On Point

Join me as I chat with Benedict Rogers of Hong Kong Watch, based out of London. We discuss the recently passed national security laws in Hong Kong and their chilling effect this has had on many basic freedoms. Ben and I also talk about a recent court case and why all of this matters for democracies such as New Zealand.

Join me as I talk with Joshua Kurlantzick, who is a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). We discuss his new book 'Beijing's Global Media Offensive' and how the CCP uses local media to influence events to its advantage, including here in New Zealand.

Join me as I sit down and chat with Maria English of Impact Lab to talk about how we support - by good measurement and analysis - the important work of charities, NGOs, and other organisations in our community.

Are you aware of the latest push to control speech and content in New Zealand?  I sit down the Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union, Jonathan Ayling, to discuss what the Department of Internal Affairs is proposing along with the latest results of the Free Speech Union survey on free speech in our universities – spoiler alert, the results are very worrying.

We’re back!  A King’s Birthday ‘On Point’ podcast special.  I sit down with Dr Sean Palmer, Chair of Monarchy New Zealand, to talk about why a constitutional monarchy is good for New Zealand and a few thoughts on the Coronation.

Join me as I sit down with one of my human rights heroes, Benedict Rogers.  He is the founder of Hong Kong Watch and author of The China Nexus, among many other roles.  We discuss what has happened in Hong Kong and the many themes in his new book.  If you have an interest in human rights and what it looks like to speak up, take the time to listen and hear what Ben has to say and als...

How does the conflict in Ukraine end?  For this latest episode of On Point – released on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion -  join me and national security expert and journalist, Misha Zelinsky, as we discuss the war in Ukraine so far.  Misha is an Australian, Fulbright Scholar, and also was in Kyiv as this stage of the war began.  Together we discuss how this all s...

China in the Pacific with Dr John Lee

With news that Labour’s obsession with so called ‘hate speech’ laws continues, it is very timely I sat down with Danish free speech advocate and author, Jacob Mchangama.  He strongly argues for how societies across the globe have benefited from free speech, particularly the marganilised.  He is the guest speaker at the upcoming Free Speech Union AGM, so check that out too as he will be h...

Security and cooperation in the Pacific. I sit down with Dr Charles Edel from the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College. We talk how the likes of the United States, New Zealand, and other likeminded countries can work together to ensure a peaceful democratic Pacific,

The killing of Mahsa Amini by Iranian authorities is deeply disturbing, as is the violence the regime is applying to its own citizens calling for freedom and change. I talk to two New Zealand-Iranian women about what is going on; how the fight for freedom is progressing; and the relative silence of New Zealand leadership. 

I sit down with former TV and radio broadcaster Peter Williams.  We talk democracy and media, freedoms and Three Waters and much more.  Tune in, share, and let me know your thoughts.

A wide ranging chat with the head of the Maxim Institute, Tim Wilson, around how we better discuss idea ms here in New Zealand. Tim will also be known to many from his time on Seven Sharp, journalistic work, his books, and via his writings in the likes of Metro. Tune in for one very amusing and insightful chat 

On the latest On Point, Jonathan Ayling from the Free Speech Union joins me to talk … well, free speech!  We focus on recent guidelines put out by some aimed at limiting political debate during the local body elections and discuss the Union’s latest report on universities commitment to academic freedom (spoiler – the results are not good!)

Why did Boris resign; who are the Conservative MPs campaigning for his job; and who gets to decide? Check out this On Point podcast special with Sunil Sharma if the Conservative Friends of the Commonwealth 🇬🇧

Heard of the Invictus Games?  You should have!  Join me on this latest podcast as I talk with Kathy Cunningham about the Games, why we need them in New Zealand, and why Prince Harry is part of the programme.

How do we best help those in need in our communities? Where does the assistance of government help or hinder, and how to we better empower community providers? I sit down with Ronji Taneilu from the Salvation Army to hear his take and experience on these important questions.  

Dr Bryce Edwards joins me on the podcast – talking  media, freedom, and what is going wrong on the Left of politics. This is a podcast not to miss 

In the latest On Point Podcast we are taken to the border of Ukraine.  My friend Nicolai shares with us his experiences while working with Ukrainian refugees, lessons learnt along the way – and how you can support these efforts.

A prosperous society is one that values freedoms and rights. In recent years, countries like New Zealand have slipped in prosperity rankings according to London-based think tank, Legatum Institute.  Lagatum's Director of Policy, Dr Stephen Brien, joins me on the latest episode of On Point to discuss their latest research. 

New Zealand is not immune from anti-semitism.  I sit down with Juliet Moses from the NZ Jewish Council to discuss their recent report which shows a growth of anti-semitism here and a worrying lack of knowledge about the Holocaust by kiwis.

Every day we get bombarded with numbers and statistics, so I sit down with Ashley Church – a numbers man – and delve deeper into what we read in papers or see on television.  We also discuss the other numbers and factors that need to be taken into account when managing covid and our country.

Join me with property commentator Ashley Church as we discuss the housing situation in New Zealand and hear why Ashley feels the issue is not quite as straightforward as often put forward by media and government 

As the situation in Ukraine deteriorates, I talk with Tom Tugendhat - Chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs committee - discussing what are Putin’s objectives; asking has the West and NATO done enough; and what more the likes of New Zealand should be doing.

How we all get along in a society filled with different views, cultures, beliefs, and outlooks is becoming increasingly relevant in New Zealand society.  I sat down with Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Director at The Centre for Informed Futures (Koi Tū), to talk through his think tank’s most recent report - Sustaining Aotearoa New Zealand as a cohesive society.  We discuss the erosion of...