one of his party's key voting blocks by telling them effectively to grow up and just deal with tough economic times. He then threw his MPs and advisors...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 21
The latest Talbot Mills poll which saw National climb out of the 20s will be good news for the party, but Chris Luxon's decision to rule out Opportunity after the election may come back to bite him. Winston Peters invoked a political storm this week with his attack in Parliament on Green MP...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 20
ACT and NZ First are rapidly becoming bolt holes for failed politicians from other parties where they are retreaded and given high list positions to try to kick start their former mediocre careers. But the resignation of Stuart Nash as a NZ First candidate after a sexism scandal shows the danger…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 19
Narendra Modi's visit went off without a hitch and he and Prime Minister Luxon appear to be the best of friends. They want to take the relationship to the next level, which includes a focus on maritime security which could put us offside with China. Another decision which could put us in China's...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 18
Foreign relations has been a dominant feature this week, with the Chinese testing a missile in the Pacific, and the Indian Prime Minister in the country. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making his first official visit to New Zealand, and China's test launch of a nuclear capable ICBM with a...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 17
Well there's only been one big story this week of course – Nicola Willis' 3rd budget. Willis is just a step away from Ruth Richardson in her attacks on the machinery of the state and the well being of the down trodden, as she attempts to “balance the books.” There were a few changes on the tax...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 126
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has delivered a pre-Budget speech launching a new blast of austerity described as “public service reform.” This will involve slashing the number of Government agencies, cutting thousands more public sector jobs and boosting the use of AI. Winston Peters is working...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 15
The latest set of polls to emerge shows voters aren't really sure of their opinions as the election approaches. The Government has provided details of changes to the Fuel Response Plan following what it calls extensive consultation and engagement with business and industry, and other…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 14
The Herald's Poll of Polls research has been gushing about the margin of victory the right will achieve on November 7, suggesting the current coalition Government will be returned to power. The research however shows the parties of this current coalition will have the numbers to form a…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 13
There's much speculation about whether the coalition can survive until November – it's likely it will, but internal pressure is building, with Winston Peters at the centre of it as he tries to differentiate himself from what he sees as a weak and failing administration. A new report from right…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 12
Chris Luxon is nothing if not supremely confident, and he showed it this week, facing down dissent in his caucus with a self called leadership vote, which he won. MPs leaving the party’s caucus meeting on Tuesday refused to reveal the outcome of the vote, and Luxon told reporters he has the…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 11
The Government went into overdrive to hype up the city deal it has agreed with Auckland, but Mayor Wayne Brown is less impressed, saying the best Auckland has achieved is it might prevent stupid ideas from being implemented by the Government. The Green Party says while it is relieved the cause of...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 10
New Zealand has started to get involved in the Iran war at a diplomatic level, meeting with 40 other nations to try to get the Strait of Hormuz opened, while Winston Peters has been in the US talking with officials. The latest polls are still a depressing read for Chris Luxon, with National still...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod, Episode 9
The Government has further progressed its plan to deal with a fuel crisis if one eventuates. Meanwhile some economists are calling for diesel allocation to be prioritised now, so essential industry is not affected by what they say will inevitably be a shortage. They’re saying the fuel plan should...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 8
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Prime Minister Chris Luxon are trying to front foot the looming fuel crisis, hoping it may help revive National’s sliding credibility as an economic manager. Willis says Fitch Rating’s decision to place this country’s AA+ long-term credit rating on negative...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 7
The Government has established a Ministerial Group to oversee fuel security as it tries to navigate through what could be its most testing time since coming to office. Some analysts optimistically say the crisis gives the Government a chance to recover some of the credibility it has lost. But…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 6
Chris Luxon believes he and his Government are doing a good job, despite the evidence to the contrary, and that he will steer the coalition to another election victory. It’s not altogether impossible. If he really can withstand the pressure, the parties of the right are far from out of the race,...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 5
The Government is under fire for the nature of its response to the US-Israeli led attack on Iran, which is clearly against international law. The Government may soon start to feel the economic pressure as well if the conflict causes a spike in inflation. It may not be the Government's fault, but…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 4
The Government's legislating of new powers for police to force homeless people in city centres to “move on,” is being attacked from all sides. Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman is bullish on inflation coming down to within the Bank's 2-3% target zone over the next 12 months, but it appears the...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 3
NZ First leader Winston Peters has put a stake firmly in the ground, with a call to hold a referendum on Māori seats in Parliament. A row has blown up over revelations Judith Collins' appointment as Law Commission President did not follow procedure and is a blatant political decision. The PSA is...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 2
The Government was forced to issue a robust defence of its fast track legislation in the wake of jubilation among conservationists after an expert panel rejected Trans Tasman Resources’ application to mine the seabed off Taranaki for various minerals...Last the week, the US announced a stockpile…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod 2026, Episode 1
It's Waitangi week, and while Maori are still getting the short end of the stick across virtually every measure in society and the economy, but without the hated and derided Treaty Principles Bill, don't expect too many fireworks. NZ First is flexing its election muscle, with Winston Peters...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 46
This is the last edition for 2025 - we'll be back in February. Meantime this week the Government has revealed its two new RMA replacement Bills - well telegraphed, and not much different from the changes people expected...The Greens are on the warpath after it became clear the Government is…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 45
