Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

Winston Peters is absolutely launching in the polls, and the panel wonders if National is simply conceding the ground. Meanwhile, Duncan gets a blunt "F off" from Far North Mayor Moko Tamihere after asking about unelected seats on council committees. We also dive into the $4 petrol crisis and why the Reserve Bank is warning of heavy headwinds this winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are diving into a shocking breakdown of local democracy today. Duncan shares a blunt, two-word email from Far North Mayor Moko Tepania that has left us gobsmacked. After serious allegations about unelected influence at the council table, the Mayor was offered a right of reply. His response? A personal "f off". We ask if it is time for the government to step in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winston Peters is back, and he is not just making up the numbers. With a massive surge to 13.6 percent in the latest poll, the New Zealand First leader is eyeing up the top job while National and Labor drift. We also dive into the co-governance rows erupting in Hastings and the Far North, where local councillors say democracy is being pushed aside for unelected boards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan sits down with Far North District Councillor Davina Meads for a sobering look at what she calls "co-governance on steroids." From unelected representatives outvoting elected officials to serious questions about financial accountability and personal safety, Davina shares her front-row seat to a system she believes is drifting away from democratic principles. We ask if the government is doing enough to step in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The BSA has just scored the home goal of the century. By trying to bring the entire internet under its 1989 jurisdiction, they might have just signed their own death warrant. Duncan is joined by Annie O’Brien and Morris Williamson to pull apart this massive overreach, National’s disastrous new poll numbers, and whether a Cabinet reshuffle can actually save Luxon’s leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are facing an energy crisis, and the paper trail is brutal for both sides of the house. Duncan dives into the decisions that left New Zealand vulnerable to diesel disruptions until 2028. From scrapped reserves to the latest Roy Morgan poll showing National at a record low, we look at what happens when leadership chooses hope over a plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan is fired up today over the latest numbers showing the public service is actually growing instead of shrinking like National promised. Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour joins us to talk about the looming winter fuel crisis and why he thinks we need fewer ministers at the top to finally get spending under control. Plus, we look at the rise of petrol drive-offs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan makes a blistering case for why Chris Hipkins must resign as Labour leader following revelations about COVID vaccine advice for teenagers. We dive into whether it was gross incompetence or a deliberate cover-up. Plus, the panel discusses the growing fuel crisis and why domestic flights are being grounded while international travel takes priority. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We were told we had 11 days of diesel left before the country ground to a halt, only for MBIE to admit they got the numbers completely wrong 24 hours later. Duncan is joined by Maurice Williamson and Ani O’Brien to rip into the bureaucracy, the widening wage gap with Australia, and whether Chris Hipkins has some serious explaining to do over his vaccine comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Huge news today as US courts deliver landmark rulings against Meta and YouTube for knowingly harming children. Duncan breaks down why this is the wake-up call parents and lawmakers needed to push through New Zealand's social media ban for under-16s. Education Minister Erica Stanford also joins the pod to discuss the massive structural changes coming to NCEA. From 2028, school is getting harder with a new focus on core subjects and national consistency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government is handing out 50 bucks to struggling families to help with the pain at the pump, but is it a masterstroke or just a drop in the ocean? Duncan breaks down why this targeted support is actually a win for economic stability. We also chat with economist Ed McKnight about who might actually pocket a bit of extra cash from this deal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every time you fill up your car, the government is quietly cashing in. Duncan breaks down the "dirty secret" of fuel taxes and how every 10-cent rise at the pump puts another $60 million into the crown coffers. Minister Shane Jones joins us to talk about our dwindling diesel stocks, the risk of rationing, and why closing the Marsden Point refinery has left us completely exposed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christopher Luxon has hit a new low in the latest polls and Winston Peters is breathing right down his neck. We dive into the numbers that should have the National party pacing the corridors of the Beehive. Duncan, Ashley Church, and Janet Wilson also tackle the escalating crisis in Iran and what it means for New Zealand’s fuel security. With petrol prices set to soar, we ask if the government actually has a plan or if they are just hoping for the best. Read my full take on rova: