Duncan Garner - Editor In Chief

We waste an astonishing amount food in New Zealand each year. What are the causes, implications and effects of this, and what can we do about it? Iain Lees-Galloway is from The Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance, a network of 33 food rescue organizations who work tirelessly to rescue food and get it to those in need. What needs to be done at a government, business and, perhaps most importantly, persona...

On 'The Week That Was' this week I'm joined by former Green Party leader and current Greenpeace Executive Director Russel Norman, and broadcaster, author, entrepreneur and kindness warrior Cassie Roma. Today we discuss:  Matariki. How the Green Party has been performing. The women's football world cup is in town. And we have a new Grocery Commissioner. Will anything change? And of course being the...

On the eve of Matariki I'm joined by the inspiring Dame Hinewehi Mohi, a powerful advocate for Maori culture and music, and the evolution of te reo Maori. How far have we come as a country since she caused controversy here and abroad by singing the national anthem in te reo at the 1999 Rugby World Cup. Plus Mum finally opens up about how she was scammed, and the devastating effect it had on her. -...

Robert Bruce, the founder of the 'Got to Get Out' initiative, shares his remarkable journey from a 9-to-5 desk job to creating a social movement that not only encourages outdoor activities and mental wellbeing, but serves as a thriving domestic tourism business. Rob's personal transformation has been remarkable after deciding to forego drinking, partying and corporate pressures, and redirecting th...

You probably already know how critical financial literacy is, but do you know why it isn't part of every school curriculum? This episode is all about that, and trust me, you need to hear it. Kendall Flutey, CEO and co-founder of financial literacy platform Banqer, joins me to help make sense of it all.  The digital age has made money less tangible, and this changes the way our children perceive it...

In this episode I'm joined by former rapper and graffiti artist turned taco king, Otis Frizzell. Following in the footsteps of his famous father, Otis has sat in the fringes of mainstream society for decades, crafting a successful, if not always financially rewarding, career in music, art & design. In recent times he and his wife Sarah have gone Mexican, founding The Lucky Taco food enterprise. Bu...

On 'The Week That Was' this week I'm joined by political/media commentator (and communist?) Bomber Bradbury, and clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire. Up for discussion today:  Dry July and how we are drinking these days. Worker burnout in our aged care facilities. The Kiri Allen situation and workplace bullying. And do we have too many cats in this country?! Plus we have joint winners of my prest...

Men in New Zealand are dying too young. It's an uncomfortable truth we can't afford to ignore. Mark Sainsbury, the face of Men's Health Week, joins me on the show to shine a light on this crisis. The statistics are shocking, particularly for Māori men, and disparity between men and women's health outcomes is disturbing. We also discuss the stigma around mental health, unraveling why it still exist...

Kim got in touch with me to tell me about the serious concerns she has about the treatment her father has been subjected to in rest home care. In a deeply personal and shocking story she shares her struggles with the healthcare system and the ensuing fight for his rights. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but it underscores the urgent need for us to pay attention to our parents' welfare and the condi...

Could the looming crisis in New Zealand's forestry industry cost thousands their livelihood? We peel back the layers of this impending socio-economic debacle, scrutinizing the contributing factors, potential fallout, and the government's role in this predicament. I'm joined by CEO of the Forest Industry Contractors Association, Prue Younger, and  President of The New Zealand Institute of Forestry,...

Ever thought about how your relationship with alcohol has evolved over the years? Join me and wine writer, Mermaid Mary, as we explore the rising popularity of low and no-alcohol drinks, offering a glimpse into an increasingly pronounced societal shift in alcohol consumption. More than merely stating facts, we take a look at the wider societal impact of alcohol, particularly the decrease in its us...

On 'The Week That Was' this week I'm joined by broadcaster and avocado grower Graeme Hill, and criminal defence lawyer Marie Dyhrberg KC. On the menu today:  Dealing with gangs in New Zealand. Is alcohol the most harmful drug in the country? The state of the property market. And the controversial new All Blacks jersey. Plus I announce probably my most wankery 'Wanker of the Week' yet.. Learn more...