There's reportedly been a leadership coup within National's ranks which has failed. The challenger, Chris Bishop, not able to get the numbers to roll PM Luxon - Luxon survives and National may well consider itself lucky to have escaped having a leader who may well have turned out to be less…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 44
The Government has been scrambling this week to pass legislation before Parliament rises for the year, and maybe because there's a risk of the coalition not being returned at next year's election....There were some big calls, with a big change to KiwiSaver, a Social Housing plan, and the biggest...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 43
The latest Ipsos Issues Monitor Survey is more bad news for National and the coalition, with ranking of the Government's performance hitting another new low, and the latest Talbot Mills/Anacta Poll shows the Labour Party rising to 38% and likely holding the balance of power, if the results were...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 42
The report on the pilot run of the Government's boot camp programme for young offenders is out, and it has mixed news. The Government's latest Sunday announcement is a law & order policy - always a good diversion if other things aren't going well. This time it's a crackdown on Meth use. The...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 41
The Government's economic policies are still failing to deliver, with unemployment up again, and the highest number out of work since 1994, but some research shows "green shoot" are appearing. A new argues this country’s 3-year Parliamentary term is too short for effective Government – few would...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 40
Was this the long awaited Labour party tax policy, or is it a health policy? After the Future Fund's rather confused and detail poor launch last week, Labour needed a strong policy launch to put it back on track and help end the year strongly. Te Pāti Māori's implosion continues, with news the...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 39
Labour has launched its first 2026 policy initiative, but its Future Fund announcement left as many questions as it gave answers, and political opponents quickly dismissed it. Winston Peters and David Seymour have traded verbal blows over Fonterra's sale of its retail brands, with both accusing…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 38
The Government has reawakened the old right silver bullet bogey of asset sales, to cries of indignation across the country. There was shock as the Government cut the farm methane emissions target in half, letting farmers off the hook while mythical technological advances are touted to do the job...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 37
The business sector seems to be realising this Government is not what they signed up for, with the latest blow to their corporate well being set to strike not at their profits, via mismanagement of the economy, but at them personally through reforms to fair trading rules. The latest Roy Morgan…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 36
The Government's decision not to recognise Palestine raised a few eyebrows and caused a lot of political dissent with the left accusing Winston Peters of putting the country on the wrong side of history. The Government's bid to cut energy prices and boost supply was described as underwhelming and...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 35
Nicola Willis has been well and truly under the pump after last week's atrocious GDP numbers. The 0.9% dip in growth, with an even larger dip in per capita GDP, shows her growth policies are not working. There have been calls for her resignation, but Chris Luxon has expressed confidence in her –...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 34
The Government’s growth policies are clearly not working the way they were intended, as growth is stalling, and the electoral consequences for the coalition could be dire. The latest NZIER Consensus Forecasts point to a downward revision in the pace of the recovery over the coming year. The…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 33
Labour is clearly looking to make the next election about economic management, and the pressure is mounting on Chris Luxon and Nicola Willis to stop the rot and turn the country around, despite the fact they have very little control over the economic levers. The latest Roy Morgan poll suggests...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 32
This time businesses are clinging to hope the clueless coalition can pull the economy around, but in Auckland confidence is collapsing, and it's local issues to blame. KiwiBank economists say the Budget's flagship policy, "Investment Boost" has had only marginal results so far, with most…
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 31
Brooke Van Velden's anti union, anti worker crusade is under fire after she says she expects new members of the Employment Relations Authority to reduce compensation awards to workers. The Government's desperation to encourage “growth” through infrastructure has again been demonstrated with the...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 30
The Government's full and final settlement with Hyundai over the cancelled Cook Strait Ferries has ignited a new war of words over the project, although Rail Minister Winston Peters counts it as a win. The Government won't want to hear it, but can't be surprised its pay equity move is being...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod Episode 29
Voters seem to be losing confidence in the Government with the latest Taxpayers Union Curia poll showing Labour opening up a lead on National, and all the coalition parties slipping, National and NZ First by 2 points each. FInance Minister Nicola Willis didn't win many friends when she said the...
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The Trans tasman Pol Pod Episode 28
Chris Luxon may have secured his legacy if the Government's changes to NCEA announced this week prove effective. The secondary school qualification has not been serving students well, and it is time for change, but the Government will have to be careful business doesn't get too much influence and...
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The Trans Tasman Pol Pod episode 27
The Government is copping some flak overs its decision to stop same day enrolment for voters, and its petty decision to change the cover of the New Zealand passport so the English words are placed above the Te Reo. The Reserve Bank warns global turmoil could affect the economy, with weaker demand...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast looks at New Zealand’s political week, and talks with key figures about the events of the day. Packed with analysis, it gives you some insights into politics today.
HOSTED BY
tony2g
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Trans Tasman Pol Pod have?
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod currently has 75 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Trans Tasman Pol Pod about?
This podcast looks at New Zealand’s political week, and talks with key figures about the events of the day. Packed with analysis, it gives you some insights into politics today.
How often does The Trans Tasman Pol Pod release new episodes?
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod has 75 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Trans Tasman Pol Pod?
You can listen to The Trans Tasman Pol Pod on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Trans Tasman Pol Pod?
The Trans Tasman Pol Pod is created and hosted by tony2g.
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