https://www.rova.nz/articles/opinion-luxon-missing-in-action-as-crisis-hits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are facing what could be the greatest oil shock in world history. Duncan breaks down why the Iran war is becoming the government’s "COVID moment" with fuel supplies down to just seven weeks. We also look at the massive pressure on households as petrol stays over $3.30 and ask if Chris Hipkins can survive his latest personal and political scandal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are watching petrol prices skyrocket at a speed that should alarm every household in New Zealand. Duncan breaks down why we are paying for expensive fuel that hasn't even arrived yet, while the government collects nearly 50% in tax. Community leader Dave Letele joins us to discuss the "working poor" and the desperate measures families are being forced to take just to survive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan dives into the messy fallout following allegations made by Chris Hipkins’ ex-wife, Jade Paul. With the election looming, we look at whether these damaging claims could force a leadership change. Is the "boy next door" image at risk, and can the public still trust the man who wants to be PM? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been a brutal fortnight for Labour leader Chris Hipkins. Duncan dives into the explosive personal allegations made by Hipkins’ ex-wife and asks if the pressure is finally becoming too much. We also catch up with Education Minister Erica Stanford about her massive overhaul of ERO reports. She’s introducing a traffic light system so parents can actually understand how their schools are performing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are facing the biggest disruption to oil supply in modern history and Kiwi households are feeling it at the pump right now. Duncan, Christine Rankin, and Ashley Church dive into why the government is being so slow to act on petrol taxes while they rake in a GST windfall. Plus, we look at the stinging COVID report on Chris Hipkins and the shocking integrity questions surrounding former MP Paul Eagle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Petrol prices are climbing again and Kiwi wallets are feeling it. In this episode, we sit down with Finance Minister Nicola Willis as global instability starts pushing fuel costs higher and the pressure builds on the government to respond. We dig into the so-called “rockets and feathers” effect where fuel prices shoot up fast but drift down slowly, leaving motorists wondering who’s really benefiting. Duncan puts the question directly to Willis. At what point does the government step in, and what could that relief actually look like? The conversation ranges from fuel supply and the risk of global disruption through to borrowing, government spending, and the political pressure building ahead of the next election. It’s a straight talk about the balancing act between helping struggling households and keeping the country’s books under control. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Duncan dives into the quiet explosion of co-governance at a local council level. While the national spotlight is elsewhere, Gore has spent five years and $6.5 million on a new district plan that critics say gives local iwi veto power over private land. We’re joined by Gore Mayor Ben Bell to discuss if these new cultural assessments are a necessary partnership or just more expensive red tape for farmers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The COVID inquiry phase two is out, and it makes for some pretty uncomfortable reading for Chris Hipkins. Duncan breaks down why ignoring expert advice is a massive failure of judgment. Plus, economist Ed McKnight joins us to talk about the Iran oil shock, soaring petrol prices, and why young Kiwis on six-figure salaries are still struggling to get on the property ladder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The promised economic recovery is looking shaky as conflict in the Middle East sends oil prices through the roof. Duncan breaks down the feedback from frustrated Kiwis and asks if Christopher Luxon can handle a crisis that has landed right on his desk. We also talk to Carolyn Young from Retail NZ about why the cost of everything is about to go up again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The latest Taxpayers’ Union poll is out and it is a total horror show for the National Party. At just 28 percent, we are looking at the very real possibility of a one-term government. Duncan breaks down why Christopher Luxon is digging his heels in despite the "death rattle" coming from the Beehive. We ask if the caucus has the guts to make a move before it is too late. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The National Party is in a total tailspin. With a new poll putting them at just 28.4 percent, Christopher Luxon is reportedly heading home to contemplate his future. Former National Minister Maurice Williamson joins Duncan to discuss why the party has lost its way, the "ghastly" alternative, and whether Luxon can actually survive the weekend as Prime Minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pressure is well and truly on for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. We break down a brutal new poll that shows National’s support tanking to just 28 percent. Duncan explains why senior figures are telling Luxon to head home and consider his future over the weekend. Is this the beginning of the end for his leadership? We look at the potential contenders waiting in the wings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices