This week, we dive into the latest global trade war tensions. With world leaders taking different approaches, some consumers are taking matters into their own hands, boycotting US products. But do individual actions really make a difference in the face of global trade battles?

Then, we shift gears to climate change and New Zealand’s role in the Paris Agreement. With Parliament discussing climate adaptation, we break down what’s actually being done and whether our policies match our promises.

Join us for a mix of politics, trade drama, and environmental reality checks.

This week, we sat down with the PM to talk about a recent survey in New Zealand.

New Zealand has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine after a disastrous White House meeting, but not everyone is convinced. 

Then, we dig into the school lunch debacle. Budget cuts have slashed funding, leading to a rollout plagued by melted plastic in meals, late deliveries, and missing nutrition. Some schools are even using their own funds to keep kids fed. Are these just “teething issues,” or has the government botched the entire programme?

Plenty to unpack this week—let’s get into it.

First off we round things out with some questionable life hacks from the internet—some genius, some idiotic, and some just straight-up dangerous.

Next we break down the latest in New Zealand’s state of the nation.

Christopher Luxon is all about growth, yes-men, and shaking up research and innovation. ACT’s David Seymour, on the other hand, is pitching pioneering spirit and fighting the majority for mediocrity.

Then, we dive into compliance madness: Spud Motors in Masterton was told it needed more toilets—despite having a maximum of four people on-site. Why? Because the council based its rules on a hypothetical future where 40 people might show up.

Rugby vs. cricket in a battle of Kiwi sports legends. It’s a perfect throwback to the golden era of New Zealand TV, but where’s the next generation of local legends stepping up to entertain us?

We break down Trump’s inauguration—from his speech and Elon’s salute to Melania serving mafia boss energy. Plus, are we witnessing the death of the expert? Whether it's social media policies, health advice, or the Treaty Principles Bill debate, gut feelings are becoming the public's guiding force over experts. 

Lastly, a waka discovery on the Chatham Islands, and how archaeological finds impact the claims process.

Australia’s having a conundrum over cabanas, with critics saying they’re being used to unfairly reserve public beach spots. Are these cabanas a clever sun-safe solution or just plain rude? 

Next, we gaze upward at a once-in-160,000-year comet set to grace New Zealand skies. 

We also tackle a story sparking debate over New Zealand’s gang patch ban. A 12-year-old boy in Auckland had his boxing club t-shirt confiscated for resembling gang insignia. Is this a case of enforcing community safety, or an overreach that risks unfair profiling?

Are you a bench-seat person at restaurants?

New Zealand plans to ban greyhound racing by 2026. While the government cites ongoing animal welfare concerns, the industry argues they’re making strides in safety. With over 1,000 jobs and millions of dollars in revenue at stake, is the ban too harsh, too fast—or just the right move? 

We dive into the government’s Gene Technology Bill, which will end a 30-year ban on genetic engineering. CRISPR, GMO crops, and the ethics of gene editing—who decides what’s acceptable, and what does this mean for New Zealand’s clean, green reputation?

We’re exploring how taxes shape life in New Zealand—from what you earn, to what you spend, and even how you save for retirement. With ongoing chatter about a potential capital gains tax (CGT) under Labour’s new policies, we dive into what a CGT actually is and how it might change the financial landscape for Kiwis.

We break down New Zealand’s progressive income tax system, GST, and corporate taxes, comparing them to other nations like Norway and Australia. Why does New Zealand have lower taxes and fewer universal benefits, and what does this mean for the average Kiwi? Plus, we look at how Australia’s superannuation system stacks up against KiwiSaver, with higher returns driving stronger retirement savings across the ditch.

In this episode, we tackle Auckland’s new Local Alcohol Policy, which will see all bottle shops and supermarkets stop selling booze after 9 pm starting next month. What does this mean for late-night buyers and Auckland’s drinking culture?

Next, we dive into the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa. An interim report reveals that human error and autopilot issues were to blame. Finally, we explore the European Union’s latest policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. From workplace equality mandates to AI regulations, what can New Zealand learn from these ambitious strategies to create a fairer society?

We unpack the viral video of Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke performing the Haka. Is it brave, intimidating, or just iconic? 

Next, we get candid about the complexities of supporting Trump. Does backing him mean inheriting all the “extras” that come with his controversial image? And what happens when trust in institutions—healthcare, education, politics—is shattered? Is this era’s truth-bomb akin to finding out cigarettes weren’t healthy?

Finally, we take a look at the rare Huia feathers sold at auction for $10,000 each. What’s the story behind these precious feathers, and if money were no object, what artefacts would you collect?

In this episode, We dive into David Seymour’s controversial Treaty Principles Bill, sparking outrage for excluding Māori consultation and being called a costly, divisive distraction. 

IRD accidentally sent the personal info of 300,000 New Zealanders to Facebook, we unpack the privacy fails hitting Kiwis where it hurts.Plus, we ask—what's Auckland doing with a $1.2 million Christmas tree? 

Tauranga’s having a bad day—after a barber shop was turned into a drive-thru after a car crashed through their front window.

In this episode, Trump returns to the presidency – a shocking victory after a tumultuous journey marked by trials and triumphs. 

Next, debates around the Treaty of Waitangi are heating up. The Pākehā Project is a tangata Tiriti-led initiative urging non-Māori to confront colonial legacies. ACT’s Treaty Principles Bill sparks controversy, seeking to redefine Treaty principles and raising fears of undermining Māori rights. With a hīkoi set to challenge the Bill’s introduction, where does New Zealand stand on this critical juncture of constitutional change?

In this episode, we dive into the debate around Candace Owens’ New Zealand visa application. Recently barred from Australia, the controversial right-wing commentator is sparking fierce opinions on both sides of the Tasman. Owens claims to be a voice against censorship and government overreach, but critics argue her rhetoric is divisive and potentially harmful. 

The race heats up between Team Trump and Team Kamala. With sarcastic headlines, viral sound bites, and deep-seated rivalry, each side is preparing for a showdown. What are the narratives shaping this election, and could the “MAGA” camp be setting up their followers for claims of election rigging if they lose?

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing search for Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children in 2021. The timeline of events raises questions: Was it fair to charge Phillips for wasteful police deployment the first time they found him camping? 

A massive fire is raging across 1,024 hectares of Waikato swampland. We cover the government’s push for a stricter "three strikes" law, reigniting debates over crime, justice, and public safety. Finally we discuss Health NZ’s controversial $60,000 conference, complete with $9,200 in canapés, while the organization battles a half-billion-dollar deficit.

We explore the controversial return of seabed mining plans off the coast of Pātea. After being blocked by the Supreme Court, Trans-Tasman Resources is back, claiming low environmental impacts while promising billions for New Zealand’s economy. But with new findings of vibrant reefs in the mining zone, we ask: Are the trade-offs worth it?

Finally, we dive into universities' surprising shift back to pen and paper as they struggle to combat rampant AI use. With 35% of students admitting to relying on AI, we ask: Will degrees still hold their value? Is the investment even worth it? Will jobs still require a degree?

In this episode, we dive into the Labour Party's recent controversies on TikTok and discuss the complex narratives surrounding Israel and Palestine— are we as neutral as we claim to be?

And finally, we sail into the bizarre tale of the HMNZS Manawanui. This $103 million Navy vessel, designed to map the ocean floor, ran aground on a well-charted reef off Samoa. How did this high-tech ship manage to hit a 0ft reef and sink? We’ll explore the curious case of Captain Yvonne Gray and reflect on what this incident says about New Zealand’s military operations.

Greenpeace’s lawsuit against dairy giant Fonterra, accusing the company of misleading consumers by labeling its Anchor butter as "100% NZ - grass-fed." Greenpeace argues that up to 20% of Fonterra’s cows’ diet includes non-grass products like palm kernel expeller (PKE), which is linked to deforestation. 

Next, we explore the decline of New Zealand’s rural "zombie towns," where job losses and shrinking populations threaten their survival. From Raetihi’s mill closures to Ōhura’s dwindling economy, these towns highlight the economic challenges facing rural communities.

Finally, we tackle the controversy surrounding the government’s 50% tax cut on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs), with Labour accusing the move of benefiting tobacco giant Philip Morris. We’ll examine the heated debate over whether this tax cut aligns with Smokefree 2025 goals or undermines public health.

The police’s warning about a potential new QR code scam making its way to our shores. From fake parcels to phishing attempts, scammers are getting creative—so what do you need to know to stay safe?

Dive into the incredible story of Christchurch pilot Phillip Mehrtens, freed after a 19-month hostage ordeal in Indonesia. 

We explore the National Government’s latest crackdown on gangs. With controversial new laws banning gang insignia and expanding police powers, critics argue it could infringe on basic rights and overwhelm already stretched resources. Are these measures effective, or simply a display of tough love?

In this episode, we unpack the recent two-hour strike by Woolworths workers across New Zealand, where demands for better wages and safer staffing conditions have sparked a standoff. While Woolworths responded with suspension notices, the strike has gained public support, shining a light on the ongoing fight for a living wage. 

Justice Minister Nicole McKee is under scrutiny for her role as a former gun lobbyist and the ongoing inquest into how the Christchurch mosque shooter obtained his firearms license. As McKee defends her handling of the reforms and pushes back against Labour’s criticism, we dive into the complexities of gun control in New Zealand—what’s changed, what hasn’t, and where the future of firearms legislation is headed.

In this episode, we delve into the dramatic emergency landing of an Air New Zealand flight at Wellington Airport. We discuss the Ministry of Social Development's decision to ban the use of fake social media profiles for investigating benefit fraud. After years of secrecy, scrutiny, and ethical debates, what does this mean for future investigations and the privacy of Kiwis? Finally, we explore the astonishing story of a Christchurch couple who found a staggering $232,000 hidden in their ceiling—what would you do in their shoes?

Fluoride in public water supplies. Is it a proven tool for better dental health, or a form of mass medication without consent? We'll explore the benefits and criticisms, from fluoride's role in reducing cavities and saving healthcare costs to concerns about health risks, ethical dilemmas, and environmental impacts. Should fluoride still be in our water, or are toothpaste and other dental products enough?

We take a hard look at the government’s shake-up of emergency housing policies. After celebrating a milestone of moving 1000 children out of emergency housing, how do we feel about the 20% of them who are unaccounted for? Is this an acceptable oversight, or a symptom of a broader crisis in New Zealand’s housing system?