I take a look at New Zealand's property market, and an audacious prediction of 7.5% growth next year and a whopping 16% surge in 2025. Are these numbers trustworthy? This episode is a deep dive into the current housing crisis gripping the nation, exploring the influence of immigration, supply and demand, and interest rates.  With home ownership becoming more of a luxury than a reality for many Kiw...

In this episode I'm joined by Frank Witowski, an international award-winning innovator in the field of e-bikes. With an entrepreneurial spirit as robust as his carbon e-bike frames, Frank dared to challenge giants, recently winning a global award alongside tech superstar Elon Musk. It's a tale of grit, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that unfolds from the comfort of his garage tur...

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the devastating impact of the 501 deportees policy on trans-Tasman relations and New Zealand society. We explore the surge in gang membership, the increase in crime rates, and the heart-wrenching stories of individuals caught in the crossfire.  We also share an intriguing story from producer Kim about his struggle to move back into a house he owns, only to fi...

Are we truly prepared for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in New Zealand? Join us as we discuss startling claims from a whistleblower revealing budget cuts and skipped corners, potentially jeopardizing the safety and security of the event. As excitement builds for the FIFA Women's World Cup, we navigate the complexities of stadium security, broadcast licensing, and ticket sales. Uncover the se...

On 'The Week That Was' Duncan is joined by Petra Bagust and Leigh Hart.  On the menu today:  The tragedy of the submersible near the Titanic  Volunteering in the community  Michael Wood  - what happened with the minister?!  Memory loss   Plus I announce another 'Wanker of the Week'!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover the crucial role of the church in today's society and the impact of Michael Wood's recent resignation on the government's re-election prospects in our thought-provoking conversation with Rev. Frank Ritchie. We explore the need for responsibility and professionalism in top government positions and the implications of numerous ministers falling by the wayside. Join us as Rev. Frank shares h...

Discover the awe-inspiring story of the Waikato Treasure Chests, a fearless dragon boat crew composed entirely of breast cancer survivors, as we chat with these indomitable women who turned a heartbreaking diagnosis into a life-affirming adventure. Be inspired by their collective strength, resilience, and positivity that steered them to triumph over 82 crews from 29 countries at the World Breast C...

Discover how volunteering can spark powerful, positive change in our communities as we chat with Alaina McGregor, founder of the 10 x 10 movement. Hear her incredible journey from leading a small group of volunteers to creating a global force for good, inspiring countless others along the way. Whether you're a volunteer veteran or just beginning, this episode will surely motivate you to make a dif...

Watching my son play rugby recently brought to light the concerning decline of the sport in Aotearoa and the impact it has on player health. I was privileged to interview former All Black prop Carl Hayman, who shares his struggles with early onset dementia as a result of his rugby career. Together, we delve into the evolution of rugby over the past 25 years, from the emergence of professional rugb...

On 'The Week That Was' Duncan is joined by media and political commentator Trish Sherson and Mediaworks News Chief, Grace Cocker.  On the menu today:  Gang violence in Ōpōtiki - Do police have the power they need? The recession we had to have?  The up's and downs of NZ politics And selling Aotearoa to the world  Plus I announce another 'Wanker of the Week'!  --------- EPISODE CHAPTERS --------- (0...

On today's episode, we tackle New Zealand's dirty little secret: our throwaway bottle problem. With a shocking 2.57 billion single-use drinks bought last year and only 800,000 recycled, we discuss the lack of incentives to recycle and the government's slow progress in implementing a nationwide bottle recycling plant. Listen in as we also explore the water bottling process and how we're getting rip...

Why is it that wheelchair users face outrageous extra charges to attend live rugby games? As a society, why do we remain silent about such discrimination? Join us as we get to the heart of this issue with Paralympic athlete and Disabled Rights Advocate, Barney Koneferenisi. In this eye-opening conversation, Barney shares his insights on the discrimination faced by disabled individuals and the chal...

David Downs is eternally optimistic. He currently heads up New Zealand Story, a government agency introduced to market a feelgood Kiwi story to the world. David was also told a few years ago that he had one year to live. He refused to give in, and after being thrown a hail mary pass by a random American stranger, he beat cancer. David joined me in studio for a brilliant conversation about what mak...